Chapter 8
Beth walked out of school, a warm October sun shining on her face as greeting. She slid her aviators up her nose as she rushed across the campus to parking garage C. It was a five minute walk from her building, depending on her speed. Beth considered it her daily exercise. After getting into her car and driving off campus, she decided she was in the mood for Starbucks. She'd had a long day already and she deserved to treat herself for it.
She switched lanes, and drove the ten minutes singing along to her Frank Sinatra CD. It had been a gift from Glenn last Christmas; it got played a lot. She appreciated the big band sound, and his sultry vocals. It was something she could sing along to without trying. Beth parallel parked in her usual spot outside, and walked into the café. They weren't busy this late in the afternoon so she had an opportunity to chat with Kelli, who was on register today. Beth didn't know her afternoon and evening baristas as well as her morning crew, but she'd come in enough that she knew a couple of them.
Kelli greeted her with a smile as she stepped up. "Hi Beth! How are you?"
Beth forced a smile as she said hello to the other woman. "Honestly I'm okay. School was a bit rough today. One of the professors threw a pop quiz at us over something we glanced at last week." Beth shook her head. "I don't know that I did well." She admitted.
"I'm sure you did just fine honey." Kelli told her, leaning across the counter. "You're smart; you'll be good."
"Thanks Kelli." Beth's smile became genuine, astounded at how friendly everyone here was. How quickly everyone she'd met had become like a family. "How's Luna?" Beth asked, peeking into the pastry case.
The woman perked up at the mention of her daughter. "She's starting to crawl! It's so cute how she tries so hard to wriggle her body around and get traction." Kelli held her hands up and flexed her fingers in an imitation of her baby. "She makes me want another one. But also she makes me want to get sterilized so." Kelli rolled her head on her shoulders, indicating the two polarizing choices.
Beth chuckled. "I've heard that's what life with kids is like." She pulled her purse off her shoulder and set it on the counter. "None of my friends have any though, so it's been a long time since I've been around a baby."
"Well anytime you want some up close action you're more than welcome to come and see Luna." Kelli offered. "I'm sure she'd love you."
Beth smiled, nodding her head emphatically. "Honestly I'd love to meet her. I love kids." Beth dug one hand around for wallet. The little thing was so good at hiding in her small bag. "I used to help out the neighbor family back in Senoia with their baby boy."
Kelli was about to say something else, when the door opened and a few more customers walked in. "What can we get you sweetie?" She asked instead, finger poised over the register.
"I'll take a Venti strawberry acai, with cool lime instead of water please." Beth handed her cash and put the change in the tip jar for them. She and Daryl had agreed that it was so odd they rarely saw anyone leave money for the baristas. Everyone at the store worked so hard, and put up with a lot of difficult customers every day. Daryl had confessed to her that he always tried to leave them a couple bucks when he came in. Beth always spared any change she could afford to give.
"It'll be down at the end sweetie." Kelli motioned her hand towards the end of the bar. "You know where." She laughed and rolled her eyes at herself.
Beth walked down to the end of the counter, surprised to see her drink already there.
"Thanks." She called over to the barista.
The boy, Adam, smiled. "I read the screen while you ordered." He shrugged, pulling a sticker for his next cup. "Don't see you too often in the afternoons." He replied.
Beth shook her head as she tore open a straw wrapper. "No, I usually come in the mornings; my…friend and I have breakfast." She frowned a little as she put her straw in her drink.
"Well maybe I'll see you one morning; I think they're moving me over." He told her, shaking another tea.
"OK yeah." She waved goodbye as she walked out the door and back onto the street. She couldn't shake the little nagging feeling that had formed at the word 'friend.' She and Daryl had been seeing each other for roughly two months. She wasn't seeing anyone else, and she was sure that he wasn't either. But they'd never had the discussion about exclusivity, or if he was calling her his girlfriend. Beth had never thought about it; she'd never had cause to talk about him when he wasn't there except with Amy – who knew what was going on – or their baristas who were also in. I'll just have to bring it up one of these days, she decided. If it hadn't occurred to Daryl by now, she'd just have to start the ball rolling.
