Page 80 of The Re-Proposal

I approach her. “Maggie, are you expecting someone?”

“No.” She clears her throat. “No, I’m just checking if it’s going to rain.”

“In that case, why don’t I go with you? I have an umbrella.”

Her face falls. She trembles. “Oh no. I can’t do that to you. It’s too dangerous.”

“Is rain dangerous?” I smile warmly, trying to mask my concern. I can sense that something’s wrong. She’s been off all day. There’s no way I’m letting her walk home alone. “Come on. Let me just say bye to Ms. Phoebe and Laura.”

I duck into the offices and explain to Ms. Phoebe where we’re going. Right now, all I have is a strong hunch that Maggie is in trouble, so I choose not to share any details.

“See you guys tomorrow.” I wave to them.

“Good work today,” Ms. Phoebe beams at me. “You’re doing great, Clarissa.”

I smile and return to Maggie. “Let’s go.”

We step outside and Maggie’s breath hitches. She’s trying hard not to look scared in front of me, but the fear seeps through her pores.

“Maggie,” I ask carefully, “when was the last time you heard from your ex?”

“Not recently,” she mumbles.

“I see.” I tighten my grip on the umbrella. “Have you been dating anyone else?”

Her eyes widen as if the thought makes her sick. “I haven’t been with anyone else since I got out of the shelter. I’d rather be alone for the rest of my life.”

We turn a corner.

“Maggie,” a male voice says.

We both freeze.

I notice a tall, brawny man with hair that desperately needs a cut, blood-shot eyes, and stained clothes.

“Maggie, can we talk?” The man reaches out.

Maggie clamps her mouth shut and shakes her head.

“Maggie, please.”

“She said she doesn’t want to talk,” I snap, stepping in front of the frightened girl.

“Who the hell are you?”

“I’m not someone you want to mess with, you jerk,” I hiss. “Now get out of here before I call the cops.”

“Maggie, are you going to let her talk to me like that?”

Maggie looks to the side, still as a pillar. Silent tears roll down her face.

I reach for my phone but, before I can call anyone, the man shoves me aside like a rag doll. I fling into a dumpster, my jaw snapping against the lid before I bounce off and slam against the ground. My head hits the base of a streetlamp.

Stars explode behind my eyes.

Maggie screams. “Clarissa!”

The boyfriend lunges at her.

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