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I try to slow my racing heart.
It doesn’t work.
Biofeedback, apparently, is not my thing.
“Are you okay with me talking about this?” she asks.
I make myself nod.
She bites her lip. “Thanks. Roxie is not a good listener, like you are. Seeing Sylvester today… It made me realize that breakups are hard because not only is it over with another person, but a whole chunk of your life is over. A whole chapter. Does that make sense?”
“It does. I get it.”
“He didn’t love me, either, but he’s still intent on making this split-up difficult.”
I still can’t believe Sylvester is here, in Vermont.
I didn’t expect this.
But I should have. How could a guy let a woman like Maddison just… walk away?
“Of course he wants you back,” I tell her. “How could he not? You’re special.”
She sighs. “Ugh. Thanks. I wish he gave me warning that he was coming. I mean, this morning was the first time he called me since I left LA. I guess I should’ve figured he’d do something dramatic like this, once I had a lawyer get in touch with him. Hana figured out that I have good evidence that the script is mine, so he knows now he won’t get away with selling it without me on board. His only hope is to get back together with me so I’ll let him have his name on it. I told him there’s no way that’s happening… Honestly, Nick, my life is a chaotic mess, and you’d be wise to stay far, far away.”
My lip hitches up, a sad grin. “Little late for that.”
When she leans against me, I wrap my arm around her. “Hey, I knew you were going through a lot when you first showed up at the clinic. How’s that old ticker of yours doing these days, anyway?”
“It might help if the roller coaster I’m on would slow down a little.”
I rub her arm. “I’m sorry.”
She pulls back so she can face me. “I am, too. For dragging you into it.”
“No, don’t apologize, Maddie. It’s my fault. I should’ve put a shield up when you dazzled me.”
She gives me a quiet laugh. “To quote a doctor I know, ‘it’s a little late for that.’”
“Touché. What would make you feel better? What can I do?”
“Honestly, I’m not sure. I know one thing I don’t want you to do, though… This time around, you’d better not call up Tracey Donovan and ask her out. Also, don’t meet me in any study rooms to break that news to me. I might burst out in tears.”
“Really? Tears? You didn’t, back then.”
“Not in front of you, but I did once I got back to my dorm room.”
I hug her close and feel her rest more of her weight on me. I place my chin on the top of her head.
“Maddison—can I tell you the truth?”
“I think that’s what we have to try to stick to, from now on. Even if it’s hard.”
“Okay. I’m in.”
I pause and suck in a deep breath. This is not going to be easy.
But I’ve been meaning to tell her this for a while now. Being up this late at night with her, and holding her like this, gives this visit an intimate feel. Like we’re the only two people in the world. Closer than we’ve ever been. If I don’t tell her now, I might never.
