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“I just finished my masters in business and I have a bachelors in marketing. I’m hoping to find a job as soon as possible.”
“Are you from South Carolina?” I ask.
“No, I’m originally from Maryland, but I’ve been living in Virginia since I started college.”
“Do you plan on staying there or looking for jobs elsewhere?”
“I never planned to stay there. I chose that school because they gave me a scholarship.”
“Yeah, scholarships have a way of influencing which school we go to. I had a similar situation.”
“I’d love to move down here, but I need to see if I can find a job, which is difficult when I don’t have experience yet. But I’m creative and hardworking. I just need someone to realize it and give me a chance.”
“You said you’re about to graduate, right?” I ask.
“Yep. I’ve finished all my classes.”
“Relax for the time being and enjoy Christmas with your brothers. You can attack the job search after the holidays. I doubt many are holding interviews this week.”
“That’s true,” she agrees.
“Are you hungry?” I ask, surprising myself.
Maybe I’m lonely without Calista.
“I’m starving, and I have Chinese food leftovers from last night and some to-die-for crab dip my chef best friend made for me.”
Her dark-blond eyebrows climb as she stares at me like an eager puppy. “For real?”
“Yes. Come on inside.”
Maeve follows me across the threshold, closing the door behind her. She runs her hand down the dark-stained trim. “What a great place. Is this woodwork all original?”
I nod. “It is. Between that and the porch, I knew this was the house for me.” I start toward the kitchen with Maeve dragging behind as she takes in all the details. “How about we stuff our faces? Then, since you can walk home, we can have margaritas on the porch.”
“Food and margaritas? Are you trying to be my best friend?” she asks, and I laugh. “Hey, what’s so funny?”
“Ironically, my best friend recently moved away.”
“Yes! New best friend activated.” She pumps her fist. “I’m just kidding.” She pats my arm. “That must suck for you.”
“It does, but she moved in with her awesome boyfriend, so I’m happy for her.” I gesture toward the barstools on the other side of the island. “Have a seat.”
“Thanks,” she says, wiggling onto the stool.
Grabbing the cartons of leftovers from the fridge, I dish the food into two bowls and pop them into the microwave.
Leaning both elbows on the marble, Maeve props her chin on both fists. “Making friends as an adult is much harder.”
Spinning around to face her, I lean against the cabinet and countertop. “Right? It takes a lot of effort—effort I don’t want to invest.”
“At least not until you know the person is investment-worthy,” she adds.
I point at her. “Exactly. You get it.”
She nods. “I do. My circle of friends is the size of a nickel.”
I laugh. “I’m sure it’s bigger than that.”
