All too often, Layla forgot her reasons for being there and immersed herself in the best vacation she’d ever had. On Monday morning, she woke to gentle knocking on the bedroom door. “Come in,” she called out in a groggy voice, pushing up into sitting position. Issy walked into the room and smiled. “It’s just you and me today, kiddo,” she announced. Layla felt her heart sink. As much as she loved hanging out with Issy, she and Jay had been inseparable for the past couple of days, and the mere mention of him not being there caused her to miss him instantly. She realized the danger in that reaction immediately; she understood the impending doom of the broken heart she would face some time in the near future. “Where are the boys?” she asked. “Gone to work,” Issy said vaguely. “You mean that Jay has gone out to use himself as bait to lure some very dangerous men into attempting to kidnap him?” Layla pushed. “Um,” Issy answered, wincing. “Maybe it’s best if we try not to think about it that way.”
