Fated Memories Read Free Page A

had heart-wrenching problems of her own. “Oh, I’m so sorry, Mags. Is there anything I can do to help?”
    Maggie thought for a second, then her voice brightened and she talked faster. “As a matter of fact, there is. Tell those ingrates at the hospital to pound sand and come stay with me for a while. To have you here would be a Godsend for me, and then you’d have time to explore your options. It’ll be good for both of us. What do you say?”
    What a tempting idea. Sonia deserved her privacy, and the hospital obviously wanted her to leave, but Maggie needed her. That meant she didn’t have to run back to Mom and Dad and listen to their lectures. There was no downside.
    “Okay, Maggie. I’ll do it. I’ll put in my two weeks’ notice tomorrow. Tell Grandma to hold on till I get there.”

CHAPTER 2
     
     
    “ M aggie, would you mind switching tables with me? If I have to clean up another milkshake those brats at table four spilled again, I’m going to throttle them both.” Sylvie never did have patience with kids.
    “Sure, no problem. Why don’t you go take your break and I’ll finish up here? Then we can switch back.”
    “Thanks, you’re a doll. I owe you one.” Sylvie almost ran to the small break room behind the kitchen at Sammy’s Diner.
    Maggie didn’t want to say anything, but Sylvie already owed her several. At least she only had one customer to be served in her section. He sat alone in the corner booth scrutinizing the menu over and over as if re-reading it might make it change. 
    She came to his table and gave her usual speech, “Hi, I’m Maggie. I’ll be your server. What can I start you with today?”
    His jaw seemed to unhinge and his eyes bulged out of his head as he tore his concentration from the menu. Not the usual response. Maggie thought it a straight-forward question, and couldn’t help shifting on her feet. To make their day go by faster, she and Sylvie sometimes played a game of “Guess the Occupation.” So, while he composed himself, she assessed him for what his might be. His longish-brown hair needed styling, and just a hint of a beard that hadn’t fully come in yet, shadowed his face. The staring brown eyes had little flecks of green and she found his thick, dark lashes quite alluring. She noticed too that a slanting scar interrupted the hair on his left eyebrow and ran right through it. He wore nice jeans and a cotton button-up shirt, except the red plaid pattern and missing tie, ruled out an executive or an accountant. Computer geeks get to dress casually, that might be his thing. Anyway, if he doesn’t close his mouth soon I’ll peg him as a doofus and move on.
    “Do you need a few more minutes to decide?”
    A flicker of light went on in his head as he peered up at her. “Lucy?”
    “Uh… no, Maggie.” She pointed to her name badge. “There’s no one here named Lucy. I’ll be your waitress today. Have you decided what you want to order or should I come back in a few minutes?” He was cute, but a definite doofus.
    “No, no that’s okay. I’ll have the French dip sandwich, fries and iced tea. Or wait, make it an Arnold Palmer. Do you know what that is? Half-lemonade and half iced tea? And please, forgive me for staring. It’s just that… I think I know you.” 
    The apology sounded genuine, and she almost felt bad for him. Not bad enough though. “Oh, I haven’t heard that line before, good one. I’ll be right back with your drink.”
    Maggie left to get the drink and saw Sylvie screwing up her face in that smirk again. “So, what’s this one? From his build I’d say whatever he does involves heavy labor. Is he a garbage collector? Does he smell?”
    “I don’t know he’s kinda dumb. He couldn’t even hit on me with any creativity. It’s a shame though, I think he’s cute.” She glanced back over to his table and found Sylvie was right. Built like a linebacker, he had wide square shoulders and arms that made the sleeves of his shirt strain