Page 25 of A First Sight

I was reaching a crisis point. I’d been hurtling toward it for a while now. Leave him. Stay. Move out. Leave New York City. Stay with Carson or London. Come home to California.

As I closed myself in a stall and leaned against the wall, I forced slow, deep breaths. Choices and options flew through my mind, one racing after the other. They overwhelmed me, made my chest tighten, and threatened to consume me. There were too many possibilities. Too many consequences. Too many unknowns.

The only thing I knew for sure was if I was on that plane tomorrow morning, Dale would be waiting on the other end of that flight.

TWENTY-TWO

MAGGIE

I only managedto sleep last night because the allergy medicine had made me drowsy. However, sleep did nothing for how my stomach was knotting. As soon as I swallowed anything more than water, I’d probably throw up.

I had texted Dale and reminded him of when the flight was due to land. I hoped if our first meeting were somewhere public, it would keep him calm.

And if he wasn’t there to pick me up, I could catch a ride with one of my siblings.

“Do you have rehearsals or shows this week?” Carson asked as the pre-landing announcement came over the loudspeaker.

“Rehearsals,” I said. “Two weeks of rehearsals with some changes Irene made.”

“She makes changes?” Carson asked, surprised. “To classics?”

“A lot of classics get some tweaks,” London offered from her seat across the aisle from me. “There’s a new off-off-Broadway version ofLittle Womenthat’s making waves for a few changes the director wants to make.”

“Changes toLittle Women? Let me guess, Jo ends up with Laurie.” I smiled, grateful for something else to focus on than Dale.

I could do this. One step at a time. That’s how I’d get through this.

While we waited for permission to deplane, I turned on my phone, but Dale hadn’t messaged me. I could see he had read my text.

“Is Dale here yet?” Carson asked as I shoved my phone into my pocket.

“I don’t know.” I smiled but didn’t look my brother in the eye. “He doesn’t always remember to text.”

“Maggie.” The concern in Carson’s voice warned me of what was coming. “Are you okay? I mean, are things between you and Dale alright?”

“I’m good.” I focused on a tiny piece of tissue that had gotten caught in my purse’s zipper. “We’re good.”

He put his hand on my arm, and I looked up, bracing myself.

“You know you can come to me, right? With anything. For anything.”

I patted his hand. “I know. But I’m fine.”

Carson still looked troubled but said nothing. I wasn’t sure if I convinced him or he didn’t want London to overhear his concerns. Whatever the reason, he didn’t broach the subject again, and for that, I was grateful.

Deep down, I knew I shouldn't have stayed quiet, but it was too late. After having said nothing for so long, pretending everything was great, I couldn’t involve my family. Not now. I had to do this on my own.

I pushed the thoughts to the back of my mind and grabbed the handle of my carry-on, preparing myself for what was to come.

Exciting the plane, it took a lot of maneuvering to make it through the crowd to get our luggage. JFK was packed with people coming home from romantic Valentine’s Day getaways. Fortunately for London and me, we could follow behind Carson. He wasn’t the biggest of our brothers, but he wasn’t small either, and he had no problem shouldering his way between people who were blocking the way.

“London and I are going to split a cab,” Carson said as we finally headed for the exit. “You’re welcome to join us.”

As we stepped out into the blustery New York evening, I spotted the car. “Dale’s here.” I pointed. “But thanks.”

I gave them each a quick hug, grateful for the scarf I donned as it hid most of my face.

Dale got out of the car when I approached and took my suitcase, to my surprise. While he put it in the trunk, I got into the passenger’s seat. My heart was pounding so hard I wondered if I might give myself a heart attack.

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