Beth looked at the car clock as soon as she got in. It was nearing four o'clock. Shit. Maggie was driving up from Senoia today and was going to be at Beth's apartment soon. It was barely an hour drive and Maggie had wanted to arrive right after Beth's classes. She pulled into bustling Atlanta traffic and hoped she could beat her sister to her apartment. She didn't. Maggie was sitting outside her door, cross-legged, reading a book.
"Where have you been?" She drawled, squinting up at her younger sister.
"Sorry Maggie." Beth scrambled in her bag to find her house key. "School was a little hectic today so I stopped to get a drink."
Maggie saw the cup and rolled her eyes. "All that sugar isn't good for you, doctor." She chided with a smile.
Beth knew she wasn't serious; Maggie could pack away sweets like nobody's business. She tried to keep it balanced it with eating healthy and organic, and exercising regularly. Maggie stood and tucked her book under her arm, and grabbed her rolling suitcase with her other hand. She had planned a sister's weekend in the city. It had been a few months since she'd been able to get away and come visit. She had missed her little sister.
Beth got the door open and her sister followed her inside. "Where's Amy?"
She flipped on lights as she went, depositing her school bag on the sofa. "Oh she works after school. She won't be home until nine tonight probably." Beth shrugged. She was used to not seeing her friend as often as she'd like.
"You have a lot of homework this weekend?" Her sister asked, walking her way through the hall and into Beth's bedroom. The apartment hadn't changed much since her last visit; she began unpacking the few things she'd brought and arranging them on the dresser and in the bathroom.
Beth shook her head. "No." She called over to Maggie. "I just have a couple short study assignments actually. Should take a couple hours."
Maggie poked her head around the door. "Well get to it then. I have our weekend all planned out."
Her sister sighed but dropped onto the sofa with an unladylike grunt. Beth pulled out her laptop and notebooks and pens and began to dig herself in for the night. "You're making dinner though right?" She asked Maggie.
"'course." Her sister replied, walking out of the bedroom. "What do you want?" She stepped into the kitchen and started rifling around in the cupboards and fridge, taking stock of the food situation. "Oh Beth." Maggie whispered to herself. The girls had hardly any food to speak of at this point in the week. Mental note to take her grocery shopping.
Beth thought over what she knew she had. "Chicken and rice?" She called over her shoulder.
"Sure." Maggie pulled the chicken out of the fridge and grabbed down some rice. "It's about all you have." Her tone was candid.
The younger Greene rolled her eyes. "We grocery shop on Monday." She promised her sister. "We're not starving ourselves."
Maggie cocked a brow but set to work on rinsing, cutting, and prepping their dinner. The two girls chatted while she worked about Beth's schooling and Maggie's job. She'd just edited a book that she thought had the potential to be Twilight big.
"Not in the way that it ended up being bad, you know?" Maggie was trying to explain, moving chicken around in the skillet. "But at the beginning, when they couldn't keep it on shelves and it was a sensation? That's what I'm talking about."
Beth nodded, chewing a pen cap. "But beware the future." She intoned jokingly.
Maggie rolled her eyes at her sister's humor. "This one's actually well written. And there's no creepy staring at her all night while she sleeps." Made sure of it, she thought, remembering all her rough conversations with the author. The young woman had thanked her afterwards however.
When dinner was done cooking, Beth took a break from her homework and cleared the coffee table so Maggie could come sit with her.
"So what else is new? How's Glenn?" Beth asked, taking a bite. She closed her eyes in appreciation, letting herself savor the taste.
Maggie smiled, taking in her sister's expression of delight. "Glenn's doing really well. He's getting a little tired of Senoia, I think. Can't blame him. We've been married almost four years so everyone's asking him when he's gonna get me pregnant." Maggie huffed. "Really annoying actually." She had to agree with her husband. "I think he's gonna start applying for jobs here in Atlanta, or at least somewhere bigger."
"What about daddy?"
Maggie waved her fork. "Dad will be fine. He's got Shawn and Otis and everybody. You moved away for school; think its high time Glenn and I got out of there too." She took another bite. Besides, it'll be easier for me to edit manuscripts if I'm able to work out of a real office. I'm one of the best there but they don't send me half as much as they should." Maggie shook her head.
