Amy squeezed two drops of eye drops into both her eyes and crawled into bed next to Layla. Layla took a deep breath and made the call.
Eric stood by the bedroom door to watch the two.
Avery answered the call right away, and Layla started lying through her teeth. "Mom, I can't come home this weekend! Amy got dumped, and I need to stay with her this weekend!"
Avery was taken by surprise at first, but soon noticed Amy, who appeared to be sobbing next to Layla.
"Amy, it's going to be alright. Don't cry!" Avery had met Amy before. Layla had brought her home for dinner, Avery's impression of Amy was that she was a polite and enthusiastic young woman.
"Aunty, I'm just so upset... I need Layla to stay with me for a few days... Is that okay with you?" Amy sobbed, tears rolling down her cheeks.
"Of course... I know that you two are close. Layla will stay with you then. Don't get too upset, okay?" Avery said hastily. "You will definitely find a better boyfriend in the future. If you broke up, it just means that you weren't right for each other!"
Amy nodded. "You are right... but I am still so sad... Maybe I just need time!"
"Yeah, I understand. Spend more time with Layla!" Avery said.
"Okay! Thank you... I already started feeling better as soon as I arrived at Layla's apartment!" Amy said while leaning her head against Layla's shoulder.
"That's good." Avery turned to Layla and said, "Layla, take Amy out for some good food and shopping. That way, she might feel better."
"I know. Don't worry!"
After the video call, Amy immediately wiped away the "tears" on her face and said, "Layla, your mom is so easily fooled."
Layla sighed. "That's because I've never lied to her. That’s why she believes every word I say."
Amy left reluctantly, and Eric walked her to the door.
She hesitated before whispering, "She vomited again while you were out buying groceries. She told me not to tell you, but I think you should know. She must be starving right now. Just ask her what she wants to eat later."
Eric nodded. "Thank you."
"You're welcome... Layla is my best friend. Even if you are not around, I would be more than happy to look after her." Amy turned to walk into the elevator, but paused for a moment, before turning to stare Eric in the eyes. "By the way, if you have a girlfriend now, you better know your boundaries. Layla likes you. I like you, too— as a fan. But I think that you are blind for not choosing Layla."
Eric froze, not knowing how to respond.
"I'll leave now. Take care of Layla. Call me if anything happens..." Amy said. Remembering that Eric did not have her number, she took out her business card and handed it to him.
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