Page 55 of Beauty and the Beard

“Maybe, but go with your gut.”

“My gut got me into this mess.”

“That’s different. Being manipulated by Moe is something you never could have predicted. I need you to promise me something, Sasha.”

“Anything.”

“Talk to Leaf. Please don’t just run. It sounds like he’s a wonderful man and if he lovesthisSasha? This new version of you who you also love? Don’t let it pass, my friend. Life is hard enough on your own. If you found someone to be with, jump in.”

“Damn you for making sense.”

He laughs, “Now about this brother…”

“I’ll fill you in when I’m home, Ro. I’ve got some thinking to do and I’ll call you when I land.”

“Call me anytime. I love you.”

“Thanks. I love you too.”

Draining my cup, I check the time. First the bookstore, then the pharmacy.

Then it’s time to think.

Chapter 16

Leaf

Replacing the bandage on my thumb, I pause and stare at the man in the mirror. The sleep deprived and shadowed eyes of a man who laid awake most of the night stare back. It’s been a long time since I’ve looked this rough.

After knocking on Sasha’s door for more time than I want to admit, and being ignored, I spent the night in my hammock with the stars. Lost in thoughts about my past and future, I hoped to wish on a shooting star that I wasn’t about to walk the path of grief once again. Not even a wink of sleep happened.

How could I sleep when I’d allowed my heart and thoughts to twist into a complicated knot that gripped my entire being?

And now I’m in an awkward place. Finally stepping away from the loss of Connor, and what I hoped was into something to bring light to my days and joy to my heart. But after Sasha not answering me—and I know he heard me knocking—I have to face the reality that maybe I jumped in too fast. He has a lot to look forward to and why would he want to put himself at my lodge when he’s used to the glamour of the city?

“You look like shit.” I mutter, running a hand down my face.

The chime of my doorbell has my heart leap to my throat and I rush to answer it.

“Oh. Hey.”

Not who I was hoping for, as Perry brushes by me.

“Gee, thanks for the warm welcome, brother.” He heads to my fridge as I close the door with a sigh.

“Sorry. Thanks for coming over.”

He pauses before drinking from the can of ginger ale. “You look like shit. Talk to me.”

“Thanks for noticing.”

Leaning against the counter, he waits while I try to form a sentence that sums up what’s eating away at me.

“He didn’t let me in last night. I haven’t slept.”

Perry cocks his head. “Did he know you were there?”

“He knew I’d be coming. Maybe he fell asleep.” I trail off, looking away from my brother’s pity face.

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