Page 42 of Take My Name
Wakingup with a smile on my face and sore muscles is the last thing I expect, but I don’t let myself get into my head about it. Zip lining was fun, even if it wreaked havoc on my body, which is used to sitting all day. But revisiting a restaurant we used to love was a different kind of fun—familiar and comforting. The live band was entertaining, and Warren and I managed to hold a conversation without any arguing—so I’d call that a win.
“You look lovely, dear.” Mom grins when I come down for breakfast.
Sundays are church days, rain or shine, and since I’m home, I’m expected to tag along.
“Thanks, Mama. So do you.”
She beams, and I wonder if my father remembers to compliment her after three decades of marriage.
“Hi, Daddy.” I go to the front of the table and kiss his cheek.
“Mornin’, sweetheart. You got in late.”
I drag my sweaty palms down my dress and hope he can’thear my heart thumping. The blood rushes to my ears as I contemplate what to say.
Pulling out my chair, I sit and fan my napkin out on my lap. “I met up with an old friend in Jonesborough for dinner. We got to talkin’ and stayed to watch the band.”
My gaze shifts to my mother, who’s trying not to act obvious at knowing who I’m talking about. It must be enough to appease my father because he quickly drops it and starts talking to the housekeeper to get him another plate of pancakes.
Mom blurts that he doesn’t need more carbs, but Dad ignores her and stuffs them down his throat anyway.
Meanwhile, I recap everything in my mind that happened yesterday and wonder how I’m going to survive the next six days with Warren. Things started rocky in the beginning, but it transitioned into one of the most fun evenings I’ve had in a while.
It reminded me I need to do better at taking breaks and not working myself to death.
Especially since I’m not even thirty and am waking up with sore muscles from being active for less than an hour.
While Dad drives us to church, I text Hayes since we didn’t talk much last night. By the time I got home, I was exhausted.
Maisie
Morning, honey. How’d writing go last night?
Hayes
Still going.
My eyes widen. It’s almost nine in the morning.
Maisie
You’ve been up for twenty-four hours. Go to sleep.
Hayes
I’m finishing up this chapter and then I will.
Maisie
Okay good. Call me when you’re up.
Hayes
I’ll text so I can stay focused.
My stomach drops, but this is how he gets during his deadlines and I can’t take it personally.
Maisie
