Who the hell is that?
The lights seem to be off, but I knock on the door anyway. If we hired someone new and they’re here, I should introduce myself. Maybe that’ll make it less awkward when the cameras reveal the complete meltdown I just had in the hallway—the one that will look like I’m either a creep or I’ve actually lost my mind.
No answer.
I knock again—still no response. Turning away, I step toward my office, but a faint voice rings out—one I’d recognize anywhere.
"Go in, Sadie." Beth’s voice ghosts over me as softly as a whisper.
Grabbing the doorknob, I turn the key and push inside, closing the door behind me as quietly as possible. There’s not much in the way of furniture, just a single desk with a rolling chair on one side and a small cushioned one on the other. Taking another step into the room, the lights flicker on with the motion sensors. And lying in the middle of the empty desk is a note, the book, and a golden gift box with a huge white bow.
Slipping into the wheeled chair, I unfold the note and read it.
My dearest Sadie,
I was hoping we would eventually get here. You put up quite the resistance in the beginning, my girl. Yes, I saw you throw my book into the trash can—you owe me a glass of wine the next time I see you.
At this point, I’m not sure if you’ve figured out the theme of the puzzle, but I know you’ve found your fate. The thing I learned when I played this same game many, many years ago is that as much as we can fight it—the heart always wins out over the head in the end.
I hope you will listen to it.
Don’t be afraid to take a chance. It’ll all work out as it’s meant to, I promise.
I’ve left you a small gift—a token of my love for you. While I never had a daughter, Sadie, you are the closest thing to it. Inside you will find all the answers you’ve been seeking, but you must solve the final clue to release the glue.
Here’s a hint.
He calls himself Mr. Altruistic because he’ll never put himself first. If you need a helping hand—he’s actually reliable—it’s not a curse. He may be affectionate, but humor is the key. He’ll protect you from danger and is always understanding. But most of all, he’s patient—when you look for him, you’ll find his home vacant.
—B.
Max. It’s always been about Max. Grabbing the book, I scan each clue again, piecing together the hint with the clues. She knew from the beginning. It was never about my job, or keeping me busy. Beth wanted me to be happy, to find true love—the kind that is undeniably right for me.
Hastily, I grab the gift box, the note, and the book as I scramble to the door. A picture falls out as I push into my office, so I throw the items on a chair to grab it.
"Knock knock," Levi’s voice sounds from behind me, making me jump. "Hey, is that Max?" He points to the photo in my hand, and I look at it for the first time—it’s me in his arms, spinning at the balloon bonanza after he’d won. We look so happy, so in love that I hardly recognize myself.
She was there watching.
"Uh, yep." I tuck it against my chest, directly over my heart.
"Any chance he hasn’t left for Seattle yet?" Levi walks into my office and leans his arm on one of the bookshelves that line the left wall. "Johan backed out. I need an equipment manager… like yesterday."
"I’m sorry, what?" I stammer, not believing the odds.
"He said something about Americans not being able to cook meatballs properly." Levi runs a hand through his hair, clearly annoyed. "Probably wouldn’t have been a good fit. But Max…" He points at the photo I’m clutching. "He seemed like a great guy and a hell of a coach with the way he talked to those kids. I need someone who’s looking for long-term, with potential for advancement on the coaching track."
"Yeah." I can barely catch my breath, but I nod my head. "I’ll ask him right away."
Levi turns to walk out but stops. "Oh, and Sadie. Tell him I’ll double whatever Nash was going to pay as long as he doesn’t break your heart." He winks at me, then leaves.
Holy shit! Is this actually happening?
Reaching into my desk drawer, I grab my laptop bag and stuff the things Beth left for me inside, then pull out my keys.
I have to get to Mage Hollow—I have to get to Max.
Present Time
