“Yes, yes.”
“Don’t open for anyone until you hear my voice. Are all your windows locked?”
“Yes.”
“Good girl. I’ll be there in a minute.”
A minute feels like an eternity as I wait for Chance to show up. All the terrible what-ifs leave me trembling.
“Maddie!”
My body jerks.
“Maddie, it’s me. Chance. Open up.”
I rush to the door and pull it open. He’s there indeed.
Relief swoops through me and I rush into his open arms.
“You’re alright.” He holds me close, patting my hair. “I’m here, okay?”
My trembling ebbs and I look up to meet his eyes. “I’m so scared. What am I going to do?”
“We can’t think of that right now. For tonight, you’re coming with me, okay? Go get your things.”
I nod quickly and go back inside, glad I don’t have to stay here.
Chapter Fifteen
Chance
The doorbell rings. I know it’s Baxter. I take my time, sipping my coffee as casually as I can. It goes off again. The only reason I go to get it is because Maddie’s asleep upstairs and after the night she’s had, she needs all the rest she can get.
Baxter’s looking irritatingly sunny in his shorts and t-shirt.
“Fuck you,” I say, stepping aside to let him through.
“I haven’t even said a word.”
I ignore him and head back to the kitchen. My mug is nearly empty so I start another pot.
“Bad night, huh?” Baxter slides onto a stool around the kitchen island.
“What do you want?” I bite out.
“Dude, I’m here every Saturday. Why so salty this morning?”
“You just seem happier than usual.” I eye him.
“And you seem grumpy as always. Now if you get laid, I assure you, it will be better for us all.”
“Stop. You’re just thrilled she’s here.”
He scoffs. “You insecure, little shit. You know I don’t see Maddie that way. When are you going to tell her you want her for real?”
“What do you mean?” I take my seat and chug down the remaining coffee. It’s black the way I like it. Great at helping me get my head together, but it’s not working today. Especially with Baxter sitting across from me, bothering me with his senseless theories.
“Ask her to be your girlfriend.”
