Page 56 of Alpha Ruined
We would behappy to extend your stay at the property for no additional cost. Our calendar is currently open, and you’re welcome to stay another week or two if you would like.
Just let us know as soon as possible.
The offer doesn’t makeany sense, and she pulls out her phone and calls the first person she can think of to talk to about it.
“Hey, kiddo. It’s about time you called,” Carl says. “Did you make it up there okay?”
“I did,” Bree says. “But the doctor just emailed me and moved the interview to next week.”
There’s silence on the other end of the line, and Bree continues quickly.
“So, I was just going to come back and do it there, but?—”
“We can have someone else cover the dog salon, it’s fine,” Carl interjects. “Stay there and enjoy your time.”
Bree blinks. “Really?”
“Sure. You haven’t asked for time off since you’ve beenwith us, anyway. I didn’t think about that when you had asked me before.”
“Thank you, Carl, I appreciate it,” she says sincerely, smiling. “I felt guilty for leaving.”
“I know you did, but it’s fine as long as you’re safe up there. Are you able to afford the extra few nights there?”
“Yeah, that’s the thing. The landlord offered to let me stay longer, since they’re not booked.”
“Huh. That doesn’t seem like a very smart business practice,” Carl murmurs. “Maybe it’s because no one’s going to Green Woods right now.”
“Maybe. I just don’t want to question it too much, though. It’s all kind of working out for me, even if it is kind of strange.”
“Hell, I mean, I wouldn’t object.” Carl clears his throat. “So, howisGreen Woods? You haven’t run into any weirdos, have you?”
Bree hesitates. “Not really. Everyone has been pretty nice. I’m still in one piece,” she jokes awkwardly.
“Yeah, I know. You can’t fault me for worrying, though. Istilldon’t think you should have gone on your own, but I get why you did. Just don’t forget it’s okay to rely on other people now and then, okay?”
“I know,” she sighs. “So, you really don’t mind if I stay here a bit longer?”
“Nah. We’ll be fine without you. As long as youpromiseto call if you needanything.”
“I promise.”
“It doesn’t sound like you meant it, kiddo.”
She groans. “Iswear, okay?”
“Good.”
After the phone call, she responds to the property manager’s email, accepting the generous offer.
She has more time in Green Woods, and that doesn’t haveto be a bad thing, as long as she doesn’t think about what happened with Cole. She can spend time with Darlene, play with her cat, and savor as much nature as she can.
If only she can get Cole’s scent off her.
It’s chilly outside,but she’s still sweating underneath her sweater.
Even the antique shop is cold, but sweat beads at her neck and gathers at her brow.
She knows her scent has grown sweeter—she can smell the way it lingers in the air, more floral and potent than ever.