Page 6 of The Roommate Subtext

Maggie didn’t want to think about her parents having been co-conspirators in financial crimes. “James told me not to worry, and he’d get in touch with his people to see what our next steps were. I feel like Chauvel is probably five steps ahead of him.”

Phoebe wrinkled her nose. “I don’t like Chauvel wrapped up in your finances.”

“You think I do?” Maggie leaned back in her chair, trying to frame it for Phoebe the way she’d been trying to frame it for herself. “But the way I see it, if I write the article, I can keep our finances as stable as possible.”

Phoebe stared into her empty champagne glass, then refilled it from the bottle they’d split. “And what if it turns out there really is fraud? What if they seize your assets for good?”

“Then I’ll figure it out.” Maggie was trying not to worry, and she hated that Phoebe wanted to go there. “It would only be the inheritance, anyway. I still can work.”

“And Cora?”

“Cora doesn’t need to worry about anything. I’ve always been able to take care of her. That doesn’t have to change.” With any luck, Cora wouldn’t even need to know about the investigation.

Phoebe made a contemplative noise, indicating she didn’t necessarily agree, but she also didn’t want to push the conversation.

Maggie pulled the dessert menu over from the edge of the table. “You want to split some cheesecake?”

“Sure.” Phoebe waved her hand in a “get on with it” motion. “So. The article. You’re going to expose the supposed Scarlet Pimpernel. How are you going to research him? Are you going to go undercover, like a sting operation?”

Maggie laughed. “There’s the Mafia podcast again. I’m not a detective. I’ll see what I can find on my own, and then I’ll … I don’t know, I guess I’d play with him online or something?” She hadn’t really considered the logistics. “I haven’t even signed the contract yet. I need Wiggins to look it over.” At Phoebe’s blank look, she added, “The family attorney.”

Phoebe didn’t look thrilled. “Well, don’t get yourself in trouble. Whatever he’s promising you, it’s not worth putting yourself in danger, no matter what the financial repercussions.”

The server returned, and Maggie ordered a slice of cheesecake to split and refilled her own glass of champagne.

“Have you seen Laura and Izzy lately?” Maggie asked. “Are they mad at me for disappearing?”

“Laura hasn’t noticed, because she’s in her last semester and she won’t come up for air until Hanukkah. I don’t think Izzy’s upset. She hasn’t said anything.” Phoebe locked eyes with Maggie. “You wanna talk about it?”

“It’s not personal.” Maggie twisted her napkin. “I get so wrapped up in what I’m doing, I forget to text back, and when I remember, I feel bad I haven’t texted back yet, then I really don’t want to text back.”

Phoebe nodded slowly. “I get it. But you know we care about you. And you need company. Food, water, sunlight, companionship. We’re just complicated houseplants.”

Thinking of houseplants made Maggie think of Blake, which made her smile. “I’ll try not to disappear again. Now, tell me about how things are going with the album.”

Phoebe brightened, the mention of her original music recording making her light up all over. The waiter brought dessert, and Maggie settled into listening mode as Phoebe began recounting her latest songwriting highs and lows. Phoebe was an incredible musician, able to play nearly anything and sing better than half the stage performers Maggie had seen, and she was excited to see her friend finally putting together an original album after years of backup work.

“And now, what about you?” Phoebe asked when she reached a stopping point in her story, pivoting so quickly that Maggie was unprepared.

“The same,” Maggie said. “Back-to-back articles, plus some freelance novel editing when I can squeeze it in.”

“And your social life?”

Maggie gestured to the two of them. “You’re looking at it.”

“No new dates lately?”

Maggie paused with the forkful of cheesecake halfway to her mouth. “No.” She ate the cheesecake.

“That’s it? Just no?” Phoebe frowned. “No elaboration?”

Maggie shook her head. “It’s just no. I told you, I’m focusing on my career right now.” It was a fib, but a useful one.

Phoebe pursed her lips in a dubious expression. “You’re focusing on your career.”

“That’s right.” It was easier to lie to Phoebe when Maggie looked at the cheesecake instead, so she did, the slice dwindling.

“Hmm.”