AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I never thought of that,” Annie said. “Hurry up!”
“I can just see it now,” Maggie said. “Lady Gaga and Britney Spears.”
“Not happening,” Annie said. “Those kids only know Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift.”
“Better hurry before they destroy the place,” Katrina said, teasing her. “Two young guys? Yep, that’s exactly their taste.”
They loaded the boat and pushed it into the shallow water before climbing in.
“This whole thing with his sons has made me feel like I’m never moving in there.”
Maggie aimed the boat toward town. “I get it,” she said. “You’ll have to find a way to make it yours.”
“Why do I have to live there?” she shouted over the motor. “I don’t see why we can’t just date and live separately.”
“But you want to have a family with him, right?” Katrina asked. “Don’t wait too long to do that. You don’t want the guy to be an old father.”
“It’s too late for that,” Maggie said, laughing.
Annie sat back, watching the beautiful scenery go by. Soon, Maggie pulled into the marina. Gus waited for them.
“I’ll be back in about an hour,” Maggie said, handing him the rope before they climbed up the ladder.
The three women walked down Main Street, chattering. At the hotel, Calista dashed out the door and chased after them, calling for Annie.
“I’m so glad I caught you! I’ve been trying to call you for the past hour,” she said. “All three of you as a matter of fact.”
“Calista!” Annie cried. “That’s so weird because I got a text when were out on the water. What’s wrong?”
“Stevie’s running a high fever. We gave him Tylenol and forced fluids, but I couldn’t keep him here in case he’s infectious. I’m so sorry.”
“No, don’t be sorry,” Annie said, taking a step toward the day care. “I’ll take him home. I should have given you another number.”
“He’s not here. I called Steve,” she said, wringing her hands. “He came right away.”
“Calista, no! I told you what happened this weekend with Steve’s family.”
“I had to get someone in here, Annie. I thought his father was a better choice than his grandmother.”
“Come on, Annie,” Maggie said, pulling her arm. She’d have words with Calista later.
Steve’s apartment was above the hardware store down the street.
“Thank you, Calista,” Katrina called out.
“I did the best I could,” she replied, returning to the day care.
“It’s not her fault, Annie,” Maggie said, putting her arm around a distraught Annie’s shoulders.
“Check your phones to see if she tried contacting either one of you,” she asked, in tears.
“There’s nothing,” Katrina said, looking at her phone.
They could hear Stevie’s laughter as they approached the apartment entrance off the alley.
“Well, at least that’s positive,” Maggie said, looking at Katrina.
Annie knocked on the door. The sound of boots on stairs echoed before the door opened.
