The Heart Remembers by Irene Hannon

this…this nice-looking man who’d checked in. It turned out to be Jake.”
    Philip stared at her. “That must have been a terrible shock.”
    Maggie gave a short, mirthless laugh. “That’s putting it mildly. I’ve been off balance ever since it happened. Which is odd, since my relationship with him was over long ago. I can’t figure out why his reappearance has disturbed me so much.”
    Philip studied her for a moment. “It does seem strange. After all, whatever you two shared is history, right?”
    â€œRight.”
    â€œAnd it isn’t as if he even means anything to you anymore, right?”
    â€œRight.” A hint of uncertainty crept into her voice.
    â€œWhat was he doing here, anyway?”
    â€œHe’s interviewing for a job at the Maritime Academy.”
    â€œYou mean he might move up here?”
    â€œYes. And that makes me even more nervous. Which is ridiculous, because we’re no more than strangers to each other now.”
    â€œIt’s probably just the shock of seeing him.”Philip took a sip of his iced tea. “Where has he lived all these years?”
    â€œAll over, I guess. He’s been in the navy. I think he still would be if it wasn’t for his father.” Maggie gave him a short version of the story.
    â€œHmm.” That was his only comment when she finished.
    Maggie sent him a quizzical look. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
    He lifted one shoulder. “I guess I’m a little surprised. And impressed. Not many people would give up their career, start over, change their whole life to keep a promise made under duress. He sounds like an honorable man.”
    Maggie frowned. “Yes, he does. And it’s so at odds with the image I’ve had of him all these years.”
    â€œPeople do change.”
    â€œI suppose so. I just wish I didn’t feel so off balance.”
    â€œThings will work out. They always do. You’ve successfully weathered a lot of storms through the years, and you’ll ride this one out, too. I know. And I’m always here if you need a sympathetic ear. Don’t forget that.” He touched her hand lightly and smiled, then switched gears. “In the meantime…when do I get a preview of the new painting?”
    â€œWill next week be okay?”
    â€œPerfect. I’ll reserve a spot right near the front for it. You know, you have a large enough body of work now to consider your own show.”
    Maggie grimaced. “I just don’t feel…well…good enough…to have an official show.”
    â€œWhy don’t you let me be the judge of that? Besides, you’ll never know till you try. It’s not like you to back off from a challenge.”
    â€œI know. But my painting is so…personal. If I got bad reviews it would be devastating. I’m not sure I’m ready to face that.”
    â€œFirst of all, they wouldn’t be bad. And second of all, you can face anything, Maggie Fitzgerald. Because you are one of the strongest women I know.”
    Maggie wanted to believe him. As recently as yesterday she might have. But a lot had happened since then. And at this particular moment, she didn’t feel very strong at all—thanks to one very unforgettable man named Jake West.
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    â€œJake called twice. Will call again tomorrow.”
    Maggie’s heart leapt to her throat as she read the note on the kitchen counter. She should have figured he’d call while she was out. She hoped the girls had explained where she was. She didn’t want him to think she was trying to avoid him. It was just that she led a very busy life. Her days—and evenings—were filled. Like tonight. The zoningboard meeting had run far later than she expected because of some heated discussion. And she still had a few breakfast preparations to make, even if it was—she glanced at her watch and groaned—ten-thirty. There always