stop & erase.

Layla Montgomery. 32. Current bartender, future lawyer, full-time work in progress.

[lcmontgomery]

W E S T O N​:

-

“I see you’re still drinking like a tough guy” Weston commented with a grin as he let the bartender scurry away to grab their drinks. Right now he was more interested in hearing about what Layla’s dating life was like the last few years. It was hard not to be at least a little jealous even if he had no real reason to be. After all, they weren’t together, they hadn’t been for a long time, but there’d always be a part of him that would feel some type of way for her. 

“Nah, I’m definitely not seeing anyone right now” Weston confessed quite freely. He had never been about playing games, especially with Layla. His intentions had been pure the day he met her and they still were to an extent. Did he date? Sure. But relationships were difficult and he hadn’t found anyone who was worth putting in that much effort. “Come on, how many drinks before you actually spill the details?”

-

“You know it. Working at a bar really helps refine your taste, I’ll admit,” Layla grinned, brushing her hair back behind her shoulder. She had always been a rough drinker, though a good bottle of wine or a frilly vodka cranberry still did it for her from time to time. 

Moving on to the dating life.

Focusing her attention on Weston, she smiled at his words, not because she was happy that he wasn’t seeing anybody but because she was surprised. As far as Layla knew, Weston was a catch, but perhaps he hadn’t found anybody that had made him consider settling down. Layla was in a similar boat, though dating around was something she enjoyed immensely. 

Besides, commitment made her nervous.

“That surprises me,” she began, raising her eyebrows at him curiously. “With your campaign I thought women would just be dropping their panties left and right around you.” This was a bold statement, but Layla figured that the two knew each other enough to make such playful remarks.

“I’ll be honest, there aren’t many details. I’m dating around, seeing what’s out there, though I did go on a very successful date recently.” Layla smiled, a bit bigger than before, the thought of her date with Mikey bringing a warmth to her cheeks.

[lcmontgomery]

M I K E Y:

“Hah-” Mikey chuckled, heartily and shook his head as he reached for the glass of water on the table. “Me? Get up to trouble?” Once upon a time, sure. Everything about Los Angeles was worlds different than Eureka. L.A. Mikey was worlds different, too. Now, it was just him and Olive- everything- But… He hasn’t done this before. Single dad dating? When does he drop the toddler bomb? What if it ruins everything? Too much. Reel it in, Bennett. Clearing his throat, Mikey took a sip of water. His attention averted away from Layla for a moment while he gathered his thoughts, but he’s composed himself in record time. “I’ll be honest, trouble used to be my middle name.” A long, drawn out whistle sounds out from his lips, emphasizing his point in jest. “Lucky that really was a phase. Can’t imagine reliving my twenties, can you? Tinder? No way.” Mikey’s teeth bore softly into his bottom lip, expression laced with rue. “I mean, all things considered, dating apps aren’t all bad.” He chaffed. Nice save.

-

His laughter was captivating. Layla, who probably looked like a doe-eyed little school girl, leaned her elbow on the table in front of her and rested her chin in her palm. She smiled warmly, watching him compose himself, before he gathered his thoughts. It seemed like he was holding something back. Maybe she had asked the wrong question? Her eyebrows furrowed only slightly as she tried to get a read on him, but quickly reminded herself that she didn’t need to analyze her date this early in the evening.

Relax, Layla. Play it cool.

“You must’ve had a lot of fun in your twenties, a handsome guy like you. I bet you had girls running at the drop of a hat for a chance with you.” She wondered if this was true. She wondered if he was the type of guy who knew that he was handsome and used it to his advantage, like most of the men Layla had dated, or if he was humble and silently rejected any positive comment on his appearance. 

He seemed like the latter.

“You’re right, they aren’t all bad. I’ve met some interesting people on dating apps. None that really worked out, but they make for a hell of a story.”

[lcmontgomery]

W E S T O N​:

-

Weston had braced himself for Layla’s answer. After all, he couldn’t expect her to wait for him after all these years even if he selfishness hoped he still had somewhat of a fighting chance. As much as he wished her all the happiness in the world, there would always be a part of him that wanted to be the one to give it to her. “Yes and no…” Weston repeated with a nod, momentarily trying to decide what avenue he truly wanted to take this.