"Well I hope Glenn finds a position out here. Shouldn't be too hard; there's elementary schools all over Atlanta."
Maggie nodded her head in agreement. "Just pray for one looking for a fourth grade teacher."
Beth giggled. "Alright I will." She finished her dinner, setting the plate down on the coffee table. "So, what do you have planned for this weekend?"
Maggie's eyes widened as she hurried to finish chewing. She set her plate down, grabbing Beth's hands in her excitement. "So, obviously nothing tonight. I booked us manicures tomorrow at noon, and then I figured we could drive to Woodstock and hit the outlet mall. I know you and I'm figuring you're near to wearing some of your clothes out." She grinned at Beth's sheepish expression. "And we can either eat out there or come back here." Maggie shrugged. "Sunday I thought we could go to the art museum, maybe the history museum if we have time. Come back home for dinner or go out. And then I'll leave Monday morning."
Beth nodded, taking in the packed weekend her sister had planned. It sounded amazing; Beth needed some girl time, and she missed her sister. Going away for school had been a difficult decision to make; Beth Greene had never been separated from family for very long. While agonizing to spend eight years away, she also felt like it'd forced her to grow up a little bit. Not a lot, because she didn't have a job, and her family still helped her out. But she felt matured in ways that only city living could have helped.
"Can I suggest one thing?" Beth asked seriously, giving her sister's hand a gentle squeeze.
"'Course Beth." Maggie tilted her head, curious. Beth was always ready to go along with whatever her big sister had planned.
"I want to go out for dinner Sunday, doesn't have to be anywhere fancy." She took a steadying breath, preparing herself for the questions Maggie was about to throw at her. "I want you to meet a guy I'm seeing."
Her sister squeezed her hands so hard in reflex Beth thought they might fall off. Her eyes widened as she leaned forward on the sofa, her face coming within inches of Beth's.
"What?" Maggie asked, not quite believing she'd heard her little sister correctly. "You're seeing someone?"
Beth nodded her head. "You're hurting my hands." She prodded gently.
"OH." Maggie let go, tucking her hands into her lap. "Tell me." She shrieked.
She took another deep breath, praying for a little courage. "His name's Daryl. We've kind of been going out for two months. He's a mechanic at a garage downtown and he's a couple years older than me. Oh, and he's got an older brother that he takes care of."
"Two months? Beth, you have my phone number! We talk all the time, and you never brought it up?" Her sister was in disbelief. She didn't think her sister was capable of keeping a secret, let alone a secret boyfriend.
"Well I wanted to know he was a sure thing, you know?" Beth explained. "And we just always got caught up talking about other things. Never seemed a right time to bring it up."
"OK, well how much older is he?" Maggie inquired, imagining someone just a couple years older.
"Well he's seven years older than me."
Maggie blanched. Beth's boyfriend was older than she was. "He's thirty-two?"
The younger Greene winced at her sister's accusatory tone. "He doesn't seem that old, really. Sides it's just a number. Daddy's been years older than his wives."
Maggie couldn't argue with her sister's logic. But she wanted to. God did she want to.
"OK, well what about this brother?"
Beth perked up a little bit at the mention of Merle. "I actually haven't met him yet," she started. "But Daryl takes care of him because he was in an accident a few months ago and he's in a wheelchair now. But I've made him pie. Daryl says it's Merle's favorite dessert, so I usually make an apple pie for Daryl to take home when he comes to the apartment to visit." She explained sweetly.
"Daryl comes over?" Her sister latched on.
Beth blushed. "We make dinner together. He wants to learn how to cook for me, because of my diet." She soldiered on, squaring her shoulders. "Sometimes we watch movies; last time he was here I got him to sit down and play scrabble." Her smile and sparkling eyes told Maggie she'd won.
Maggie sat back against the arm of the sofa, speechless. She was quiet in her thoughts; Beth was happy. Happier than she'd seen her sister in a while. She looked tired, but lively. Feisty. Whoever this man was he was working his way in, Maggie could tell. Beth had never had a very confident aura about her; she did now. She sighed. "Just tell me y'all are being careful; I don't want to be an aunt yet."
