Page 71 of Escape to the Sun

“I’m sure Ash can help out,” she said, forcing a lightness into her voice. “But I don’t want to assume that of him. I know it’s not a job for him.”

“It doesn’t need to be a job, child. Ash loves Casa del Sol. But you’re right.”

“I am?”

Sherri nodded. “It’s important not to tie Ash down. I just finished telling him that he needed to go.”

“To go?” She tried not to sound panicked, but she couldn’t help it. Why the hell would Sherri be telling Ash to go away? “Where would he go?”

“Toward his life, my dear.” She said it so naturally, as if Heather should have known exactly what she was talking about. The confusion must have shown on her face and Sherri continued. “I’m not sure how much to say, but from the time he came to me four years ago, Ash hasn’t been living. He’s been on hold.”

“On hold?” It made sense. A little bit anyway.

“He told you about his past.”

Heather nodded.

“I’m glad he did. He’s starting to open up again. I could see it from that very first night when you arrived on my dock. You bring him to life.”

“So why would you tell him to go? I don’t understand.”

Sherri smiled and took Heather’s hand. It looked as if the action drained her energy. “I don’t know how to express this properly. I’m sorry if it’s not making much sense.” The corners of her eyes crinkled with a smile. “I’m afraid I confused Ash with my ramblings, too. Don’t worry about a thing, child. You just keep doing what you’ve been doing and be true to your heart. But I get the feeling I don’t need to tell you that.”

“Oh no?”

Sherri squeezed her hand. “I see the change in you, too. You’re finally living with your heart. If you keep doing that, you’ll be okay.”

Heather felt tears prick at the backs of her eyelids. “I feel like you’re trying to say good-bye, Sherri. And I can’t let you do that.”

The older woman’s laugh startled her. “Don’t be so morbid,” she said when she was able to get herself under control. “I’m sick. I’m not dying. It’ll take a lot more than a little bit of cancer to take me out.”

It was a relief to hear it, especially with the vehemence with which it was delivered. “You know what?” Heather laughed and shook her head. “I absolutely believe that. And I’m very glad to hear it. But why is it you wanted to talk to me? Why now? Was it because of my mother?”

Sherri looked surprised. “Your mother? No, but I think that’s a story I might like to hear.”

“No.”

“Some other day.”

Heather was thankful that Sherri knew when not to push her. She was a wise woman.

“I asked to see you because I wanted a chance to impart some of my wisdom on you. When you get to be my age, it’s one of the few joys in life. Giving advice that may not be wanted.”

Heather laughed again. “Oh, it’s always appreciated, Sherri. Thank you.”

She smiled and clucked her tongue. “You’re a sweet girl. I also wanted you to know how much I love Ash. He’s like a son to me.” Heather nodded. She knew that. “He’s afraid to love you, and I can see the same fear in you.”

“Sherri, I—”

“No. This isn’t up for debate. I just wanted to tell you that as much as I love Ash, I love you, too.”

It was sweet and totally unexpected. “You don’t know me like you know Ash.”

“I don’t need to. I love you both and my wish for both of you is to find it within yourselves to explore your greatest love. Does that make sense?”

“Not even a little bit.”

“It will.”

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