Maggie still had one thing left to try, but after Chase left, her heart just wasn’t in it. Looking back over the list, the things she had enjoyed the most were all the things they’d done together. She missed him.Please God, let Chase’s brother be okay. Let Chase be okay.
At that moment, Maggie’s computer started ringing. When she pressed, “accept,” Celeste appeared on her screen. This time, her luscious blonde hair was down, wavy and beautiful, framing her face.
“Hello darling!” Celeste beamed. “How are you? Tell me, what did you discover about yourself? Better yet, how did you create your future?”
“Hi Celeste,” Maggie smiled. “Well, um… I did try nine new things.”
“Oh wonderful! Tell me more.”
“I went to an open mic night like you suggested, and I actually met this guy named Chase. He ended up being super sweet. We went to Santa Monica Pier. I tried pizza for the first time in ten years. It was amazing. Then we went on the Ferris wheel, which was fun. The next day, I helped him at one of his shows—he’s a musician. Since then, we’ve done a few other things together. I’ve enjoyed it all.”
“That is certainly an exciting development. I take it there may be some romantic interest in Mr. Chase?”
“Ah… yeah I guess you could say that.” Maggie quipped. “He’s pretty great.”
“That is wonderful to hear. It’s fun to have someone join us on our journey, as long as we are partners and they are not our sole focus.”
Maggie nodded. It did feel that way. Chase wasn’t the only reason Maggie was enjoying her time in LA, but trying new thingswith him had added joy to her life.
“So, was there anything you tried that you didn’t enjoy?”
“I went to a rooftop fashion show at a fancy hotel and figured out that is definitelynotmy scene. And… the other thing that I’ve wondered is how I could help people in need. I haven’t really known what to do, but I attended Chase’s church and got an idea. They have a homeless ministry in need of donations… Anyway, Chase and I are holding a benefit to raise funds at his bar.”
Celeste clapped her hands together and brought them near her lips. “Maggie,” she said quietly, eyes glistening. “That’s beautiful.” Grabbing a tissue, she dabbed at her cheeks. “You have been busy.”
“It’s been an adventure...”
“What’s wrong dear. You were giving off such positive energy a moment ago and now… now it seems to have shifted.”
Wow, she’s good.Maggie thought. “Ah, it’s just that Chase left suddenly on Monday. His brother was in an accident. I’m worried about him, and his brother. I guess I miss him too.”
“Oh dear, I’m sorry to hear that.”
“I haven’t heard from him, and I’m not sure when I’ll see him again.”
Celeste nodded and then held up her pointer finger, “Go to him.”
“What?”
“You clearly care about him. Why don’tyougo tohim?”
“Go to Alabama?”
“If that’s where he is then yes! You should go to Alabama!”
“Oh… I don’t think that’d be a good idea… I don’t even know where he lives.”
“Where there is a will, there is a way, Maggie my dear.”
Maggie stared down at her hands. Her heart would love nothing more than to see Chase, to be there for him. To be able to help him and his family during this time. But, it would be crazy to go to Alabama, right?How would I even do that?she wondered. Then, she remembered Chase mentioning his brother owned an organic agrotourism farm. There couldn't be too many of those in Alabama…
“Maggie. Maggie…”
“Yeah, sorry…”
“What are you thinking? I can tell an idea is brewing…”
“I was just thinking about what you suggested… I guess it might be possible.”
