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MAXINE

“You say that now but what if I can’t be that person for you?” He asked.

I took a step closer and reached out to touch his arm. “Then we figure it out together. No more hiding, no more pretending.” I pleaded.

He stared at me, his eyes were searching mine for something. Were there answers or maybe forgiveness? I didn’t know. I only knew that I wanted to find it with him.

Slowly, he nodded. “I don't know about that but I guess you're right, no more pretending.” He said.

He turned to leave, but before he did, he glanced back at me. “I’ll come by later if you want to talk, okay?”

“I’d like that,” I replied as he walked out.

RONAN

I stood in front of the wide windows of my office, staring out at the compounds below. The plans with the hospital were finally coming back to life. After months of planning and overseeing renovations, we were ready to reopen.

I had too much work to do. There was still so much left to oversee and this reopening was just the beginning. I had to make sure ev