Beth turned beet red, from her chest to her forehead and started shaking her head and her hands. "No, god Maggie!" She groaned. "We don't…we haven't…Jesus!" She buried her face in her hands, shaking her head back and forth quickly.
Maggie stared at her little sister incredulously for a moment before she broke out laughing. "Are you telling me you haven't had sex with him?"
Beth nodded her head slowly, still hiding. She mumbled something Maggie couldn't hear; a light smack from her sister caused Beth to finally look up. "I want to." She repeated. "Just…he's too nice." She tried to explain. "He fell asleep here once, on accident but he hasn't spent the night since. I think it's 'cause he doesn't like to leave his brother alone." Beth justified. "And I think he isn't really experienced?" Beth squinted her eyes in thought. "I mean, I know he's interested in stuff like that. But he hasn't made any moves. I think we're both too nervous." She crossed her arms over her chest. She didn't like talking about it.
Maggie smiled, shaking her head. "Oh Beth." She gathered up their plates and took them to the kitchen to wash. "You have so much to learn." She called from the kitchen. "You finish your homework, we'll watch a movie before bed. We've got a fun weekend ahead of us."
•
Beth walked out of the salon with a freshly painted set of baby pink nails, and soft hands. The amount of lotion they rubbed in before painting the nails always astounded her; but she appreciated it after. Maggie trailed after her, admiring her French manicure. Classic, simple, beautiful. Just like her sister. She called out for Maggie to hurry up and unlock the car, because they had an almost forty minute drive on the highway to get to the mall.
Maggie rolled her eyes at her little sister but obliged, and started her civic. They spent the ride talking about which stores they wanted to go to, and jamming out to Nirvana. Beth was adamant that she only had a little shopping money, and that she was just looking for some new jeans. The ones she had were developing holes due to age; and not the fashionable kind. Maggie just rolled her eyes at her sister; she liked being able to treat Beth every once in a while.
She'd always been close to her little sister, had been protective of her since she was born. Probably too protective she allowed, thinking. But Maggie made decent salary, and the living expenses she and Glenn shared meant that she had decent savings. Maggie was good with finances, and had been incredibly lucky with the few stock investments she'd made. Of course, Beth didn't know this; there was no reason for her to. All she needed to know was that her big sister liked to do little things for her. It was one of the ways Maggie expressed her love.
They pulled into one of the parking lots at the Outlet Shoppes and headed towards the shops; it was an outdoor collection of buildings and store fronts. The girls walked right up to the directory and plotted out their plan of attack.
"We have to go to Gap," Maggie said, pointing at the brightly colored map. "And maybe Saks. They always have good sales at their outlet stores." Maggie turned her head to glance at Beth.
Her sister nodded, leaning over to read all the store names. "Oh, they've got a Levi's. We can stop there." Her lips crinkled into a smile as she spotted the food list. "We should get coffee first." She said, standing up straight.
She followed the directory and pointed to her right. "Starbucks is right over there, and Gap is next door."
"Sounds perfect." Maggie adjusted the strap of her cross-body and followed Beth in the direction of the café.
The two girls waited patiently in the busy line to order their drinks and a small snack. They were hungry; the girls had only eaten a light breakfast so far. After passing through and heading onto their first store, the sisters were ready to shop for hours. Their father had often lamented, when it came time to buy clothes for the school year, that they could turn it into an Olympic sport. Maggie and Beth had stamina; they never tired of searching through endless racks for that one deal that made everything worth it.
They walked around slowly, taking their time, examining every article of clothing that caught their eye. They would see something they were unsure about it and hold it up for examination; an emphatic nod meant to try it on, a head shake was a no. There was also the shrug, which usually meant it ended up back on the rack as well. After a good combing through, and trying on and showing each other their finds, the Greene sisters each had a small armful of clothing to ring out.
"I'd say that was a pretty successful first stop." Maggie said, inserting her card into their reader.
Beth nodded behind her, still holding her items. "I think so." She looked down at her finds. "I really hope this one shirt fits Daryl; I just guessed his size." She smiled, holding it out once more. It was a plain collared white shirt with a small pocket; she thought it'd suit him.
