More Than Love (NG3)

11 - Plans

Sasha usually loved her show weekend, but the drama of her life made her wary. She woke on Saturday morning in Davis' arms and regretted being emotional the night before. He was always so patient with her. Both were worried about Reed, and it reminded her of how she had loved parenting with him.

A text from Laney caused her to worry. Did she not like the cottage? Instead of staying until Sunday, she was leaving. Included was a picture of her painting of the beach. Surfers were in the details, and it made Sasha think of Reed. Laney also reminded her she wanted her birth father's contact information. It was wishful thinking that she would forget.

Over coffee, she sent Jake a message on Facebook. She debated what to say. A simple 'hi, remember me' wouldn't cut it. She crafted her message and pressed send before she could back out.

Jake, I figured it was time I explained why I disappeared so long ago. Sasha.

If he didn't respond, it would confirm he hate her or didn't care. She would give Laney his name and let her contact him. Then they could both hate her together.

She wiped her eyes as Davis came into his kitchen. "Are you okay, Sash?"

She shrugged. "It is what it is. I have to face the consequences of my actions, but now I've got to run." She kissed his lips. "Talk to Reed. Remember, you love him."

"I know. Bye, my favorite ex."

"You aren't funny."

She was out the door before she heard his response. As long as there was a steady crowd, Sasha was fine, but when she had a lull, she checked for a reply from either Jake or Laney. She had asked Laney if there was a problem to cause her to leave early.

She felt like a parent with all her worries, but she pushed them aside as she sold a pendant to a woman who praised her work. Sales had been steady. A successful show could support her for three or four months. By mid afternoon, Laney had replied.

🗨 Laney: Thanks for letting me stay. I was ready to go home.

🗨 Sasha: We can plan another visit. If you'd like.

🗨 Laney: After I meet my birth father. Thanks.

There was zero chance of talking her out of it. Hopefully, Jake would reply. The good news was Reed and Davis had spoken.

Sunday was busier. Sasha had secured a meeting with a buyer from a small gift shop chain. The best part was aside from locations on Nantucket, Newport, and Chatham on Cape Cod, they had stores in Maine. All were in upscale tourist areas, Kennebunkport, Boothbay, and Bar Harbor.

By the last hour on Sunday, she felt the effects of her busy weekend and wasn't looking forward to her drive home.

She looked up from finishing the sale of a sterling pendant and felt her heart go into overdrive. It had been twenty-five years, but she recognized him as she rubbed her sweaty palms on her thighs.

When her customer stepped away, he stepped forward. He wore faded jeans and a solid olive green colored tee shirt. A backwards baseball cap covered his hair, but his face was still handsome, even with more lines and a frown. Sasha immediately saw Laney in him.

He didn't look at her, but studied her jewelry. If she didn't know better, she would think he was a serious buyer.

"Nice work." His tone was unreadable. She couldn't find her voice, and he continued without looking at her. "When did you return to New England, Sasha?"

"I, um... I never left."

"I never thought you were in on it. Whatever your father was into. So many rumors, but then you disappeared with them. What happened to our plans?"