“It’s putrid.” He swallowed with effort. “I feel a little tipsy just from smelling it.”

“Oh, hush. That’s not how alcohol works.” I took his arm to escort him to the door, and he placed his hand on top of mine, heat and life burning their soothing mark on me. “I’d like to get a little rest if you don’t mind.”

“Of course, Andromeda,” he said, patting my hand, “whatever you need.”

I raised my eyebrows at him. “Thank you?”

He stepped out into the hall. “Would you like to eat together? In a few hours, when you’re awake?”

I nodded.

He leaned on the doorjamb, drumming his fingers on it before taking a deep breath and looking at me. “I really am … so pleased you’re back.”

And then he left me, too abruptly for me to respond, as was his custom. Awkward man. Awkward, difficult … funny … sometimes sweet … absolutely adorable man.

I was blushing, but this time I wouldn’t stop it, even if there had been someone there to see.

“I’m glad to be back, too,” I called to his still-open bedroom door, then shut my own door for a nap.

CHAPTER 13

A knock on the door woke me from my nap, and when I opened it Saba was beaming at me, holding a fancy box in her hands.

“Hi, Saba,” I said, scratching my scalp. “I really hope those are chocolates.”

She raised her eyebrows as if to say I really hope you’re kidding, and opened the box to reveal bottles and jars, creams and oils.

I gaped. And then let out a sound I hadn’t heard from myself in a long time.

It was the excited squeal of a little kid.

“Are these yours?” I asked, and I couldn’t begin to hide my eagerness.

Saba shook her head, her grin widening.

“Mine?” I asked, even though I knew … still couldn’t believe it. But knew.

Saba prompted me to take the box, but I hardly needed prompting, rushing to rest it on my bed so I could sit and sort through it. Soaps, lotions, scrubs. Oils I could’ve never afforded before this job, not unless I saved money for months. I would’ve never in my life dreamed of even touching the bottles with my fingertips, let alone having the chance to use what was inside them.

Saba set a small wooden tub on the floor and put some water over the fire to heat. Then she began taking down my hair, examining it as she went. She took a pair of silver shears from the box of oils and showed it to me.

“Yes, thank you,” I said. “I need a trim really badly, I’m sure.”

Saba squeezed my shoulders and then grabbed a comb and got to work. I sat quietly, nothing but memories filling my head.