Maggie stepped aside and waited for her sister to pay. When she had, the two girls put their bags on their wrist and walked out, wondering which way to go. "The right is where Saks is, or the left to Levi's." Maggie explained. "Which one first?"
"Flip a coin?" Beth's tone was indifferent. It didn't matter to her where they went next; she just enjoyed her sister's company.
Maggie giggled and rolled her eyes. "How about we just go the right and then circle around?" She suggested.
Beth agreed and followed as Maggie led the way. The two sister's repeated the process at Saks, spending even more time in the much larger store. Maggie found more than Beth did there, carrying a large armful of items to the register. Beth had found just one cardigan she was willing to spend money on. Before she could protest, her sister had plucked it from her and added it to her pile.
"Maggie-!"
"It's one sweater Beth; don't you start with me."
Beth crossed her arms and settled her weight on one hip, shooting her sister a withering look. Maggie could be insufferable sometimes, but it was usually in the nicest way. She couldn't argue with her.
"Well thank you." She said begrudgingly, taking Maggie's large shopping bag.
Her sister's resounding laugh was light and musical. It had always brought a smile to Beth's lips, no matter what else was going on. Glenn had married her for that laugh; among other things.
They hurried around the corner and down to their last planned excursion for the day. Beth handed Maggie her bag upon entering, so she'd have both hands free to shop. The store was small, probably as big as Beth's apartment in Atlanta. Minus the bedrooms. She worked her way through the selection meticulously, weighing the price versus the quality, looking at the different styles. She knew she liked a skinnier fit, and had recently become a big fan of high-waist jeans.
After careful consideration, and twenty minutes in the dressing room, Beth bought three pairs of jeans and a pair of overalls that had caught her attention. She already had several sweaters and long sleeve shirts that she thought would look cute with them.
"Alright, anywhere else Maggie?" Beth asked, leaving the store.
Her sister pulled out her phone. "Well, it's a little after four. We can eat here if you're hungry now, or we can be home near five and make dinner. Maybe put on some movies, have a nice cozy night in?"
Beth nodded, her arms heavy with her day's shopping. "Getting in the car sounds nice." She agreed.
"You just want to put those bags down don't you?" Her sister guessed, taking a few steps forward.
"So much." Beth agreed earnestly, sagging a little with the weight. Her sister's laughter trailed after as Beth hurried to keep up, the promise of wine, pajamas, and home cooked food so sweet sounding. "Wait up!" She called after her sister. Maggie ignored her, her long brown hair blowing behind her as she quickened her pace. Beth bore down and raced her to the car, determined to get there first, even if she didn't have the keys. It was a matter of pride at this point. She ran fast, her legs burning, bags hitting her sides, and couldn't slow herself down enough to keep from smacking into the car. She could hear Maggie laughing at her as she came up behind, but all Beth could think was worth it.
•
Beth stood around early Sunday evening, nervously wringing her hands. She'd texted Daryl last night at dinner, asking him how he'd feel about meeting her sister tonight. He hadn't responded right away; in fact, he hadn't responded until near 1 am. But he'd said yes and that was what mattered. He was meeting Beth and Maggie downtown at a barbeque joint at seven. Maggie was driving her sister.
She paced up and down the hall, waiting for Maggie to finish in the bathroom; they needed to leave soon. She was more nervous than she thought she'd be; the anxiety licked at her stomach, curling itself into a ball there so tight she thought she'd break. There was no way her body would be able to handle that much stress being put upon it. But, so far, she was holding.
She rapped her knuckles against the wood door several times. "Maggie?" Beth turned her wrist to glance at her watch. "We're gonna be late, you know how traffic is."
Maggie opened the door, startling Beth, forcing her to take a step back. "Maybe that's the point Beth. Allow me to judge what a man looks like when he sees my sister enter a room."
Beth flustered, starting and stopping several sentences before they could form, her hand still curled and up by her face. She honestly hadn't thought her sister was trying to be late.
Maggie leaned her hip against the doorframe, her arms crossed. "We're just going to wait a few more minutes. I know you're nervous. I promise I won't bite him."
