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It was real. The way she looked at me—I didn’t make that up. The way she batted her lashes, walked up to me, laid her hand on my chest. She was partly joking around, but underneath it all was the same desire I was feeling.
Baffled, I stare at Fredricka.
She’s clearly enjoying herself.
She flaps a hand toward Pansy’s. “You know what I think? I think they’re both up to no good. Probably here in town to get something out of those poor parents of hers, or worse, her grandparents. The movie business is full of these criminals. It’s because movies aren’t wholesome these days. There is so much violence. For all we know, those two are angling to get into poor Bertrand and Lottie’s wills—get a slice of the inheritance pie, if you know what I mean. I’ve heard Bertrand has some significant health issues.”
“Fredricka—Bertrand is fine. This is all speculation.”
“Inheritance is a big deal. I tweak my will every year, according to who comes to Christmas dinner. Maddison sure has plenty of making up to do in the eyes of her family. She’s been off in Beverly Hills or LA or wherever, shirking her responsibilities.My guess is she’s here to sweet talk all of those poor Bradshaws so that when the diner sells?—”
“Fredricka—”
“She can get a slice of the profits. I’m sure they’ll sell that place one of these days, the way the real estate market is going. Main Street is a gold mine. And that boyfriend of hers?—”
“Fredricka!”
“All I’m saying is we don’tknow. And it makes me nervous, having her here on the street with the rest of us. If you ask me, you really should put that key in a much better place.”
“Fine. You’re right. I will.”
“And you should consider who you allow to shower at your place, too. It’s not my business who you consort with, Nicholas. It really isn’t. She is a pretty girl, and I know how young men like yourself can be about women like her. But please be careful. That’s all I ask.”
She bustles away.
I shake my head and trudge up the steps to my home.
Inside, I deposit my bag.
But now I’m not sure I should go over to Maddison’s.
Sylvester’shere, in Vermont.
Why didn’t Maddison tell me he was on his way?
Mittens brushes up against my leg. I stoop and scoop her into my arms. I pace to the window and glance out, over at Pansy’s.
The upstairs bathroom light flicks on. I catch movement up there—Maddison, walking, shrouded by the lacy curtains.
I bite my lip.
It’s really none of my business, her relationship with Sylvester. When she’s ready to talk to me about it, she will.
Then I’ll be in the same position as before.
Comforting her. Helping her through a tough time.
Tonight, I have to give her space.
I carry Mittens to the kitchen. Looks like this evening, dinner and the cleanup are both on me. Solo.
Chapter 22
Maddison
I sink into the hot bathtub until the piles of bubbles hug my chin like a beard.
I want the hot water and smells of the rose-infused bubble bath to pull me away from my worries, but it doesn’t work.
