Maxine looked at him, a little puzzled.
Urban gave her a relaxed smile and said, “Don’t overthink it. I just want to come see you off, that’s all.”
They’d come to see each other as friends by now, so Maxine’s expression softened. “Next Wednesday, November third.”
Getting there early would help her settle in, and honestly, she was desperate for the calm that a new environment might bring
Departure day arrived sooner than expected. Maxine woke in her hotel bed, rubbing her temples against the dull ache in her head.
The case she’d handed off to a junior colleague had hit a snag, and they’d been working late into the night. Now, her only chance to rest was likely on the plane.
Her phone buzzed. “Maxine? You up?” Cleo’s voice came through the line.
Still groggy, Maxine murmured a raspy “Mm–hmm,” eyes barely open.
Cleo sighed, already guessing how little sleep she’d had. “Seriously, what’s wrong with Urban? You’re leaving the country and he’s still squeezing cut your last drop of usefulness.”
Maxine replied, “Just helping a junior with a loose end.”
“Fine,” Cleo relented with a huff. “Just get yourself to the airport. I’ll take Jessica there separately.”
“Thanks, Cleo. Really. I’ll treat you when I’m settled. Come visit when you can,” Maxine said.
Cleo rolled her eyes. “Ugh, stop being so polite. Just hurry up and pack, will you?”
From the other end of the line, Maxine let out a weary hum before hanging up. She turned to Jessica, who was munching on breakfast. “Finish up soon,
sweetheart. I’ll take you to meet Maxine at the airport.”
By the time Maxine left the hotel, it was already late–she hadn’t even had time for breakfast. She jumped into a cab, rushing toward the airport.
Fortunately, the morning rush had passed, and the roads were clearer than she’d feared. She breathed a quiet sigh of relief.
The driver glanced at her through the mirror, watching her stifle a yawn. “Rough night, miss? Go ahead and rest. I’ll wake you when we’re close.”
She nodded gratefully, leaned her head against the window–and was asleep within moments.
A blaring horn jolted her awake. Her eyes flew open just in time to see a massive blue truck hurtling toward her side of the cab. In that final flash of consciousness, all she could think about was Jessica–already at the airport with Cleo.
Jessica had already lost her mother. And now, Maxine too? Would she ever find someone else who truly loved her again?
Meanwhile, Cleo opened the car door and helped Jessica out. Suddenly, her eyelid twitched violently. She rubbed it with a frown. “What’s up with me today? I’ve had this uneasy feeling, like a storm’s brewing or something…”
Jessica looked up at her seriously and said, “It’s alright. That’s because you’re too sensitive.”
Cleo couldn’t help but laugh, ruffling the little girl’s hair. “Well, aren’t you a clever one. You sad about leaving kindergarten?”
Jessica nodded with quiet honesty. “A little. But I want to be with you. And once we go abroad, I’ll meet new friends too, so… I’ll be okay.”
Cleo’s heart ached. Jessica was such a sweet, sensible child–nothing like Brian, that shameless backstabber who’d betrayed his own mother.
They found a fast food place and sat down to wait. Half an hour passed. Still no sign of Maxine. Cleo couldn’t shake the growing sense of unease.
1/2
Chapter 145
The firm wasn’t far from the airport–barely an hour’s ride
didn’t feel right.
by cab..
And
how,
with boarding time fast approaching,
Maxine
still hadn’t called. Something
