She snorts. “Yeah, right. He’s made it very clear that he doesn’t care about me.” She shoves another t-shirt in her suitcase. “Did he tell you what he did?”
“Yes. I’m sorry. It was completely out of line.”
“He expects me to still be his friend,” she hisses, wiping her eyes hard. “When he treats me like a blow-up doll.”
“I think he’s having a hard day,” I say carefully. “I’m sure he never meant to hurt you.”
She throws her hands up, exasperated. “A hard day? You’re having a hard day. Your ex-wife is getting married. He’s spent the afternoon drinking, dancing, and screwing me. He’s having a brilliant day.” She picks up a dress, crumpling it into a haphazard ball.
“He’s not,” I say honestly. “At least, not anymore. It’s the anniversary of Emily’s death. Usually he spends the morning at her grave, then comes home and drinks himself to sleep. But we were so busy with the wedding, I think he forgot what day it was. It must have hit him all at once.”
She pauses, emotion flickering over her face. “Oh,” she says, lowering the dress. “Oh.”
I nod. “I know he’s acting like a prick, but maybe cut him some slack? I’m sure he’ll apologise as soon as he’s had the time to process everything. He probably feels awful right now.”
She tightens her jaw, picking the dress back up. “No,” she says firmly, folding it. “I won’t forgive him.”
“But—”
She tucks the dress into the suitcase and reaches for the robe she wore last night. “He’s grieving,” she says firmly. “And I’m sorry about that. Of course, I am. But that doesn’t excuse his behaviour. I told him that I loved him, and he hurt me to make himself feel better. I don’t think that’s a valid coping mechanism, and I’m not letting him get away with disrespecting me completely, just because he’s sad.”
Her words hit me like a brick to the chest. “I… you love Zack?”
Her cheeks redden. “Don’t act like you didn’t know. You’re a relationship coach, for crying out loud. You probably all knew before me.”
“Oh.” My lungs feel too tight. “I see.”
Silence stretches between us. She picks her hairbrush off the dresser and shoves it into her case, then straightens, crossing her arms over her chest. “Go on,” she demands. “Ask me.”
“Ask you what?” I say, my mouth dry.
“You know what.” Her eyes are cold. “Ask me if he’s the only one.”
I look down at my feet. The clock on the mantel ticks away the seconds. “Maybe this is a good thing,” I say eventually. “That we’re ending this.”
Layla flinches. All of the anger seeps out of her face, replaced with shock. “What?”
“If your feelings are getting involved, it’ll only end up hurting you in the long run. Zack certainly didn’t cut things off in a professional or kind way, but—” I nod slowly. “This is for the best.”
“If my feelings are getting involved,” she repeats slowly, enunciating every syllable.
I sigh, wiping a hand over my face. “This was only ever meant to be a teaching exercise for you, Layla. That was all it was ever going to be. And you’ve passed; I’d say with flying colours.”
She stares at me for a few seconds, breathing hard. “It’s not just Zack,” she says tightly. “You wanted me to be vulnerable with my feelings. So, here you go. It’s not just Zack. I’m falling for all three of you. I love you, Luke.”
“It wouldn’t work out,” I say, my voice breaking. “Zack doesn’t want a relationship. And I can’t be with someone like you, Layla. It wouldn’t be right.”
I know I’ve said the wrong thing before I’ve even finished the sentence. The blood drops out of Layla’s face as she stares at me.
“Someone like me?” She says quietly.
“I didn’t mean it like that. You’re young, Layla, and beautiful. You’ll meet plenty of men vying for your attention.”
To my horror, her green eyes start to sparkle with tears. She turns away, hiding her face from me. “Screw you,” she whispers. “God. I… I never thought you thought of me like that.”
Christ. I’m doing this all wrong. “Layla, that’s not what I meant at all. I just mean—”
“What?” She snaps, wheeling back around. “I’m young and beautiful, so I’m not reliable? Is that what you’re saying? I’ve got a hot body and a pretty face, so why would I be loyal? Of course I’m manipulating you. Of course I just want to sleep with you. Of course I’ll leave. Why should you trust me when I’m so goddamn easy?” She takes a deep, shuddering breath. “I heard what Amy said to you.”