Frankie didn’t look so chummy now.
“An old neighbor, Frank Bowman. He dropped by to say hello.”
“Uh, huh.” Maia said. She smiled, but not the usual cheery Maia smile.
Frankie looked sullen. “I’ll see you around.” He brushed past Maia and went down the stairs.
The oddest thing happened. Her head was so light it felt as if it might float away on its own. Her lips tingled and her shivers had turned to shakes. “Maia—”
“Are you okay? Oh, my, you’re white as a sheet.”
Maia grabbed Juli’s arm with one hand and put her other arm around Juli’s waist. Since she was about five inches shorter than Juli, it seemed almost slapstick, but neither laughed.
“I need to sit.”
She helped Juli onto the sofa.
“Is the door locked?”
Maia tried the door knob. “Yes. Locked and bolted. I’ll get you a cool cloth for your face. Lie down and put your feet up.”
Juli laid her head back against the sofa.
“I told you to lie down. You have to get your head down and your feet up.”
Juli did. “Much better.”
“I told you so. Now, you tell me something. Who was he?”
“An old neighbor.” She closed her eyes enjoying the damp cloth on her forehead.
“I knocked and you didn’t answer, so I came around front. I heard you two talking. I didn’t like the sound of his voice. It gave me goose bumps. Was I right?”
“Maybe. I don’t know. I over-reacted. I’ve known Frankie for a couple of years, but we’re not the kind of friends who keep up with each other, if you know what I mean.”
“What now?”
Juli pulled the cloth from her face. “I feel better now. You’re a wonderful nurse. I got too caught up, surprised by him being here. I’m spending too much time alone. I’ll be glad to get back to Anna’s class. She took off two whole weeks over the holidays.”
“Selfish woman.”
“Yes, no doubt.” Juli sat up carefully and pushed her hair back.
“Don’t get up yet.”
“I’m fine now.”
“Probably, but mention it to your doctor. To be on the safe side.”
“Okay.”
“When do you see him next?”
“Her. In a couple of weeks.”
“You’re going to think I’m pushy, and I don’t want to invade your privacy, but don’t you think you should give me a key? Suppose next time you pass out and can’t answer the door?”
“I think it’s a great idea. Remind me before you leave and I’ll give you Ben’s—I’ll give you the spare.”
Maia nodded as if all were now as it should be.
“How was your Christmas? Your family?”
“I met someone.” Maia spoke in a small voice. She blushed and her dimples crinkled.
“Tell me.”
“He works with my brother-in-law. He’s very nice. My sister set us up.”
Juli shook her head somberly. “I don’t know, Maia.”
“Don’t know what? What are you troubled about?”
“It would take a very special man to be worthy of you.”
Maia’s mouth dropped open for a moment and her eyes glistened. “You are so silly.”
“I’m serious. You’re always there for me, for others. But what about your life? You’re spending your days and evenings at work—working retail, no less—having to cater to customers. Believe me, I know how customers can be. And when you’re not working? What are you doing? Helping me and everyone else.”
“Oh, no, Juli. You’re wrong.” She leaned forward and took Juli’s hand in her own. “I love my job and I love being a friend. I receive more than I could ever give.”
“Please. You can’t fool me. I’ve worked customer service jobs since the first one I took, waitressing after school when I was sixteen. No one does that for fun.”
Maia stared into her eyes as if reading something there. “You’re wrong about me. It’s my choice. I love my job. The gallery, the artwork, helping a customer find the perfect piece... My friends give me so much more than I could ever hope for.”
She ducked her head to examine the glass coffee table. “I would like my own sweetheart, someone special for me to share my life with. Children, too, if I’m blessed with them.” She pressed Juli’s hand between her own warm ones. “Is my life perfect? No. But I’m one of the most fortunate people I know. Juli, service—serving other people—is a gift to all if it’s done with a glad heart. You’ll find your opportunity one day and it will be a choice you make, not something you’re forced into.”