“You what?”
Maggie launched into a recap of her afternoon in the attic. After a period of joint speculation about the vintage silver collection, they returned to Maggie’s more pressing concern and concluded that John’s attitude had completely cooled to her immediately thereafter.
“How odd,” Susan commented. “Makes no sense. But if you’re absolutely sure that it’s over, then you might as well sign up with an online dating service and meet someone that way.”
Maggie snorted. “That’s ridiculous. No way would I do that. That’s your thing, not mine.”
“So it’s good enough for me, but not you. Apparently you don’t really believe all that encouraging stuff you tell me about meeting someone online? Seems a wee bit hypocritical, doesn’t it?”
She’s nailed it, Maggie realized. She drew a deep breath and was about to mount her defense when Susan continued.
“Mom. I think you might be scared. We all are. But online dating can be a lot of fun. I’ll help you with your profile, and we’ll be able to talk about the men you find out there. Just like we do for me. It’ll be fun to do this together.”
“Honey, I’m not so sure I even want to date anyone.”
“You’re not making a lifetime commitment here,” Susan teased. “Just give it a whirl. If you don’t like it, you can quit. As you’re always telling me, you can’t hit a home run if you won’t get up to bat!”
Maggie laughed. “You win. I surrender.”
She could hear Susan get up off the couch.
“Perfect. I’m getting my laptop and going online. You do the same. We’ll get you going right now. No time like the present.”
Knowing when she had been defeated, Maggie retrieved her computer and they began.
***
Across town, John Allen disposed of the Styrofoam containers that held his dinner and searched for something interesting to watch on TV. He replayed running into Maggie in his mind—and her recent text message—for the hundredth time. He still cared for her. Had he been too hasty in calling it off? He didn’t think so. He kept falling for the wrong kind of woman—he didn’t want a workaholic who put her career ahead of him. And he definitely didn’t want to have coffee with Maggie so she could tell him that she’d gotten together with Frank Haynes. If they had become an item, he’d have to get used to that. But he didn’t have to listen politely while his heart was torn in two.
He had to admit he was lonely. He’d never dreamed it would be this difficult to find the right person to spend the rest of his life with. Of course, he hadn’t exactly been trying very hard of late since he never went out anywhere to meet anyone. At this rate if “the one” didn’t walk through the doors of Westbury Animal Hospital—as Maggie had done those months ago—he wasn’t going to meet her.
Where did a person go to meet someone these days anyway? Over the years he’d tried bars and church and the dog park, but had never met a soul he was remotely interested in dating. John turned his attention back to the TV and resumed channel surfing. He suddenly switched it off and tossed the remote aside. You’re sitting here feeling sorry for yourself and acting like the couch potato you never wanted to be, he thought. This is ridiculous.
He propelled himself from his semi-prone position and grabbed his laptop. He’d register with an online dating service and get back in the game. There were sites for people with specific interests; he’d overheard his receptionist talking about one for dog lovers. He’d check it out. If he didn’t find anyone, he could always quit. And who knows, something just might happen for him. That kind of thing occurred all the time.
***
Frank Haynes hit “save” and closed out of the spreadsheet he had been working on in Excel. His numbers looked good; he was a very wealthy man. But what good did it do him, really, if he didn’t have anyone to share it with? Would he be one of those people who died and left a fortune to their dog?
He sighed and turned back to his computer. It couldn’t hurt to check out an online matchmaking service. Surely they’d changed in the years since he’d been on one. What did he have to lose?
***
In response to her daughter’s constant reminders, Maggie checked her account on DogLovers.com daily. Susan called each night and together they analyzed all possible matches. After a week even Susan had to admit that there was no one suitable for Maggie. Until the following Sunday afternoon. When she found a profile that caught her attention:
Dogs—and other animals—have been a major part of my happy, satisfying life. I’m in my late fifties, healthy, and independent. I’m still working in a job I love and have no plans to retire. I’m an avid sports fan, enjoy fine dining, and I’d like to travel. I’m looking for a serious relationship to share the large and small joys of life. DogLover7718
Sounds interesting, Maggie thought. And normal. It’d be nice to see what he looked like, but the site didn’t allow photos, advising that you couldn’t judge a book by its cover. She supposed they were right.
