Page 48 of Light in Your Eyes (Romero Brothers #1)

Kellan

I walk along the sidewalk, using the hoodie on my sweater to cover my hair and face.

It would be bad if my enemy knew that I was walking around, and it would be even worse if that happened while Layla was present.

I step into the park and immediately know that Mr. Grint is waiting for me. The sweeping sound of his broom stops short the moment I enter the site. I hear his boots stepping closer to me.

"She has left," he says as I halt. "She had to catch the train."

I nod.

One would think that he's just an old man who cleans the park, but the truth is that he's a part of Black Wings.

He's close to my family. We trust him to take care of the cabin near the lake.

That place holds so many memories for my family, and now it's even more special because of my time with Layla there.

"She's doing good," Mr. Grint says. "Safe. No stalker. Other than you, of course."

I listen as he tells me more about Layla — how she spent her day, if she sounded happy, her friends, and if there's anything that I should worry about.

Another relief washes over me as I know that she's doing okay.

"She still sheds tears because of you," he tells me in a warning tone.

I swallow a lump in my throat. I don't want her to forget about me, but on the other hand, I don't want her to cry. I've been telling myself to wait for the day when she moves on and forgets about me.

Mr. Grint pats my shoulder, and I resume my steps to walk toward the coffee shop.

I push through the door, and the smell of coffee strikes my nostrils. It's the smell I love because it feels close to her.

I can sense the customers snapping their heads toward me when I open the door.

I silently curse. I don't know if it's the fact that I'm taller than most people or that my emotionless face makes people cower, but I definitely attract attention whenever I walk.

This hoodie is not fucking doing its job, and it pisses me off.

Mr. Grint's words echo back in my head, and the next thing I know is that I'm following her shadow.

"One cappuccino," I say my order to the barista.

I heard that Layla went to this coffee shop after her class and ordered a cup of hot cappuccino.

I heard that she chatted with her friends here, having a great time.

I close my eyes, waiting for my coffee to be ready. I hear the sound of people talking inside the cafe, the clattering glasses, the drinks being mixed on the counter, and the bustling sound of college students going in and out.

The things she heard.

I open my eyes when the barista hands me the drink, and for a moment, I breathe the aroma of her favorite drink.

I could almost hear her sigh of contentment, her voice when she talked to her friends, and her laughter when she heard something funny.

The warmth of the liquid inside the cup sips into my palm as I head back toward the door. It's something that I find comforting.

I step outside, feeling the breeze blowing through my skin. My chest tightens because of this overwhelming feeling inside me. It's the air she breathes, and it makes me feel her. Everywhere.

She's with me, sharing her joy, until I can't feel my anger anymore.

While I'm walking back toward the park, I hear the sound of children playing, the sound of the swing, and the kick of a ball. My heart warms at the thought of her smiling when she watched them.

I take a seat on the bench and slurp my coffee. A sigh leaves my lips. It tastes bitter and sweet. Just like us.

I miss her, the girl who gave me another sight after I lost one. This sight she gave me makes me feel whole.

The breeze caresses my skin again, as if it's trying to soothe the pain of missing her.

A tear falls from my eye, and a shaky breath escapes from my mouth.

I love her. I can feel her everywhere.

I love Layla Hayes, and I don't need my eyes to see her.