Page 91 of Forbidden Whispers

Amy kept silent for so long that Maggie was about to give up and leave. Then Amy spat out, “You stole my love.”

“What?” She looked at Noah. But he looked as surprised as she felt.

“Not him,” Amy said with annoyance, following her gaze.

“Then who?”

“Jack.”

“Jack? You mean Jack Knightly?”

Amy sighed and sat back on her stool, pushing a stray strand of her mouse-brown hair behind her ear. “We were on the chess team together in college,” she said. “I’d been trying to get him to ask me out for months. Then you come along and introduce him to that...that blond bombshell!”

Maggie was shocked. “I had no idea.”

“Yeah, well...” She shrugged. “Once Miss Barbie Doll was in the picture, it was like I didn’t even exist anymore.”

Maggie took a deep breath. “Amy, I’m...so very sorry.”

At her simple apology, Maggie saw some of the anger leave Amy’s face. She sagged on the stool, looking as if the air had been let out of her.

Maggie studied the woman across from her. She took in the rumpled blouse and the way her short hair was pulled back into a low, tight ponytail at the back of her head. She realized Amy could actually be pretty with a better haircut and more fashionable clothes.

She leaned onto the countertop, subtly closing a bit of the space between them. “Listen, Amy, I have an idea. Will you let me do something to make up for how I hurt you?”

“What can you possibly do?” Amy said. “He’s happily married with a family now.”

“Yes, he is,” Maggie acknowledged. “But why don’t you meet me for coffee tomorrow? I’d like to offer you a complimentary membership to Matches by Maggie. If you let me, I’d love to help you find your own happy ending.”

Amy looked shocked. But Maggie could see the hope reflected in her eyes. “You’d do that for me, after everything I did?”

“I will,” Maggie said. “As long as you promise to leave me an honest review afterward.”

“But what if it doesn’t work?” Amy said.

“Oh, it will work,” Noah said, grinning down at Maggie. “If there’s one thing this woman knows, it’s how to help people find their happy endings.”