Page 112 of Red King
“Relationship.”
“Nope, not calling it that.”
I laugh. “Youarein a relationship, Maggie. I think it’s great.”
She starts breathing in and out and too fast. She clutches her chest, looking like she might faint.
“You’re going to hyperventilate, Maggie. Okay, fine. You guys are just hooking up.”
She instantly relaxes. “Yes, I like that more. Let’s call it that.” Her breathing slows and normalizes. “Don’t say something like that again.”
I giggle. “Noted.” I shake my head.
“Back to you and Arctic and the fairytale I thought would happen.”
“We’re too different. I like simple, and Arctic is a king. He needs children, and I can’t have them. I guess that’s the bottom line.”
Maggie sniffs. “I guess so. There will be someone out there for you.” She takes my hand and squeezes. “I hope you know that.”
“I do.” I’m not so sure I’ll ever find my person. My mind instantly goes to Arctic; I shut down the thought completely.
“So, you’re going to stay with your other BFF? I’m jealous, by the way.”
I giggle. “Yep. Thankfully, Rebecca and her fiancé have agreed to take me in for a few weeks while I find my feet.”
“You said you rented out your apartment?”
“I did indeed. I don’t plan on staying in Cedar Pines, so it’s all good. I still want to stick to my plan and travel. I’ll go to Europe. I’m sure they need nurses on that side of the world.”
“At least you don’t have to worry too much about money since you’re getting paid out for your contract.”
I nod, feeling bad about that. In fact, the money is already in my bank, and I haven’t left the island yet.
“Stop that!” Maggie looks at me sternly. “Do not do that. I can see that you feel guilty about it. You have nothing to feel bad about.”
“I was sleeping with my boss. I resigned. I wasn’t let go. I don’t deserve the money.”
“Bullshit. The rules on this island are stupid. You’re two consenting adults who weren’t hurting anyone with your actions. That stupid cow gets to keep her job, even though she was snooping around and hoping to catch Arctic with his pants down so that she could try to play with his trouser snake. She got off easy.”
“Forget about Cathy,” I say.
“I can’t forget about her. She’s a total bitch. The good news is that I firmly believe she will get what’s coming to her in the long run. People like that always do.”
“The only reason she’s acting like this is because she’s just jealous and maybe a little bit sad, and I can’t say I blame her. She really thought that Arctic had a thing for her. There is a small part of me that feels bad for her. It’s a small part, though.”
“You’re too darned nice. She’s a bi—”
There is a big commotion on the other side of the small terminal. Steel is hugging a woman. He has her completely off her feet and is swinging her around. They kiss and then kiss again before he puts her down. She’s really pretty. They make such a great couple. He pulls her into another bear hug.
There’s laughter and crying and so much happiness it hurts to watch them together. It’s clear to see that they’re in love.
There is a lady in a wheelchair. She’s beaming up at Steel and his girlfriend. Steel leans in and shakes her hand. Then, he goes down on his haunches and introduces himself to a young boy of about seven or eight. The kid looks a little shy but shakes Steel’s hand. He smiles at something Steel says.
A pilot walks in behind them. He sees me with my bags at my feet and walks over. “Miss Paisley Reed?”
I nod. “Yes.”
“I’m First Officer Stevens. We’re refueling and plan on taking off in the next twenty minutes. Can I help you with your bags?”
