Chapter Thirteen
Maggie
I wake up to the sun shining through the window. It’s Christmas Eve and for the first time since I lost my grandparents, it doesn't hurt as much. The ache is still there but has softened. I have learned to continue with life and find my reason to live a happy life.
I lie there thinking about when I was with my ex.
Our relationship was more work than love.
How could I have been so naive? I remember running down the hall, sitting on the floor waiting patiently for my gifts.
He grabs the small box underneath the tree smiling ear to ear until I found out the truth behind that engagement ring, until I found out the little scheme my best friend and my fiancé had planned.
I squeeze my eyes shut trying to not let those memories come back but the memory flashes up instantly.
Erica and I have been best friends since middle school.
I met my ex when we went to high school and Erica got jealous I was always with him.
We didnt speak for a while and I was crushed but I had my ex to lean on after the death of my grandparents.
Erica showed up out of the blue and said she was so sorry she ended our friendship and could I ever forgive her and my stupid self did.
One night we went out to a large party a group of our friends have once a year on their farm.
After a few drinks I was wasted. My ex was not ready to go home so I got put in the back of one of his friends trucks on an air mattress to sleep it off while he still partied.
I woke up needing to vomit and rolled off the mattress crawling to the tail gate to puke.
And that's when I hear moaning close by. Then I hear my ex. “Fuck baby, I can’t wait for this to be over with. It gets harder and harder to sleep with Maggie when I want you.”
Then Erica speaks. “Not until you get me what I want.”
“Baby that's just complicated. I have to go through with marrying Maggie, then find a way to take her land and all the money her grandfather has left her,” he responds
“She will never know just keep her happy until you can close the deal.” Erica says.
But today is a new beginning. I sit, pushing the covers off, and swing my legs over the edge of the bed before standing.
It’s time to get ready and do some shopping to make this Christmas Eve one of the best. I skip over to my closet grabbing a pair of snowflake leggings with my cute off the shoulder white sweater.
I made my way to the bathroom doing my morning routine. I pull my hair up in a messy bun, a little mascara, and lip gloss.
I take a look in the mirror, happy with my choice. As I open the door, the strong scent of black coffee travels down the hall. I look around my small cabin occupied with Severin’s men all standing like soldiers but drinking coffee instead of holding a gun.
“Good morning,” I whisper and blush.
They all just grunt but continue standing there. I guess this is how mafia men say good morning. I walk to the coffee pot, Matt hands me my snowman cup.
“Severin has already called to make sure I take you out Christmas shopping today.”
I take a sip of coffee. I move around the big ass men and walk towards the door, opening it as a deep fresh crisp cool winter air slams right into me. I welcome the sting.
I get lost watching how the sun is peeking out, but more snow clouds roll in.
“Sorry to break out your moment, but we need to get going and get back.” He steps beside me. “Severin doesn’t want you out too late.”
I can only shake my head and smile. Of course he doesn’t.
We haven't known each other that long, but I can see these men are scared of him. The way his tone changes with them, and how he barks out orders with them is nothing like how he is with me. His voice is softer, and his stance is more calming.
Matt holds out his hand in a way telling me kindly let’s get going. “Also, he told me that you need to be hungry when he comes back. He is bringing back one of his favorite meals from New York.”
I place my hand over my heart. What a sweet thing to do? So intimate for him, for a man like him.
Matt takes the steps towards the SUV and I place my jacket on the bannister and follow behind. “Wait, I have to get my pocket book.” I turn to head back inside.
“No need, Severin is paying for everything.”
My hand stops on the door knob. “I’m not buying his presents with his own money. Ugh! Men.” I open the door and run to the bedroom to gather my bag.
When I get back outside, Matt is standing with my door open. A hint of a smirk forms on his lips as he shuts the door the door behind me when I get in.
A few seconds later the engine rumbles and the radio blast Chris Brown, All eyes on you.
I glance at Matt with surprise. “Really?”
Matt doesn't even look embarrassed. He just shrugs his shoulders and continues to drive.
“Hey, can we stop by Sawyers’ Winery first?” I ask.
“It’s twelve o'clock.” He gazes at me with his eyebrows cocked.
I give him a chestnut smile. “It’s five o’clock somewhere.”
He lets out this deep husky laugh, shaking his head. “Women and their wine. Sawyers’ Winery it is.”
We both laugh and start singing. It feels good to feel happy for a change and carefree.
Sawyers’ is hopping when we pulled up. They have a band outside near the fire while everyone is drinking and dancing. Matt looks at me with wide eyes in shock.
I burst out giggling. “Welcome to the mountains. We party anytime.”
He shakes his head again, opens and shuts my door before walking over to me. I’m impressed by how mannered these mafia men are. Hell, my ex would just open a door and shut it on me without blinking.
When we get to the fire, Paul, the owner, walks over and wraps me in a hug.
“Where have you been, Maggie? We sure have missed your pretty face around here.” He smiles.
“I know. I know… I’ve been working over time. We have a shortage of nurses.”
“Well come sit. I’ll be back with your favorite.” He heads into the wine barn.
After an hour of listening to the music and feeling tipsy, I was ready to get Severin a naughty gift, and a small one he doesn’t expect to receive under the tree.
I want to make this Christmas memorable for him.