Page 10 of Beauty and the Beard

Truth is, I’m more than used to it. I became them. At some point it was too much, too hard, to remainme. If someone expected the model to throw a fit over the lack of oat milk,I would. Sometimes it was easier than explaining I’m not a pretentious asshole just because I get paid to model underwear. Most times, it was easier than behaving how I wished I always could.

“Ah, so, do you still want to go fishing?”

Leaf takes a seat across from me at the table. A group of men carrying fishing rods and coolers enter the dining space, speaking animatedly aboutthe one that got away.When they veer off to the main reception area, Leaf excuses himself.

“I need to see what they need. I’ll… don’t leave, okay?”

Nodding, I sip my coffee, but before he gets too far, I call after him.

“Leaf! Do you have any Wi-Fi access here?” He strides back to my table with a shy smile. “No, not yet. They just moved from dial-up here last year. But if you have a data plan, you get a decent signal here near the windows.”

He leaves me again to tend to the guests and I’m left stuck on the fact they still had dial-up internet in this area until last year. No wonder he still keeps a paper reservation guest book.

My phone shows three bars of service here, near the window like Leaf said, and instead of trying to message on social media where he usually is, I text Roman instead.

Sasha:The internet connection sucks here. I can only text you from the lodge. I’m fine. My cabin is slick, and the owner is… nice. Very lumberjack. Easy on the eyes.

I don’t really know how to describe Leaf by text. But he is nice. And tall. Very tall. Let’s not forget ruggedly handsome in a way that makes me want to feign the injured ankle bit and see if he’d scoop me into his muscled arms.

Huh. That’s not a bad idea.

“Here you are, sunshine.”

Millie places a mammoth plate of pancakes in front me with what I can only describe as a vat of maple syrup in a giant metal gravy boat.

“Are you feeding an army? That’s a lot of pancakes.” Inhaling over the fluffy pile of goodness, saliva rushes into my mouth. “They smell heavenly. Oh my god, please don’t let me eat this entire plate.”

It’s like Christmas. Or what I imagine a proper Christmas would be.

“I wasn’t sure what your appetite would be like. I didn’t want you to be hungry. Especially if you plan to be fishing with Leaf today.”

Pouring the maple syrup over the pancakes, I watch as the fluffy pieces suck it all in and become so saturated with syrup they lose a bit of fluffiness.

“He didn’t confirm we were going today.” I stuff a giant forkful into my mouth and moan. “This is amazing. What makes this taste like nirvana, Millie? Can you teach me to make these?”

“Oh, he didn’t tell you? He arranged for Perry, his brother who guides for us, to cover around here in case I need help. I’ve packed you both lunches, and he’s taking you fishing after breakfast.”

“Really!?”

She nods with a giant smile as I keep shovelling the maple-soaked goodness into my yap. I don’t know if it’s the maple syrup or the pancake, or the combo together, but I can’t get enough of it.

“This syrup tastes better than any other syrup I’ve ever had. I just realized this is what I smelled when I first arrived. Maple syrup or maple sugar.”

“Thank you.” Leaf joins us again and sips from his now-cold coffee. “I made that batch last year. It’s one of my best.”

My fork clatters on the plate, and I stare at Leaf. Lips parted and thoughts swirling all over like confetti in the wind.

“You make maple syrup? For real?”

Could this man be any more god-like? He creates sugar. It’s my most favourite food group next to chocolate.

Millie laughs softly and Leaf’s lips tick up in a shy smile.

“Is that what it takes to impress you? Make maple syrup?”

“You already impressed me. The syrup is just… well, it’s an addition to the list of desirable features.”

Millie pats my arm. “Enjoy your day, sunshine. I’m glad you like the pancakes. I’ll see you later.”

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