Susan scowled. “I wonder if Connor knew.”
“About our agreement?” Maggie knew Connor didn’t know about the promises they’d made regarding him.
“That and the baby,” Christina said.
“Discussing it now won’t help,” Maggie said. “It’s more important for Julia to recover. I’ve never seen her look so fragile. I’ve noticed she’s been quieter than normal. She still smiles, but she’s not the same party gal.”
“You don’t think we should worry that Julia has broken her promise? What sort of friend does that make her?” Susan asked, a tart note in her voice.
“Susan!” Maggie stared at her two friends in shock. How would they react if they learned about her and Connor? “Don’t you think she needs our support and understanding right now? Isn’t friendship about forgiving?”
“Friendship is also about trust,” Christina said. “Something you know little about if you’re seeing a married man.”
Maggie jerked, feeling as if the blow were physical rather than verbal. “That’s enough. I know you’re both upset and worried about Julia, but you’re out of line. I don’t think I’ll bother with coffee,” she said, proud of herself for keeping her voice even. “Tell Connor I’ll see him tomorrow at work.”
Maggie stalked away without looking back, her shoulders and neck tense, her hands curled into fists at her side. According to Connor, he and Julia had never slept together. Julia didn’t deserve their bitter words.
She did.
It was true Susan and Christina could be a little judgmental. She knew and accepted their flaws because they had so many other good qualities. Susan volunteered at a women’s shelter and worked tirelessly in raising funds for them. The women there loved her, while Christina was enthusiastic and optimistic. She was resourceful, and Maggie knew she’d done free makeovers for some of the women at the shelter. Everyone had a few character faults. She wasn’t Ms. Perfect. Once they realized how meanly they’d behaved, Maggie was sure they’d apologize. Besides, she wasn’t entirely blameless. Maybe she should do what her conscience bid her, to protect her heart and maintain her friendships.
Walk away from Connor.
Easier said than done.
Maggie sighed as she stepped outside into the growing darkness. She heaved another sigh and crossed the road to wait at the bus shelters.
Why was love so bloody difficult?
