Submitting to My Best Friend's Dad by Scarlett Rossi

Allegra.

"I have made a list of reputable centers that we can look into," I said to Layla, leaning on her as we stared at a laptop on the table. At the moment, we were looking into adopting, though not right this instant. We wanted to do a lot of research first.

Not to mention, Layla wanted to get another cat so Onyx had a playmate, and they'd need to adapt to our apartment first. The idea of adoption was a prospect both of us adored. Giving a child a loving home would be a wonderful thing. Layla pointed to the screen, saying softly, "I've heard about that one. Good things, thankfully. I think we should be open-minded about teens." She frowned sadly, closing her eyes. "They are often overlooked."

"I agree," I said. "They may be a large responsibility, as teenagers can be rowdy, but I'm confident we can handle it. Can't be worse than being captured by the Russian mob," I said with a chuckle. Layla winced but gave a half-smile. "You still think about that, huh? Oh, love, I am so sorry. Really, I just-" Layla began, but I was having none of that.

I took her into my arms and squeezed hard, interrupting whatever she was trying to say with a deep kiss. I could feel her heart pound as she relaxed against me, humming into the kiss and reaching up to run fingers through my hair. When I pulled away, I said, "No more sorries. Me joking about it means I am okay with what happened. I am not mad at you any longer. I promise." It had been a few months since we made up, after all, and were as happy as ever. At first, I worried there would be more devastating secrets that may split us apart again. The first time, Layla had been very distant due to that guilt. Her little heart had been broken because she had thought she'd been doing the right thing. Thankfully, she wouldn't have to worry about that ever again. I contemplated discussing what happened with Becca and seeing if all would be well with Layla. I decided in a few more months, probably after she had her new baby, I would find a way to tell her.

Or maybe a few years. Who could know? She went on a double date with Neal and Mariano a month or so ago, and that had gone very well, according to my brother. We would inevitably cross paths again, and I wanted to make sure that didn't go badly because of our past.

Pushing that thought aside, I looked down at Layla, who was staring up at me with a relieved smile. I leaned down and gave her one more kiss before delicately placing her on the couch next to me again so that we could continue our research. Soon, I caught a little black blur in the corner of my eye. I let out a chuckle, turning my head to address the cat. "Psspssspss!" I said, holding out my hand to Onyx. The feline eventually approached, bumping my hand and purring loudly. Layla chuckled with delight and began petting the cat as well. She said, "I can't wait to find a playmate for him. Not that I think he's lonesome. But, well, getting another member of the family is exciting!" I reached up to ruffle her hair, beaming. "It is," I confirmed. I felt a vibration in my pocket, realizing I should probably check notifications. A few shows were coming up, and I needed to be prepared for the runway. It was up to me to get things situated, at times. "Be right back, love." I got up from the couch, but before I left, leaned down and gave Layla one more tender kiss. She didn't seem concerned, and just said, "Good luck!" She knew that my job could pull me away sometimes and never minded. I went into the other room and dialed my boss, listening to the call sound for a bit before he picked up. "Allegra!" he said. "Just the person I wanted to speak with." I couldn't help but laugh at him.

"What? I could have never guessed by the series of rapid texts," I joked, prompting him to laugh. We had a good friendship going at this point and mutually benefited each other deeply. I brought in a ton of money for the association. "Yes, yes, well, I have a few more shows that are coming up that I wanted to inquire about. You have yet to decline anything I've brought up, granted, but you know how I like courtesy," he said. I chuckled, again, and let out a hum. "You do have wonderful manners. Alright, please tell me the details, and I suppose I will think about it," I said, joking about thinking about it, of course. He knew I was most likely going to accept whatever it was he had in mind. After getting a few details on the elaborate show he wanted me to grace the catwalk with, I confirmed interest and set up times and dates for rehearsal. We would have a few more practices this time around due to the length of the shows.

