“It means when you peel back layers, you might find more behind them than you bargained for.” She patted Polly’s shoulder before heading to the counter, tulip in hand.
Polly turned to Maggie. “Are you worried about her? I’m worried about her.”
“Maureen’s happiest in her own little world.”
“You’re right. Maybe I need a crazy little world of my own.”
“Can I join you?”
“Absolutely not. You’d miss Ethan and that would pop my happy bubble.”
She chuckled, then quickly sobered. “How are you doing with your mother’s engagement?”
Polly scoffed and grabbed a few books from empty tables, taking them to the shelves at the back of the shop. “That’s not happening.”
“The wedding’s off?”
“It will be.”
“Polly—”
Her friend spun back to her. “Do you know which number marriage this would be?”
“Four?”
“Five. And notoneof them has lasted longer than a year.”
Maggie lifted a shoulder. “What can you do though? It’s your mother’s life.”
“I can…” Polly stopped abruptly, her gaze catching on something by the door.
Maggie followed her line of sight to see Lilith stepping into the shop.
Usually, the woman had an immediate effect on her. A tight chest. Shortening of her breath. But now? Nothing.
Polly touched her shoulder. “I’ll ask her to leave.”
“No.” Maggie shook her head. The older woman looked at her, then back to the counter. “I want to see if she talks to me. And if she does, what she says.”
Had Lilith thought about what Maggie had said that day? Had she even cared?
Lilith paid at the counter, then turned toward Maggie and headed her way.
“Do you want me to stay?” Polly asked quietly.
Maggie shook her head. “I’ll be okay.”
As Polly moved back to the counter, Maggie caught Ethan’s gaze. He was watching her closely, looking moments from jumping in and saving her.
But she didn’t need saving. She shook her head, a small smile on her face to tell him she was okay.
Lilith stopped in front of her. “Hi, Maggie.”
“Lilith.”
Her aunt swallowed. “How are you after…everything that happened?”
“Better than I was a week ago.”
