Page 68 of Beauty and the Beard

“Did you really mean what you said? Our last night, did you mean those words? Please be honest. I can handle it if it was just a heat of the moment thing.”

“I have strong feelings for you, Sasha. That’s very true. And I don’t regret saying those words because you needed to know how I felt. I know you don’t feel the same and that’s okay.”

My hands itch to just hold him next to me. His voice is good to hear, but I want so much more.

“I’m sorry I left you without saying goodbye. I knew I wouldn’t be able to do it.”

“I understand. I had a feeling you’d be gone when I woke up. I’m just glad you left me a number.”

He yawns and apologizes, and there’s a rustling noise.

“I don’t want to keep you up. If you need sleep, I’ll hang up… is it still called that on a cell phone?”

The sound of his laughter eases my sadness. And despite missing him, my lips find a way to smile.

“You still hang up, yes. End call is the term but the same thing. I can’t wait for us to try texting.” He laughs again and just hearing his joy makes my heart sing. Lord, I have it bad.

“How was your trip home?”

“They delayed the flight two hours out of Montreal. Then we had to wait for an hour to deplane when we landed because there weren’t any bays for us to park at. Roman couldn’t stay to wait for me since he had a commitment, but he arranged a car for me. I got home five hours later than I hoped and it just,” I hear him swallow, fighting to keep it all in. “It was really trying,because this court thing is happening and my courses and my apartment… and then you. I’m really overwhelmed.”

“What can I do to help you?”

He’s silent for some time and I wait.

“Can you be patient?” His voice cracks. “Just… please wait for me to catch up, Leaf.”

“If that’s what you need and all I can do, then I will.”

Jesus, the lump in my throat hurts.

“I should let you get your rest.”

The silence hangs and foolishly; I don’t want to be the one to say goodbye first. Hell, I don’t ever want to say goodbye.

“Leaf?”

“Yeah?”

“Thank you. For everything. We’ll talk again soon?”

“Call me anytime.”

“I will.”

“Until next time, then Sasha. Take care of yourself.”

“I will. You too.”

It’s a fight, but I pull the phone from my ear and hit the end call button. I hear the beep in my ear signalling the call is over and lean back on the love seat.

My cell pings against my leg and when I glance down, it’s my very first text message.

Beauty:text me anytime. I answer texts before phone calls, lol. But I really am going to sleep now. xoxo

Leaf:SLEEP WELL

Leaf:I DON'T KNOW HOW TO TURN OFF THE CAP LOCK.

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