by Mya O'Malley
What was that supposed to mean? Naomi considered herself to be level-headed and content with her life.
Her shoulders slumped forward. Except for her situation with Nick. Could Ryan possibly be that intuitive?
“I like to think…”
Ryan stopped her with a swipe of his hand. Instinctively, Naomi shrunk back.
“Whoa. What was that?” Concern etched Ryan’s brows. “What did I do?”
Heat crept up Naomi’s chest, flushing her cheeks.
“Wait. Did he…”
He was that intuitive. “Ryan…”
“My God, he did. He hit you?”
Naomi’s eyes darted around the café. “Sh!”
“I’m sorry.” Ryan lowered his head as he grabbed her hands from across the table. His voice was a whisper. “Please, tell me. Did he lay a hand on you?”
Tears rimmed Naomi’s eyes. Embarrassment yielded to sadness as a memory filtered through her mind. He hadn’t raised a hand to her, but when he shoved her against the wall, the force had smacked her head against the wall. And there was the time when he threw a dish across the kitchen, one which she narrowly avoided. Worse than anything was the verbal abuse. The head games he loved to play. Half the time, she hadn’t known what he was even talking about. Pressure built up in her head as Naomi removed her hands from Ryan’s, placing them on her head.
“What is it? Do you have a headache?”
Stress had a way of giving her splitting headaches.
“Yes. Can we change the subject, please?”
“Sure.” Ryan reached for her hands once more, his gaze intense.
“I think you’ll feel better, though, if you talk to me about it.”
The waiter set their plates before them. It gave Naomi just the break she needed.
“Ryan, I hope you don’t take offense to this, but I really don’t want to. Not now. I gave you the gist of the situation and for now that’s all I want to discuss. It’s too painful to rehash everything. He was flawed and had issues that he never sought out help for, and our relationship suffered as a result.”
“I have one more question. Are you afraid of him seeing us together?”
“Yes.”
“But that’s ridiculous. You and him, you’re finished. What kind of guy is this?”
Naomi couldn’t bear to meet his eyes. She felt a sense of shame at staying in a toxic relationship for as long as she did.
“Okay, sweetheart. It’s fine. If and when you’re ready, I’m here. I won’t push, I won’t ask again. But I’m not about to hide how I feel about you.”
Fair enough.
And that was what she liked about him. “Thank you.”
“How about this salad, huh?” He devoured a forkful.
He was a keeper for sure.
Chapter Five
Naomi
NO MORE WRITER’S block for her. After some additional research on Maggie, she hadn’t come up with much more. Something was holding her back from searching for a photo of poor Maggie. The online articles hadn’t provided any and Naomi had decided that she didn’t wish to see one. Her own image of Maggie would do just fine for her story.
Imagination often proved to be more exciting than reality. Naomi’s story flowed from her head to the paper. Free writing was her first step. Then she would start her chapter outlines and drafting on the computer. Oh Maggie, Maggie… She could almost hear the woman’s voice, see her at her ex-boyfriend’s house. She could envision her having coffee with friends.
More thoughts jumped into her head as her cell rang. Nearly leaping out of her chair, she clutched her chest. This story was getting to her. Touchy nerves proved she was getting emotionally involved with her story.
“Hey, Ryan.” She felt the smile form on her face at the sound of his voice.
“What are you up to?”
“Writing. You?”
“Doing my curriculum paperwork. I’d love to hear about your story. What do you have so far?”
Naomi wasn’t ready to share yet.
“There’s something you need to know about me and my writing. I don’t really share much until I’m deep into the plot. Please don’t take it personally.”
The pause was audible. “Oh, sure. No problem.”
His feelings were hurt. She hadn’t intended for that to happen. “I’m sorry, Ryan. What I can tell you is that my main character is based on a person buried in a grave outside.”
“Ooh. Which one?”
And he was back. She chuckled loudly. “I don’t want to say. It’s a woman, though. She’s in her twenties.” She had expected more questions. “Hello?”
“I’m here.” Ryan cleared his throat. “Sorry, it’s just sad, so young, you know?”
“I do. It is sad, but I’m going to tell her story, try to make it right.”
“Make what right? This woman… how did she die?”
“Well, nobody knows, not really.”
“Whoa, back up. What are you talking about?”
Naomi knew she should have been more tight-lipped. “It’s a mystery of sorts. It’s presumed this woman drowned.”
“Wait—what’s her name?” His voice picked up a notch.
Naomi figured she might as well spill what she knew. “Maggie. Maggie T. Field.”
There was a brief pause. “Maggie Field. Now why does that name sound so familiar?”
“The boating accident. Down by the river.” She waited for his immediate reaction.
“That’s right. The girl found in the Hudson River. She drowned, Naomi. That’s what all the papers said.”
Naomi’s cheeks flushed. “Yes, I know. But there’s more to this story, Ryan. I can feel it.”
“That’s just ridiculous, Naomi. It’s no mystery. Case closed.”
Naomi straightened in her chair. She didn’t like to hear the negativity in his voice. “But, listen, Ryan. Let’s talk about it more when we see each other later.” It would be best to have this conversation face-to-face.
