Chapter Four: Awkward Dates

Looking at the table of food, I am doing everything that I can to not throw up as I eat.

Things are getting uncomfortable. I am wondering if there is something I am missing about this.

"Have you spoken to your family lately, Maggs?"

I glimpse over at Jenna, wishing that she never mentioned them. "I was at the house before work this morning. Nobody was home though."

She nods in understanding and leaves it alone.

"Do you see your family often?" Keiran asks.

Keith shoots Keiran a look, warning him not to ask. Not that Keiran seems to understand.

"Not really, they are busy with their lives and I am busy with mine."

"Your family should be thankful you are their family. You are an amazing woman, Miss Magnolia."

The tone in Keiran's voice seems almost creepy.

"There is a lot from the past. I can understand a lot of the reasons behind their opinion about me. It's fine, Keiran. Tell me about your family." I smile, or at least I try to.

"My ma and step-da are both gone. There was a fatal car accident near the Mexican border. My half-sister passed about a year later—childbirth accident. My nephew, Dalton, lived with me until a house fire destroyed my house one day while I was at work and he was with a babysitter. I am the last of the Mavericks and it is truly tragic."

Jenna and I gasp; Keith seems to know this and doesn't seem to be affected by it.

"I am sorry that I asked about your family, Keiran. It must be hard for you. My story is not as terrible as yours. It sucks, but I am blessed for my life now."

Keiran looks at me like he is deep in thought.

"My step-da was really the only father I have ever known. He adopted me when I was about two had my last name changed to match his and Ma's. I really don't know much about my father. Sometime I will tell you what I know… when we are alone." Keiran smiles.

I am in shock. That is such a tragic story and I am not sure if I could smile at the end of all that.

"I am sure that sometime we will have time to talk…" I try to not sound unnerved but I don't think it is working.

I think I hear him saying something, but I am not sure what it is. This is making me feel uneasy.

Looking at Jenna, I am grateful when she suggests we eat.

Which brings much-needed quiet to the small, overfilled table of food. Food I want to enjoy, but am doubtful that I will.

My knots have knots.

We have our drinks refilled and box our leftovers.

Normally, when Jenna and I come here, we get special drinks and dessert; however, today I just want to go.

We pay the bill, and we all make our way to the parking lot. If it hadn't been that Keiran already saw my car, it would concern me he was walking me to my car.

My car is nearly one and a million. (Okay. Not really, but it really sticks out like a sore thumb.)

"Keith was right about you, Miss Maggie. Today is the beginning of something amazing. Don't you agree?" Keiran walks in front of me to block my way to the car.

"It was an interesting night. I hope that you have a good evening." I try to walk around Keiran and he stays in place.

He takes my left hand and places a kiss on it. My ring finger, to be exact, and it makes me cringe.

"Good night, my darlin'. We will meet again real soon."

This really upsets me. I give him a slight nod, and he moves to let me enter my car. Which I do quickly and waste no time leaving.

I can't go home yet. I can't risk him following me. Since I am pretty sure that he is.

Each turn I make, a nondescript car with government plates is following me.

I make my way to a playground and park the car. The car in question parks nearby.

I pull out my phone to dial Keith's number.

"Whatcha doing? Miss me already?" Keith jokes.

"Does Keiran have access to a government-plated car?"

"Why?" Keith asks in concern.

"I am at Optimist Park and one of those cars has been following me since I left the restaurant."

Keith swears. "On my way. DON'T MOVE! Keep the doors locked! I am going to call Captain Berkley, NOW!"

I make sure that the doors are locked and then look around. I don't see anyone in the car that had been following me, but that does not mean they aren't somewhere nearby.

I hear sirens and pray they will get here soon.

Keith's car comes speeding into the parking lot and parks next to mine. He runs over to check on me. Once satisfied that I was okay, he takes his weapon out of his holster and goes to the car in question.

A few minutes later, a woman comes out of the car.

Keith seems to relax when he sees her.

He talks to her for a minute before heading back towards me. Turning my car off, I get out and wait for him, happy he is smiling.

"Sorry, Maggie. The woman that was following you was actually at a neighboring restaurant and walks the park every night at this time. A friend of hers is meeting her, and she was waiting for them. Would you like to meet Mackenzie?" Keith asks.

I nod and let out a breath that I was holding. We make our way to the car.

"Thank you for your patience, Mac. This is Jenna's best friend, Maggie Stephenson. Mags, this is Mackenzie Nicholson." I shake Mackenzie's hand and try to smile.

"I am so sorry to bother you. It rattled me when I noticed you following me. It didn't feel right."

Mackenzie gives me a sweet smile. "No need to apologize. We parked almost next to each other, so I can understand why it troubled you. I saw Maverick walking you to your car. He's a proper gentleman." Mackenzie says with a knowing grin.

"He seems like it. I just met him tonight honestly."

She nods and we make small talk until I leave to go home, to the little house that I am renting from Dixie that used to belong to her grandmother.

The small single-story white cottage, which has the most beautiful wrap-around porch, boasts three bedrooms, a den, and one and a half baths. Painted in calming colors that remind me of nature.

Taking my shoes off, I put them away on the wooden shoe rack.

Going into the full bathroom, I start a bubble bath. Grabbing my favorite bubble bath, rose lavender, and put it in the claw tub. I grab my sage green towels and washcloth and put them where I can reach. Putting my hair up in a messy bun, I turn the water off and get into the tub after undressing.

After the day I had, I just need to relax.

With the distinct possibility of leaving the only place I have ever called home, it occurs to me I need to get the ball rolling on my new name.

My new identity.

I send up a prayer to whoever will listen that I am making the right choices. For everything to benefit me.

That I will make Mamaw proud.

~VOF~

AN:

Friday is funday! Thank you all for reading and commenting on my story!

Thank you Midnite Serenade for giving me this idea and all your work in making sure I am getting it right!

Thank you Izzy Nava for your reading and help!

And Monica, how could my words be beautiful without you! Thank you for helping me make this story make sense!

Any questions or comments, please message me! Have a great weekend!

-Brier