Destiny and a Bottle of Merlot Read Online Free PDF Page A

told Mia. Aaron added the grounds and turned the coffeemaker on while he put the groceries away.
    “I’m so afraid he’ll find out where I live and turn me into a paranoid, housebound recluse. I’ll be afraid to go outside.”
    “Can’t we get a restraining order against him for Sasha too?” Mia asked.
    “He hasn’t done anything except call her. There’s nothing illegal about that. You should change your number, Sasha. That’s a start.”
    “I’ll do that tomorrow. I’m afraid he’ll see me in town if he’s actually looking for me. White Plains isn’t very far away. What about weekends? Do I have to watch over my shoulder forever? If he sees me anywhere, he’ll follow me home. I don’t want him to find out where I live. I won’t give up the Victorian for him.”
    “Honey, let’s stop by the police station tomorrow and talk to the guys. They may have some advice. Tonight, you’re staying here with us. You’re too upset to go home to that big house alone. Don’t argue with me either, right, Aaron?”
    “That’s right, we want you to stay, Sasha. I’ll start dinner.”
    ***
    Aaron’s guest room was warm and welcoming. As old as the house was, there were fireplaces scattered throughout several rooms. The guest room had a beautiful brick fireplace with a walnut mantel. Aaron built a toasty fire for Sasha to give her a cozy, settled feeling. Dealing with Jack could send anyone over the edge, especially if he had a vendetta against that person.
    “Aaron, do you think Sasha is in any real danger?” Mia asked, while Sasha got ready for bed.
    “It’s hard to say, honey. The best thing in the world would be if Jack just disappeared. He’s a threat to you, Sasha and Karen. I do think it’s a good idea if you both talk to the officers that came to your house when Jack was there. They already know the details about him. Maybe they’ll have some advice for Sasha. Make sure she changes her cell number in the morning too.”
    “Okay, babe. I’m going to sit with her and talk for a little while. Do you mind?”
    “Of course not. Sasha is our friend, and she’s volatile right now. She needs peace of mind, and you’re the perfect person to help her.” Aaron’s eyes lit up every time he talked to Mia. She was the love of his life. He stood and embraced her. The softness of her hair, the smoothness of her skin, and that sweet scent, melted Aaron every time he touched her. “Go ahead, honey. She needs you.” Aaron kissed Mia. He looked deep into her eyes, then kissed her again.
    The knock on the guest room door could only be Mia. Sasha was relieved to have her come in and talk for a while. They needed this, just girl to girl, because they both had Jack in common.
    Warm air from the crackling fire made the room welcoming as Mia entered. Shadow dancers provided entertainment on every wall from the glow of the fire bouncing throughout the room. Sasha sat up in bed with four pillows jammed behind her back. She was only visible from the neck up, the blankets engulfed the rest of her body. She turned off the TV when Mia entered.
    “Sasha, honey? I brought some wine if you want to talk for a while.”
    “Thanks, Mia, come and sit with me.” Sasha pulled the blankets back, inviting Mia to join her.
    Mia set the wine bottle and glasses on the side table and climbed in next to Sasha. The bed was warm from body heat. “Great room, huh?”
    “It’s a beautiful room. Mia, I’m so afraid I’ll have to give up the Victorian if Jack finds me. I can’t even bear to think about it.”
    “There are options, but they’re radical. You can change your legal name, and put the Victorian in someone else’s name so he can’t track you there. It may help if you change your appearance too.”
    “I’ll do all of those things if it keeps him from finding me. I don’t want to draw him in to the Victorian just to get a restraining order against him. I’d always be wondering if he was watching from a