“What were we talking about?”she asks, frowning adorably.
“You asked about my sister and friend.My sister moved here a year ago, and she and my best friend got together six months ago, so he’s been spending more time here.”
“That’s sweet.Do you mind that they’re together?”
I shake my head.“No, they’re both good people, and they’re truly in love.I’m happy for them.”
Daisy’s smile makes me feel ten feet tall.
“I’ve got to head out,” Alexi says as she comes back into the room.“I’ll talk to you later, okay?”
“Okay, thanks for everything.”Daisy waves as Alexi heads out.
Then it’s just Daisy and me.
“Have you lived here long?”I ask.
“All my life!This was actually my grandmother’s house.”
“That’s cool.”
“What about you?Where are you from?Where do you live now?”
“I was born in San Francisco, and now I live at the base in Virginia.”
“Do you like it?”
“Yeah, it’s nice.”
“Do you miss San Francisco?”
“Not really.There’s not much there for me anymore.”
Daisy nods, and we talk a bit about Wolf Valley and the house.
“So you work in town?”I ask.
“Yeah, I own the hair salon.”
“Did you always want to be a hairdresser?”
“Yeah.My mom and grandma were also hairdressers.I inherited the shop after they passed.”
“Oh, shit.I’m so sorry, Daisy.”
“Thanks.It’s been a few years.I’m just grateful for the time we had together.”She smiles a little sadly.
I want to take her into my arms and comfort her, but I’m afraid she’d pull away.
“Anyway,” she says, clearing her throat.“I think you seem like a good fit, so the room is yours if you want it.”
Everything in me goes tight as she drinks her hot chocolate, then licks a stray smear of whipped cream from her lips.
I don’t know what it is about Daisy, but I crave it.Craveher.She’s sunshine in yoga pants with a rescue dog, a houseplant addiction, and a tendency to hum to herself nonstop.I like order and discipline, and I’m not sure Daisy has even heard those words before.
I wanted solitude when I was first looking for a place to stay.I doubt I’ll get that here, but it doesn’t stop me from agreeing when Daisy offers me the room.
“Yeah.I want it.”
