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“That’s between me and God,” he replied, laughing.

They were back at the cottage at ten, just as Dave pulled up with Amber in the truck. Justin stole a glance at Maggie, but she had her poker face in place.

“You deal with your guests, and I’ll take care of the horses,” Maggie said, jumping down like a pro and taking Spooky’s reins from Justin.

She shot Dave and Amber a big fake smile and walked the horses to the shed.

Over her shoulder she heard the murmur of Amber’s annoying voice, and in seconds she tried to pull herself together. The animosity had to stop. Dave lived with Amber, and Maggie loved Dave. It was possible Amber might end up being Maggie’s sister-in-law. Grimacing, Maggie shook her head to get rid of that thought. Spending every holiday with Amber, having to celebrate anything with her seemed like a stretch.

Dying to look to see who was talking to whom, the thought of Justin standing next to Amber at the OR table in the vet clinic made her blood boil, but again, an act of her will; “Stop it!”

She performed her routine for both horses, taking her time, even brushing Dale. Another truck pulled up and then another. Heart sinking, she heard Gloria and Bubba.

“Fudge,” Maggie murmured.

“Hey there!” She turned to see Gloria bearing down on her and waved. “I brought food. I know it’s ridiculous, people eat constantly around here, and every time we come here, you have a spread.”

“You didn’t need to do that,” Maggie said, submitting to a hug and a kiss, European style, both cheeks. “I’ll be right with you.”

She finished hanging the tack up and followed Gloria to the truck.

“Don’t worry, I won’t mention a thing aboutthe other.” And then she winked at Maggie.

It was during times like this that Maggie realized that her personality disorder was getting worse. She could barely be civil, even after giving herself a pep talk. She wasn’t just antisocial, she was rude, too.

Amber was standing with the men, her hips slung forward like a freaking fashion model, and here comes fat-ass Maggie.

“Hi, everyone!” she cried, totally counterfeit.

Justin tried to hide a smirk. Everyone smiled back at Maggie while she mumbled hatefulness under her breath. On the verge of tears, all she wanted to do was to tell Justin to move out and take all his abhorrent friends with him.

In the back cab of their truck, Gloria pointed proudly at her offering, a giant wooden cheese board.

“I made the latest craze in snacks, a charcuterie board.”

She mispronounced it, completely unaffected, and Maggie wanted to hug her. Gloria’s kindness melted the misery that had been building up inside Maggie. Because of it, Maggie felt herself getting lighter, like an opened valve had released something vile, it escaping undetected. She realized she owed Gloria.

“Yum. This is such a good idea for a gathering like this. It’s beautiful, too. Thank you so much. Let’s take it inside before the flies attack.”

Gloria studied her sidelong. “You look so healthy and happy.”

“I do? I feel just the opposite,” Maggie said truthfully. “But thank you, and your kindness is going a long way.” She leaned in and hugged Gloria again. “Nothing like friends to bring you up.”

“It’s true! I feel the same way. I hope I can see your famous horse today.”

“She’s back in the woods. We just got back from a trail ride and saw her there hanging out with her spotted buddies.”

The men, along with Amber, followed the food and came crowding into the kitchen. Maggie focused on her breathing, keeping it slow and steady, with that smile on her face. Justin squeezed through the crowd to Maggie and put his hand on the back of her neck. It gave her the chills, and she couldn’t decide if it was bad or good, wanting to shake him off, but she looked up at him, feeling like a crazy lady.

He looked at the food. “Boy, that looks good.”

“Doesn’t it? What a great idea.” She looked at the group standing around her kitchen. “Why are you inside?”

“I’m not sure,” he said, trying not to laugh. “What should I do?”

“I’ll offer coffee, and maybe you should go back outside and start measuring. I’ll set this up on the porch.”

“Everyone, would you like coffee?” she asked. “I’ll get plates.”

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
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