Page 109 of The Banned Books Club

He seemed surprised that she’d stop him. “Max. Max Schwartz. I’m an eye doctor here in LA.”

“Well, Max, my name is Margaret Lane, and you can have my email address,” she said. “Since we’re strangers, I don’t feel safe giving you anything else. Not yet. But...I’m new in the area and could use a friend, too.”

A smile spread across his face, and for the first time, she thought he was kind of attractive. He had thick dark hair, long eyelashes, brown eyes and amazing teeth. And he wasn’t as old as she’d first thought, she realized.

He pulled out his phone and had her type in her email address. “I hope it’s okay if I write you tonight,” he said and started to laugh.

Margot laughed, too. “That would be fine.”

“Have a good day,Margaret.”

“Thank you!”

Dazed, she stared after him as he left. She hadn’t really considered what her future love life could be like. She’d thought only of escape—the chance to find peace while raising her children. Meeting someone else could add a whole new dimension. Although she wasn’t ready to move forward on that front quite yet, this guy didn’t seem to be in any hurry.

She glanced down at her phone and a new text from Gia.

What’s happening? Are you okay?

Drawing a deep breath, she typed a response. I was terrified for a minute. But it was a false alarm. Everything’s fine.

Who was it?

Just a guy who finds me attractive, I guess.

Be careful. Just because he’s not connected to Sheldon doesn’t mean he’s safe.

She smiled as she remembered how deferential he’d been. Max seemed like the total opposite of Sheldon. And the depth of feeling he’d had for his wife, the sorrow that was still in his face after losing her, told her he knew how to love.

She’d learned that not everyone did.

He’s nothing to worry about. I’m actually glad I met him.

So you’re safe? Do you have enough money? Do you need anything?

I’m happier than I’ve been in ages. I just wish I’d listened to you and never married Sheldon in the first place. How’re Mom and Dad?

Hanging in there. I’m taking good care of them.

I knew you would come through. I doubt I’ve told you this before, but I admire your strength.

I’m going to make sure you and the boys can come home and see Mom again before... Well, soon!

Could that really be possible? Margot didn’t see how. But she smiled as she put some cooking utensils into her cart. If anyone could do it, it would be Gia.

Gia’s phone chimed and she read Sheldon’s text message twice.

Going to the same bar tonight. Thought I’d be courteous and save you the trouble of having to follow me.

He was telling her where he’d be—as if he wanted her to come join him? He was up to something. She could feel it. And she wasn’t going to be stupid enough to fall for it.

“What is it?” Cormac asked. He’d come over for dinner as soon as he’d gotten off work—she’d made lettuce wraps—and they were playing a game of liar’s dice with her parents.

“That’s not Margot, is it?” Ida added in a hopeful voice.

The dice clacked as Gia poured them back into her cup. “No, it’s the bozo she married.”

The blood drained from her mother’s face. “Why is Sheldon texting you? I already told Peggy there’s no way I’ll ever put him in contact with Margot, not after what he’s done to us since she left—shooting up our property and spray-painting profanity! He should have to pay for the damage.”

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