“Please just promise me you won’t do anything stupid.”
What the hell was that supposed to mean?
“Like what, Ryan?” she cried out.
“This Maggie, how are you going to tell her story? She can’t exactly tell you now, can she?”
“Oh, come on now, Ryan. I thought you had more imagination than that. My story will be loosely based on fact. Maggie is more of a muse to inspire the story for my novel. Then I take my creativity and run with it. Besides, I can conduct some more research if need be.”
“You see, that’s what I’m worried about. That’s just the kind of talk that will get you in trouble.”
“Ah, I see. I’ll put myself in danger… something like that?” Why did this annoy her so much? So he was concerned; was that the worst thing? She knew the answer, though. This was why she never shared her writing until she was well into her books. Now this negative energy could potentially ruin her creativity. Another thing that bothered her was that Ryan was full of spunk and adventure. She had expected him to be supportive and excited about her new book. She was surprised by his attitude toward her ideas.
“Well, yes. Something like that. I care about you, Naomi.” He paused a moment before continuing. “Hell, Naomi. If you’re going to conduct any research just promise me you won’t go it alone.”
That was more like it. The thought gave her pause.
“You mean like a partner in crime?”
“Exactly.” He exhaled. So he was worried and didn’t want her to go it alone. It wasn’t the worst thing.
Before she hung up the phone, they made plans to go to the church and explore. Ryan would swing by later in the day and they would go off, investigating once more.
How she heard Maggie’s story, or any of her characters’ stories for that matter, baffled her. Like every other character she had ever written, Maggie’s voice rang through Naomi’s head. Her Maggie had been a beautiful woman, a kind person and good friend. What kind of job did she do? Knowing t
hat she could easily find out, Naomi decided that she would use her imagination, a little creative license so to speak, for Maggie’s career.
Teaching? Yes, just as she could picture Ryan in front of a room filled with eager students, she saw Maggie in the same light. Maggie had dated, probably several young men throughout her years, but she had yet to meet just the right one. Well, guess what, Maggie? Your luck is about to change. Love. True love.
Her Maggie would fall in love. Her heroine would get the guy. But who was worthy of such a woman? Her hero would need to be handsome, warm inside, smart, and blessed with the gift of imagination. Giggling softly, Naomi pressed the keyboard, filling up one page after the next.
Time had gotten away from her as it always did while writing. Ryan was due in about a half an hour. Satisfied with her writing for the day, Naomi shut down her computer and then stretched.
It felt good to be productive. It also felt good to give Maggie her story. In her mind she pictured her heroine as fair and blonde. Her hero was dark and handsome, not unlike Ryan.
Ah, was Ryan slowly becoming another muse for this story? That was something she would keep to herself for now, as she didn’t want to scare him off. Later, when they hopefully had time to get to know each other better, she could tell him he was her inspiration for Maggie’s one true love.
Chapter Six
Maggie
WITH MUCH DELIBERATION, she went on the date with him. Having just broken off her latest relationship, she wasn’t in any rush. But he was so adorable, from his sexy grin to his dark brown eyes. When he opened his mouth to speak that first time they met, she nearly clutched her heart. His voice was deep and sincere.
Now he was seated beside Maggie at Patty’s Pub. How could a man like that be single? She longed for the answer but was afraid to ask. Something about him was a bit dark; she might even venture to say mysterious.
“I’m so happy you agreed to meet me here tonight, Maggie.”
“Me too.”
Without warning, he reached for Maggie’s hand. Her pulse sped up. What was going on here? It’s not like she hadn’t been on a date before. This guy was different, though. She just knew that somehow he would be significant in her life.
Maggie could barely finish her dinner. Her stomach was in knots. If she hadn’t been out with her friend Christine for coffee the other day, she never would have run into him.
Fate must have intervened.
“I’m probably going to say this a thousand times, but I’m so happy I stopped to grab that cup of coffee the other day.” His eyes were intense as he spoke. It was getting difficult to breathe.
“Yes. Yes, me, too,” Maggie managed.
There was a moment of hesitation. Although she hated the awkward silences that first dates often included, Maggie figured this guy was probably worth it. Worth going through the uncomfortable moments that would hopefully pass so that she could get to know him.
“How is it that someone like you is available? There must be more to your story.”
She hadn’t even begun to tell him her about her life, and quite frankly, there wasn’t much of a story to tell. Some might even consider her life to be a tad boring. Boring wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, though. Not when she had snagged an adjunct professor position at one of the many local colleges. It was nerve-wracking to imagine that in the fall, she would actually be a college professor. The school wasn’t her first choice, but she figured this was a start.
Maryview College was in the neighboring town, not far from Mystic. The college up on the hill was her first choice, but financial strains prevented her from securing that position. The only spots open were online teaching opportunities. Teaching in a real, live classroom was an absolute priority at this stage in her career.
“My story? Not much to tell. Sorry to disappoint you.” Maggie gazed up at him, fingering strands of her hair.
“Fine, be secretive. I’ve always been intrigued by mysterious women.” He chuckled.
Mysterious? Hardly, but why not let him think so. Couldn’t hurt.