Then Maggie found a second profile that caught her eye:
Successful business owner looking for an intelligent woman to spend time with. I enjoy European cars and the occasional movie. I’m an animal lover and have a soft spot for strays. My career is demanding and I’m looking for an independent woman with her own interests. DogLover7719
He’s not as intriguing as DogLover7718, but he fits the profile of what I’m looking for in a man. She reached for her cell phone to solicit Susan’s advice. That’s interesting, she mused as she waited for Susan to pick up. I’m DogLover7717.
“Honey,” she said, “call me when you can. I think two of the matches look interesting. Now I need to know what to do next!”
***
John scrolled through the profiles on DogLovers.com. Maybe this whole idea had been a mistake. How in the world was he going to weed through all of these people? Four profiles were interesting, but he kept returning to DogLover7717. Something about her intrigued him:
Lifelong dog lover finally has her perfect canine companion. Forging a new life with my dog at my side. I’m a homebody—I like to cook and garden. Avid reader when I have time. I’ve travelled widely and plan to do more in my free time. Honesty, integrity, and open communication are the cornerstones of a relationship. I’m looking for a long-term commitment that will fulfill and nurture us both.
Sounded right on the mark to him. He’d contact her. He typed his message, deleted it, retyped, reread it, and finally hit send. There—he’d done it. Made a start. Satisfied with himself, he shut his laptop and whistled to his Golden Retriever. He suddenly felt like checking out the dog park.
***
Maggie busied herself in her garden all Sunday afternoon. It felt good to be doing something physical where she could instantly see the results of her efforts. She was almost finished when Susan returned her call.
“Can I call you back in a few? I want to finish up outside before it gets dark.”
“No way, Mom. You’re procrastinating. And I want you to get messages to these guys. It’ll only take a nanosecond. I’m on my way out the door, so we can’t talk long.”
Maggie sighed. She could use a short break anyway. She opened her laptop and logged on to the website. Susan was prattling away in her ear, dictating possible messages. Maggie interrupted.
“Wait a minute—I’ve got two messages.”
“Good going, Mom. Let’s check ’em out.”
“They’re from DogLovers 7718 and 7719! How about that!”
“Ohhhh. Interesting. So … what do they say?”
“7718 has proposed a double date. The two of us and our dogs at the dog park. Next Sunday afternoon. Says he works on Saturdays. That’s weird—who works on Saturdays?”
“I work most Saturdays, Mom. Don’t start finding reasons not to like him. I do that, and you call me on it every time. So here’s a dose of your own medicine.”
Maggie laughed. “You’re right. This is good. Now I don’t have to figure out
how to make the first move. So what do you think? Do I say yes?”
“Of course you say yes! You and Eve get to go for a walk, and if you don’t like him, you can get away fast. It’s not like you’ll be trapped in a restaurant making small talk while you wait for your food. This will be easy. Brilliant, actually. Maybe I should get a dog and join this site.”
“How’s this sound? Great plan. We’d be delighted to join you. I’ll meet you by the south entrance at 2 p.m. If the weather is wet, we’ll wait under the bandstand. If you can’t make it—Do I give him my cell phone number?” Maggie asked.
“No way. Too soon. If he can’t make it, tell him to send you a message through DogLovers. You’ll just need to check the site before you head out. If he’s a no show, you and Eve can simply enjoy a walk.
“Sounds good. I’ve added that to my reply.”
“Press send. And you’ve done it! I’m proud of you, Mom. What about the other guy?”
“Okay,” Maggie replied. “He says, ‘We have some common interests. Would you like to meet for coffee?’ That sounds a bit formal and drab, doesn’t it?”
