MAXINE

"I'm sorry to interrupt," he began walking. "I hope you ladies had a nice time together."

I nodded, stifling. "We did. Thank you." I said quietly.

"I'm sorry but it's time for Ella to leave," Ronan said.

"Why?" Ella asked, the word slipping out of her mouth before she could stop herself.

"Because I said so, darling. And, I don't want people knowing Maxine's location," he replied, sounding too kind that it got on my nerves.

"But, I won't tell a soul!" Ella countered.

"Except ...