Page 128 of My Favorite Boss

“That’s interesting since, until I said something a moment ago, I don’t think you were even aware I was watching you.”

She stood. “You know what? I am tired. You’re tiring me today.”

“Then maybe you should go home and relax. We’ll start again in the morning.”

“That’s a good idea. I’m going to the apartment.”

I rose from my chair. “That’s not what I meant, and you know it.”

She lifted her chin, defiant. “That’s what I want.”

I decided not to argue. There was a quiver to her chin, and her eyes, although flashing with anger, were troubled. “Fine. Darryl will drive you.”

She turned and walked away, and I heard her getting her coat. I called Darryl, who stayed close these days.

“She’ll be down in a few moments. Take her to the apartment.” I paused. “Could you pick her up some ramen from that place down the block from her? With chicken and a spring roll?”

That was her favorite, and if Darryl gave it to her, I knew she would eat it. There wasn’t much left at her place, and I needed to know she would eat something.

“Of course.”

I hung up, hearing the outer door close. I knew she was upset if she didn’t at least say goodbye. I sighed, leaning back in my chair and rubbing my eyes. I knew without a doubt I would end up at her place later, too worried to stay away.

Ten minutes later, my phone rang, and I picked it up. “Darryl?”

“Is she coming soon?”

I frowned. “She should be down there already.”

“Nope. I was out front when you called, and she hasn’t shown up.”

I hung up and checked the app I had on my phone. The new one I’d gotten her let me track her, and although she’d laughed when I installed it, she allowed me to do so. Her light blinked and was slowly moving away, and I groaned. I called her number, and she answered, the background noise affirming what I already suspected.

“Really, Myers? You took the bus?”

“I wanted to be alone.”

“You’ll hurt Darryl’s feelings when I tell him that.” I rubbed my eyes. “Only you would want to take public transportation instead of a comfortable town car to prove a point.”

“What point would that be?”

“That you’re independent and can handle the world on your own. I know you can, Maggie darling. But you don’t have to,” I added softly, unable to be angry with her.

“Until you stop caring,” she replied, so quiet I almost missed it.

I was shocked into silence. That was what she thought?

“Magnolia—”

“I have to go. I’ll see you later.”

She hung up, but I heard the tears in her voice. I stared at the phone, then called Darryl and told him she had taken the bus. He laughed, not at all put out.

“Stubborn,” he said. “I’ll wait a bit and take her some food.”

“Thanks.”

I returned to my computer, determined to finish the concept I was working on. But all I could see, all I could think about, was Magnolia. The pain she was hiding. It was more than losing her father. But what it was, I didn’t know. I had tried to corner her doctor at her father’s get-together, but she told me nothing except to look after Magnolia.