Fated Memories Read Free Page B

as he leaned forward examining his fingernails. The view from the side showed no paunch or flab whatsoever. I’ll bet his body-fat-percentage is in the single digits , she mused. So, if not a garbage collector, maybe he played sports? An athlete would certainly be a more interesting explanation for his physique.
    When she returned with his food, he averted his eyes and fidgeted with the napkin dispenser. His obvious discomfort made her uncomfortable, so she redeemed one of Sylvie’s IOU’s, gave his table over to her, and retreated to the break room.
    ***
    With only light traffic today, Maggie zoomed home from the early shift by four, leaving plenty of time to wash off the grease from the diner and grab a quick bite before her run. Keeping in shape had always been a major part of her life and, even once soccer season ended, she’d still run four to five miles a day. It gave her such an exhilarating sense of freedom and release. Maggie changed into her running gear, lacing up her hot pink Saucony’s and, after a few good stretches, ran out the door and revved up her trusty CRV. At this time of day along the Susquehanna riverfront trail, the breeze made breathing the hot muggy summer air tolerable, and she loved watching the people enjoy the park. There were art shows or other festivals during the summer, but she tried not to stop and linger so she could log her miles.
    Once at the park-n-ride Maggie set her fit watch for five miles and programmed the alarm to ding at the halfway point to alert her when to turn around and head back. She popped in her earbuds attached to the phone strapped to her arm and off she went.
    Most times, singing along with the music in her head helped distract her from feeling fatigued or muscle sore. But today she couldn’t help thinking about that guy at the diner who had called her Lucy. People say everyone has a doppelgänger, yet it made her sad to think she might resemble someone’s dead wife or something. Maggie hoped that wasn’t the case. Perhaps Lucy was an old friend or co-worker he liked and missed. Even though he came off as awkward and flustered, she could imagine a whole slew of circumstances that might make seeing him again interesting.
    “Hey, McGrail!  McGrail!”
    With Rihanna in her ear and fantasies on her mind, it took a few moments for her to realize that someone had called her name.
    Marshall Doyle came up fast behind her. He and his Camp Hill Rec team had beat Maggie’s in the finals for the spring season championships this year. Huh, team. The word doesn’t even apply to them. They’re more like a street gang with uniforms and play way too rough . After the game, she remembered, when they went to shake hands, they taunted and jeered them to further crush their spirit.
    “Go away, Doyle, I’m not in the mood to talk.” 
    “That’s okay sweet cheeks, with the view I have from here, I don’t need to hear your voice.”
    “You’re disgusting, go away.” Though she tried to speed up, she was on her fifth mile and, with this heat, no longer had the kick to match his long stride. Before she knew it, he’d darted ahead and ran backwards in front of her blocking her from passing and forcing her to slow her pace.
    “Come on, just because we beat your asses in the finals doesn’t mean we can’t be friends. Did anyone ever tell you how hot you look when you’re red-faced and sweaty?” Doyle leered at her like a starving hyena eyeing his next meal. “Y’know, if you want I can give you a few pointers on how to be a better player. And how to play soccer better too!” Was that his idea of witty banter?
    Maggie gave up and just stopped. She needed a drink of water anyway. Studying him while she recapped her water bottle, she saw why some women might find him attractive. Tall with a lean muscular body, Doyle’s thick, dark hair, though slicked with sweat right now, looked professionally styled. His lips seemed full and soft and his shit-eating grin showed