Turning away for a moment, Weston gave a nod to their waiter who rushed over, “Can we please get some drinks –– whatever the lady wants” He said with a faint smile. How could he not want to hear the story?

-

Layla grinned. It really wasn’t that interesting of a story, as accounting her dating life was typically pretty boring, but she thought she could use the drink and keeping Weston on his toes was always fun.

“Can I get a scotch? Neat. Thank you,” the brunette began, brushing her hair behind her ear with a smile. When the waiter left to retrieve their drinks, the woman turned to her opposite.

“What about you? Are you seeing anyone?” She wouldn’t be surprised by the answer either way. Weston was too good looking to not be at least having late night get togethers with the person of his choice, but she didn’t want to assume anything. After all, they hadn’t seen each other in quite some time.

[lcmontgomery]

W E S T O N​:

-

“Yeah I heard about that, I’m glad things have gotten better since then” Weston said with a polite nod. His father had mentioned Layla’s accident and her temporary dip from her plans. It seemed unfortunate and as much as Weston wanted to reach out and make sure she was okay, at the time he was in Los Angeles building his career. After all, that was why they had decided to end things –– not because they didn’t love each other or didn’t see a future together –– but because they wanted time to focus on their careers. 

“Annoyingly? C’mon now, my ego refuses to believe that part” He joked with a chuckle. Weston was probably more aware of his looks than most, if only because going from being the runt of the family to some big shot about town humbled a person. Still, he was glad that Layla seemed to notice.

Once Layla placed her hand on top of his, Weston’s laughter slowly subsided and his features lit up with a faint smile. There were truly no hard feelings especially when it was a two way street and he didn’t bother to reach out either. Despite that, he was glad they decided to now. “You know you’re a really difficult woman to forget, Layla” Even if their break-up was mutual, Weston still went through the heartbreak of losing someone you loved. Thankfully, she came back and he considered that a blessing even if they were only friends. 

“Besides, guess that gives us a lot more time to catch up –– I let you simultaneously bully and fluff my ego, so it’s already feeling like old times. Are you doing the same to anyone else in town?” He asked, his coy way of asking her about her relationship status since his father refused to comment on that part of her life.

-

A really difficult woman to forget. Well, that was a compliment she hadn’t heard before. It was a nice change of pace and, for that, Layla gave Weston a warm smile. Losing someone who you had once loved was never easy, but with the man across from her, Layla thought some part of her knew that they would come back together as friends. They had had too good of a connection to not at least stay acquaintances. 

She didn’t have a lot of people like that in her life. 

She was grateful.

“Is that your way of asking if I’m dating anybody? Because the answer to that would be both yes and no,” Layla began, raising an eyebrow at the man. She smiled and, for good measure, picked up the drink menu. “But to hear the rest of that story, you’re going to have to buy me a drink.”

[lcmontgomery]

W E S T O N​:

-

It was hard not to sit there and wonder what could have been if both he and Layla decided to stay together. In Weston heads, there were two outcomes –– one, they would have worked their issues together and started a lovely family. Or two, they would have driven each other way with their careers and be nothing but a faint memory. Given even a chance of the second option, Weston was glad that they decided to stay friends. It allowed them to grow while apart and he was finding that perhaps things didn’t change so drastically either.

“Oh I bet your mom’s got some good stories too. Bet she’s pretty proud too, you’re kinda following in her footsteps, carrying the torch on” Weston had always felt a desire to make his parents proud and he imagined Layla could say the same on some level. 

“You think so?” Weston said, running his finger tips over his hair with a smirk, “I don’t know if I can rock that second term salt and pepper Obama look. I mean, I look good, but not that good” he continued to joked with a chuckle. 

“Yeah, looks like we’re both doing better than I ever expected…” His words trailed off as a faint smile rose to his features. “You know when you texted, it was sort of the first time in a really long time that I got happy to hear from someone” Given all the bad news he had gotten the last few years, most specifically the call from his parents when his mother was in the hospital, it was a nice change to see a text message and be happy about it, “I’m really glad you reached out, even if it took so damn long.”

