Page 9 of Exile

“Good morning.” I took a moment to check out their selection of baked goods and then told her, “A croissant, a blueberry muffin, and a black coffee, please.”

“To go?”

“I’ll have it here, please.”

“Take a seat.” She lifted her hand to gesture for me to sit down, and after giving her a quick smile, I went to occupy the chair by the window.

Seconds later, the girl stood by my side, setting down a dark green mug with steaming coffee and a plate with my croissant and muffin. “If you need anything else, let me know.”

I smiled up at her, giving her a quick nod. “Thank you. You’re very kind.”

She touched my shoulder in a sweet gesture before leaving my table and serving another customer.

I was fully enjoying my breakfast when I felt eyes staring at me.

I didn’t dare to look up at first, but I forced my gaze upward to see who was gawking at me.

Theresa.

I smiled tightly, giving her a small wave.

She kept her eyes on me, shamelessly staring, making me nervous.

When I held her gaze for a moment too long, she got up and walked over to me, bringing her coffee and newspaper with her. “Well, look who’s up early.”

I hesitated and watched as she sat down opposite me. “Good morning to you, too.”

She chuckled dryly. “You look like you had a rough night.”

I pursed my lips before taking another bite of my muffin. “Actually, my night was pretty good. I slept like a baby in that bed. Very comfortable,” I admitted with a smile.

Theresa huffed, leaning back in her chair. “So, are you planning on going to see him today?”

“Yes.”

She watched me closely with those dark eyes and intense stare. I was starting to feel uncomfortable, but I brushed that feeling off. “Aren’t you going to ask me where he lives?”

“Actually, I saw him last night. I watched the sunset on the porch and saw him doing the same. So…I know where he lives.”

Theresa nodded slowly, with her eyes still fixed on my face.

God, she was scary.

The thing was, she didn’t really look scary.

It was those eyes that gave me shivers.

When her lips turned into a half-smile, she said, “Let me tell you something. He’s not the kind of man thrilled by unexpected visitors.”

“I’ve gathered that,” I said, sipping my coffee. “Still, I’m going to give it a shot. I didn’t change all my plans just to chicken out now.”

Her thin eyebrows raised. “What plans did you change?”

“I was actually about to head home—”

“Where is home?”

“Burlington, Vermont.”

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