Chapter 28 – Maggie and Nina
With Aziraphale's small miracle making 'Every Day' #1, Maggie was able to sell all her singles. She convinced Nina to take the week after Christmas off, and they spent New Year's Eve in southern France, drinking Sangria (virgin for Maggie) and dancing to Gypsy music.
Maggie and Nina returned from Spain and decided to move in together. They found a little flat with a garden, a bicycle ride away. While it was being refurbished, they were living together in Nina's flat. Muriel moved into Maggie's flat above the record shop, needing more room for her cup collection. And Wi-Fi, which Aziraphale would not allow in the bookshop.
After the next Whickber SMA meeting (and Salsa Dance night), they stayed late at the bookshop, drinking Margaritas (virgin for Maggie) and catching up. While they remembered everything that happened the night of the Ball, they somehow knew not to pry into the business of the other realms. But they were curious to see what was going on with the 'pair of them", as they referred to Aziraphale and Crowley.
"She says I have to leave my Flamenco shoes in the record shop." Maggie pointed to Nina with her drink.
"Quickest way to an eviction in an upper level flat!" Nina defended herself. "Just till we get our own house, luv".
"Are the two of you planning to cohabitate?" Maggie asked the pair of them, trying to think of an appropriate housewarming gift, and deciding a fire extinguisher would be appreciated.
"Not as such. My flat is also my office. We must keep separate business locations for obvious reasons." Crowley felt safe confiding in these women who had battled a demonic 'legion' and convinced a former demon to share his feelings.
"We will spend more time there, but to outsiders, it will look as if nothing has changed. Except we'll be gone more, traveling together. You have inspired us." Aziraphale refilled everyone's glass.
"Where is Muriel?"
"She and Raph are visiting the Device-Puscifers, for a night of questions and answers." Crowley laughed. "Muriel read some of her questions to me. Newton will be embarrassed into silence by the 4th question."
Aziraphale countered, "Well, we weren't going to have the answers, were we?" Everyone laughed because they all had been subjected to Muriel's uncomfortably personal questions. He turned to Maggie, "So what is next for you?"
Maggie glanced at Nina and smiled, "We're going to take ballroom dance lessons and thought you might be interested. We're closing our shops early on Tuesdays to attend."
"I would indeed!" Aziraphale tapped his toes on the floor.
Crowley looked like he'd swallowed a bug, "Not even on hot coals".
The angel smirked, "I'll teach you after my lessons. I may take Muriel and Raph. They need culture and perspective."
"They need a nanny." Crowley grumbled good-naturedly.
Aziraphale raised an eyebrow- "are you volunteering?"
Crowley shook his head, "I'd just muck it up." He turned to the women, "Ladies, we need your help getting these neophytes adjusted to life on Earth".
"Without crushing their individuality", Aziraphale added.
Maggie nodded, "Raph is taking to Earth like a duck to water. Maybe he has been human before?" (She wasn't afraid to ask, not expecting an answer.) "I think Muriel is doing fine, but I do monitor her social media posts. I've done my best to erase anything that may endanger you, but the Tik-Tok challenges have been …challenging. And anytime she arranges a meeting, we make sure it is at the coffee shop – Nina's a regular police dog when it comes to sniffing out creeps and running them off."
"Says the woman who told off a 'legion" of demons" Crowley remarked, and they all laughed.
Nina observed, "We'll keep an eye out – she's basically a 12-year-old without the hormones; a child who thinks she's an adult". Luckily, she's too sweet to hit the rebellious stage, unless someone suggests it. Neither of you have been a pre-pubescent girl."
Crowley raised an eyebrow, "Just the rebellious stage."
Aziraphale finished, "Thank you, because Crowley and I will be gone for a few months".
"Business or pleasure?" Maggie asked.
"Mostly pleasure, sightseeing and a delivery to some friends. We will be gone for a few months, but I will arrange a way for you to contact us in event of an emergency. We've never been on holiday before."
Nina pictured the pair of them out of their London element. Images of Aziraphale asking for directions and Crowley dealing with customs brought a smile to her face. "Where are you going? How will you travel?"
"To the continent, for a few stops and visits. Then 'beyond'." Crowley said, not wanting to expose his friends to too much information.
"We'll be going by train for the continent. 'Beyond' by more traditional means. But we'll be sure to get you some chocolate while we're in Switzerland." Aziraphale twinkled.
"Ooh, chocolate!" Maggie exclaimed, but then yawned.
"That's our cue," Nina said. "Time to go, luv."
"As you wish, dear." Maggie set down her glass and picked up her jacket. Turning to the pair of angels, "Make sure you see us before you go. Good night." And the two women left the bookshop.
"Are you sure we can trust them?" Aziraphale asked Crowley.
"Absolutely." Crowley said with a rare amount of confidence. "They see us as individuals before they see us as angels. That's their gift. Besides, no one would believe them."
Aziraphale nodded in agreement while they cleared up from the meeting.