Page 25 of Valley
“Sean,” I said, coming up beside him. “Adam,” I greeted, forcing a smile that felt like it would crack my face.
Sean smiled back. “What’s up, Mandy?”
The name jarred me, but I quickly remembered he didn’t know my real name. “Can you give me a ride home?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
He gave me a long look, his piercing green eyes searching mine. He glanced behind me, probably looking for Jarrod. Something in my eyes must have given me away because he didn’t probe. “Sure,” he said, looking at Adam. “I’ll be back in time for gate duty.”
“Take your time. Davie and I can handle it,” Adam replied, his expression softening as he glanced at me. My eyes were betraying me, no doubt.
“My bike’s out front,” Sean said, his hand gentle on my back as he led me outside. The cooling evening air hit me like a slap, making me realize just how numb I felt. “Are you okay?” he asked, handing me a helmet from his saddlebag.
“Yeah, I just need to leave,” I said, taking the helmet and putting it on. “You can drop me at the dance studio where I work,” I instructed, giving him directions. There was no way I was going home until I cried this out.
He straddled his bike, and I climbed behind him, holding onto his sides. “Got you,” he replied, the engine roaring to life.The ride seemed endless, and my chest felt hollow, as if Jarrod had ripped out my heart and taken it with him.
Finally, he pulled into the studio parking lot. I jumped off as he killed the engine. “Thanks, Sean. I really appreciate the ride.”
“Sure you’re okay?” he asked, his eyes searching mine.
With a shaky smile, I said, “Yeah.” I hurried away, fumbling with the door, and finally let the tears flow as I slid down the wall onto the cool wooden floor, my body shaking with sobs.
“Mandy?” I heard from the doorway and looked up to see Sean. “You forgot your purse,” he said softly, holding it up. He slowly came over, sliding down beside me, his arms going around my shoulders. “You don’t have to tell me what happened, but sometimes a shoulder to cry on helps.”
I gave him a sad, grateful smile and held on tight, letting it all out until, with a final shuddering breath, I calmed down, pulling back. “I soaked you,” I whispered, feeling incredibly awkward.
He stood and held out his hand to help me up. “A bath now and then never hurts,” he joked, trying to break the tension.
“Thank you... for everything,” I said, kissing his cheek. “But you better get back. I’m fine now,really.”
He gave me a killer smile. “Anytime.” Then he walked out, as if he knew I was still barely holding on.
In the bathroom, I washed my face, reapplied my makeup, and started the short walk home. Each step felt heavy, my heart aching with every thought of Jarrod. I felt so humiliated and foolish. It felt like Jarrod had just been playing with me. But his expression, the abruptness of it all, and the fear in his eyes made it seem like there was more to it.
It almost felt like it wasn’t about me at all.
The tears threatened again, but I forced them away, painting a smile on my face as I walked up to my door. Taking a deep breath, I went inside, smiling big for Dad and Ellie. “Madeline?”Dad said, giving me an odd look. “I didn’t expect you for hours yet.”
“I wasn’t feeling good. I think it must have been something I ate, so I asked Jarrod to bring me home,” I lied, praying he didn’t see through it. But his eyes said I failed.
“Oh, well, then you better go lay down,” he said, concerned.
I ruffled Ellie’s hair, kissed her cheek, and did the same to Dad. “No, I’ll sit with you while you eat.”
He smiled, understanding, as I sat down, and he got back to getting dinner ready. I needed this normalcy, this reminder of what really mattered. Like Asher, I would get over Jarrod. It just takes time.
HOURS LATER, Ifound myself back at the clubhouse,my mind swirling with disbelief and a crushing guilt over how I’d treated Madeline. She didn’t deserve any of it. I could have let her go with more kindness, more care, even if she would have hated me just the same. But Kezia’s return had forced my hand, her shadow a constant haunt.
The clubhouse was still alive with partiers as I walked in, my thoughts a chaotic mess. I doubted Madeline was still here, and the realization that I had been her ride made my stomach churn.
I was a screw-up, plain and simple.
Heading to the bar, I grabbed a stool and signaled for a beer, running my hands through my hair in frustration. My eyes scanned the room, searching for any sign of her.
“Here you go,” Adam said, setting the beer in front of me.
Before he could walk away, I asked, “Have you seen Madeline?”
“Madeline?” he echoed, confused, then understanding dawned. “Oh, Mandy. Yeah, she left with Sean.”