“I’m so sorry you had to endure that.”
“I’m not, and you shouldn’t be either.”
My smile spreads wide. I love this new fire in her voice. I always knew it was there. Now that she’s finally stepping out of her mother’s shadow, I don’t doubt she’ll take over the world if that’s what she wants. “Hey, I’m getting into some heavy traffic. If it’s okay, I’ll let you go.”
“Sounds good.”
We hang up, and I scan up and down the street and then look back at the facility. It is exactly how it was one minute ago, but something about it feels different. Like the world is a little bit more still. If anything, the roadblock has been removed. The path forward isn’t exactly clear, but Lottie and I are on it together.
Her mom tried to destroy Lottie’s life today.
Too bad for her—I’m going to fight with everything I’ve got to give her a better one.
thirty-four
Lottie
Momwantsmetotake the blame for everything and make a statement. I refuse. With Ty working, I need something to do to keep my mind busy, so I spend the day with Maddie, finally having time to catch up with her. We make pizzas for lunch, and my favorite recipe of cereal bars. It’s the one where I substitute crispy rice cereal for Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and I call them goat bars. I can’t even look at them without smiling, and it turns out being exactly what I need. Before I know it, it’s almost time for the game, and I’m giving her a ride, which works out well because I no longer want to go with Ham. After he helped walk me out of my job, I haven’t spoken to him. I’m not mad at him, but there’s a disappointment I have to deal with.
True to fashion, as soon as we try to leave, Toast has it out for Maddie, trotting in a circle like he’s about to lose his mind when Maddie shuts the door, closing him out. I run around like a crazy person to corral him and the other goats, rounding them up and getting them safely into their pen before we head out. The gate isn’t busted this time, but somehow they just got it open. Someday scientists will study their escape skills. I’m completely out of breath when I return to my Land Rover.
“Sorry about that,” I say, fastening my seat belt and starting the engine. “They don’t attackeveryone. Just people they like. And Uber drivers.”
Maddie laughs, a little nasally, like it’s stuck in her sinuses. “In that case, I feel so honored.”
I back out of my spot, turning around in the wild grass in front of my house, then steer down the dirt road. “Also, sorry if this is rude, but are you sick? I noticed earlier you sounded plugged up.”
“Nope. Allergies.” She waves a dismissive hand. “Your yard is basically trying to kill me.”
“Oh, no. I apologize on behalf of all the flowers. I totally agree they are excessive.” I steer around the bend in the drive and pull onto the main road.
Maddie turns to me with a small smile. “So, have you thought any more about what to do for a job?”
I stare through the windshield. “I don’t have one.”
“That surprises me a little.”
I shake my head. “Truthfully, all I ever wanted was for my mom to be proud of me. I had a mission in life; do what she said. It’s crazy, but this is the first time I’m thinking for myself about my career, and my brain is blank.”
Maddie tilts her head, studying me. “It can’t be totally blank. There must be something you’re thinking?”
I exhale, not holding back “Well, this week all I can think about is Ty.”
“Ohhhh,” Maddie draws out the word like it helps explain everything. “Now you confess.”
“And it’s freaking me out,” I add. “I’ve never been like this before. Maybe it’s worse because he’s here for a short time, and I know he’s headed back to Minnesota. I can’t help but think maybe getting fired is my ticket—to not only do something for me, but to figure out a way to live close to Ty. Of course, I have not told him yet … it’s way too soon.”
Maddie smirks at me. “For what it’s worth, you two are stupid cute.”
My heart flutters as I think about the photo I’ve saved as my phone wallpaper, and I grin. I have a lot of decisions to make in a short amount of time, but going to the game tonight puts things into perspective. This is what I want to do tonight and every night. Show up for my boyfriend.
When I walk up to the arena wearing Tyson’s jersey, it takes all of three seconds to know this is better than any confession or public statement I could come up with. Sure, it’s not exactly a WAG jacket, but with only one game left, it’s too late to buy one. I tug the hem down over my hips. It’s so large, it hangs almost to my knees. Wearing it proudly, I get in line with Maddie by my side.
Just as I expected, the stares start instantly. People whisper, a few point discreetly, but I catch them anyway. With the number of glares I’m receiving, you’d think I’d shown up in my birthday suit.
“Just keep walking forward.” Maddie nudges my elbow and smiles.
The whispers grow louder, but my heart ticks out a steady beat. This is right. I’m choosing to live my true self. After we pass through the ticket gate, Maddie leaves to find her seat with the Stripes’ fans. Going in the opposite direction, I nearly run straight into someone. Instinctively, I cover my face, expecting a verbal attack. When nothing happens, I lower my hand and blink in surprise. And not the good kind. My entire body tenses. “Are you kidding me?” I whisper, glaring at the traitor.
