To Say Goodbye

Chapter 3

Maggie's POV

Mel, Cass, and I are standing by the bar talking about what songs we want the DJ to play tonight. Cass really wants a latin song to play. She has always wanted to learn how to do latin dances, but she has never taken the time to learn the steps. That doesn't stop her from trying though. She is the more confident one of the group. Her free spirit tends to soar, at events like this.

Cass sighs and looks at the dance floor longingly. Mel and I give each other a look and start laughing.

Suddenly I feel something slam into my legs, causing me to jump slightly. Then I feel two pairs of small arms wrap around my legs and waist from behind me. I only know two kiddos that are comfortable enough to lovingly attack someone from behind.

I peek over my shoulder and look down at the two intruders. As I suspected, the Matheson kids are embracing me while grinning ear to ear. Cara, the six year old keeping my legs hostage, starts giggling. I smile at her infectious giggles.

"We gwot you Ms. Maggie! We scwared you!!" Cara's giggling reply came! Both of them let go of me as I turned to face them. Oh my goodness they look adorable!!! I squat down to Cara's level. Not an easy thing to do in heels, but I make it work.

"Yep! You got me good this time!" I smile and chuckle softly. "You look like a princess tonight! Don't you agree girls!" I look to my friends who are nodding and smiling down at Cara.

I grab her soft little hand in mine and make her do a couple of spins in front of us. The action caused her pink dress to flare out slightly, earning a full belly laugh from the blonde six year old. Cara's eyes are gleaming with amusement. Gosh, she is just too adorable! Her blonde hair is in two buns with white bows. Bows are her signature hair piece. According to her, a bow in your hair helps you dance better. I'm not gonna fight her on that logic. I have seen this kid bust a move, and it is certainly a sight to behold.

I release Cara's hand and turn my attention to Kai, her older brother. He looks so handsome in his black slacks with a matching vest. He has on a blue button up shirt under his vest with a black and blue bow tie. I guess bows run in the family! His usual mop of thick brown hair, is styled with gell. Overall, he looks rather dashing.

"You look very handsome tonight Kia! All the little girls are going to be chasing after you!" I chuckled as I caressed his hair then down his cheek in a motherly kind of way. I have known this kid since he was in diapers. He will always be that little boy that I used to babysit. He blushed at my teasing and smiled nervously.

"Thank you Ms. Maggie! You look pretty in your dress!" his checks now turning scarlet.

"Thank you Kai!" I gave him a little wink and smiled.

"Mama asked us to come get you. She wants you to meet some guy?" He stated in a hurry.

"Oh she does, does she?" Here we go again. Jo is always trying to set me up with someone. Most of the time I don't mind, but she can be a little over the top and slightly embarrassing. She means well, but I haven't been in a relationship in years. So, it is awkward for me trying to meet men. Especially, when she is breathing down my neck in front of them.

"Yeaahhhh! He is wwwreallly tall!!" Cara tells me with extreme hand motions.

I laugh and start looking around for Jo. Then I spot her, her husband, and her companion...Yep, he is tall. Also, slightly gorgeous!! Men can be gorgeous, right? I gulp as I eye this man from head to toe. He has got to be over six foot, dark brown hair, sharp jaw, and an obviously toned body. I can make out his muscles through his ridiculously expensive suit. The best part are his eyes. Crystal Blue. Almost piercing, but not quite. They hold a warmth to them, that keeps them from piercing straight through you. Still enchanting though.

He is a gorgeous man, but I can't help but feel something was missing when I look at him. There was no pull, or sparks. Just a man, like all the others. Well, better looking than the rest. At least he is easy on the eyes.

He is smiling in our direction, looking incredibly friendly regardless of his gigantic size. I stood from my crouched position and looked from the gorgeous man to the Matheson kids. "Alright kiddos, lead the way!" I exclaim extending my hands for each of them. As we started our trek towards Jo and the gorgeous man I could hear my friends cheering me on.

