Page 9 of Beauty and the Beard

“We learn new things every day,” Pete says easily and I’m relieved. “I’m glad he brought you food. Did you like the fish? Millie is an excellent cook.”

Pete opens the door for us, and we enter the lodge, still chatting. There are only two other groups in the dining room, both are groups of four older men who raise their coffee cups to us when we enter.

A tiny woman in an apron stands next to one group, chatting, and when she sees us, she excuses herself and walks our way.

“You must be Sasha. I’m Millie. It’s wonderful to meet you.”

She offers her hand with a motherly smile and I instantly know I’ll like her.

“Nice to meet you.” I take her warm hand and even touching her like that makes me feel like I’m in the right place. “You cooked incredible fish last night. Best food I’ve had in a long time.”

“Fancy city food has nothing on good home cooking. Maybe I’ll teach you some before you go back.”

Shocked, my mouth drops and I stammer a reply.

“I- I, um… a cooking lesson? I’d love that!”

“What will you love?”

The delicious, warm voice of Leaf pours over my body as he stops next to our group.

“I’m giving him a cooking lesson before he goes home.”

Leaf’s lips twitch and his gaze travels over me. “Seems like you’ll get your wish and have a lot of new experiences before you go back to the city.” He glances at the diners heading out for the day. “Did you have breakfast yet?”

“No. Pete found me on the way in. I was coming up but got lost in the beauty of the loon and the lake. It’s really peaceful in the morning here.”

Leaf nods, rather non-committal for the guy who hyped it up last night.

“Sasha, what would you like for breakfast?” Millie’s hand on my arm draws a smile to my face. The gentle squeeze a comfort to the heartache I’ve long buried.

“Uh, whatever you tend to serve is fine. I don’t want to be any trouble.”

“Well, I wouldn’t ask if it was trouble. Do you like pancakes?”

Licking my lips, I can’t resist. “Big fluffy ones?”

Millie laughs at my excitement.

“The best kind. You can help yourself to a coffee over at the station, and I’ll bring you a giant plate of pancakes.”

She points to the coffee before bustling off to the kitchen. Swallowing, I face Leaf and Pete.

“Would you like to join me for coffee? I assume you both already ate.”

Leaf nods, but gestures towards the coffee and follows behind me. Pete fills a take out cup and excuses himself, off to do whatever else it is he does here.

“It’s no fancy city coffee. Just normal grocery store stuff, but sometimes Millie has flavoured creamer out.”

Leaf keeps his head down as he speaks and I wish he’d look me in the eye. His tone is one I’m used to. The assumption that I’m a spoiled brat and not appreciative of life’s small things. That I’m above the basic coffee he has to offer me.

“I just need caffeine. You could serve it in an old shoe and I’d drink it. I admit I love the fancy coffees, but I’m not a diva who might throw a fit because you only have full fat milk and no oat milk.”

My tight reply has Leaf finally bringing his gaze to mine.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to imply–”

“It’s fine. I’m used to the assumptions. But… let’s start over.”

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