Cross Lines

Chapter 38: Serendipity

Having experienced the bustling pet market before, Maggie focused intently on Emily Luo this time, ignoring the distractions around them. Dr. Luo, with her evident curiosity about this unfamiliar environment, quickly bought a dog crate at the first store and then continued exploring. Maggie stayed close, preventing her from reaching for a large alligator turtle and pulling her away from a Tibetan mastiff. When Dr. Luo appeared upset but soon cheered up at the sight of goldfish, Maggie realized she still had much to learn about her.

During a break to get drinks, Dr. Luo had already picked up a plush doghouse, which made Maggie feel awkward. “It’s for a Chihuahua; a Golden Retriever won’t fit in it after a few months,” Maggie said. “So what? It’s for its early years, to create a pleasant childhood,” Dr. Luo replied cheerfully, ignoring Maggie’s concerns.

The sun was shining brightly, and both women were in high spirits. Maggie’s warm smile seemed to match the spring weather. Emily Luo glanced at her, feeling a simple, joyful urge to run through a meadow. Their eyes met and they shared a smile.

After a nap, Maggie received a call from Lola, who calmly invited her out. Maggie agreed and met her at a newly built riverside plaza with quaint tea houses and cafes. While waiting, Maggie, in a small pair of sunglasses and hands in her pockets, relaxed by the riverside.

When Lola arrived, she greeted Maggie from a distance. They chose an outdoor café, and as they settled in, a familiar face appeared. Grace, in a white shirt and black vest, approached with a coffee menu. Maggie, excited, stood up, exclaiming, “Is that you?” Grace, maintaining a calm demeanor, responded, “I work here.” Maggie introduced Grace to Lola, who responded with a polite but puzzled smile.

Grace took their orders and left, and Lola, noting Maggie’s awkwardness, commented on Grace’s unique personality. Maggie, wanting to change the subject, moved on. After Grace left, Lola remarked that things were more complicated than they appeared and promised to share more later. Maggie, understanding the situation, reassured Lola she wouldn’t be a troublesome friend.

As Grace’s shift ended, Maggie saw her in the café, her demeanor starkly different from before. Grace’s colleague interrupted, causing her to stiffen and leave quickly. Maggie, feeling sympathy, told Grace to get back to work.

Later, Maggie, wanting to share her encounter with Grace but not wanting to disturb Emily Luo, waited until evening. Dr. Luo called, and Maggie teasingly invited her over, offering free dinner. Emily Luo, who was working late due to a colleague’s emergency, was tempted by the offer.

“Sure, but are there any attractive delivery people?” Emily Luo asked. Maggie, cooking dinner, replied, “Anything you want.” Emily Luo arrived at the office to find Maggie in casual attire, delivering takeout. The warm food and Maggie’s presence brightened her evening.

As Emily Luo ate, Maggie admired her elegance and realized she was falling for her.