Chapter 9
“Here you go, honey,” Maggie said as she handed Diane a steaming mug of coffee. “Get that down you.”
“Thanks.” Diane took a sip and flinched as it burned her lips. “Shit! I shouldn’t have done that.”
Maggie arched an eyebrow.
“Since when have you started cursing like a sailor? That’s not the first time you’ve done that.”
“Let’s just say things are different,” Diane mumbled, feeling her face getting warm and it wasn’t from the steam of her drink. “I hope your parents didn’t hear me.”
“Dad won’t hear anything in his study, especially once he gets going. And Mom has the radio on while she’s tidying up the kitchen. We’re safe for now.” Maggie sat on the bed and crossed her legs. “They are concerned, though. They have never seen you like this, and I don’t think I can keep it from them forever.”
“You’re my friend, Maggie.”
“I know, and I’ll keep a secret for as long as you need me to. But you know how gossip is in Cascade. If something’s wrong, everyone is going to be concerned, and you’ll be watched a lot more.”
Diane was aware of that. And she wasn’t looking forward to it. She was aware that being in a state when she was normally composed would raise eyebrows, but she hadn’t been thinking about that. The day had been tougher than she expected.
“We can just say that I’ve had a bad day.” Diane cupped her mug close to her, letting the steam tickle her cheeks. “Time of the month, and it’s worse than normal.”
“You think that’s going to work?”
“Blaming my moods on periods works when it comes to guys. They start backing away once we mention normal bodily function. Even Father, and he was the one who educated me on periods when I started having them.”
Maggie giggled.
“I can’t imagine that going well back then.”
“He was very stony-faced about it, made a quick but simple explanation about it, shoved the products into my hands, and disappeared,” Diane couldn’t help but laugh, “it was actually quite funny, even with my discomfort over what was happening.”
“Sounds better than my dad. He goes pale and leaves the room once he hears Mom and I discussing periods,” Maggie peered at her, “but is it really? Or is something else going on?”
Diane knew she could confide in Maggie. Her friend wouldn’t divulge to anyone. And the chances of her hearing about Brent would be quite high.
“I’m in a mess, Maggie.”
“How so?”
“I…I’ve fallen in love.” Why was that so hard to say? Diane felt a lump lodge in her chest. “And it’s screwing me up.”
Maggie looked momentarily confused. Then a knowing expression passed across her face.
“This is about Gregory Benjamin, isn’t it?”
“What?” Diane started. “How did…?”
“Come on, I know you. I did see you out with him a while back. You were having a date at Growlers in Donnelly, weren’t you?”
“I was, but…,” Diane frowned, “why didn’t you say anything? I’m surprised you kept that to yourself.”
“I saw you kiss him, and I guessed what was going on. Besides,” Maggie glanced towards the door and lowered her voice. “I was on a date myself with someone who isn’t of the same faith. While I trust you, I wasn’t about to explain myself.”
Diane’s mouth fell open.
“You’re actually dating someone? Since when?”
“Since just before Labor Day.”
“Seriously? And you never told me?”
“You would have been making a stink about it. He isn’t religious, and you were very firmly following the rules.” Maggie tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I didn’t want it getting back to my family.”
“You didn’t trust me to keep that a secret?”
“Back then? No.”
Diane was hurt. She thought Maggie would tell her everything.
“That’s not fair, Maggie. I would have kept it quiet.”
“Really? You would have kept it quiet even though I’m in a relationship with someone my family and the community wouldn’t accept for me?” Maggie shook her head. “No, you wouldn’t, and you know it.”
Diane hated that Maggie had a point. She wouldn’t have been able to keep a secret like that, especially when she adored Maggie’s parents and didn’t want them to be shocked when it came out. Sighing, she put her coffee mug on the floor.
“Okay, fine. I might have said something back then. I won’t now.”
“Because you’re in the same boat as me.”
“I guess!” Diane rubbed her hands over her face. “I feel like a mess. Father wants me to marry Brent, and Brent himself is treating me like an accessory already. Then Gregory asks me to marry him…”
“Wait, what?” Now it was Maggie’s turn to have her mouth drop open. “Gregory Benjamin just asked you to marry him? And you turned him down, didn’t you?”
“Of course, I did. Father would never accept him. Just like I won’t accept Brent as my husband.”
“So, you’re at an impasse,” Maggie sighed and shuffled closer to wrap her arms around her friend, “oh, Diane, you’re such an idiot.”
“I know. I should have kept away from Gregory, not given in to temptation. But I couldn’t stop myself.” Diane leaned her head on Maggie’s shoulder. “I think I’m having a crisis.”
“With what?”
“Everything. It’s all such a mess, and I don’t know what that means.”
“It means you want something, and you’re scared about it because it’s outside the norm of everything you’re used to. That’s normal.” Maggie rocked her gently. “You just need to take a deep breath and calm. Maybe a few days away from everyone will make you feel better.”
“A few days away?”
“We’re due some vacation, aren’t we? You and I can get a cabin further up the lake and take time to ourselves.” Maggie smiled. “You can unwind and get away from everything.”
Diane didn’t think she would be able to get away from anything. Her mind would still be racing. But running away, for now, did sound tempting.