Evie wasn’t sure what to say. That answer just made it clear how deep the impasse was affecting them both.
Maggie sighed as she sank down on a nearby ottoman. “I’ve thought deeply about this quandary I’m in. There isn’t a better life waiting for me out there, married to someone else. There isn’t a greater love for me to find. I could form a different life and be content, find a different love, be fairly happy, but I would always regret what I’d let go. I don’t want to start over. I want what my heart has always wanted since high school—to be David Marshal’s wife. I suppose I’m pretty stubborn on some matters. But the truth is, being in limbo with David is actually the lesser pain than the alternative.”
“Wow.” It was the only word that fit the emotion Evie felt. She wondered if David had any idea how much Maggie really loved him.
Maggie half smiled, paused, looked around the room. “I try very hard not to seem bitter when I talk about this, or angry at the religion David chose to believe, because I know his sincerity, that he never intended to hurt me. I’m honestly not hurt inside anymore. I’m just puzzled because I can’t make sense of it. David accepts that this Jesus is alive. I don’t see how it can possibly be. But I know you believe like he does—he mentioned that in one of our calls when you had first started working together. I’m glad he’s got a friend he can talk with.”
Evie set aside the next boxed gown and sat down on an upholstered chair facing Maggie. “It will feel pretty gentle, Maggie, that moment of ‘Oh, I see it now, I understand now.’ It’s something God, the author of faith, does for you over a period of time. His Word settles in your heart. You can’t will yourself to believe, but you can read the Bible with an open mind and listen to what it says. That’s your part. God is very willing to take you to that moment when you understand and accept it as truth. His promise is that those who seek Him will find Him.”
Maggie nodded. “David has shown me those statements from the Bible. That is what I hope for this year—actually, what I’ve hoped for every year as this has evolved, this faith you two talk about so easily. But it’s not so easy, Evie, not for me.”
“No, it’s not. It’s just wonderful.”
Maggie laughed. “I watch David and realize it’s all that to him. He’s a better man now than he was before. I can see the changes, good ones. Finding Jesus has been a good step for him. If the same thing comes true for me, I’ll be glad for it. I just . . . well, I just don’t understand it yet.”
“Did you decide to come back to Chicago because this is where you two have the deepest roots to your relationship?” Evie wondered.
“Partly,” Maggie replied. “Life starts running by too quickly when a career takes off. It’s all constant opportunities. I wanted that in the early years, to have a singing career, then to reach for what was possible with this talent.” She smiled at Evie. “But I’ve realized the career will become my life if I let it. It never slows down—always a need for new songs, another concert, the next album, an interview—it’s mostly an exciting, fulfilling life that has no natural boundaries or checks on itself. I’ve decided I want to impose a few, to dictate the pace of my life, at least give it a try. That’s easier to do when you live away from New York. Chicago is busy, but it’s not that almost frenetic grasping for more. I want to spend some time with Charlotte and Bryce, asking more questions about faith, have hours with David less hectic than New York.”
“I’m glad for you both.”
Maggie’s phone chimed, and she looked at the message. “David says dinner is served. Let’s go see what miracle he’s managed to work.”
David had put together an easy meal of chicken and fried rice, alongside slices of fresh tomato sprinkled with parmesan and balsamic. Evie listened to the two of them sync their lives back together as she ate the tasty meal. They talked about the house, what of Maggie’s was shifting from New York to Chicago and when, logistics for the next day’s charity event, some things going on with mutual friends. Evie was enjoying this glimpse into their lives.
“I’m sorry, Evie,” Maggie interrupted herself. “It’s like listening to shared to-do lists. Not particularly interesting conversation for our guest.”
Evie smiled, shrugged. “I’m enjoying the meal, I didn’t realize David was such a good chef. Getting your world transitioned halfway across the country is a major undertaking. It’s not only you, but the band, your staff, the business partnerships.”