Page 5 of The Sasquatch and the Hairdresser

“How well do you think you’d fit in here as a new resident?” she asks, studying me carefully.

I shift in my seat. “Well, I can’t say for sure. I’ve lived in the city all my life, so a small town will be an adjustment, but I like the peaceful vibe I’ve felt here so far.” I give her a lopsided grin. “To be honest, I’ve found dealing with Otherkind preferable to dealing with humans most of the time. I’ll be super dedicated to my clients, and I’ll work on building ties in the community with other business owners. After all, in a small town like this, helping each other out means we’re all more likely to succeed.”

Something flickers in Astraea’s eyes, as if she can somehow sense what I haven’t told her about.

“You show wisdom beyond your years, which is refreshing.” Her eyes go distant. “Many come to Sanctuary Havens looking for safety and peace but often find so much more. No matter what brought you here, please trust me when I say that Mystic Hollow can heal your heart and soul, Skylar. It’s one of the fundamental reasons Sanctuary Havens were created. Everyone here has a story, and many have painful experiences from their pasts, but Mystic Hollow has become their safe haven. It could become yours as well.”

Her words echo Cumar’s from earlier and suddenly my heart squeezes with an intense and desperate kind of longing.

“What I want more than anything is a place I can call home. Somewhere I can be me and don’t have to be looking over my shoulder all the time, you know?”

She tilts her head. “Since you mentioned starting over, am I correct in assuming nobody will be joining you here?”

I grimace. “Fuck no. I’ve pretty much decided to never date again. Giving up men, just like cigarettes.”

I hadn’t planned on outing myself so quickly, but Astraea doesn’t give off homophobic vibes. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s queer too. I’ve always had good gaydar.

She nods and gives me a mysterious smile. “Ah, I understand. You have other priorities. For now.”

I ignore that last bit and run a hand through my hair, wondering when and where I’ll get my next shower. “I’m one hundred percent focused on getting a job so I can save money to start my business,” I say firmly.

She suddenly stands, cocking her hip and resting a hand on it. “Then you’re in luck Skylar Wright. Consider me your miracle worker goddess.”

My mouth drops open. “What?”

She chuckles. “Come along. Bring your proposal and let’s head to Mystic Hollow Bank. They have several small business loans for people in precisely your situation. I’m sure we can convince them to give you and your salon a chance.”

I blink and continue to gape at her. “Really?”

It can’t possibly be this easy. Can it?

She brushes some nonexistent lint off her sleeve and smirks. “Darling, I’m a goddess. Let me show you how divine intervention works!”

She doesn’t have to tell me twice. I’m hot on her heels as she strides out of the coffee shop with full-on diva vibes.

CHAPTER TWO

Cryptids United in Delightful Dating and Love Encouragement (CUDDLE) Forum

SuperShySasquatch: New to the group and hoping to find a supportive community here. I’m not ashamed to admit I’m downright desperate for any help I can get when it comes to dating advice. My love life has been deader than deadwood, so to speak, for the last eight years. All my friends are finding their mates, and I dream of that too. I want to find my very own special penguin who’ll mate for life.

YetiOrNotHereICome: Welcome, @SuperShySasquatch! Everyone here understands your pain. We’re all struggling in our quests to find love too. But there’s always hope, trust us! You’ll find the community you’re looking for with us. We’re a tight-knit group that supports each other all the way.

NessieNeedsLoveToo: Eight years? That’s nothing, @SuperShySasquatch. I haven’t had a lover in decades. It’s bloody lonely out here by myself guarding the loch. And I hear you about friends finding their mates. One of my closest pals just found his fated mate, and while I’m so thrilled for him, I’m also a wee bit jealous if I’m honest.

MerMagicMan: @NessieNeedsLoveToo So true, my friend! The seas are cold and lonely these days. It’s hard to find an aquatic lover suited to my natural environment. I suspect it will be another long, dark winter ahead for me.

IPutTheBrahInChupacabra: Friends, let’s not get too maudlin in front of the newbie! We need to stay positive and believe in the power of love. It will find us all one day.

LoungeSingerLizardMan: Not to mock everyone’s suffering, but you all are giving me a ton of musical inspiration for my next act. I think I’ll compose the soon-to-be hits “Hairy and Heartbroken” and “Aquatic Amore” in honor of this conversation.

Hal

“Don’t you think it’s time for you to come home?”

I freeze in the middle of the cereal aisle as my sister’s voice comes through the cell phone in my hand.

Fumbling and nearly dropping my shopping basket, I rush to turn off the speaker, then press the phone against my ear.