Part 114 (2/2)

”It sounds as though you're off to a good start. Come in

sometime this afternoon, and Abigail will get you set up with

everything you'll need.”

Just as Maggie was winding down for the day, Jed

stopped by her office. She tried to conceal her pleasure as she

closed the door behind him. Inviting him to sit, she admired

his squared shoulders and straight posture. He wore a soft

suede vest, and she tried to remember if it was the same one

he'd had on the first time she'd seen him last spring. She

studied his even features as she sat back down behind her

desk. Perhaps after her last email message he had decided to

end their little ”break.” Then she noticed that his expression

seemed different today. Something seemed to be troubling

him. Whatever it was, she felt ready to face it. She smiled

hopefully and leaned across her desk in antic.i.p.ation.

180Melody Carlson

”How are you doing?” she asked finally.

”I'm okay, I guess.” He pressed his lips together as if con-

sidering how to begin his next sentence. ”How are you

doing?” The way he spoke the words seemed to imply he

was inquiring about more than just her health and well-

being, but she wasn't sure how best to answer.

”Oh, I don't know...” She looked to him for some sort

of clue. ”Did you get my email last night?” She smiled again.

He shook his head. ”No, I haven't even turned on my

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