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“Maddie.” I reach for her, but she steps away.
“No. I have to go, but I figured there was a little time to let you know that I'm pissed.” She turns and walks away as fast as she can.
Fuck. I run after her because I know her schedule, and she doesn't actually have a class to go to. I reach for her elbow, wrap my fingers around it, and tug just enough so she turns around to face me.
“Let me go,” she softly demands.
“No. We're going to talk. Right now.” I usher her towards the parking lot to my car. Once we're inside, I angle myself in my seat to face her. Her arms are crossed defensively and she's staring straight ahead. “Maddie, you wouldn't talk to me.”
“That doesn't mean you can tattle to my family.”
“Yes, it damn sure does. Just...tell me the way you see it then because I'm wondering if I'm part of the problem.” Maddie quickly looks at me, surprised. “You seemed fine before we started dating again. You ate, you exercised a normal amount of times every day, and you were healthy. Once we were back together, you went into overdrive or something. If you're more conscious with me, then I don't want to be with you. I don't know how many times I have to tell you that you're gorgeous the way you are for you to believe me. So, if I make it worse, you need to let me know.”
She glances at me again and sighs. “I know it isn't the reason why, but it was almost as if you wanted me to leave because I was fat, like Dave said. I didn't want to risk that ever happening again in the future with anyone else. And maybe you are right. I went a little overboard, but I want to make sure I don't lose you again,” she finishes in a whisper.
“I wouldn't ever leave you because of something like that. You should know better, Maddie. All I want is for you to be healthy.”
“Well, thanks to you, my parents want me to go see a therapist. I don't have a problem, Winston.” I open my mouth to interrupt her, but she beats me to it. “All I did was what I wanted to do. I ate a little less and worked out a little more. It might not have been the smartest move, but I wasn't starving myself. I mean, it sounds like it, but I still ate.” There was some struggle with her words, and I watch her for a moment as I collect my thoughts on how to respond. “I took what I was already doing to the extreme, I know that,” she adds.
“You should still go to a counselor, Maddie. Talk to someone about how you feel, someone who could really help, and start being healthy again.”
She nods, a tear falling from the corner of her eye. “I ate four donuts after Dave and my parents called,” she blurts out.
“With chocolate icing and sprinkles?” Those were her favorite. I'm not sure why she's bringing it up though.
Maddie nods her head again. “I haven't had one in years and after Dave called, I kind of broke down and bought some. Then I was angry and disgusted with myself that I caved, which is when I found you. I was on my way to the gym.”
“I'm glad you ran into me then.” I reach for her hand, intertwining our fingers.
“I missed you,” she whispers, looking down at our hands. “Do you really think I should go see someone?”
“What do you think?” This needs to be something she wants, I think. If I say yes, then her answer will be the same.
“Couldn't hurt, right? I doubt everyone will leave it alone unless I go anyway.” She gulps and her leg starts bouncing a little. A steady stream of air exhales from her lips.
“It'll be fine. Promise. How about we go see that movie tonight that we saw the preview for the last time?”
“Yeah, that sounds like fun.” She leans over to kiss me. “I do need to go this time, though. Let me know when you're picking me up.”
“HEY, GRANT,” LUCY smiles as she takes the seat next to me in the library. She reaches over, grabbing the back of my neck, and pulls me closer. Lucy presses her lips to mine with purpose and a lot of unhidden want. She's amped things up since break, not that I'm complaining in any way. Her cheeks are flushed when she settles back into her seat.
“Well, hello to you too,” I grin, making her laugh.
“I figured I better get it all out now before you go live with my brothers.”
“Are you sure you're okay with it?” She told me she was, but maybe she's changed her mind.
“Yes, of course. Are you sure you're ready to live with the looney Kennedy brothers?” she teases with a smile.
“As long as I have the beautiful Kennedy sister, I'll be fine.”
Lucy blushes, but rolls her eyes. “I don't see that being a problem.”
“Good.” After a moment, I add, “You know, there's one favor I didn't do and you haven't mentioned it.”
She scrunches her nose up. “Wouldn't it be rude to ask how come you didn't bring me anything back? And it's not like you have to do everything I ask. I'm sure this isn't the first time you couldn't do something for me.”
I raise an eyebrow at her. “Really? When have I ever turned you down?”