-

Sometimes Layla wondered what her life would be like if she and Weston had decided to stay together. The thought crossed her mind every once and a while, mostly because being with him had been one of the highlights of her life once upon a time. They had worked well together but, ultimately, were not meant to be together for any longer.

And that had been okay.

“Yes, and she never lets me forget it,” Layla began, raising her eyebrows teasingly. “There was a hiccup for a second and I think her dreams were almost crushed, but I got things back on track.” Her dreams and yours, Layla, she thought to herself. Truthfully, Layla’s mother hadn’t cared about the prospect of law school after the accident as long as her daughter was okay – but Layla had been devastated.

“You’ve always been annoyingly good looking, Wes. Don’t kid yourself.”

Brown eyes looking up at the man, Layla allowed her features to soften. She had kept dabs on Weston every so often, but had never reached out. It was something she regretted now and, when he brought it up, the woman reached over and placed her hand on top of his.

“I’m sorry I didn’t do it sooner.” It was a simple statement, but one that she meant with her whole heart.

[lcmontgomery]

M I K E Y​:

Mikey couldn’t help the way his eye caught on Layla’s movements. As she sat before him, brushed the hair from her shoulder, she remained graceful. Captivating. Lord, he really had been out of the game for way too long. There was no way he could sit here like a school boy with a crush for the entire date.

“Well, I, uh-” Layla caught him off guard, her compliments somewhat effortless. Mikey hadn’t even needed to work for them. Maybe this was indicative of those mature relationships that he’d heard so much about. Without thinking, Mikey makes a swipe with his hand against the back of his neck, warm as he flushed. “That works out to my advantage.” he laughed and raised a brow. “at least I know I’ve already made an impression.” Teasing her so early on in their conversation? Mikey couldn’t help it. He was a goofy man by nature. “Does that mean you don’t meet up with strangers from the internet on the regular?" 

-

Layla smiled with ease. He was flustered, she could tell, but it was endearing. Admittedly, the woman had been told in the past that she could come off as intimidating or cold, and maybe a small piece of her wanted to remain that way. It was the easiest way to avoid getting hurt, after all, but from the conversations she had had with Mikey prior to their meeting, Layla felt like she could relax into the conversation. Something about his demeanour seemed to put her at ease and, as he laughed, Layla found her heart fluttering.

“You know, I would be lying to you if I said I hadn’t, but I try not to make a habit out of it. You’re my exception,” she began, a warm laugh escaping her chest. 

“What about you?” Layla asked, raising her eyebrow curiously. “Do you get up to trouble regularly?” An odd way to phrase her question, but Layla felt comfortable being a bit teasing toward the man.

[lcmontgomery]

B E N J I​:

Benji hadn’t ever been great at commitment. Aside from surfing, Connor and Katie were his only track record, and in the grand scheme of things, they hadn’t been around very long. So he was touchy with romantic entanglements, particularly with those who seemed to ignore the very integral parts of Benji’s life — his son. He didn’t have anything against Layla. In fact, Benji liked her quite a bit. It was often times difficult to separate all the different realms of his life. “Yeah, yeah.” He waved off the topic with an easy going smile. 

Finally, he relented, palms planting on the counter as his fingers drummed against the glass top. “You good for Saturday night? We can order some Lebanese and hang out.”

-

With a raise of her eyebrows, Layla leaned against the glass top with her elbows, allowing her fingertips to touch Benji’s for a moment. This was not done in a particularly affectionate way, though she did enjoy the hands of her counterpart quite a bit. 

“That sounds like a plan. I can beat you at another game of poker,” she mused, looking up at him with a grin on her face.

“I’ll let you get back to work,” Layla mentioned, standing with ease in the combat boots she had chosen to wear that day. “But can I get a vape cartridge while you’re standing here? Something indica, surprise me with the rest.”

[lcmontgomery]

W E S T O N​:

-

When Weston first asked Layla to join him for dinner, admittedly a part of him wondered if it was truly a good idea. However, the moment he saw her, he was glad that he made the decision to reconnect. She looked just as good as she did when they last saw each other, so much so he momentarily found himself silent, which was a rarity in and of itself. 

