“I haven’t. I really haven’t been much of anywhere.”
“If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?” I ask. Maggie thinks for a few minutes before answering.
“Great Britain.”
“Okay, why?” Her eyes get a far off look, focused on somewhere else.
“Shakespeare, Austen, Bronte, Tolkien, the list goes on forever. Can you imagine visiting the Lake Country where Potter wrote or stay at the home where Stevenson lived in Edinburgh? Climb the hills in Wales where King Arthur used to roam?” Maggie blushes bright red when she looks over at me. “It’s silly really.”
“What else would you see while you’re there?” I ask. “It’s not silly to dream of seeing the world. Please tell me. Would you see where Shakespeare wrote?”
“Definitely. I’d visit Barrie’s house, travel the Jacobite train to Hogwarts, tour Pemberley. I would absolutely have to go to Dublin. I have read everything by Oscar Wilde. Did you know Bram Stoker was Irish? You should read bothThe Picture of Dorian GrayandDracula.” Her eyes are glowing with excitement. Hell, she’s got me excited about going! We sit in silence while I start pushing the swing again.
“See, I told you it was silly. Where would you want to go?” I have to think about it for a few minutes. I don’t remember ever being asked that question either.
“If we’re keeping to the literature theme, I guess I would have to go with India. Rudyard Kipling was one of my favorites growing up. I read all of them:The Jungle Book,Rikki-Tikki-Tavi,Gunga-Din. I read everything I could get my hands on. I would love to take the train across the country, ride an elephant, charm a cobra.” I laugh, looking at her. “Now your trip doesn’t sound so silly anymore, right?”
“I think it sounds amazing.” Maggie has slowly wound her fingers through mine during our conversation. She stares at me in silence, her eyes growing wide, when she realizes. I’m so close to her now, I have to focus not to lean over to kiss her. I can’t help when my eyes, however, travel down to her mouth. Maggie stands up suddenly, moving away from me. “It’s starting to get cold out here. I should probably go in.”
“Wait.” I stand up, reaching for her. “I need to be heading out anyway. I have to catch the red-eye tomorrow morning.” She relaxes, finally stepping toward me. “I have a client that insisted on coming in tomorrow to review a contract I drew up for him.” Her eyebrows knit in concern.
“I had an amazing time today. Thank you for everything,” I add, gently kissing her forehead before walking toward my car. I pause with my hand on the door. “I mean it, Maggie, I really had a great time. I’m glad you let me come.” I see a small wave from the porch as I drive away. “Remember, it’s the long game,” I mumble to myself thinking of Ernie’s advice. Fuck the long game, this sucks!
I wasn’t lying, I do have to work on Friday. I think my most valuable asset to the company is the number of billable hours I bring in. On the plane back Thursday night, I put the notes I took at the shelter into a logical to-do list. I’ll start calling in favors on Monday to get the ball rolling. I figure I can follow up on my own time when I’m in Fort Worth next.
Sitting at the conference table the next day in my suit, I wait patiently for my client to finish reading the contracts. His questions, so far, have been relatively easy to answer. I look focused on him, but in reality, I’m dreaming about another piece of Maggie’s pie. As soon as he leaves, I plan on scouring the bookstores in town for the books she suggested.
It’s close to eleven that evening when I hear my phone ping. I’ve been plowing through Wilde since a little after dinner. I grin when I see it’s Maggie texting me. Is it really possible to get this excited about a text conversation, wondering what sarcasm she’ll wing at me this time?
Maggie: What are you up to?
Colin: I’m having my portrait painted to put in the attic. The debauchery should start any time now. Speaking of, please tell me you ate an extra piece of pie for me today.
If I close my eyes, I can see the concentration on Maggie’s face while she tries to decide how to answer me. When my phone pings, my eyes shoot open with my grin still plastered in place.
Maggie: I’m shocked! I just assumed you had one in the attic already. If you promise not to judge, I will admit to eating three pieces today. One for breakfast, one with afternoon coffee, one just now. I’ve spent most of the day bingeingLuciferon Netflix.
Well that’s an interesting choice for the innocent English teacher. Do I dare admit to being a comic book junkie? I actually have a framed autographed first edition ofThe Sandman Vol. 1: Preludes & Nocturneshanging in my bedroom. Another reason I never bring any of the women I sleep with back to my apartment. A comic book collection rarely emits the confident, sexy persona I’m going for.
Colin: That sounds like a good day to me. Are you reading anything good?
Call me a chicken, but I’ll just let that comic book thing drop.
Maggie: I’m readingAnatomy of a Murder, I thought I might readThe Caine Mutinyafter that. I’ll welcome any other books involving lawyers you’d like to recommend.
Good Lord, what is this woman doing? I have both of the books, having read them during law school, of course.
Maggie: Oh, there was also a book about Clarence Darrow I picked up at the used book store. It’s really interesting.
Colin: You seem to have a theme going. I could have brought those to you to borrow. I’ll bring youQB VIIby Leon Uris next time I come. It’s a good read. As far as Darrow, he was a very interesting character. An incredibly brilliant mind. I wrote a paper on him in college.
If Maggie is looking for a romantic view of my excruciatingly mundane life, far be it from me to stop her. I just hope she doesn’t hold me to the same standards as Atticus Finch. I’ll never be able to measure up.
Maggie: I would love to read your paper. I hope you still have it somewhere. Promise me you’ll bring it when you bring Uris. Unfortunately, I think I’ve developed the pie sluggies. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.
I should be terrified of Maggie reading a school paper of mine but I’m actually a little excited. I have most of my papers from college, especially those that exhibit a solid “A” at the top with glowing reviews in the margin. Now my biggest concern is how quickly I can plan a trip back down.
Colin: I’ll bring it and several other books. Good night, beautiful.
