Page 62 of A Master's Destiny
“But, there was another guy…”
My heart starts to beat faster. “Can you describe him?”
“He wasn’t much to look at…not like you.”
I shake my head in amusement. “Can you give me more than that?”
She stops packing the candles and looks sideways, crinkling her brow. After a few seconds, she says, “I think…” She pauses, then nods vigorously. “Yeah, that’s right. He wore glasses. He came in the day after you and bought the same colored candles.”
Shocked, I immediately ask her, “Did he have short hair?”
“I think so, but I can’t be sure. Oh, but I do remember the guy didn’t say much. A kind of an odd fellow. Oh, my goodness!” She suddenly blushes, and asks, “Is he your boyfriend?”
I shake my head, ignoring her comment. “Are you sure he purchased the same four colors in beeswax?”
“Yes. I thought it was strange, but figured it must be some new decorating fad.” She looks at me apologetically, her blush growing deeper. “I didn’t put two and two together until now. Sorry, I didn’t mean what I said about him being odd. You make a great couple.”
“We’re not a couple.”
She grins and offers me a knowing wink. “Well, he sure must think highly of you to buy such expensive candles as a gift.”
I stand there, no longer listening to the woman as I struggle with the revelation that Ashford would do such a thing. I never saw it coming…
Like the boa constrictor in my dream.
“Hello?”
I look over to see her holding the bag out to me. “If I see the young man again, do you want me to put in a good word for you?”
“Please don’t,” I say, wearily. Taking the bag from her, I head out of the store.
Now that I have the proof I need, I can go to the trainers about this. However, the one question I can’t answer is why Ashford would do such a thing.
Walking to the reception desk, I tell Rachael, “I need to speak to Master Nosh as soon as possible.”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Davis. The panel is preparing for the session tonight and cannot be disturbed.”
“I understand, but this is a matter of extreme importance and cannot wait.”
She smiles kindly. “I will pass the message on, but I suggest you head to class.”
Hiding my frustration, I nod to her.
As I walk into the classroom, I scan the room. It feels surreal to see Ashford sitting at his desk. The guy glances up at me briefly and barely nods before turning to stare at the whiteboard. It’s causal enough to count as a greeting, but there is absolutely no feeling behind it. I realize he’s been that way with me the entire time.
I glance at Slater, who has a smug look on his face.
Glancing at Alana’s desk, I notice our research paper isn’t there. “Where is it?”
“What?”
I can’t believe his level of immaturity, but I surprise him by not saying a word. Confident he is bluffing, I walk past him and sit down next to Kat. While he might want me to be kicked out of the program, I know he won’t do anything that would cause him to be kicked out himself.
Sure enough, Slater waits until the last minute starts ticking down before walking up to Alana and placing the paper on her desk. She picks it up and quickly scans it. Without saying a word to either of us, she begins class as soon as the bell rings.
Slater looks at me triumphantly as if he’s won.
When the push-button phone suddenly lights up on her desk, Alana finishes her sentence before picking up the receiver. “Yes?”
