Page 20 of Pretty Puppy

When he reached the lobby and the doors slid open, he remembered Micki. He couldn’t face her either. The humiliation was real. He quickly glanced around and was relieved that she wasn’t in sight. Maybe she’d already left for the day, but he wasn’t going to linger long enough to find out. He could call her as well while he waited at the station.

Avoiding the bus shuttle, he took one of the taxis waiting outside the resort. Lee had always made sure the local company had one or two lurking around. As the cab made its way to the Transit Center, Ash pondered how Lee always thought of everyone else first, how he didn’t want his guests to have to wait for a shuttle to return, so made sure there were other options available.

He sniffed. Then there was him. Self-involved and sneaky. No wonder Lee didn’t want to give him a second chance.

After arriving at the station and paying the driver with money he couldn’t spare, Ash checked the schedule. Great. The next bus wasn’t leaving until the next day at one-forty PM. Ash bought his ticket then dropped onto one of the long wooden benches to wait inside, resting his arm on his bag.

Now to figure out what to do with himself until then. More importantly, investigate whether he’d have enough money for a cheap motel or if he should just tough it out in the station.

He’d only had coffee and a bagel that morning, but his stomach was all twisted. No point in killing time getting food nearby only to hurl it up right after. He sighed. Another cup of coffee would probably be manageable, but first he needed to call Owen. Never had the desire to hear a friendly voice as much as he did at that moment.

Ash let out a groan when he reached Owen’s voicemail.

“Dude, everything’s blown up here. Long story, but everything’s out of the bag and Lee asked me to leave.” He fought back the tremble in his voice. “I could really use my bestie telling me everything will be okay.” Ash closed his eyes, swallowing down his emotions. “Even if it won’t. Call me as soon as you can. I’m getting on the bus tomorrow afternoon.”

Ash noted he only had thirty-four percent battery life left on his phone, so he glanced around for a plug. He spotted a guy using both sockets of one plug across from him, his laptop and phone hogging up the power. Rather than hassle a stranger over an electrical outlet, Ash decided now would be a good time to find a coffee shop nearby. He’d likely be able to score a plug there.

After wandering in the direction of a place he remembered from when he used to live in Tahoe, he was pleased to discover it was still there. Once he was settled in a quiet corner, Ash plugged in his phone and called Micki.

“Oh my God, Ash. I heard you left. Why didn’t you stop by reception?”

“I didn’t see you around, and to be honest, I was in the midst of escaping.”

“Escaping? What do you mean?”

Ash dragged his fingers through his hair. “I just…I didn’t want to chance running into Shane or Lee. I’m so humiliated, you have no idea.” He wasn’t ready to share with her how crushed his soul was as well. “Can you talk?”

“Just for a few,” she whispered. “My shift is over in thirty minutes, though. Where are you? I can come get you and bring you to my apartment. Then you can give me the full story and we can figure out Plan B.”

Ash sighed. “I’m so sorry I dragged you into my dumb scheme. I could’ve gotten you into serious trouble. And thereisno Plan B. I just bought a bus ticket and I’m headed back to San Diego. I’m done with Tahoe. I can’t bear seeing Lee after what I did.”

“Damn. Does he know everything? Is he really that mad? I’m sure once you explain why you did it, how strongly you still feel about him, he’ll understand.”

Ash grunted. “I blurted out I’m in love with him and that he’s the one. He didn’t seem impressed. So, if that didn’t do it, I doubt anything else will.”

“Oh no. Oh hon, I’m so sorry.” Her next words were muffled, and Ash could tell she’d covered the receiver. A guest probably needed her attention. “I hate to do this to you, but I have to go.”

“Of course, don’t be sorry. You’re at work.”

“I wish you’d stay.”

The thought of running into Lee made Ash’s heart sink into his stomach. “I can never face him again. When I get settled, I’ll call. I promise.”

Once he’d ended the call he glanced around the upscale coffee shop, the walls decorated with local artist’s paintings of the gorgeous Tahoe scenery. He used to love living here—the beauty of the surrounding mountains, crisp, clean air, magnificent blue lake, relaxing atmosphere...

And Lee.

Remembering what he’d been like as a person back then no longer seemed real. Everything he’d blurted out to Lee was the truth. Not only did he love him, but he’d been an immature mess—too young to see the gift he had right in front of him of the guy he was meant for. TheDaddyhe was meant for.

His eyes burned and he shoved his errant thoughts away. All he needed was to start weeping in the middle of the coffeeshop. He took a sip of his latte then glanced down at his phone. Still fifty percent to go. Oh well, this was more comfortable than the bus station, so what difference did it make if he stayed for a while?

He’d probably be stuck there on a bench overnight anyway.

* * * *

Lee gestured to Micki, who was speaking with a guest. He wouldn’t interrupt her—at least not if he had to. His nerves had begun fraying the moment he’d discovered Ash had bolted from the resort. He doubted Ash had anywhere to go, but also knew he was good friends with Micki. Undoubtedly, she’d had some part to play in Ash’s little ruse, but that didn’t concern him at the moment.

The pain in Ash’s eyes had been real, his words ringing with truth. Being mad at Ash for his bad behavior was one thing. Rejecting him out of spite was another. Now who was being immature?

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