Page 190 of No Headlines Please

"Yeah, well…maybe you weren't in so much trouble."

"Trouble?" I scoffed. "You've got to be joking. I spent half of high school in trouble, and you didn't seem to care then. So why is this so different?"

"Well, maybe because…" Her words trailed off, and she finally reached for her latte. She took a slow sip before returning the cup to the table and announcing, "Maybe I'm trying to do better."

I blinked. "Um…seriously?"

"Yes, actually." She gave me a pleading look. "Look, I know I haven't always been there for you, and I've got some making up to do." Her voice softened. "So, just let me, okay?"

My heart warmed, but I still shook my head. "Look…it's not that I don't appreciate it. I do. Honest. And I've got some making up to do, too. But this isn't the way to do it."

"But…I should've stuck up for you."

"With Maddox?" I asked. "When?"

"Not with Maddox," she said. "With Mom. That's why I need to do better."

It was such a sweet sentiment, and I loved her for it. But I couldn't let this go on. "You do know there's a difference between sticking up for me and haranguing me, right?"

She bristled. "I'm not haranguing you."

"Sorry, but I think you are. And you know what?"

"What?"

I smiled. "I think you know it, too."

Her eyebrows furrowed. Silently, she reached for her drink and took another long sip before returning it to the table. After another beat of silence, she gave me the barest hint of a smile. "Fine. I guess I'm haranguing you a little."

"Or a lot. So, do me a favor, alright?"

"What?"

"Give Maddox a chance. Get to know him. He's nothing like they say." I paused. "You love Ryder, right?"

"Of course."

I pointed to her engagement ring. "And he has good taste in women, right?"

She gave me a sheepish smile. "I guess."

"So give all of us some credit. Ryder's obviously crazy about you. So, do you really think he'd invite a monster into your home?"

With obvious reluctance, she admitted, "Probably not."

I beamed. "See?"

"Fine," she said again, looking like she still had doubts. "But as far as sticking up for you, I will do better – with Mom or whoever." Finally, she gave me a real smile. "Just try and stop me."

I couldn’t help but laugh. "Actually, I don't think I'd dare." But then my voice softened. "But thanks. And I'll do the same for you, okay?"

"Deal." She glanced toward the coffee counter. "But there's something I need to tell you."

From her tone, I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. "Okay…"

"There was a reason I wanted to bring you here."

I glanced around. "You mean…this coffee shop?"