3. The man who sent her to hell

Chapter 3 Harper Blake burst inside carrying two large takeout bags while cold air swept into the stairwell behind her. “Your security sucks,” Harper announced. “You have a key.” “That’s beside the point.” Sage laughed softly and stepped aside. Harper was chaos wrapped in expensive eyeliner and oversized hoodies. Shoulder-length blonde hair framed sharp green eyes that missed absolutely nothing. She worked part-time at the bookstore downtown and flirted with literally everybody. Especially Asian men. Obsessively. Which apparently had now infected Sage too. “You smell amazing,” Sage said immediately. Harper grinned proudly and lifted the takeout bags. “New Korean place opened three blocks down.” “Oh no.” “Oh yes.” They settled cross-legged on the couch while the cats instantly swarmed them like furry criminals. Harper opened the containers dramatically. “Behold a Spicy ramen. Korean fried chicken. Dumplings and enough noodles to destroy your emotional stability.” Sage nearly moaned after the first bite. “Oh my God.” “I know baby girl.” “This is life-changing.” Harper pointed smugly with her chopsticks. “And the owner is hot.” I dropped my sticks. “There it is, don't tell me he's Korean..” “He’s Korean.” Sage laughed harder than she had all day. Harper studied her carefully after a moment. “You cried.” Sage sighed quietly. “Ethan called.” Harper immediately softened. “That bad?” “He wants me to go back to college.” “And?” “And absolutely not.” Harper nodded instantly like that answer made perfect sense. Sage appreciated that about her best friend. Harper never pushed too hard when Sage panicked. Instead she handed her dumplings and insults. Emotionally supportive behavior. “He worries about you,” Harper said gently. “You could probably survive college.” “I could also survive being attacked by bears. Doesn’t mean I want the experience.” Harper snorted loudly. Then Sage started telling her about Vanessa Walker and the broken vase. By the end of the story Harper looked ready to commit crimes. “She WHAT?” “She called my jeans unprofessional and said I have a fat ass.” Harper gasped and glared. “She’s built like expired yogurt but it's true though your ass is getting bigger.” Sage nearly choked on noodles laughing. Harper pointed her chopsticks aggressively. “And her husband definitely hates her.” They dissolved into laughter again while Peaches stole a piece of chicken directly from Harper’s plate. “That cat’s a thief!” “He learned from the streets.” Halfway through dinner Harper casually announced, “I have a boyfriend.” Sage froze mid-bite and groaned dramatically and dropped backward against the couch cushions. “This is your fifth boyfriend this year.” “Sixth technically.” “Oh my God, that's not funny.” Harper shrugged unapologetically. “What can I say? Men love me.” “You fall in love every three business days.” I cried for her sake, I don't want her getting hurt but Harper doesn't seem like the type to cry over men. She's the player. “This one owns the restaurant.” She grinned and I rolled my eyes. “That explains the free food.” Harper gasped dramatically and glared at me. “You think I’m shallow?” “I think you accepted dumplings and got emotionally attached.” Then Harper grinned wickedly. “I told him we should adopt another cat together.” Sage sat upright immediately. “You’ve known him for four days.” “And?” “You’re stupid.” “He has cheekbones, Sage.” “That doesn’t mean he deserves shared custody of an animal.” Harper ignored her completely and continued eating noodles happily. Later that night, they fell asleep sprawled across the couch surrounded by cats, trashy reality TV playing softly in the background. For the first time all day, Sage slept peacefully. Until morning arrived. The next day Sage made coffee at the shop, and smelled like drugs and antiseptic because of her cats. Harper insisted on accompanying Sage down to the clinic since it was her day off. “You mostly come here to flirt with dog owners,” Sage accused while unlocking the front door. “And yet they adore me.” The OPEN sign flipped over with a soft click. Sage smiled automatically when she noticed someone already waiting outside the clinic with a large black dog sitting patiently beside him. Business this early usually meant a good day. “See?” Harper yawned beside her. “ I'm your lucky Manifestation.” The man stood slowly as Sage unlocked the door fully. He's tall with broad shoulders and dark hair slightly longer.. And suddenly Sage forgot how to breathe. The coffee slipped from her fingers and crashed onto the sidewalk. Harper frowned immediately. “Sage?” But Sage couldn’t answer. Because standing outside Pine Creek Veterinary Clinic after six years….was Jace Callahan. The man who handed her back to hell.