Chapter 8
Layla
The sweet and musky scents of flowers, apples, and pumpkins floats through the fall air, which here in the valley is anything but crisp.
Oranges, reds, yellows, browns, and greens cover the grounds to add to the calming and festive ambiance.
Colors of fall spread across the tables and ground off the back of an open wooden stand.
Pumpkins line up in rows as if they grew from this ground, when in reality they were delivered here on a farm truck, likely similar to the one at the end of the field, overflowing with an assortment of pumpkins and gourds.
Bright mums are scattered off to the side with decorative fall wreaths, scarecrows, and hay bales. A children’s play area sits in the back with a corn cob slide, a pumpkin jungle gym. a vampire merry-go-round and bat swings. “That’s adorable,” I say, pointing towards the back.
He grins sheepishly. “They have things for big kids too,” he informs me, gesturing behind the play area. “Rumor has it they have a fantastic, haunted hayride here at night.” My eyes widen and he takes a step closer. “Do you like scary things, Layla?”
“I can handle it,” I retort a little too defensively making him chuckle.
“We’ll have to come back one night.” Reaching for my hand, he entwines our fingers, startling me.
I look down at where we touch, the feeling almost foreign, but at the same time warm and soothing.
Clasping his hand a little tighter, I tilt my head up and smile at him.
“I thought we could pick out some pumpkins to carve later and maybe grab some snacks and wine for a picnic?”
My stomach flips. I’m surprised but delighted. “I think that’s a great idea. It’s been a long time since I carved pumpkins. Did you have somewhere in mind for the picnic?”
“I know a spot,” he taunts, not giving me anything else.
My eyes narrow. “So do I.”
He laughs and tugs me towards the meticulously displayed fields. “Come on. Let’s see what we can find.”
We walk side by side perusing the selection of pumpkins, while I try to ignore the tingling in my fingertips, the warmth of his palm, and the electricity shooting up my arm causing my heart to palpitate.
It shouldn’t feel this good, this easy, this right.
“Oh, I like the big, fat ones,” I say, my words echoing back in my head causing me to turn a deep shade of red, my thoughts instantly turning dirty. “Umm, I mean…”
He chuckles, but thankfully doesn’t comment. “Pick any one you want and I’ll carry it for you.”
“No, thanks.” I shake my head. “I can hold my own. Besides, carrying too much can’t be good for your shoulder.” My eyes veer to his arm as he rolls it in its socket, and back up to his face.
“I’ll be fine, but thanks.”
I find a perfectly round pumpkin and bounce on my toes in excitement.
Releasing his hand, I squat down to pick it up, while Levi grabs a taller one next to mine.
We set the pumpkins near the register and browse the farm fresh food and baked goods.
He grabs a loaf of bread, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, along with a bottle of sweet vinegar, while I grab a homemade apple pie believing there will be nothing better during apple season.
We return to the checkout with our arms full and smiles on our faces when the shameless whispers start and my stomach begins churning. Levi’s face hardens in an instant.
“Isn’t that Levi Brennan?”
“The baseball player?”
“What’s he doing here?”
“More like what’s he doing with her?”
“Do you think he would give me an autograph?”
“There’s no way they’re together. I heard he doesn’t have a girlfriend.”
“I bet I could get him to change his mind.”
Levi spins on his heel, opening his mouth before I can even think to stop him. “I’d appreciate it if you would stop talking about my woman.” I hold back my gasp at his choice of words, but I remain silent. “Hasn’t anyone ever taught you basic manners? We can hear everything you’re saying.”
“I…I’m sorry,” a blonde woman stammers. She appears to be about the same age as me wearing jeans and a white tank, but she’s not someone I recognize from Love Canyon. Her gaze swings between the two of us, aghast.
The woman behind her steps forward. “Excuse me. Could I have your autograph?”
Levi scoffs, dropping cash onto the counter to pay for our items, but his eyes catch sight of a boy clinging to the woman’s hand.
He’s maybe seven or eight and wearing a Las Vegas Lions baseball hat, his brown hair sticking out in disarray.
The boy’s mouth falls open and he freezes, giving his full attention to Levi.
Crouching in front of the boy, Levi asks, “Do you like baseball?”
