Page 72 of Red Hot Roaster

“It was different,” I whispered. “He was different.”

“How so?” she asked softly.

“Rafe was quiet last night, not talking at all. I know that doesn’t seem unusual, but when we’re together…like that…he’s not shy about talking. Asks me what I want, tells me what he wants, growls hot and dirty the entire time.”

I shifted on the bed, tugging the sheet tighter. “Last night, he was…I don’t know…intense. Everything he did was serious, deliberate. How he stared into my eyes, how he stroked me all over, how he kissed me. I barely had room to breathe when he held me so close between times.”

“Between times? There was more than one time?” Lauren was diverted for a moment.

“Yes. With Rafe, there’s always more than one,” I shared, then plowed on. “For all the thrills we’ve had giving in to our physical attraction, this felt more like lovemaking. It also felt like the last time, like goodbye. Am I reading too much into last night?”

“Rose, you won’t know until you’ve talked to him.” My bestie set me straight. “And this is the day to do it. In fact, it’s thelastday. Get Rafe alone. Tell him what’s in your heart. Ask him what’s inhisheart. You’re brave, I know that for a fact. You’ve got this.”

“Lauren, you’re right. I’ve got this.” I climbed out of the bed and headed to the bathroom. “And hedidsay over dinner that he had things to tell me today. We need to find a time before he leaves for Boise early tomorrow.”

“You go, girl! Call me later with the upshot.”

“Anything else before I go?”

“Yes, send that message pronto.”

“Yeah…no turning back now.”

“You’re doing a good thing.”

“Okay, okay. Kisses for Baby.”

“Ear rubs for your pup.”

An exchange ofbye-bye-bye,and we were out.

Before I had a chance to change my mind, I opened Insta to message Angelina:

Trying to locate the brother of Angelina Amato on behalf of her son. They lived in the Oakland/SF area 35-40 yrs ago. Your father & brothers (?) look like her son. Not a solicitation for money or request to meet. Looking for family history or pics to pass on to my friend. Thx for replying! Rose Connolly

I included my phone and links to our website and social media pages. Fingers and paws crossed that Lauren’s word magic would work its magic.

Next up, I found “Red Hot Roaster” in my contacts. Still there, nightmares to the contrary.

Monday * 7:13 AM

Me

Meet you at the roastery at 12. Time to talk. Please.

RHR

OK. Understood.

RHR

Did you eat breakfast yet?

Me

Don’t worry. Soonish.

RHR

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