Page 44 of Billionaire's Desire
“It’s been tough, let me tell you. But I finally managed to get them to agree to the terms we proposed. It’s going to be a game-changer for our business, Maggie, I can feel it. And the best part?” I say, grinning from ear to ear. “I managed to secure a deal that’s even better than what we originally proposed. The Wheelers are going to be one of our biggest clients.”
She nods appreciatively.
I go into details about the numbers and profit margins we are looking at if everything pans out as planned. I realize that I have been talking for way too long when the couple sitting to Maggie’s left signals for their check.
I guess the excitement got to me.
“I hope I am not boring you with this.” I look for the tell-tale signs of boredom that often pass Mia’s face whenever I talk business, but instead Maggie looks at me intently.
“Of course not. No. I want to hear all the details Max. Tell me everything.”
“Are you sure?” I couldn’t help the flood of warmth in my belly when she said that.
“Positive.” She reassures me.
So I oblige her with more numbers and figures of projections and sale plans.
As I do this, I realize that I do like talking to her. Unlike Mia, she actually looks interested in what I have to say. This is all so rare.
Everything is going great until we start discussing our passions. I had no idea that she was into baking, understandable since I am just getting to know.
Then with one random question, all blood drains from her face.
“Poppy? Who is Poppy? Your mom’s name?”
It was a random enough inquiry.
I can tell that something is off with Maggie. The conversation was going well until she suddenly whispered, “Poppy’s gone.”
My heart races as I try to understand what she means.
“Gone?” I ask, my voice low.
I look into her eyes, and I can see the pain and guilt etched on her face. It’s almost too much to bear.
I want to reach out and comfort her, but I don’t know how.
Suddenly, she breaks down in tears, and I feel like I’ve failed her.
I try to ask her what’s wrong, but she’s already jumping out of her seat, saying she has to go.
“Wait,” I say, reaching out to stop her.
But it’s too late. She’s gone, and I’m left feeling helpless and confused.
Who was this woman who had her in such a tail spin? Maybe her sister? Or her close friend? Or a lover?
I see Maggie run outside of the club, and without hesitation, I follow her. I catch up to her a few steps outside the door, and she’s leaning against the wall, taking deep breaths. I can see tears streaming down her face, and my heart breaks at the sight.
“Maggie, what’s wrong?” I ask, my voice laced with concern.
She looks up at me, her eyes red and puffy, and shakes her head. “I can’t do this, Max,” she says, her voice choked with emotion. “I thought I could handle it, but I can’t.”
I reach out to touch her arm, but she pulls away. “Maggie, please, talk to me,” I say, trying to keep the panic out of my voice.
“I can’t be here,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper. “I need to leave.”
I take a step closer to her, wanting to comfort her, but she steps back, her eyes filled with fear. “Maggie, you don’t have to go through this alone,” I say, my voice gentle. “I’m here for you. Whatever it is, we can work through it together.”