Beth swallowed, her throat unnaturally dry. "How'd you know?" She asked, bringing her hand down to rest at her side.
"I was nervous, bringing Glenn to meet all of you." Maggie smiled sympathetically. "I threw up before dinner." She informed her sister. "Came out to see you and Glenn chatting and laughing, daddy watching with kind eyes. Felt better after that." She sighed, taking a good glance at Beth. "I'll be nice, because you were; didn't judge Glenn when I brought him home. It's what sisters do for each other."
She leaned forward and put her arms around a silent Beth. She held her, squeezing, comforting, running her hands through her sister's soft hair. It was still a little wet from her shower earlier. "He got your attention Beth; I'll give him mine." She kissed the top of her sister's head and stepped back, moving around her to grab a light jacket and her purse.
Beth stood there a moment, taking in deep, calming breaths. Her sister's words had helped, but she was still tense. She couldn't help it. The ball had loosened, but it was still there. Only Daryl and Maggie meeting would make it go away. Or she'd get really, really sick. Beth wasn't sure. She released a long, slow breath through her nostrils and turned to grab her small backpack purse.
The drive there was long and slow; they got bogged down in traffic. Beth sent Daryl a text letting him know they'd be a little late because of it.
Just be safe. Other drivers are assholes.
She smiled and tucked her phone away. After they were parked and out of the car, Beth felt her nervousness clawing its way up her throat. She turned to face Maggie. For the first time since she'd started seeing Daryl, she was worried. "How do I look?" She asked.
Maggie cocked a brow. "Bit late to change sweetie." She patted Beth's shoulder. "I don't think your man is the kind to nitpick over fashion."
Beth breathed out shakily. "No you're right…I guess I just had the afterthought that maybe this was a bit juvenile." She brushed a strand of hair out of her eyes. "But adults are wearing overalls again right?" She double-checked.
"Darling, you're gonna be fine."
Beth nodded, and opened the door to the restaurant. She looked around for him, her eyes landing on his familiar figure in the last booth on the left side. She sauntered over to him, pleased when he looked up and smiled. It crinkled the corners of his eyes, and they sparkled. His eyes were the color of a blue sky after rain. They never failed to make her stomach turn. He stood and took a couple steps from the booth to greet her, his hand coming to rest on her arm, his lips brushing her cheek.
"You look beautiful." His deep timbre echoed in her ear.
Beth stared tenderly up at his blue, blue eyes and whispered "thank you," before looking down shyly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. He mirrored her, rough finger pads softly brushing around her ear, gliding his fingers down her cheek, curling his hand under her chin. "There you are." He whispered huskily.
Her body thrummed with pleasure, heat flaming her cheeks. His eyes left hers, saw the tall brunette watching them with an amused expression. "Introduce me?" He asked Beth.
"Oh." Beth remembered Maggie; of course Maggie, how could she have forgotten so quickly? She shook off the electric reverberations she felt whenever she and Daryl were together, and stepped aside. Holding her hand up in a presenting gesture, she introduced them. "Maggie, this is Daryl Dixon. Daryl, this is my sister Maggie Rhee."
Daryl and Maggie cordially shook hands; she noted his strong grip, which softened as he reminded himself to be gentle. Could see the flash of apology in his eyes when it happened. She smiled, her own eyes telling him it was alright. She could see the tense outline of his shoulders; he was just as nervous about this as Beth was.
Daryl politely waited until they were both seated before he sat back down. Beth had scooted into his side of the booth, to the amusement of her sister. After he was seated, he looked at the older woman, noting the similarities, the differences. They had the same nose. And he could see the same fire behind the eyes. Presumably they got that from their father then.
He cleared his throat, folding his hands on the table awkwardly. "If I can ask, Rhee?" He made the name the question itself.
Maggie pulled up her left hand, flashing her wedding ring. "I've been married for four years. His name's Glenn; his family is Korean." She explained.
"Congratulations." He told her. She could see him mentally shooting himself for the comment.
"Thank you." She took a napkin and unfolded it in her lap. "We're actually celebrating our anniversary in a few weeks."