“So what about you? Why is it that you’re alone?” She figured she’d turn the tables a bit.
“Me? Come on, I’m nothing special.”
Maggie blew out an exaggerated breath. “Please.” Something told her that this guy had his fair share of attention from the opposite sex.
“Okay, so I have dated a bit, but it’s been awhile since it’s been anything serious.”
Maggie pondered over his admission. “So you’re not rebounding?”
“Rebounding?”
Ouch. Maggie had heard that when someone repeats a question prior to answering, that they might be stalling.
Maggie’s brows shot up, waiting for his response.
“No, no. It’s been quite some time since my last serious relationship.”
Maggie studied him for signs of lying, but she didn’t notice anything out of place. No nervous glancing around, no anxious scratching. Then again, she had never been skilled at discovering lies. She supposed she would just have to believe him.
“So where were we?” He reached for Maggie’s hand and kissed her fingers tenderly.
All thoughts of dishonesty were gone.
ALMOST EVERYTHING WAS going well.
Almost.
It had been several weeks since she had stopped for coffee that morning and met her handsome new boyfriend. There was one nagging voice that reared its head from time to time. Everything with him seemed perfect except for the fact that Maggie hadn’t been to her parents’ house for her usual Saturday visits. She made a habit out of enjoying breakfast with her mom and dad to catch up each week. Her new man wanted to have breakfast with her each weekend morning and seemed upset whenever she tried to make plans without him. She wasn’t ready to bring him along to meet her parents yet, so begrudgingly, she had just cancelled the Saturday visits. It seemed easier.
Also, she hadn’t seen one of her good friends in quite a while. She supposed it was due to the fact that this friend was male. Something told her that her boyfriend wouldn’t understand. It was nothing that was directly said to her, but more like a feeling. He had mentioned that one of his ex-girlfriends had stayed friends with her guy friends. If nothing was going on, then what was wrong with that? Maggie bit her lip as she had let him continue. He had stated that no man could ever stay friends with a woman, that there was always that undeniable attraction that would leave one, if not both, of the friends wanting more.
Maggie had been on the verge of telling him about R.J.
She and R.J. were friends, on their way to becoming the best of friends. How would Maggie feel about her new boyfriend having a drop-dead gorgeous girl “friend?”
Probably not great.
Maggie had been certain that R.J. was on the verge of asking her for a date, but then nothing had come of it. R.J started dating a woman from out of town, and that had been it. Their friendship had remained, even grown stronger, but any hopes of romance had been extinguished once Jackie materialized.
It wasn’t meant to be. Maggie tried to put her feelings of attraction to the side and be genuinely happy for R.J., even when she could see that Jackie was a shallow woman out for herself.
Perhaps her boyfriend did have a point.
Bottom line? Maggie had spared any mention of R.J., and as a result, their friendship had become strained and distant.
The summer season was upon her, and plans of teaching at the college would surely fill her time over the next couple of months. Maggie put those thoughts aside. She had plans to go to the park by the river in just a few minutes. What could be more romantic than a stroll by the water?
Maggie rushed into the bathroom to take a last look at her hair. She had tried her hand at straightening her wavy, blonde hair and was pleased with the outcome. Her locks were smooth and shiny. Nodding at her reflection, Maggie smiled. She glanced at her watch. He was running late, about ten minutes to be exact.
A sharp knock on the door sounde
d and Maggie sprinted to the door.
“Hey!”
“Hi, beautiful!” He reached for her and kissed her firmly on the lips.
“Whoa. Hello there,” Maggie gasped. No shyness there. “Ready to go?” She already had her purse in hand.
He glanced upward toward the living room and cleared his throat. “Sure. Let’s go.”
Did he want to come inside? The few times they had been at either of their places, it had grown heated. Maggie knew that she liked him, but she wanted to wait for the right moment. Right now she preferred to keep things safely outside of her house until she was sure.
“Do you have plans for later after our walk?”
“What did you have in mind?”
“I don’t know… dinner?”
Dinner sounded nice. “Sure.”
“I figured we could come back to your place after our walk and maybe order some takeout, watch a movie?” His eyebrows shot up. He opened the car door to let her in.
She fanned herself with her hand, feeling a sudden warmth. Maggie sat beside him as they headed for the river. “Oh. I was thinking that we could go to that Italian place in town.” Maggie’s chest thumped.
“I was kind of looking forward to being alone with you.”
Maggie swallowed as she contemplated her next words carefully. “Listen…”
“No, Maggie. It’s been awhile and I’m trying my best to be patient with you.”
Awhile? When was the time considered right? One thing that Maggie knew was that she shouldn’t feel pressured.
“Please. I’m just not ready.”
“Not ready?” He stopped mid-sentence, smoothing his hand across his hair. “Okay, Maggie, okay.” He turned his face forward, eyes on the road.
“It’s not you, it’s just that…”
“Maggie. It’s fine. I said it’s fine, didn’t I?”
He did. But the tension in the car said otherwise. Maggie opened her mouth to speak and then decided against it. She wasn’t wrong and sometimes words weren’t necessary.
“What did you do to your hair?”