Page 41 of Must Love Flowers
“The yard is looking amazing,” Maggie said, as she headed up the few steps toward the front door. His efforts had made a dramatic difference already.
Phil acknowledged her words with a gentle smile.
“When you see Joan, would you mind telling her that I have a few things I need to go over with her when it’s convenient?”
“Sure thing.”
The instant Maggie entered the house, Edison galloped toward her, jumping up on his hind legs, begging for attention.
“How’s my puppy doing today?” she asked, picking him up and nuzzling him against her chest. He really was a joy, and so energetic.
Joan peeked her head around the kitchen door. “How’d your test go?”
“Great. I have a good feeling about it.” Like Maggie was with the two children she tutored, Joan had become her champion, supporting her with her own schoolwork. She didn’t mention that a second scholarship had fallen through. Maggie refused to give up hope. There remained a chance still, and she was determined to remain positive.
“I never doubted you for a moment,” Joan said, boosting Maggie’s spirits. “Not with all the hours you put in studying.”
“And now I have the next few weeks free. My supervisor at Starbucks was happy to give me more hours.”
“I don’t doubt it. She had nothing but praise for you when I talked to her.”
It was a relief to know Maggie would be able to save for school in the fall. “Did Edison have any accidents today?”
Joan sighed and wrinkled her nose. “A couple, but he’s learning.Patienceis the word for the day.”
“For sure.” Maggie headed upstairs to change her clothes. With the sun out, she pulled on a pair of shorts and a summer top printed with strawberries. It was one of her favorites. Shehad her playlist going and bounded down the stairs when she remembered she hadn’t told Joan that Phil had something to askher.
Halfway down, she stopped abruptly when the front door opened, and Nick Sample walked inside. When he saw her, his smile froze. Their eyes locked like clashing swords before a frown settled on his face, twisting his features.
“Why are you here?” he demanded, ignoring Edison, who begged for his attention.
Maggie straightened her shoulders, her heart pounding with such ferocity it felt like it was about to fly out of her chest. “I live here.”
“What the hell?” His eyes rounded with shock.
“Nick?” Joan came into the foyer.
“Mother,” he returned, looking none too pleased. “You didn’t tell me you’d taken in a boarder.”
“No, I guess I forgot to mention it when we last talked. Oh yes, I didn’t have a chance. The last time we talked was when you dropped off this puppy. And as I recall, you couldn’t get away fast enough.”
While playfully spoken, Maggie didn’t miss the sarcasm.
“I had to get back to work.” Nick had the good grace to look chagrined.
Joan shrugged, as if this was really none of his concern. “We discussed me taking in a boarder, remember?”
“And I said I didn’t think it was a good idea.”
“And I took your words into account and made my own decision,” Joan returned without the slightest hesitation.
“Why rent it toher,” he said, as if Maggie wasn’t standing right there listening in on the conversation.
“What’s wrong with Maggie?” Joan wanted to know, sounding perplexed. She looked from one to the other.
“Maggie and I have a difference of opinion,” Nick said, as if that explained everything.
“What he means is that he asked me out and I told him no,” Maggie clarified, infuriated that he didn’t appreciate the position she’d been in when he’d asked her for a dinner date.
