Page 25 of Beauty and the Beard

We don’t speak because we don’t have to. There’s both a familiar comfort to his presence and a big, scary thing I don’t want to name. Because it wasn’t my intention to come here and form an emotional connection with someone. A friend, sure, but Leaf is different. While he’s looking to move on from a huge loss, I’m not sure I can do the same just yet. But he’s intuitive and we get each other. The words don’t need to be spoken. It’s hard to ignore how easily we seem to slide into each other’s lives.

“I should probably head home. The new lodgers are arriving tomorrow. You’ll see a lot more people around.”

“No rest for the owner, I guess.”

“I’ll be busier, but the evenings are usually free. I’d like to spend more time with you if I can.”

Swallowing, I turn my head to find Leaf watching me. Soulful brown eyes that see me more than anyone has, wait with the hope I won’t say no. Of course, I can’t say no.

“I’d like that very much.”

He nods, getting up off of the blanket, while I do the same. Leaf shakes the sand out and together we walk back to my cabin.

The light inside glows through the window and, once inside, Leaf grabs his socks and sits on the edge of the sofa.

“If you want to go into town tomorrow, Pete is dropping people off in the morning and heading back. Catch him before he leaves, around 9 A.M.. I guarantee he’d love to give you a tour.”

“Oh, thanks. That would be great.”

He stands at the door after tying his shoes, rocking awkwardly onto his heels.

“Thank you for this, Sasha. I had a nice time.”

“I did too. Thank you for the wine and… everything.”

“You’re welcome. I’ll let you get some reading done. Goodnight.”

He lets himself out, and I return to the sofa with a sigh.

This was not part of my plan.

After breakfast, I did as Leaf suggested and flagged Pete down, hitching a ride into the town of Maple.

On a school bus.

“You’ll like Maple, Sasha. I know you’re from the city and probably miss a lot of the comforts, but Maple has culture.”

Pete lifts his chin, proud of his town, daring me to disagree.

“I bet it does, Pete. Tell me what I should see. How long do I have?”

The bus grinds and shudders as he turns off the dirt road from the lodge onto the paved highway. The town is in the opposite direction of the service station he picked me up at.

“I have a group of people to pick up at 3 P.M.. I can swing up here to get you before then. How about I pick you up outside the coffee shop at 2:45 P.M.?”

“Oh! A coffee shop? Yes! That sounds great.”

“The people who run it are very friendly. I’ll drop you there first so you know where to find me.”

“Do you have a cell phone? Just in case I get lost or something?”

He booms a laugh as he pulls the bus into a parking lot to turn around.

“I don’t need those things.” He passes me a business card for the lodge. “If anything comes up, call the lodge direct. Ask for me or Leaf, and we’ll help.” He points to a very modern building. The outside is grey brick with a sleek black trim. There’s a full-size canoe on the storefront with the words ‘Ragged Chutes Coffee House’, written using pieces of driftwood.

“That’s the coffee shop. I’ll park in this lot. If I’m not in the bus, I’ll be in there getting a coffee and a cookie. Try their salted caramel brownie if it’s out.”

“I will! Is everything on this street, then? I can walk to everything?”

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