“This face wouldn’t be able to take that kind of heartbreak from you, I’ll tell you that much” Weston mused on with a chuckle. Layla still seemed just as charming and kind as he remembered and he was instantly reminded of all the reasons why he adored her once upon a time. When she mentioned law school, Weston perked up just a little since he knew how important that was for her, “Law school, I knew you’d get there. I’m really proud of you, Layla. Pretty sure if my mom was around she’d have a hell of a lotta stories to tell you about law school” After all, his mother pursued a degree in law herself before making the decision to be a stay at home mom. In the end, Weston was just glad to see how good Layla was doing these days.

“Thanks, but careful what you say, next thing you know some grays will start comin’ in” Weston said, rubbing the faint sharp lines of his beard with a lighthearted laugh. “The campaign has been going really well. My numbers are really good and I ain’t really worried about it” He hardly worried about anything. It wasn’t cockiness, Weston had always been able to put in the work, having a favorable outcome wasn’t dumb luck, it was effort. When they were dating, he had been so focused on the hustle that a part of him couldn’t help but want to show Layla that he achieved everything he wanted. “I’d say you’re doing more than just surviving these days, I’m about one second away from feeling like you did nothin’ but prosper without me.”

-

Once upon a time, Layla and Weston had been good together. They both had their faults, of course, but for the most part is was a rather healthy relationship. Their chemistry was just as evident as it had been when they had been together and, admittedly, Layla was reminded of why they had dated in the first place.

Of course, they were both different people now, but reconnecting and reminiscing wouldn’t hurt either of them.

“Oh trust me, I get more than enough from my mother,” she began, a grin forming on her lips. Her mother, now a retired attorney, had always been extremely supportive of Layla’s dream to become a lawyer. Carrying on the Montgomery legacy, she always told her daughter. The dream had been put on hold when Layla was in the accident, however, it was better late than never. 

A laugh escaped Layla’s lips. Weston had always been good at making Layla laugh.

“I think you’d look good with a little bit ‘a grey in there, Wes.” She scrunched her nose as she smiled, turning easily toward the menu sitting in front of her. As she began to read it, she spoke in response, keeping her voice level and warm.

“Prosper isn’t exactly the right word, but I could say the same for you. Looks like we both grew up pretty quick.”

[lcmontgomery]

20, 22, 27, 29, 31

20. What would you do if you knew that you couldn’t fail?

That’s a great question. I would probably move someplace warm and cut all contact with everybody. I’d spend most of my time on a beach with a drink in hand and no problems in the world.

29. How meaningful is your life?

Very. I struggled with this for a long time and, admittedly, sometimes I still do. But here we are.

[lcmontgomery]

W E S T O N​:

Jack’s Seafood w/ @lcmontgomery​

As busy as Weston had been running his campaign in Eureka, reconnecting with people from his past was becoming common place. First there was Clayton, and now there was Layla. Though, he imagined his reunion with Layla would go down better than any other since their break-up years ago had been somewhat mutual and on good terms. Even now, he still held her in such a high regard even if they hadn’t spoken very much. 

Weston had gotten to the restaurant a bit early, if only to be polite and make sure there were no issues with the reservation he made. He was escorted to a table outside that reminded him of all of his previous dinner dates with Layla at the same establishment. He loved seafood so it became one of their usual spots, being back there again had surely brought up some good memories. Once Weston saw Layla arriving, he stood up and undid the button of his suit jacket so he could move more comfortably. Shortening the distance between them, Weston leaned over to press a quick kiss to Layla’s cheek and a hug before pulling her chair out and welcoming her, “You know for a minute there I thought you’d stand me up” He said, returning to his seat, “Might’ve been what I deserved too after all the radio silence from my end” After their break-up, Weston had focused all his energy on his career which left very little room for his friends and for that he would always be sorry, “Well, you look stunning, definitely showing me what I missed out on. Anyway, I’m glad you came. How’ve you been?”

-

It had been a handful of years since Layla had really connected with her ex-boyfriend Weston – not because they hadn’t wanted to or because it had ended on bad terms, it was quite the opposite, actually. The two of them had split some time ago amicably, both deciding that they needed to move forward in life without each other. It had been the healthiest break up Layla had ever gone through and thus, she had never harboured any ill will toward the man. 

But now they were meeting up and, for some reason, Layla had butterflies.

