Dark Velvet (Book 2)

Echoes of Absence

Layla stepped into the glass doors of Lexington & Co, a slight smirk tugging at her lips. The echoes of last night still pulsed through her body, a slow, rhythmic reminder of her time with Kaelen that had left her craving more. She was a few minutes late, but right now, she couldn't care less.

She felt the hum, that subtle ache, and it was like her body was holding onto every touch, every whispered word he'd left lingering on her skin. Just thinking about it made her want to drift right back into the memories, but she pushed forward, slipping into her workspace where her best friend and partner, Poma, was already waiting.

Poma took one look at her, crossing her arms with a knowing smile. "Mmm-hmm, look at you coming in here with that glow. Girl, don't even play me. You think I don't see you?"

Layla laughed, tucking her hair behind her ear as she settled in. "Can't a girl have a good night?"

"Clearly, you had more than 'good.'" Poma gave her a light nudge with her elbow. "Just don't let that 'good night' be the reason you show up here lookin' like you just left it."

Before Layla could respond, their boss, Ms. Alvarez, walked in. She was sharp as ever, always dressed like she'd stepped off the cover of Vogue, with a gaze that could cut glass. Layla and Poma straightened up as she began the morning meeting, covering the upcoming projects and timelines. Just as they were diving into specifics, Ms. Alvarez brought up a point on professionalism and attendance.

"Now, I know we're all balancing a lot, but punctuality is key," Ms. Alvarez said, her eyes sweeping the room before landing briefly on Layla. It wasn't an attack—just a gentle reminder, though it felt like a direct nudge. Layla shifted in her seat, nodding as she caught the hint, her cheeks warming slightly.

"Understood," Layla murmured under her breath, keeping her eyes on her notes.

As the meeting wrapped up, Layla's phone buzzed with a text. She glanced down, her heart giving a small skip when she saw Kaelen's name lighting up her screen. A simple message—Thinking about you—but it was enough to bring the memory of last night rushing back. She bit her lip, quickly typing back, Likewise... last night was everything before tucking her phone away.

Poma caught her slipping back into that far-off look. "Aye, come back to reality, sis. I know he got you twisted, but we got deadlines. Focus up."

Layla laughed, rolling her eyes. "I am focused, Po! Just... multi-tasking."

"Mm-hmm," Poma shook her head, giving her that "mom" look. "Look, you can have him and do your thing, but you still got your own life. Don't get so wrapped up you lose yourself. You know what I'm saying?"

Layla sighed, feeling the tug of both worlds—her professional goals and the magnetic pull Kaelen seemed to have over her. But she knew Poma was right; she had to keep her head on straight, at least until she was off the clock.

"Alright, alright, I hear you," Layla replied, giving her friend a soft smile. "Let's get back to it."

It's been a minute since I've gotten any updates on Ronnie. I know I should check in—maybe call his mama or send a quick text to his dad, just to see how he's holding up. But... I don't know if I'm ready for all that. Last time I was at the hospital, the vibe was straight-up hostile. His mama looked like she was about to beat my ass, and D-Mo? Yeah, things still tense between us.

But I mean... if it ain't good news, what's the point of diving into more mess? I'm already carrying enough weight. Still, he's my friend. Alright. Maybe just a text to his mom to keep it brief.

Layla sighed, glancing at her phone before typing out a quick message: Hi Ms. Thomas, just checking in to see how Ronnie's doing. Hope everything is okay. She hit send, letting the screen go dark as she pocketed the phone. Just had to keep it light—for now.