“Hi Beautiful Maggie! How are you?”
“Hey Celeste, I’m… struggling.”
“Oh no, what seems to be the obstacle you’re facing?”
Maggie rested her chin on her hand. “Well, I went to Alabama to see Chase… and it went really well. He’s amazing… and so is his family.”
Celeste twisted her blonde, luscious locks into a top knot bun and leaned forward. “That sounds like a good experience then. Where is the problem my dear?”
“I don’t know… I guess Elliot seemed like the perfect guy—just not the perfect guy for me, so I get why that didn’t work out. This time, though, I don’t see Chase as flawless. I know he has stuff he’s working through too, but I think he’s right for me. But, maybe… I’m scared. What if I’m wrong and in a few weeks or months, I freak out like I did with Elliot. How can I trust myself? I don’t want to hurt him. He’s been through enough already.”
Celeste tapped her finger on her lips. “Maggie, you have made so much progress since beginning life coaching. You’ve not only tried ten new things—you went above and beyond that. You took risks. You made new relationships. You’ve grown. You’re not the same person you were two months ago. I don’t think you’re giving yourself enough credit.”
Maggie played with her sweatshirt zipper. “But how do I know?”
“You didn’t know that you could make it in LA until you did it. And look at you now.”
“Ah yeah. I didn’t get a chance to tell you yet, but I’m moving back to Minnesota on Saturday. I can’t afford to stay. So… yeah… I didn’t actually make it.”
“Depends on how you measure success, I suppose. Do you remember our burning question that began your journey to trying ten new things?”
“Who is Maggie Eckland?” She whispered.
“Yes exactly… andma che vuoi? What do youreallywant? How would you answer those inquiries today?”
Pursing her lips, she considered Celeste’s question. “Maggie Eckland is an imperfect work in progress… and I want people in my life who are willing to love me as I am, on this crazy, never-ending journey of self discovery.”
Celeste clasped her hands together near her face. “Yes! That’s beautiful. You have your answer and your guiding principles. You are ready for your next assignment.”
“What’s that?” Maggie asked warily.
“Go get what you want.”
Maggie nodded. “Go get what I want… Go get… what I… want.” She repeated. “Thanks Celeste. For everything. I think I might actually have an idea… I gotta go!”
“Spread your wings beautiful Maggie, spread your wings and fly!” And with that, Maggie closed her laptop.
Chapter 37
Chase
“Thereyouare,”NorahSmith approached Chase who was brushing a brown and white mare in the barn.
“Yeah, just thought these horses needed a little grooming.”
His mom smiled. “Well, they are looking mighty fine. Delilah and Banjo will be very impressed that their horsies are all shined up.”
“Yeah… about those names. Who let the little ones name the family horses?” Chase smiled. “I can never bring myself to ride em with names like Lou Lou and Gum Drop.”
Norah slowly stroked Gum Drop’s neck for a moment before speaking. “I went to Valley View Lodge this morning.”
“Ma, what time? It’s only seven o’clock.”
“I was there when they opened at six.”
Chase blew out a breath. “So… was it him?”
Norah nodded slowly.
