Possessed - Bucky Barnes x OC

Part 22

TW: Stalking and violence

The next week was bitterly painful.

Maggie kept her head down, going to work, and then coming home. She didn't sketch. She didn't paint. She didn't have it in her anymore. Her life felt colorless without James.

He hadn't reached out since their phone call. Even though she ended things, she still couldn't help but be hurt he hadn't tried to call. Maybe he was better off without her.

Natasha had called her nearly everyday, but Maggie would ignore it. She'd leave long voicemails, apologizing profusely every time. She had never held a grudge this long, especially not with Natasha. It broke her heart to do, but she needed time to heal.

Wednesday afternoon, she got off work early in the day, so there was still plenty of sun to enjoy. She figured it would be good to get out of her usual routine. Shake herself out of her funk.

She trudged down the sidewalk from the gallery and stepped into a restaurant she had never been to before. She'd walked by it a million times, but was always too nervous to go inside. It was a trendy little place. Attractive, creative types filled the tall bar tables, clutching unique craft cocktails and munching on unconventional charcuterie boards.

She sat down at a table alone— a novel experience for her. She'd never done that before. Usually always going out to eat with a friend. Sitting alone seemed awkward, but she kept her head held high and forced a confident expression on her face.

A waiter approached her table and ran over the specials for her. Sticking with the theme of stepping out of her comfort zone, scratch that— diving out. She ordered a funky seasonal cocktail and a slice of cake, just because she could. Dessert for lunch was always a good idea after a breakup.

As she sat perched at the table alone, her eyes ran around the room, taking in the decor. It was vibrant to say the least. An outlandish eyeball print wallpaper lined the walls, running down to the red and pink striped floor. Each of the tables was a different color, surrounded by mismatched chairs. Wonky indie music played overhead, making the space feel that much more defined for what it was.

Her order was placed down in front of her, pulling her out of her admiring gaze. The cocktail was bubbly and pink; ruby colored raspberries floated inside, mixed with the ice. A clump of cotton candy rested on the top, slowly dissolving into the drink. She smiled at how pretty it was. Probably her first time genuinely smiling since she found out about James.

The cake was decadent. Slices of candied oranges and lemons rested atop the icing. It was perfectly moist. She let her eyes close, sighing to herself as she enjoyed her mouthful. Letting food and drink momentarily take her away from her worries.

Her eyes snapped open at the sound her someone clearing their throat beside her. He was average build, wearing a loose striped button up shirt, buttoned low on his chest, tucked into a pair of cuffed jeans. A rolled black beanie was resting over his messy blonde hair. He wore a warm smile as he stared down at her.

"Uh, hi." He chuckled. "Are you Margaret Everlee?"

Her brows pinched, confused. "Yes, I am." Saying it more like a question.

"Oh thank god, I've asked basically every woman in here now. You dropped your debit card on the floor." He extended it between his fingers.

Maggie's eyes widened. She hadn't even realized it, but she sure was glad he picked it up. "Oh my goodness. Thank you so much for giving it back." She took it from him, tucking it back into her keychain cardholder.