Page 14 of Absinthe Minded

“Stay out as long as you want. And yes, I have your number.” I held the door for her and followed her to the porch.

She hesitated. “Don’t let them talk you into turning the Christmas tree on.”

“Are you kidding? That thing would go up like a Roman Candle. You know it’s February, right?”

“Yes, smartass, I do. But I’ve been busy.” She stared for a beat. “Try not to spoil them too much. You’re visiting. I’m the one who will have to un-spoil them when you go back to your life.”

I’m not going anywhere, sweetheart.“Have fun, Maggie.”

6

Maggie

I burstthrough the doors of the sushi bar and straight into a crowd. I elbowed and excused my way through the sea of people to the hostess stand.

The girl, who looked too young to have a job, let alone wear a top that revealed half her breasts, smiled. “We are on a two hour wait.”

“I’m meeting someone.” I snagged a tissue and blotted the sweat from my forehead. “His name is Justin, Justin Trudeau.”

She covered her mouth to hide her grin.

Surprised someone her age would recognize the name, I leaned closer and lowered my voice. “NotthatJustin Trudeau. He has an unfortunate name.”

Confusion crossed her features, but she shook it off and checked her list. “I’m sorry, but I don’t have him on the list.”

“Maybe it’s under Maggie Guthrie?” I checked the time on my cell. I’d arrived ten minutes late.

“I don’t have you either.” She stared at my eyebrows.

“The original time was seven-thirty. We rescheduled for eight.” My voice went shrill.

She motioned to the crowded dining room. “You’re welcome to take a look.”

The man behind me grumbled under his breath.

“Thank you.” I hurried into the main dining room and spotted Justin near the back.

He turned and smiled, though it didn’t reach his eyes. Evidently, he didn’t like to be kept waiting.

“Sorry I’m late. New sitter.” I bit my lip to keep from apologizing again.

“You’re not sick, are you?” He leaned back as if to put distance between himself and my imaginary germs.

“No, I’m fine.” I motioned for the server, who ignored me.

“I ordered for both of us. The food should be out soon.” Justin gave me a pointed look and wiped his forehead.

“Oh. Um. Did you remember I don’t like raw fish?” I hated it when others ordered my food.

“Trying new things is good for you.” He reached for my hand. “It’s crunch time at work. I’ll be working around the clock. We should get away next weekend. Go to the coast and get some sun?”

I jerked back, almost knocking over the soy sauce in the process. This was our third time out together, definitely not long enough to discuss overnight dates. “I can’t next weekend. Chloe has a dance recital coming up, which means extra practices. Maybe we can do it after tax season?”

Justin stared at me but somehow never met my gaze. “I think it’s great you’re such a good mother to those poor kids.”

I nodded, dreading the speech. Next, he’d say the inevitable “but” followed by a gentle break up.

“They’re lucky to have someone like you caring for them.”

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