He froze a moment before letting her tug him toward her kitchen.
The apartment seemed roomier inside than he might have expected. A bold royal blue painted one accent wall in the living area, surrounded by cream-colored walls decorated with pictures of flowers, some professionally done, others clearly drawn by a child. He found the artwork charming, especially because all the pictures had been framed and matted with care.
The furniture looked comfortable yet stylish, nothing too formal, but what he might have expected of someone with Maggie’s warmth. As they passed the living room and a seating area comprised of a rectangular table, two chairs, and a bench, they entered the kitchen. On the raised counter separating the kitchen from the dining area, he noticed bottles of ginger ale and grenadine, as well as maraschino cherries. A bucket of ice and glasses sat on a floral tray next to the ingredients.
“Would you like a drink? Something posh, like, say, a Shirley Temple?” Maggie’s lips quirked. “I prepared a fancy dinner with drinks for Emily and her friend, Sherry. But there’s plenty forallher friends.” She smiled. “I am happy to see you again, Reggie, honestly. I just wasn’t expecting youtonight. And no, you can’t go. You’re here now. You have to stay.”
“Ah, okay then.” He bit back a smile. “I’d love a Shirley Temple, but only if I can make it.”
She nodded. “Please do.”
“One for you too?”
“Yes, please.”
He fixed them both drinks, giving her extra cherries.
Maggie sighed with pleasure. “You read my mind. I love the cherries.”
He sipped, watching as she did the same. “I wasn’t expected at all? I thought you sent the directions.”
“Emily must have. Doug showed her how to use the map app.” Maggie shook her head. “I’ve been meaning to call you but frankly lost track of everything. I know it’s only been five days, but I’ve been having to adjust thanks to this stupid arm.” She nodded to her sling. “How’s Frank been?”
“Terrific. The vet called to confirm Frank doesn’t have a chip and is free for adoption, by the way.”
“Good.”
“Frank’s such a great puppy. He and my dad have bonded since Frank didn’t touch Dad’s precious tomatoes. But I think Emily might have to fight my oldest sister for him. Nadia’s become attached.”
The dimple in Maggie’s cheek made him smile.
Silence settled between them, and he realized he’d been staring.
Then again, so had she.
She hurriedly sipped more of her drink. “You think these drinks are awesome, you should see what I can do with hot dogs and macaroni and cheese.”
“I can’t wait.” Amused at the idea of sharing a meal he hadn’t had in ages, he leaned against the counter while Maggie took a seat by him. “So how’s the arm?”
“Good. The swelling has been going down. I get the cast on tomorrow. Oddly enough, I can’t wait. I keep banging into things, and it hurts.”
“You mind if I take a look?”
“Sure.”
He carefully eased her arm out of the sling, pleased she didn’t appear pained. The swelling had gone down a good bit, as expected. “Can you move your fingers or hand without pain?”
“No.”
“Hmm.”
“What? What does that mean?”
“Nothing, just checking. You know you broke it. The X-rays told you that. But you should be icing your arm if you can.”
“I tried, but it hurts.”
“You taking anything for the pain?”