Then, I hung up the phone, feeling satisfied. My work on the runway as a model was going exceptionally well, and things couldn't be more perfect. Layla was so proud of me, always commenting on how much I looked like a princess. That was ironic, of course, because I saw her as one. I wanted to consider marriage again, but it was too early for my taste. Primarily because of what happened. I didn't suspect she was up to anything more, but still, better safe than sorry. However, we were a beautiful match, and my burning passion for her certainly had not faded in the slightest. I did mean it when I said she should stop apologizing, which is why I was confident that in a few months, I would propose to her. Should nothing go wrong. I doubted it would! Especially with all the plans we were making together. The idea of a house had come up more than once, but we found ourselves very happy just where we were and decided it was the best spot for us.

I put my phone away and returned to the living room, sitting next to Layla and peering at the laptop. She had a few more tabs open. I nudged her with my shoulder and asked, "What are you up to now? Oh, rescue sites? You're very keen on getting a cat soon, huh?"

"I am," Layla admitted, patting her lap for Onyx to leap onto. When the cat settled in, she began petting him and let out a sigh. "I love cats and can't wait to find another that will fit in with us here. I hope Onyx will get along with them." "We will introduce the cats to each other slowly," I reasoned, leaning over to give Layla a gentle kiss on the cheek. Once again, she blushed, which caused my heart to flutter happily. I loved everything about my beautiful partner. "That's the best way to do things," Layla agreed. "I remember when my parents tried introducing two cats to each other when I was a child, once. It didn't work out, because they didn't go slow enough." She shook her head, her smile morphing into a frown.

"Well!" I said. "We won't need to worry about that happening here. We'll do it completely right, the best way. How does that sound? What about we visit the rescue center tomorrow, and you can see if there's a good match for us!" "That would be amazing!" Layla squealed, turning to wrap her arms around me and give me a warm hug. I was grinning from ear to ear at this gesture and returned it with a very strong one of my own. Layla asked, "That won't interfere with your work?"

"I don't have any plans for tomorrow," I assured her. "The boss gave me a call and set up a few things for next week. This week, my schedule is clear. No major shows worth going to. I declined a smaller show since I wanted to spend time with you." "You didn't have to do that!" gasped Layla, leaning away and staring at me with wide eyes. I smiled at her and gave a shrug, leaning forward to give her yet another kiss. Then, I ran my fingers through her hair, which helped her relax. I said, "I don't mind doing that, but also, I'd worked my ass off last week, so the boss decided it was just fine to take a breather this week. While I had the option, I was good to get some rest, especially since it meant spending time with you." Layla beamed at me, closing her eyes and just basking in my touch. We were not in desperate need of money right now, not by any means. We were beyond comfortable, which was why we at times talked about a house in passing. Since I was in good standing with my job, and my boss, I didn't need to worry about anything, either. When we finished our research, which went on for another half hour, we turned our attention to the television. "Let's watch a movie tonight! There's a new paranormal thriller out that I really think you'll love, based on the trailers," Layla said, and I nodded in agreement. Giving her a smile, I stood up and stretched a bit. "I can make us some dinner," I said. "Afterward, we can have some popcorn while we watch the movie." Satisfied with this idea, Layla nodded and leaned back, settling herself on the couch while I did just that. I went over all that happened in my head while I set up the pots and pans for a pasta-based meal. I never thought I'd end up with Layla or have a proper job again after all that happened. Especially the United States ban.

My agent was pleasant, too. At first, I was worried that her demands were too high and would sap me of too much money. The relationship worked out well, though, and we were both very satisfied. I would go as far as to say we were friends, somewhat, now.

I was also very happy for my brother and that he had settled in with Mariano. The two were still dating, still in love, and beyond happy. I smiled, glad that he'd gotten over Becca and accepted James. I was also glad James had improved his attitude as well.

Becca and James seemed very happy with one another, and after everything, they deserved peace too. They helped me find mine, after all. Not alone-as Neal had helped out big time-but my brother could not have done it without James's help.

I hoped that in the future, Becca and Layla could make amends. That was a bridge to cross at a later time, however. For now, Layla and I were content with our happily ever after as we planned for the future together.