“Everybody doesn’t bounce off the page with enthusiasm. He might be nice. It’s just a cup of coffee. Like you always tell me, you have time for that.”
“I suppose you’re right.”
“I’m right. Email him to set up a meeting, okay? You should suggest the time and place.”
“Why don’t I wait until I see how it goes with DogLover7718 first?”
“It doesn’t work like that, Mom. Answer him. You’re not going steady with 7718; you haven’t even met him yet.”
“All right. Will do.”
“Good. I’ve really got to go now. We’ll talk later about what you’re going to wear when you meet these guys.”
Maggie set the phone on her desk and leaned back in her chair. Good lord, she had really done it. When she signed up for the online dating service, she didn’t think she’d actually go out with anyone. Now what had she gotten herself into? She glanced out the window; dusk was fast approaching. She heaved herself from her chair and headed back into the yard to finish her gardening.
Chapter 25
Gloria took a seat on the bench to the right of the large double doors leading into the town council chamber. It was shortly before noon, and the doors were locked. The zoning hearing was at one o’clock, and no one else had arrived yet. Glenn paced, nervously shuffling his note cards and practicing his speech. He was making the presentation to the town council on the proposed zoning variance that would allow Fairview Terraces to operate moneymaking ventures on their campus.
“Why don’t you sit down and relax?” Gloria encouraged. “You know what you’re going to say. You’re prepared.”
Glenn sighed, “I know. But it’s been a long time since I’ve done anything like this. I don’t want to mess up.”
“You won’t,” Gloria reassured. “You’re going to knock their socks off. I read all of it with a critical eye. If anything were unclear or missing, I’d have told you. Besides, Councilman Haynes will be there, and he’s going to vote for us and persuade the others. He told you so.”
Glenn sat and reached for her hand. “We’re first on the agenda,” he said, gesturing to the notice posted on the door. “At least I can get this over with soon.”
Gloria sighed and toyed with the idea of suggesting that they step across the street to get a bite to eat—they had plenty of time—but decided against it. She may not have known Glenn Vaughn long, but she knew him well. And she was sure that he needed to stay right where he was, perfectly prepared and ready to go, an hour early.
***
Two and a half hours later, Glenn, Gloria, and a handful of other residents from Fairview Terraces exited the town council chamber in high spirits. A neighboring apartment complex had opposed their variance, but with the addition of parking restrictions and other concessions, the town council approved their request by a narrow margin. Councilman Haynes had been as good as his word and had pushed the matter through.
“I think we need to celebrate,” Glenn said to the group. “Why don’t we head over to Pete’s? Gloria and I got here so early, we didn’t even eat lunch. Anyone else care to join us?”
The group made its way to the lobby and Glenn pushed the button to summon an elevator. When the doors opened, Mayor Martin stepped out.
“Why, hello,” she said, smiling at Glenn and Gloria. “Did you just come from the zoning hearing?” Without waiting for an answer, she added, “By the look on your faces, I think you’ve had good news?”
“Yes,” Glenn replied. “It passed. Just barely. Councilman Haynes was a big help.”
“Glenn made a brilliant presentation,” Gloria inserted proudly. “You should have seen him.”
Maggie couldn’t suppress a smile. “I’m sure he did. He was brilliant at the meetings at Fairview. Councilman Haynes told me that it would be tough going, but he thought you’d get a good result.”
“Now that we’re cleared to operate moneymaking ventures, we need to get them up and running,” Glenn continued.
“There’s time to think about all that later,” Gloria interrupted. “Right now, we’re headed to Pete’s to celebrate. Would you like to join us, Mayor Martin?”
“I wish I could. I’m running late for a meeting.”
“When you see Councilman Haynes, would you please thank him from all of us at Fairview Terraces?” Glenn asked.
