Page 74 of Panther's Magpie
He is quiet for a moment. “Why did they have children in the first place?”
I let out a humorless laugh. “Child. They have one. They had me out of obligation. Because when you’re married, it’s expected that you will have kids, not because they actually wanted me. Hell, my mom shows her pet more love than she ever showed me. Did you know that she takes Fluffy everywhere they go? She claims it’s her emotional support dog, but that dog might as well be a purse to her,” I say softly.
“I fucking hate your parents.”
“You and me both. Anyway, that’s my sob story and why I like having a home filled with things. I can’t stand living in a museum. My point is, feel this feeling, but then embrace it and do what you have to so you never have to feel it again.”
He shakes his head. “I’ve never thought about it like that. Don’t get me wrong, my home is my sanctuary. I love knowing that no one can take this place from me. That I’ll never have to move unless I want to, but I never really thought about filling it with anything.”
“Yeah, you’re definitely a minimalist where I’m a maximalist,” I tease.
He smirks. “I can’t wait to see what your place looks like in California.”
“It’s pretty much bursting at the seams.” I smile, thinking about my place.
“My place must have been killing you.”
“You have no idea.”
“Don’t think I didn’t notice the girly shit you added while I was gone.” He gives me a small smile.
“I hope it’s okay,” I whisper.
“It’s fine. I don’t mind, and it looks good. Do whatever you want.”
“You really shouldn’t say that to me. Next thing you know, this place will be filled to the brim,” I say, making us both laugh.
I like this. Being with him and being able to talk about anything.
It feels right.
He feels like home.
PANTHER
We fall silent and look out over the yard.
“Did you see that shooting star?” she asks after a few moments.
I look over at her and see a beautiful smile on her face. She looks so fucking happy.
“I must have missed it. Did you make a wish?”
She ducks her head, and I curse myself for not turning on the porch light. If I would have, I could see if she was blushing right now or not.
For once in my life, I want to know each and every little thing about a woman. I want to learn her likes and dislikes. What makes her tick. What makes her happy and sad.
I want to learn it all.
“I did,” she says softly.
I know it shouldn’t, but Maggie telling me about her childhood and how she grew up makes me feel better. It’s nice to know that even people who appear perfect aren’t. We grew up so different, yet we’re alike.
Only we were never supposed to happen. She knows it, and I know it. We have too much shit happening, and the odds are stacked against us. Yet, I want her.
“Do you think if we were in another world, we would be together? That we would have had a chance?” I ask randomly.
Maggie blows out a breath as she thinks about it.
