Teresa closed her eyes and leaned her head against the rim of the safe.
At length, she gathered her wits, put the birth certificate back, and made certain everything was just as she found it. She closed the safe, put the picture in place, fought back her tears, and vacuumed the room.
*
It had been an excruciatingly long day and Maggie was exhausted. Jim was miserable and all her attempts at brightening his day failed. He was beaten down and no one was more familiar with that feeling than she was. Yet, thankfully, she had someone to talk to. She just hoped Bronco wouldn't pick up on her despondent mood. She took a deep breath and signed into the chat room.
Sissy3211: Bronco?
Bronco8881: I'm here. How are you?
Sissy3211: I have done something dreadful.
Bronco8881: I doubt that.
Sissy3211: 'Tis true. I bought a new dress. It's beautiful and I couldn't resist.
Bronco8881: That is not dreadful.
Sissy3211: It is on my wages.
Bronco8881: That bad?
Sissy3211: Deplorable, but I shall manage until I find a better job. I probably should return the dress, but I had it altered and I don't think I can.
Bronco8881: If you need someplace to wear it, my dinner offer still stands.
Sissy3211: It's a bit too fancy for a dinner.
Bronco8881: Is it like a ball gown?
Sissy3211: Sort of. It's floor-length, or at least will be when I buy some heels to wear with it.
Bronco8881: I happen to be going to a Charity Ball in Denver Saturday. Are you interested?
She was quiet for a time before she answered.
Sissy3211: I can't ask you to do that. It would disappoint all the other women in your life.
Austin smiled. She was about to say yes, finally, he could feel it.
Bronco8881: They will survive. Say yes, it is way past time for us to meet, and I can have a plane ticket waiting at the airport of your choice.
Sissy3211: I've never been to a ball.
Bronco8881: They are normally a little boring, but the ladies like to see what other women are wearing. We men all look alike.
Sissy3211: They all look like you?
Bronco8881: Well, we dress alike anyway. It's black tie.
Sissy3211: I see. Will I need an invitation?
Bronco8881: If you are with me, you won't need one.
Sissy3211: Truly, you don't already have a date?
Bronco8881: No, where are you? I mean how far would you have to travel to get here?
Sissy3211: I could take a city bus, but I'd look rather silly wearing the dress.
It took a moment for what she said to register, and when it did, Austin's mouth dropped.