Not necessarily because she still had feelings for the man, but because they hadn’t seen each other in some time. After her accident a couple of years ago, Layla had sustained a few injuries that had left scars over time. They did not permanently disfigure her by any means, but Layla found she was had been hyperaware of them ever since they had sunk into her skin.

Nevertheless, the brunette put on her best pair of slimming dress pants, accompanied by a deeply unbuttoned top. She was still decent, of course, but the neckline was quite plunging – emphasized, as well, by a long, silver chain her mother had gotten her as a gift.

“How could I do that to this face, huh?” Layla mused, a warm hum escaping her chest as the two embraced. She sat down and carefully crossed one leg over the other, a smile gracing her lips.

“Oh, you know, just trying to survive. I’m actually in the middle of taking a degree in law. What about yourself? Campaigning hasn’t aged you one bit.”

[lcmontgomery]

LAYLA 📲 WESTON

Weston: Wow, time really did turn you into a heartbreaker, didn't it?

Weston: Sounds perfect. I'll see you there.

Layla: Something like that. See you soon. X.

[lcmontgomery]

LAYLA 📲 WESTON

Weston: Well, I figured I'm probably your second favorite Jameson at this point, how about dinner to regain my first place title?

Layla: I always liked your pop a little bit more than you.

Layla: Just kidding. Dinner sounds great. 7pm sound good?

[lcmontgomery]

LAYLA 📲 WESTON

Layla: Ask away. I'm always available for a Jameson.

Weston: You still like Jack's Seafood?

Layla: Does a bear shit in the woods? Of course I like Jack's Seafood. Tell me more.

[lcmontgomery]

30-34 :)

30. Do you have a personal mission?

To become a lawyer and be as good as my mom was. I’d also like to learn pottery.

31. How would you describe the perfect day?

Riding my bike to the beach and getting to lay in the sun all day with no cares in the world. Ideally a shirtless man beside me would be wonderful, but not necessary.

32. Whom do you look up to?

My parents. Their relationship is something I’ve always aspired to find. I’d like someone to make me laugh the way my dad makes mom laugh. But on a career front, I look up to my mom. She was a strong, black woman who dominated in the courtroom in her prime. She’s retired now but I’m sure she could still give the best of them a run for their money.

33. Do you believe in giving second chances?

It depends on what went wrong in the first place. I believe that people often show their true colours from the very beginning, but sometimes people make mistakes. So, both yes and no.

34. What legacy do you want people to remember about you when you’re gone?

That I was an accomplished, intelligent, strong woman. 

[lcmontgomery]

1, 4, 8, 12, 16

1. What’s the best thing that’s happened to you recently?

The taproom. ( @mikey-bennett )

4. What are you proud of?

My body and how much it’s been able to handle over the last few years. It survived nearly dying and honestly, that’s good enough for me.

8. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?

Somewhere warm. Somewhere where the sun shines all the time. Hawaii? Los Angeles? Florida? As long as there’s a beach with warm sand, count me in.

12. What have you done recently that was creative?

I just finished a 15 page paper. Does that count?

[lcmontgomery]

16, 19, 22, 27

16. How do you take care of your mind and body?

I like to go running as much as possible. I don’t like it in the moment, but it always makes me feel good afterwards – plus it clears my mind. 

19. What are your current strengths and opportunities?

My current strength is letting myself be open to new things. I am trying to be happy, so doing things like taking care of myself, doing well in school and going on the occasional date ( @mikey-bennett ) really helps.

As for opportunities, I am looking into finding work related to law. Even if it’s unpaid.

22. What or whom lights you up?

I’m still trying to figure this out. Let me get back to you.

[lcmontgomery]

7, 17, 27

7. If you had a chance for a ‘do-over’ in life, what would you do differently?

I would have checked the weather beforehand on the day of my accident. If that had happened, I would probably be a lawyer right now instead of working as a bartender while I put myself through school.

17. What have you done well at recently?

Can my answer be sex? Because I’ve been doing very well at that lately. No? Fine, my PG answer would be school. I’m kicking ass right now.

27. What is a lesson that you’ve learned the hard way?

That life doesn’t always go the way you think it will. Also that trying to measure up to an unattainable goal is exhausting.