"Yas queen!!! Go show that handsome man who is in charge!!!" " Get your flirt on girl! Hell, your dress has won half the battle already! Just show him that sexy goddess you keep hidden! She wants to come out and play!" Cass and Mel shouted at me. Oh, someone please save me from these two! I can feel my cheeks burning, so I turn to glare at them.

When I turn back around, I find myself staring straight at a broad chest. This suit is doing nothing to conceal his muscles. I can clearly see this man has nice pecs and a six pack. I wonder how much her works out? Does he have to do one of those crazy diets?

I was brought out of my internal rambling by a throat clearing. It was Jo. I glance over to see her sly smirk as she said "so pleased you could join us Maggie!" The burn in my cheeks is back full force. Jo just caught me ogling this man's chest. Please world, swallow me whole!

"How could I resist these two cuties?" I retorted referring to Jo's children that were still holding my hands. Jo smiled at her little humans and motioned them over to her. Cara went jumping into her arms. Kia just stood silently by beside his father.

"Mr. King, this is Magnolia Shepherd. She is the woman responsible for all the lovely displays and decorations this evening. You have her to thank for making this boring event hall into a functional work of art." Jo said smiling at Mr. gorgeous... I mean Mr. King.

"Magnolia. That's a beautiful name. I guess it makes sense considering the beautiful work you have done here. I have been admiring the decorations all evening. I even asked Mrs. Sanchez if you were for hire" he chuckled in a deep rumble.

"Thank you. Please, call me Maggie. Everyone does." I said softly and extended my hand for him to shake.

He gave me a stunning smile as his large hand engulfed mine. "I'm Xavier, pleased to make you acquaintance Maggie."

"As for your earlier request, I'm afraid I'm not for hire. I did all this in support of a friend." He nodded in response.

"Can I ask you a question?" He asked furrowing his brows.

"Ask away!"

He looked over my head to the far side of the room. "Are your friends always like that?"

I turned to the direction he was looking in to find Mel and Cass. They were being their usual embarrassing selves. They both were looking at me making inappropriate hand gestures. Then Mel began grinding on Cass, while Cass playfully slapped her behind. Other onlookers were shaking their heads at their antics.

"Hahaha! Unfortunately, yes! That is just how they are! You get used to it." I laughed.

He began laughing with me. "Well, they seem like good friends to have around. They remind me of my friends from college. Shall we go usher them to the dance floor, so they can continue scarring all the guests?"

"Absolutely!!" I said enthusiastically. Xavier completely understood my friends and was willing to participate in their humor. This might be more than he could handle, but he seems genuine. Xavier has this good friendly vibe about him, maybe he will fit in to the friend group just fine.

I grasp the elbow he offered to me. I turned around to say goodbye to Jo, only to find she was no longer standing there. When did she leave? As soon as we reached Mel and Cass, they both looked at Xavier wide eyed.

Xavier smiled at them and stated "I think we need a round of shots, then we can move this party to the dance floor!"

"Hell yeah!" Mel, Cass, and I all shouted.

Yep! He was gonna be adopted into the friend group all on his own. I introduced everyone while we were waiting for our shots. They all hit it off right away. That is how we all spent the evening. Drinking, dancing, and laughing the night away. By the end we all were tipsy trying to exchange phone numbers.

"I'm serious! You ladies should come to Denver soon. I've got a club downtown that I think you'll really enjoy." Xavier slurred slightly.

"In two weeks we all have a long weekend. We could go then! The town is holding that bicycle race, so everything will be closed. Let's go to Denver then!" Mel shouted while shaking my shoulders.

"I'm in!" Cass agreed.

"I guess we will see you in two weeks Xavier." I said excitedly. It has been an amazing evening and Xavier was a ton of fun to be around. I could see us having a really good time in a bigger city with more to do.

"Perfect! I'll see you ladies then. Text me all the deets! I'll see you in two weeks!" Xavier exclaimed getting in the back of a black car. The three of us waved as the car pulled away.

"I miss him already!" Cass sighed placing her hand over her heart.