Her words play in my head.
“She believes I can straighten up my act and be good for someone else. But not her and not now.” I look up to the ceiling and breathe in, just to stem the moisture building behind my eyes. “If I told her then, and she said no, it’s all lost. There’s no hope, but if I can be better maybe—”
“You don’t understand, do you?” Baxter rises, coming closer. “She cared—fuck it. She loved you with all your issues. The only reason she’s bugging you about getting better is because she already cares.”
I start to shake my head.
His hand clasps my shoulder. “Stop with the excuses. She does love you. Even with all your flaws.” His voice drops. “As we all do.”
I do a one-eighty to face him. We stand head to head, shoulder to shoulder. His gaze bores into mine, firm with conviction.
“We’ve never asked you to be anything but who you are. We just want you to be better. Same as her.”
“You think so?”
He nods firmly.
My chest fills with hope, but to what end? Maddie must be up and away now. If I can find her though...
His lips twitch with a sad smile. “Should have had this talk before last night, right?”
“Should have.”
“Take care, champ.” Baxter claps my shoulder once, then leaves.
I’m alone once more. My heart feels too heavy for my chest, and I’m exhausted.
I drop back into my seat. Best to get on with work, right? That’s the best distraction I can get now.
I flip open my laptop. An email pops in from Julia. It’s about the leftover tasks that Maddie had yet to complete.
I’m hit with a wave of pain. By now, she’d have sashayed into my office, going over my calendar. She’d look like the brightest morning star and I’d be forced to keep my mind on task, remembering that she’s my employee.
A knock sounds on the door then Julia walks in.
“Mr. Easton.” She stops before me. “Here are your tasks for the day.”
I stretch my hand. “Just give it.”
She frowns, then hands over the paper. “Is there anything else you’d like? Since Maddie is gone, I can clear my schedule and take the minutes of meetings for you. I’ve booked a hotel for your trip next week. Maddie already RSVP’d so that’s covered. If Maddie—”
“Just stop.”
“What?” She stares at me wide-eyed.
“Stop saying her name.”
Her mouth opens and shuts. “Um, okay… She—”
“Doesn’t work either.” I palm my face and run my fingers through my hair. “Can we do this later?”
I can’t bear to be reminded every five seconds that Maddie was here. And now she’s gone.
“Sir, if I may?”
“You may not.”
“It’s about Maddie.”