Beth gasped. "Oh Maggie I won't be able to make it to the family dinner." She cocked her head apologetically, her expression upset. "I've got a test that week that I really need to study for."
Maggie shrugged. She had gotten used to Beth missing things; they all had. "It's alright. But I expect you to be at everything when you graduate. Surely a resident can take a few days off?" She knew that wasn't true, but she was trying to lighten the mood of her heart. Acting unhurt meant it eventually became true.
Beth smiled. "Sure." Maybe. She found Daryl's hand under the table, pulled it into her lap. She liked having his reassuring grip; and his hand was warm.
Their waiter arrived a moment later and introduced himself as Garrett; he handed them a few menus and took their drink orders; a water and Georgia peach tea for Maggie. Beth ordered an Angel's Envy on the rocks, and Daryl ordered Woodford reserve, straight. They all took a few minutes to glance over their menus, Beth and Daryl talking in hushed voices about what they were thinking of sharing.
Once Maggie had decided on her own dinner, she interrupted. "So Beth tells me you're a mechanic."
Daryl closed their menu, giving Maggie his undivided attention. He knew how important she was to Beth. He had to make a good impression here or he was doomed, no matter how much he cared for her.
"I am." He tapped his fingers on the table, distracting his nervous thoughts. "I work at a garage downtown. We do routine work mostly, oil changes, brakes, things like that. Occasionally I'll get something a little more complicated, break up the monotony."
Maggie nodded her head, listening intently. "How long you been doing that?"
Daryl clicked his tongue. "Six months." He could feel Beth's reassuring grip on his hand, pressed back to let her know he was OK.
The older sister's brow rose. "What did you do before that?" She asked seriously.
"Well I was unemployed for a month and a half, dealing with my brother." He cleared his throat. "Beth tell you about him?" He asked.
"Little bit; know he got hurt."
Daryl laughed, glancing at Beth. "That's an understatement. He's in a wheelchair. And there was a lot that needed sorting before he got out of the hospital."
"And before that?" She prodded. She could read the reluctance in him, wondered where it came from.
"I was a teacher before that." He drummed his fingers against the table, erratic where before it had been smooth. "I don't talk about it though." He told her; his tone was a gentle warning. He wouldn't bend for her.
She nodded; she didn't understand, but she could respect it. For now at least. Their drinks arrived, stopping her bombardment of questions. Daryl took a slow sip of his, while Beth drank half in one gulp. Maggie took a couple slow sips of her beverage, watching the two of them. She had to admit to herself that they looked good together. She never would have picked them out of a crowd as a couple. She hadn't imagined someone like him for Beth. But her sister had calmed down as soon as she'd seen Daryl sitting here; no one had ever been able to do that for her. She got the impression that Daryl wasn't usually this nervous when it came to meeting just anyone. He'd worked himself up over meeting her because Beth mattered. As long as that held true, he was good in Maggie's book.
She took another sip of her drink before the waiter came back to take their order. Satisfied with watching them, the way their heads brushed together while they figured out dinner, reminded her of Glenn. The innocent way they'd started, the way he'd made her feel in the beginning. She wanted that kind of happiness for her sister. No, Daryl wasn't the kind of man she'd imagined for Beth. But he was the man Beth was choosing for herself, and she trusted her little sister's judgment.
Maggie mentally prepared some other questions to ask, small ones. She had decided against grilling him; she knew Beth enough to know that she knew what she needed. Maggie smiled; she'd only shut up for a minute but they'd already forgotten she was here. He brought Beth's hand to his lips, grazing her knuckles gently with his mouth. The way her little sister turned pink had Maggie herself hoping her cheeks weren't hot. She averted her gaze imagining it was going to be a long night, being the third wheel. Beth hadn't planned it that way of course; she'd probably intended to keep her sister engaged. And Daryl seemed enough of a gentleman to feel bad at the end of dinner, when he realized. They were utterly and completely absorbed in one another, and it made Maggie chuckle.
Just wait till she brings him home to daddy. She thought I was worth being worked up over. Maggie shook her head, confident it'd get to that point. She wouldn't be surprised to see Daryl at Christmas dinner.
