Evie:I’m not ready to forgive you.
Maggie:I know.
Evie:But I miss you anyway. And I hate that I miss you.
Maggie’s eyes burned.
Maggie:I miss you too. So much it physically hurts.
Evie:Don’t say things like that unless you mean them.
Maggie:I’ve never meant anything more.
The dots appeared and stayed for a long time.
Evie:I need time. To think. To figure out if I can trust you again.
Maggie:Take all the time you need. I’ll be here.
Evie:Will you? Or will you find another excuse to push me away?
Maggie took a breath. Typed the truth.
Maggie:I don’t know. I’m broken in ways I’m still discovering. I might fuck this up again. But I’m going to try not to. That’s the best I can offer right now.
Several minutes passed. Maggie watched the dots appear and disappear three times.
Until finally,That’s more honest than you’ve ever been with me.
Maggie: I’m learning.
Evie:Good. Keep learning. I’ll text you when I’m ready. But if you think I’m not sitting here thinking about you constantly then you’re wrong. I care about you, Maggie.
Maggie:And I care about you, so much.
Evie:Goodnight, Maggie.
Maggie:Goodnight, Evie.
Maggie set the phone down and let out a breath she didn’t know she’d been holding. It was sharp, clear but on the more positive side of her expectations.
It wasn’t forgiveness.
But it was a door left open.
DAY 4 – MORNING
The next morning, Maggie called Lisa Grant.
They met at a café in West Hollywood, neutral territory. Lisa arrived first, already nursing a cappuccino when Maggie walked in.
“You look different,” Lisa said as Maggie sat down.
“Administrative leave will do that.”
“I heard. Through the grapevine.” Lisa studied her over the rim of her cup. “So. You fell for a resident then. Tough!”
“Is that what they’re saying?”
