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“I don’t have anything to wear that would be suitable.”
“Anything you can dig up that isn’t denim and doesn’t smell like horse manure should work. I know there are vintage things in the attic. You should dig through that old trunk.”
“I’ll do that,” she replied. “Thinking of my office clothes, I’m going to have to find something to do here, you know, besides renovations. The idle brain is going to get to me.”
Leading the way down the steep staircase, Elizabeth pondered that thought. Maggie never had to work again, every human’s dream, and here she was complaining of being bored after a short time. There didn’t seem to be a suitable response.
They went out onto the porch, and the threesome was laughing, enjoying a Saturday afternoon surrounded by curious, grazing horses.
They walked down to the dock with Elizabeth to wait for Gus, making small talk, and she didn’t mention the luncheon. They could hear the motor of Gus’s boat echoing as it left the village dock, and waited, looking at their watches. “Amazing, how close town really is.”
“I don’t need a car,” she reminded Annie. “I just hop in the boat.”
“Wow, that’s so cool that you can drive that boat. I’d be petrified.”
Gus pulled up to the dock, and they surrounded Elizabeth like she was going on a European cruise.
“See you tomorrow,” she called out, and Maggie waved.
“Your aunt asked us to her wedding reception,” Steve said. “I can’t wait to see the inside of that house.”
“Are you going?” Annie asked. “Of course you’re going, what am I saying? But I’m not exactly prepared. I didn’t bring my garden party attire.”
“She reminded me that there is a trunk full of vintage stuff in the attic. It might be dry-rotted and mouse eaten, but we should check it out. And if it’s bad, we’ll get my mother to bring us clothes, because she’s coming tomorrow morning.”
“I’d better head back into town,” Steve said. “I promised my dad I’d work this afternoon.”
“I’ll be right behind you,” Justin said, reaching for Maggie’s hand. “Can I pick you up tomorrow?”
“I’ll meet you there,” Maggie said. “We’ll boat in. It’s something I had wanted to do with Annie before I found out about the party.”
“Okay, I’ll see you there.”
They had reached their trucks near the gate. Justin and Maggie embraced, kissing goodbye. She waited for him to get into his truck and drive off, waving to her.
“Things look good between you two,” Annie said after saying goodbye to Steve.
“You’re the one. That was a pretty sexy show we caught a glimpse of. I guess I made a match?”
“You did. I’m glad there were people around because we could have easily had sex right outside.”
They laughed while Annie talked about Steve. They had already made plans for him to visit her the following weekend in Florida.
Looking around the yard, Maggie was a little overwhelmed at everything that had happened, with her aunt and then Steve and Annie hitting it off, but mostly because of the change in her feelings toward Justin. But the truth was that she was still a little leery and didn’t want to move too fast, or jump back into anything.
While Annie talked, she observed the others lingering. Most of the horses had disappeared into the woods, just like Justin had said. A few people were still there, and she wanted them gone so she could close and lock her gate. When they saw her standing near the gate, it must have signaled that the day was winding down, and they got into their trucks and, waving to her, left.
“Thank you,” they called out, and she smiled and thanked them.
Annie helped her close the gate. She pulled the chain through and locked it. A sense of relief flowed through her, decompressing the anxiety she’d felt.
“That was a lot for you, wasn’t it?” Annie said, noting the change in Maggie.
“It really was,” she admitted. “I’m okay though. I agreed to allow the horses to come here, and I’m glad I did. I hope they don’t become a nuisance.”
“It’s good you’re letting that couple come and pick up poop. It might be a bit much after a while.”
“I have no idea what to expect.”
