Nothing but the best for the Smiths.
“So, Maggie.”Mr.Roy Smith looked at her over the rim of his crystal wine glass.“Your parents have been telling me how well you’ve done in college.I suppose you’ll be looking for an internship this summer.Someone like you who wants to get a head start on a promising law career should always be thinking how to advance in the world.”
Maggie glanced between her mother and father who were watching her every move.
She cleared her throat and set her fork down.“I haven’t officially put in an application for an internship yet.But I think it’s a good idea.”
She cut her eyes at her mother who visibly relaxed.
“And how is that boyfriend of yours?Mason?”Mrs.Kathy Smith asked with a smile.“His mother is my best friend, but I guess you knew that.Imagine if you two got married and started your own law firm.I bet it would be a good match for you.”
Maggie sighed.Marriage shouldn’t seem like an investment.It seemed like everyone at the table was more concerned about money than what made someone happy.
“Yes, where is Mason?”Her father frowned.“I thought he would be coming back home with you.”
Maggie took a sip of her water and looked at her father.“I finished my exams earlier than Mason.He’ll be on his way back home soon.I’m sure his parents are excited to see him.”
The image of Lauren and Mason together flashed through her head.Maggie felt the blood drain from her face.
“Maggie, are you okay?”Mrs.Smith gave her a concerned look.‘You look a bit pale.”
Maggie forced a smile.“I’m just tired.It’s been a long day.”
Mr.Smith took a bite of his steak and waved his fork in the air.“You might have that stomach bug that’s going around.I heard the news talking about it.Dreadful thing.”
Her mother immediately pressed her hand to Maggie’s forehead.“It might be best for you to go lay down, Maggie.You don’t want to give anything to our guests.”
Maggie nodded her head in agreement.She wanted nothing more than to escape to her room where Walker waited for her.“That’s a good idea.”She excused herself from the table and hurried to her room.
“Don’t worry, Maggie.I’ll save a spot for you in our internship program.”Mr.Smith called out.
Maggie reached her room and shut the door behind her.Walker’s head lifted from the bed.He gave a wag of his tail.
Maggie flopped down on the bed beside him.
The very idea of staying at home all summer under her parents’ judgmental eye while working for Mr.Smith made her heart sink.
Mr.Smith had a reputation of not only being a hard task master, it was also rumored he had a wandering eye where young females were concerned.
Walker, sensing her distress, snuggled closer to her and reclined his head on her chest.
She smiled and rubbed his head.“You’re the only one who seems to understand me.Too bad we can’t just run away.”
Walker lifted his head and cocked his chin.
Maggie closed her eyes and imagined her and Walker escaping from her current reality.It was too good to be true.
A knock on the door had her eyes springing open.She sat up just as her mother opened the door.She peered in with a smile on her face.
“The Smiths invited us to ride over and see the new home they built on the lake!”She squealed and clapped her hands together.“It’s the biggest house in town and I’ve been dying to get a look inside.“
“That’s nice.”Maggie managed to say.
Her mother rolled her eyes.“You could be a little more excited for other people, you know, Maggie.”She gave her a glare.“Now, Mr.Smith has said he’s willing to give you a summer internship.He says it will be late hours but will look good on your resume.You should be grateful.He says you will start Monday.”
Maggie’s mouth dropped open.“But I wanted a few weeks at home before I started work for the summer.”
Her mother pressed her lips into a thin line.“Maggie, everything isn’t about you.This is a great opportunity for your whole family.Being in good with the Smiths will raise our own position.I might even get Mr.Smith to invest in my boutique idea I’ve had for ages.”
