Read One True Love for Free Online Page A

about the money before, but I put it out of my mind. When I got that letter from Serena Hollingsworth, it all came back, and I panicked. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t sleep. I kept wondering about her, about him, the money, the life insurance, the fire. There was nothing left but ashes and some teeth that could have…”
    “That could have what?”
    “Belonged to anyone,” she said flatly.
    “They checked Keith’s dental records.”
    “Right. He had a filling in his third molar. So what? You don’t think anyone else has a filling in their third molar?”
    “They found bits and pieces of his clothes, his briefcase. The security guard said he’d seen Keith go inside just minutes before the explosion.”
    Maggie sat up and slid off the bed. She began to pace restlessly around the room. “I know. Keith is dead, and I’m just imagining things.” Her eyes met Lisa’s. “I think I might be having a nervous breakdown.”
    “Maybe you should see a doctor.”
    “Maybe. I can’t let the kids down, Lisa. I have to be here for them, but right now, I just want to get away. I got in my car yesterday to drop the kids off at school, and I almost didn’t come back. The urge to leave was incredibly strong. I can’t believe I’m saying that. I’m a mother. What kind of a mother wants to leave her children?”
    Lisa stood up, put her arms around Maggie and hugged her tight. “A mother who is at the end of her rope.”
    Maggie stepped back with a sigh. “I love them. You know I do, but—”
    “But you’ve been on your own for the past year.”
    “Yes.” Maggie’s mouth trembled. “I hate failing.”
    “You’re not failing. You’re just being human. You want to get away, Maggie? Just go. I’m here. I’ll watch the kids. Check into a hotel for the next two nights, pamper yourself. You deserve it.”
    Maggie’s eyes lit up. “Really? I wanted to ask you, but I wasn’t sure. Although I have to admit I already packed my bag.” She paused. “You would really do this for me, Lisa?”
    “What are friends for?” Lisa paused as she looked into Maggie’s eyes.
    “I should have been here for you. I should have taken care of you the way you took care of me. I was incredibly selfish. And I am so sorry.
    I know it’s not enough to say that. I wouldn’t blame you if you hated me.”
    “I don’t hate you,” Maggie said softly. “I know why you’ve stayed away. You’re afraid to love people. You always have been.”
    “Afraid—don’t be silly.”
    “I’m not being silly. We may not have seen each other much the past eight years, but I still know you better than anyone else. I remember all those nights we slept out in my parents’ backyard. I’d look up at the stars and dream up a wonderful story about my future husband and children and house in the suburbs. You wouldn’t let yourself dream, not even then.”
    “I did dream once. Look where it got me.”
    “You could have tried again.”
    Lisa shook her head. “I’ll never try again, not like that, not with so much of me on the line.”
    “You’re getting married in a few weeks. Does your fiancé have any idea how much you’re holding back?”
    Maggie’s words hit too close to the mark. “I thought we were talking about you.”
    “I’m worried about you, too, Lisa.”
    “I’m fine. Now, do you need some money for a hotel?” Lisa asked.
    “I’ve got a credit card. I’m just not sure if I should leave the kids.”
    “Because of me?” Lisa asked. “I’d understand if…”
    “No, God no. How could you even think that?” Maggie paused, taking Lisa’s hands in hers. “You still blame yourself, don’t you, even after all these years? Why can’t you let it go?”
    “Because it’s always there.”
    Maggie sighed. “Yes, I guess it is.”
    “Speaking of letting something go—you’re not thinking of chasing down this Serena Hollingsworth, are you?”
    “No, of course not,” Maggie said quickly.
    “Honey, there’s no