Chapter 52
LEO’S NOTES
Place: Paperback Trader, Burlington, VT
Favorite quote: I would empty my soul of the dreams that have gathered in me,
I would beat with your heart as it beats,
I would follow your soul as it leads.
Misc: Pandora, this is how I love you
When Leo opened his eyes, he found Pan gazing down at him, her face glowing with affection and concern.
He was home. Well, in Pan’s bed, which was the same thing.
Everything hurt but he didn’t care. He simply watched her sit beside him, gorgeous in a lilac dress with matching eyeshadow and flower crown of violets, daffodils, and black calla lilies in her hair.
Then he breathed, and everything hurt even worse. “Damn,” he whispered.
“Good morning, love,” Pan said, her voice soft. “How do you feel?”
“Like I spent two days hacking at invasive poison ivy—before the attacks.”
“The goblins,” she said.
“Right, goblins.” He huffed a laugh. “Has anyone figured why a pack of coyotes swam to the island? Or what made them so aggressive?”
“We’re… they’re still looking into it.”
“Scary as hell.” He allowed himself a little shudder. “Especially those three who wandered into the Inn. Everyone’s okay?”
“Yeah, though Shrig’s still recovering. Are you—um, did you get a good look at the coyotes?”
“You know I did. I punched one in the face.” He wiggled his fingers at her. “My hand still hurts.”
She smiled, maybe a little sadly. “Um, do you remember that song I sang when we went sailing?”
“After the harbor seal tried to join us? Of course. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Just wondering.”
“I remember why you sang it, too,” he said.
“You do?”
“Because you’re beautiful,” he said, taking her hand in his on top of the blanket. “And because you’re you.”
“That’s…” She exhaled shakily. “Thank you.”
“You’re crying, Pan.”
“I’m just so glad you’re okay.”