Chapter 32: A SurpriseMaggie was happy to wake up in her own bed Monday morning. She was also glad that Michael had insisted that she take the extra day. Truthfully, she was tired, and she was sick of having to cover up so carefully. She studied her neck in the bathroom mirror. The bruises had faded from deep purple to a pale yellow-green. Another couple of turtleneck days should do it. Maggie cleaned her immaculate kitchen, reorganized her shoes, and paid a few bills, but when she looked at the clock, only forty-five minutes had passed. She sighed and sank onto the couch, clicking on the television. A flip through the channels revealed talk-fests and game shows. I'm bored out of my mind. Maybe I'll just go in and check email and that kind of thing. I probably won't even see anyone. It was noon when Maggie exited the elevator on the 50th floor. She'd dressed in a purple turtleneck and charcoal slacks, a scarf with a purple paisley design accenting her neck. Karen wasn'

Chapter 34: Confessions Over Lunch"Papaya King?" Michael asked incredulously as he stared up at the sign."Papaya King," Maggie said confidently. "You can't tell me that you've lived in the city for how long? And you've never been here? How is that even possible?" They'd walked the several blocks from the high school to the gastronomic landmark on East 86th."Because I try to eat healthy?" he ventured."You, Michael Rannigan, are a snob. Come on." Maggie pulled open the door and they went inside.They both gazed up at the menu. "I don't even know where to begin," Michael grumped.Maggie smiled patiently. "Allow me," she said. Stepping up to the counter she ordered. "We'll have two Number Fives with the New York onions and the papaya drink." Minutes later with their lunch on trays, they made their way through the crowded dining room to the narrow counter along the front window. Maggie watched as Michael took his first bite."Oh, my God!" he moaned through a mouthful of hot

Chapter 36: Christmas Surprise GuestEarly Christmas morning, Maggie was up checking on the turkey in the refrigerator. She'd dressed in a long black and white striped sweater over black leggings, slippers on her feet. She had the table linens ironed and ready, waiting in the bedroom for the time to put up the tables in the living room. She plugged in the lights on her small tree in the front window, for the millionth time adjusting the decorations, many of which came from her childhood tree. A glance out the window told her that snow was still peppering down. A massive storm had hit the northeast the day before, dumping the white stuff in feet rather than inches. Thankfully, Casey and John were safely ensconced in their hotel room, having taken the train into the city the day before the storm hit. Most transportation had been shut down since early Christmas Eve.Maggie had braved the snowstorm on foot yesterday to get the final items she needed for today's big dinner. She wou

Chapter 38: What's Good for the GooseOne afternoon in late January, Maggie's office phone rang. "Maggie Flynn," she answered."Hi, this is Joe. Joe Santiago?"Maggie frowned. The name was familiar. Who is this again?When she hesitated, he continued, "I teach history at Kennedy High. You and Mr. Rannigan were kind enough to come and speak to my students?""Oh! Joe. I knew I recognized your name. How are you?" Maggie asked"I'm good. Did you have a nice holiday?"Maggie rolled her eyes. What do you need Joe? I'm kind of busy. "I did, it was great. So what can we do for you? Do you need another speaker?"Joe laughed nervously. "No, nothing like that. It's just… Well, I was wondering. Someone gave me two tickets to a new play and I wondered if you'd like to go with me."Maggie sat blinking, her jaw hanging slack. Did he just ask me out? "Uh, wow…I don't know. When is the play?""It's this Friday night. It's supposed to be really good. I know we only met that once,

Chapter 40: Curiosity Killed the CatMichael arrived at the office early on Monday morning. He was anxious to see Maggie and ask about her weekend. He'd briefly toyed with the idea of Snapchatting her on Sunday but then thought better of it. He was standing by Karen's desk perusing some documents when Maggie stepped off the elevator. "Howdy, Mags. Good morning."Maggie was juggling her purse, her case, and a huge coat she'd apparently removed in the elevator. "Hey, Michael. Happy Monday."He followed her to her office, holding open the door so she could enter with her arms full. She put down her purse and case on her desk and hung up her coat in the small closet near the door. Casually, one ankle crossed over the opposite knee, Michael leaned back on the sofa across from her desk. "So how was your weekend?" He aimed for nonchalance.Maggie turned and smiled radiantly. "It was great!" She returned to her desk and locked her purse in the bottom drawer, placing the case on th