Page 12 of The Summer I Stayed
“Station?” Maggie asks, still petting Maverick.
“Yeah, Tom’s a full-time firefighter, and I’m a volunteer.”
“Wow, that’s impressive. What made you want to volunteer?” she asks with a curious look.
I consider brushing her question off, shrugging and retreating, but there’s something that makes me want to answer. “Just part of being a small town, I guess. We look out for each other.”
She nods. “I like that.” She spins on her heels and walks back to the door, firing up the sander again. This time, she moves it in slow, steady motions over the surface, with the grain instead of against it.
Despite her obvious city-girl looks, there’s a strength in her that I’m beginning to see. Maybe she isn’t a delicate flower after all.
Chapter Eight
Maggie
A notification pings on my phone as a text from my girls’ group chat lights up the screen.
Lila
Mags! Just saw your post. You’re making me wish I could DIY stuff.
Caroline
What DIY? All I saw was the rugged man in the background. Someone forgot to mention the hot handyman!
Alison
OMG, Mom! Is that Jake?
Me
Yes, that’s Jake.
Caroline
*fire emoji*
Alison
AND?!?!
Me
And what?
Alison
AND what do you think of him? Is he cute??
Me
Alison! You can’t just ask someone if they think a man is cute!
Alison
I just did *tongue sticking out emoji*
Caroline