The boy nods vehemently.
“Would you like me to sign your hat?” he asks, holding out his hand.
His eyes light up and he nearly rips it off in his excitement, handing it to Levi. “Yes, please.”
Grinning, Levi pulls out a pen from what seems like nowhere. “What’s your name?”
“JJ.”
Levi writes the boy’s name, followed by, “Dream Big” and scribbles his signature on the brim before handing it back. My heart skips a beat as JJ’s face radiates his excitement. “Thank you, so much!”
Levi gives JJ a disarming smile, one causing every woman in his vicinity to melt. His good arm goes protectively around me and he guides me towards the parking lot. “Aren’t we getting the stuff you just paid for?” I question, confused.
Without answering, he stops a guy wearing a shirt with the business name stitched into it, Granny’s Family Farm. He slips him a few bills and requests, “Would you mind bringing our things out to my car?”
“No problem, Sir.”
Levi grins and tilts his head down, holding me close. “If you don’t want to be on camera, keep your head down and facing towards me.”
My stomach flips. I didn’t even notice the cell phones taking pictures until he mentioned it.
The stark reminders of the similarities of Levi’s life to my father’s surfaces, but I do as he says.
We reach his car and he opens the door for me, surprising me as his lips press against the top of my head before I slip into the passenger seat and buckle my seatbelt.
In moments, everything is packed safely in the trunk and Levi backs out of the parking lot. Giving me a sidelong glance, he slides his hand onto my knee and gently squeezes. “Sorry about that.” He sneaks another look in my direction when I remain silent. “Are you okay?”
Gulping down the lump in my throat, I claim, “Yeah. I just don’t understand people.”
“Aren’t you used to it some with your brother?”
“More so because of my dad, but yeah, Gabe too,” I answer honestly, surprising myself. I never talk about my father.
“Your dad?”
“Yeah. Gino Romano. He played for the–”
Levi gasps. “Your dad was Gino Romano?” Reflexively, I flinch. “I can’t believe I didn’t realize it. I’ve seen his name connected to your brother a few times, but it’s rare since your brother plays first base and your dad was a pitcher.”
Heaving a sigh, I stare out the window, watching the dirt and palm trees fly by. “Gabe doesn’t love being compared to him.” That’s an understatement, but it has more to do with not wanting anything to do with the man than it does with the sport or the athlete.
“He was incredible,” he states, making me wince.
My heart sinks as I tune out his chatter about my dad, but I don’t stop him from talking either.
I can’t listen to anyone idolize my father.
He doesn’t deserve it. My dad is the ultimate reason this thing with Levi is a bad idea. No matter what this is.
“Layla,” Levi calls as if he’s been trying to get my attention.
Turning my head towards him as he puts his car in park, my eyes widen in question. “Yeah?”
Levi’s eyebrows draw together in concern, his gaze searching mine. Reaching up, he brushes a loose lock of hair from my face, tucking it behind my ear. His fingers gently trail along my jaw, tilting my chin up to look at him. “I lost you there for a few minutes. Are you all right?”
“I’m fine,” I answer, monotone, not able to fake it.
He stares into my eyes as if he can see into my soul. “You don’t get along with your dad,” he states, not questions, his voice soft, tender.
My insides prickle with awareness. Maybe he can see inside me. I shake my head, breaking our gaze. “My dad is an asshole.”
Gulping hard, he nods. “I’m sorry.”
I huff a humorless laugh. “You have nothing to be sorry about.”
“I’m sorry I brought him up at all. I don’t want to be the cause of the light disappearing from your eyes. Not ever.”
A resigned sigh escapes, my gaze returning to look out the window. “Maybe you should just take me home.”
“I’d rather not. I’m enjoying my time with you, Layla, and I think we can turn this date back around. We should have more privacy here for our picnic,” he says sounding hopeful.
He’s right. I’m not going to let my father ruin another day. So many things trigger thoughts of him, but that doesn’t mean the rest of today can’t be fun. Taking a deep breath, I look back at Levi, forcing a smile. “Okay. Let’s go eat some apple pie.”
He laughs, his relief palpable. My chest tightens and subsequently feels lighter at the deep sound. “Let’s go.”