“You can thank him yourself; here he comes, now,” she said, gesturing over Glenn’s shoulder. “Well done, all of you,” she said to the group as Glenn broke free and intercepted Haynes.
“Councilman,” Glenn said, extending his hand. “Thank you so much for jumping in to answer questions. I thought I had come prepared, but I got in over my head pretty fast. This wouldn’t have happened without your support.”
“I was only doing my job,” Haynes answered with uncharacteristic modesty. “Glad I could be of assistance. You’re well on your way to digging yourselves out of this hole. I always like to help people who’re trying to help themselves.”
Glenn hesitated and looked questioningly at Haynes.
“Is there something else I can do for you?” Haynes asked.
“As a matter of fact, yes. I’m a mentor in the juvenile court system and was wondering if the boy I’m working with could be given a job at your animal shelter—Forever Friends?”
“We’re almost entirely run by volunteers. I’m sorry, but we have very few paid staff positions.”
“I’m not talking about a paid position. This boy needs something to do with his time; needs the responsibility of someone relying on him.”
“Doesn’t the juvenile court have programs? We aren’t set up for anything like that.”
“His case worker has approved my idea; I just need to find someplace for him to intern. You know him, I believe. David Wheeler?”
Frank Haynes’ head snapped back.
“Yes, I know David.”
He stared at something over Glenn’s shoulder. Glenn waited until Haynes slowly turned his attention back to the elderly man. “Yes. I’ll make a spot for David at Forever Friends. We’ll find something for him to do.”
“Thank you, Councilman. You’ll be glad you did. It’s the best thing for this kid right now. And if I may suggest, let him work with the animals. They’ll bring out the kind feelings that he’s trying so hard to suppress.”
Haynes clapped Glenn on the arm. “Bring him by the shelter on Saturday morning at eight o’clock. I’ll be there and we’ll set him up. He paused and pointed to the crowd gathered by the elevators. “For now it looks like you’ve got an entourage waiting for you. See you Saturday morning.”
Chapter 26
Maggie returned to her office shortly before six o’clock that afternoon. She had plenty of work to do, but she couldn’t muster the energy to dive into it. Running into that sweet couple from Fairview Terraces earlier in the afternoon got her thinking. They were so ca
ring and so genuinely attuned to each other. Maggie wanted that kind of relationship in her life. Had she ever had that with Paul? She didn’t think so.
Paul had always put himself first. Anytime he supported her, there was something in it for him. The promotions in her career meant he got to rub shoulders with a new group of influential people. As she grew more successful and independent, Paul became more controlling. The romance had long ago expired by the time he died.
And the Scottsdale family. That younger woman and her two kids. Had Paul really expected he could keep that a secret forever? Maybe. He had certainly covered up his embezzlement from the college for years. You can’t have the kind of love you saw between that elderly couple when you’re married to someone as dishonest and self-absorbed as Paul Martin, she thought.
Maggie spun in her chair and snatched her purse from her drawer. Since she had been elected mayor in the prior year’s election, she had been too busy and preoccupied to rehash the betrayal of her faithless marriage. When she did consider her relationship with Paul, her stomach churned and acid rose in the back of her throat. Time hadn’t dulled the hurt and resentment that engulfed her each time she revisited her past life.
One thing was for sure, she told herself as she pulled on her coat; she wanted something different for her future. She wanted a happy relationship. She was capable of one and she deserved one. Just like that couple. But she had to stop being a workaholic, allowing her career to distract her from the loneliness of her personal life. Starting now. It was time to head home and figure out what to wear to a dog-park blind date.
Chapter 27
Sunday was crisp and sunny; a perfect day to spend outside. Maggie tried to slip out unnoticed after church but stopped when Sam Torres, her first friend in Westbury and faithful handyman, called her name.
“Hold on there, Ms. Mayor,” he called. “Joan and I haven’t talked to you in ages.”
“I know, I’m sorry,” Maggie replied with a rueful shrug. “This mayor business is much more demanding than I ever thought.”
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