Page 36 of The Deal Maker

DUKE

I'm definitely surprised to find that Maggie is a good listener. I thought she'd be all worried about the time and getting back to her business, but she didn't rush us as we got through the iconic picture at the studio.

Josie picked the painting, the one where the farmer and his wife are staring out into the world with a pitchfork in hand. I'm not even sure why she would have a pitchfork because we’re miles away from any kind of farm. Just like my parents naming their business The Bridal Barn.

Once we leave the store, the dog is back. I don’t know why but Champ seems to be a fitting name. I should take him and make sure he has all of his shots. That he’s neutered too.

Maggie’s definitely uncomfortable every time we see the dog. I’m grateful she was there today. It was nice to let off some steam to someone who hasn’t had a relationship with my mom since we were toddlers, like my friend group. She listened and tried to help.

Maybe it’s the mind warp my mother did to me, but I try to remember if I had a crush on Maggie when she would come for the summers. It might’ve been a small one, or maybe it was just jealousy that they would play games that looked fun to me but I could only watch from the backyard. Not stalking, of course.

She’s beautiful and fun, when she lets loose a bit. Would she reject me if I asked her on a date?

“How’s everything going with Hope’s wedding?” I ask. That could be a good way to see how she feels about dating in general.

“Good, I guess. She’s been gone late most nights this week, meeting with the wedding planner.”

“You don’t have to plan anything?”

She shakes her head. “Which makes it seem surreal to me. Like it’s not happening. Hope and I used to talk about our weddings and what it would be like once we got engaged. That we would work on all the plans as the maid of honor and bride. I kind of feel like I’ve been pushed to the side.”

“Have you talked to her about it?”

Maggie sighs and shakes her head. “She’s going through a lot right now, healthwise. I don’t want to put more pressure on her than what she’s already feeling.”

We walk a few steps and then I stop, turning to look at her. “I don’t think you have to take over the wedding, but you could mention how you want to contribute in some way. Whether it’s planning the bachelorette party or helping her pick flowers.”

She nods a few times and then a smile spreads across her face, causing her to light up. I’m not sure I’ve seen that from her before, but it feels different because I made it happen. Okay, I’m giving myself too much credit right now, but I could stare at her smile for hours. Days even.

I have to shake off these thoughts. My mom's comments sabotaged me and I have to keep firm in my ability to steer clear of Maggie. She needs someone who can be stalwart, not someone who is a jack of all trades but a master of none.

“We should work on the next task,” Maggie says.

Our second task is to do an act of service. We debate on what counts as service and where to go to accomplish it.

"It feels wrong to post this," I say fifteen minutes later, looking at the photo of the two of us carrying a woman's groceries to her car from the store.

"It was part of the task." Maggie's got her eyebrows cinched together like she can't figure out why I'm not understanding this.

"Service isn't something you shout to the world. It's something to keep to yourself."

Maggie sighs and says, "Okay, well let's post this one and then we can do another secret act of service if you're dying to."

I shake my head. “You don’t have to if you need to head out. I just think that service is moving in the shadows, doing good but not getting credit for it.”

Instead of her irritated expression, she smiles and says, “I’m not going to turn down service.”

"We can head down the road and see if the neighbors need any help. I heard they were struggling to load and unload their goods into their shop."

I'd known Troy and Betsy since I was a young kid. They'd been working in a gaming store for the past ten years or so, carrying every card box and game that people could enjoy. But with the years their health began to decline.

I wave for Maggie to join me and we make our way around to the back of our businesses to where a truck is waiting. Troy is out there trying to lift a box, but it isn't going well.

"Let me help you with that, Troy," I say, taking the box from him and putting it onto the dolly. There are several more boxes on the truck and I know he's not going to be able to do it without help.

"Thanks for your help, Duke. My arthritis is acting up today and I can't really get anything with my hands."

"No worries. Maggie and I can help." I point to Maggie, who waves at Troy.

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