“I said, you’ll do just fine.”
“Oh I thought there was something else.”
“Aw it was nothing, just called you Cinderella.” The man waved the comment away and began wiping down the diner counter. “Just something we used to say.” Then he stilled, staring at the rag.
Maggie slapped a 10-dollar bill on the counter even though he said it was on the house. Then she muttered thank you and hurried to her car.That was weird. I’ve never had anyone call me Cinderella until Chase, and now that guy. Must be a Southern thing. But also his eyes…
Maggie pressed the ignition and cold air blew on her face, reminding her of her need to focus or she’d be stuck in the middle of nowhere Alabama at night.Making her way back to the main road, she drove a few miles and then noticed a humongous tree hunched over in the ditch. Turning on the gravel road, she soon found herself bouncing along as the condition deteriorated.It’s like a bad massage chair.
A moment later, a large iron black archway came into view. Above it, Maggie read the words, “Smith & Sons.” She continued up a long stretch of road until a circle drive brought her face-to-face with an adorable white farmhouse. A wide front porch wrapped around the house, and a handful of wooden rocking chairs swayed in the breeze.
Mustering courage, Maggie walked up the stairs and blinked at the tall door.Okay, I’m just going to tell them that I’m a friend of Chase’s and wanted to stop by. I could say I was in the area… that’s not a bold face lie… just the implication that I wasn’t in the area only to see him and that I flew to this area for this specific purpose. I don’t know if I can do this… but I came all this way… Come on Maggie just do it…she encouraged herself.
Maggie shook out her hands nervously, then gave the door three hardy taps. Suddenly, her courage was zapped from her body as she realized the weight of her action. She grabbed her backpack and turned back toward the steps.
“Hello?”
A sweet voice jerked her around. Standing in the doorway was a woman who looked to be in her 50s. She was the epitome of coastal grandma-style with a loose white cotton sweater, tan lantern linen ankle pants, and leather slide sandals. Gray-blonde hair rested on her shoulders, and bangs framed her friendly face.
After a moment of Maggie standing in stunned silence, the woman gently asked, “You’re Maggie, right?”
“Yeah, yeah that’s me,” she finally mumbled. “I’m Maggie. And you are…”
“Chase’s mom, Norah. I know it’s gettin dark out here so I’m sure it’s hard to see. Chase was just telling us about you and showed us the cutest photo of you two. You’re just as pretty as a peach. Come in, come in.” Norah waved Maggie inside the large farmhouse doorway. It was fresh and bright inside, like it had been newly and meticulously renovated. “I’m so happy you’re here. Chase said you had to work so you weren’t able to make it. Everyone is so excited to meet you.”
They are? What am I missing?Panic fluttered in Maggie’s chest.
“Look who I found…” Norah chimed as she waltzed Maggie into the family room.
Maggie turned the corner and saw someone who she assumed was Chase’s brother in a recliner with his leg propped up in a long black brace.
“Chase, sweetheart. Maggie’s here,” Norah hollered in a sing-songy voice.
Chase strode into the living room, stopping abruptly. “Maggie? What are you doing here?” The shock in his voice made Maggie feel like running. “I mean… I can’t believe you made it… I thought you had to work.” His words were strained.
“I um… found someone to cover for me…”
Chase stepped toward her, arms wide, and squeezed her in a strong embrace. Holding her tightly, he whispered in her ear, “They think you’re my girlfriend. Please play along. I’ll explain later.”
Chapter 27
Chase
“Ya’llhaveaseatnow,” Chase’s mom shuffled them towards a gray loveseat. “Maggie, this is Cam, Chase’s brother.” Maggie waved. “We are just thrilled to meet you, aren’t we Cam?”
Cam gave a slow nod and kept glancing back and forth between her and Chase.
“It’s nice to… meet you too,” Maggie replied.
Norah perched on the edge of the couch. “So, tell me everything. I know ya’ll met at the bar he manages. What’s it called again, sweetheart?”
“The Break,” Chase reminded her.
“Oh yes, The Break. Love that name. So hip. But, how did ya’ll actually end up gettin together?”
Maggie conjured up a smile in Chase's direction, “You go ahead and tell her… babe.”
Chase sat forward and put his hand on her knee, “Well, she came into the bar a couple times, and on her third time, I finally got the courage to talk to her.”
