Page 58 of Game Plan

Even if our meeting is canceled, Peter will need my file on the Gent Group. And someone needs to reach out to the client affected by the fire at some point today to ensure they don’t have questions. I also wanted to go over the financials for three renewals this week because I think I found ways to make them more profitable. There are three or four emails from agents needing quotes with a quick turnaround, and I haven’t even looked at them.

My brain moves faster than my fingers as I fire off email after email. I hate putting work onto other people, and I have no business leaving the office today … but Layla comes first.

Family always comes first. It was Dad’s motto, and he ingrained it into my head from birth.

“I don’t even know what you can do,” Layla says, panic rising in her tone. “I’ve been trying to get ahold of my mom and dad to see if they’d come back and take care of Sunny, but they’re on a cruise for two weeks in the Mediterranean for Dad’s retirement and their service has been crap. And I have to get us packed and figure out where we’ll stay because the hospital is a couple of hours away from Branch’s mom’s and⁠—”

I shove away from my desk and toss my things in my purse. “Leave her with me.”

“What?”

“Leave Sunny with me.” I grab my keys and head for the door. “She’ll be safe, and I’ll spoil her rotten. We could use some girl time away from you, anyway,” I say, hoping to make her smile a little. “You don’t need to be lugging her around an airport or a hospital, so let me take this off your plate.”

She cries softly. “I’ve been worrying about how I’ll take care of Sunny and protect her during this. I don’t know what this is going to be like, and I don’t want her around a bunch of sick people. She’s too young. And Branch wanted me to stay home with her, but I can’t let him go alone.” She hiccups. “I just need to be in two places at once.”

“That’s impossible.” I flip off the lights and make a beeline for the parking lot. “Have you gotten your tickets yet?”

“I found two that leave tonight, but I haven’t purchased them.”

“Get them.” I step into the warm sunshine, the breeze hitting me in the face. “I’m on my way to you. We’ll get the details sorted when I get there.”

“How are you going to take care of Sunny? You have to work.”

“I can work from home, or I’ll take vacation days.” My heart pulls in my chest. Of course, Layla’s thinking about everyone but herself. “You’re family, Lay. I’ll figure work out. You worry about Branch.” I unlock my door and climb in my car. “I’ll be there in thirty minutes. I’m in the car now.”

Her tears grow louder. “Thank you, Pop.”

I clench my teeth so I don’t cry. “Don’t thank me. I’ll see you soon.”

Before I set my phone down, I send a quick text.

Me: Did you hear about Branch’s dad?

Finn: I’m on my way to their house.

Me: Me, too. See you there.

I toss my phone on the passenger’s seat and throw the car in reverse.

Poor Branch.

CHAPTER

SEVENTEEN

Poppy

I enter Layla’s house through the garage, not bothering to knock or announce myself. It seems like a moot formality, considering they know I’m coming, are likely handling important things, and Finn is already here. I parked by him in the driveway.

My heart is in my throat as I stand in the kitchen and listen for voices. Vaguely, I detect Finn’s coming from the living room. But upstairs, it’s Layla’s awful singing of the ABC song, and Sunny’s laughter.

I take the steps two at a time and find them in Layla’s room. Sunny stands, holding on to Layla’s bed with one hand, and watches her mom carry clothes from the closet. When Layla’s eyes meet mine, tears spill down her cheeks.

“Oh, Lay,” I say, starting toward her. But my voice catches Sunny’s attention. She whips around and spots me.

“Pop Pop!”

“Hey,” I say, squatting down. “There’s my little bestie.”