Madeline still hadn’t broken eye contact, so Abby did, not wanting to see Madeline’s reaction when she dodged the question. “Isn’t helping my girlfriend a good enough reason?”
“It would be if it was true.” Before Abby could protest, Madeline added, “Not that you’re lying, but you’re skating pretty close to lying by omission.”
“And what am I omitting?” Abby snapped. She wasn’t ready for this conversation with herself, let alone Madeline, but she knew her outburst wouldn’t dissuade Madeline.
“Defensive much?” Madeline countered, showing no sign of backing down.
Abby sighed. “I’m not trying to be. It’s just…I don’t know.”
“I think you do.”
What was Madeline’s problem? She was relentless today. Well, every day, but she seemed more aggressive than usual. “Why are you so edgy today?” Another stall tactic, but it might lead Madeline in another direction.
“Deflection. Nice try. But it’s not working.”
Nope.Abby’s feeble attempt at diversion did nothing. “Tell me what you think you know and put me out of my misery.” Abby was tired of guessing games, but her curiosity was piqued. What would Madeline say?
“All right. If that’s the way you want to play it.” Madeline leaned forward and rested her arms on Abby’s desk. “I think you’re scared that if you say no, Blythe will disappear. Dump you along the side of the road and be on to the next.”
“Why would you say something so horrible?” Abby hadn’t gone as far as being dumped, but she’d worried about Blythe’s disappointment in her. Which was why she’d agreed to make the negative book review. Despite all the engagement, she still hated the video.
She wanted to bring book joy, not negativity. The world was filled with ugliness, so she didn’t want to add to it.
Anger flashed in Madeline’s eyes. When she spoke, she did so deliberately. “I am not being horrible. I’m being realistic. And I want to ensure you aren’t going along to keep the peace. Being too passive.”
Abby bristled at the wordpassive.Because she was quiet and loved books, most people assumed she was a pushover. Spineless. But that wasn’t the case. She just didn’t like making unnecessary waves. If it was important or she felt strongly about something, she’d stand up for herself. Wouldn’t she?
“I told you already. I want to help Blythe. And I think I’ve done that, but she isn’t forcing me to do anything. That’s not fair to her.”
“Nevertheless, you’re afraid.”
“Afraid of what?”
“Being left behind if you put your foot down.”
Abby picked up her pen. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to hurl it at Madeline or stab it into her own thigh to end this conversation. Instead, she twirled it between her fingers.
Why was she getting so angry with Madeline? She wasn’t doing anything she wouldn’t have done in the past. Abby was hypersensitive.
“Fine. I suppose I’m a little fearful, but we haven’t been dating that long. Don’t you see? I finally have the chance to live a more adventurous life. Do something spontaneous and crazy.”
“Like rappelling off the roof?” Madeline waved her arms out as if she were floating in the air and screwed up her face.
The goofy gesture broke the tension between them. And they laughed together.
“I’m not trying to be difficult. It’s just…I don’t know…”
Madeline raised her hand and pointed at Abby. “If you sayI don’t knowone more time, I’m gonna lose my shit.”
“I don’t know. I don’t know. I don’t know.” Despite it being juvenile, Abby couldn’t resist. Plus, it gave her a little more time to formulate her answer.
Madeline’s face reddened, and she crossed her arms over her chest. “I can sit here all day.” Madeline nodded toward the pen in Abby’s hand. “But you won’t get any more work done until you talk to me.” A grin spread across Madeline’s face, and she spread out her arms. “The truth shall set you free.”
“I don’t…uh, I mean, I’m uncertain what the truth is, other than I’ve been having so much fun with Blythe and Ricki. I’m not just sitting in the middle of the cornfield watching it grow. Instead, I’m going to plays, exploring the city. I have something interesting to talk to the staff about. Other than, hey, I read an outstanding book this weekend.”
Madeline’s expression softened. “You can still be adventurous without compromising your principles and denying what you want.”
“I’d hardly call agreeing to shoot a few videos compromising my principles. Besides, she isn’t twisting my arm.”
