Page 26 of The Last Lavender Sister

“I mean it.”

The smile faded from Aster’s lips because she understood that Brynn absolutely meant it, and she wasn’t sure anyone had ever had that kind of faith in her. It resonated. It mattered. It made her chest warm and her heart full. “Brynn.”

“See you soon.”Dammit.

And Brynn was out the door, now a glimpse of blond hair across their lawns, leaving Aster happy, confused, and quite honestly longing for more of whatever pinged between them. Brynn Garrett was special, and she’d already left a lasting handprint on Aster’s life. That’s the part that mattered most, and what she would focus on. It felt like that’s what Brynn wanted.

Dill danced around her feet, bringing her back into the moment. “Hi, Dill. Hi.” The dog yipped. “It’s you and me, now, against the world. Wanna help me draft a packing list for our new adventure? Wehave to start planning.” She scooped him up, accepted a puff of puppy breath and a lick to her nose, and started brainstorming her list. Did she feel the energy from the house next door? Most definitely. And it brought a smile to her lips. She was a lucky person.

* * *

Brynn was out of control and really not sure what to do about it. She’d shrugged off the Aster phenomenon repeatedly. Ordered her mind and body to stand down. Multiple times.

It wasn’t working.

Moments ago, a harmless visit to drop off a puppy to his new owner had turned into a droolfest. At least for her. She’d gone and objectified Aster Lavender, her innocent, youthful next-door neighbor, yet again. She pinched the bridge of her nose and begged the universe to stop making Aster more attractive each and every time she saw her. Going next door specifically was exponentially dangerous, however, because in her own home, Aster tended to wear fewer clothes, and the end result left Brynn’s hands anxious to reach out and touch that really fantastic body with the impressive definition and the complementary feminine curves that, even in this moment, had Brynn wanting to explore.

Going to hell on a highway paved with lust. No question there. Aster was her friend, for God’s sakes. Her very hot, younger, gay neighbor whom she’dpromisedTyler she’d look out for, not scandalize.

In an attempt to calm her humming body, she pulled out her phone, ready toCandy Crushher traitorous mind into submission. But she paused, because there was a voice mail from Tiffany waiting. Huh. Fate was angry with her tonight, apparently, and decided to inflict all kinds of torture. It had been a couple of weeks since the last one. She sighed but allowed herself to listen.

“I miss us. Our life. And you. That’s all. Give me another shot? No secrets this time. You can have access to my phone, my passwords, my mind, body, and heart. All of it. I love you, sweetheart. Always.”

She closed out of the message, because even just the sound of Tiffany’s voice took her back in time, and that meant reliving the way things ended, too. She couldn’t do it again. It was important that she stay strong. But little thoughts crept in, tickling the back of her brain. What if this whole thing had been a true wake-up call for Tiffany?No, no, no. Brynn couldn’t allow it in. What if this was her shot to truly have it all back? No. She rejected the notion…or at least tried to. Wouldn’t it be nice to just fall back into the ready-made life she knew so well? On the one hand, yes. On the other, no. She’d found a new part of herself since arriving in Homer’s Bluff, and that told her that this place had a lot more to offer her. She should explore it.

And she would.

But she had to be honest. Aster heading off to Boston would leave a hole in the life she’d formed here. They’d only known each other a couple of months, but there was no one out there quite like Aster, and she would miss their unique friendship.

When Brynn left her house on the way to the clinic the next morning, there were a dozen artisan doughnuts on her front porch in a black and white box. No note or explanation. She didn’t need one. Her heart swelled. She glanced over at Aster’s house as she made her way to her car in her work clothes. For the unassuming woman that she was, Aster was leaving quite the impression on Brynn. She’d made her feel special that morning, like someone was thinking of her. In fact, not since before her breakup with Tiffany had Brynn floated on air, and that’s exactly what she was doing.

This town. The pace. And one very unexpected new friend had made that happen for her.

She smiled as she drove, feeling like maybe her groove was on its way back. She focused on the doughnuts, the gesture, and not on the very intriguing woman who’d made them both.

Chapter Six

Thereare days where it feels like the day is having you.Brynn had not only handled thirteen patient appointments but even managed to squeeze in two emergencies, only one of which had ended happily. Her soul felt as heavy as her shoulders did, and she just needed to limp her way home and nurse her heart.

“Are you okay?”

“Holy shit.” Brynn placed a hand over her heart as she walked from her car to her front door. “I had no clue you were there.”

Aster stood in the side yard between their homes, eyes wide. “I am so sorry I scared you. I was pulling weeds. I bet my car hid me from your view.”

Brynn managed to pull in some air, hand now on her knee in recovery. “You’re like a pop-up book. Yard version.”

“Wearing that one like a badge. Bad day or something? You look…less than happy.”

Brynn sighed. She was exhausted, but talking to Aster gave her a hit of unexpected energy. She walked over to her. Correction, was pulled over like a magnet, really. “That’s a good classification. Run ragged. Had some equipment break on me, and I lost a patient that I did not expect to lose. That’s the worst part of my job. I hate it. I’ve never been one to shake it off the way some of my colleagues have learned to.”

“I don’t like that part for you either. It must be so hard. I’d be a mess.”

She made a circular gesture around her head. “I replay all the things I could have done differently, even if there really wasn’t anything.”

Aster sighed. “I hate hearing that. You should come over. Maybe it will help to shelve it. Bring Pickles. The dogs can play.”

Brynn only hesitated for a moment because she was a fish chasing a baited hook at the idea of spending a little time with Aster, who in her experience didn’t host a lot of people intentionally. The honor was not lost. “What if I brought a book over? Benches and couches are similar.”

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