Page 101 of Madden
There’s not a lot I could do, but this, this I could.
Even if I never get the chance to see or speak with Madden again, I will always love him and want to protect him in any way I can.
After my meeting with Clive, I swing by the small grocery store on the corner near my apartment and pick up the essentials on my way home.
I’ve been working from home still and have run low on a few things, the more important being the heartbreak cures like ice cream and wine.
“Helloooo,” Serena sings when she steps off the elevator into my apartment, her heels clicking on the floor.
She stops when she turns the corner, finding me on top of the counter.
Her brows deepen, and she tilts her head to the side.
“What are you doing? You do realize there are chairs around here, right?” She holds her hand out, motioning to the barstools and sofas in my living room as if I somehow missed them all.
“I needed to change the light bulb,” I mutter through my spoonful of ice cream, pointing up at the light fixture above. “I didn’t feel like getting down after, so I just made myself at home here.”
She nods slowly. The worry and concern evident on her face, but I shrug.
We both know what’s going on with me, so no further explanation is needed.
She bends down and unhooks the strap of her heels, kicking off her shoes.
“What are you doing?” I smirk when she hitches her leg to climb up on the counter next to me.
“What the hell does it look like I’m doing?” She quirks her brow. “My sister is goin’ through some shit and wants to eat up here, and I won’t let her do it alone.”
I smile, leaning over the side to open the drawer and grab another spoon. She mutters a quiet thank-you when I hold out the carton to her, and she digs in, taking a bite of her own.
“How are things going? Any word from the rebel?”
I shake my head. The thought of reaching out to him makes my heart feel like it’s dropping into the pit of my stomach.
“I still haven’t heard from him since I texted him the night I left. I’m trying to wrap my mind around the fact this is the end of it. No conversation, no chance to explain. It’s just over.”
The last time I was with him, everything felt perfect. We were standing in the kitchen, our arms wrapped around each other.
If only I had known it was the last time we’d be together, I’d go back and relive it all over again.
“So that’s it? You’re not going to fight for him?”
“Why do I have to be the one to fight for him?” I scoff, letting the anger and frustration seep through my tone. “I sent him a text the night I left, telling him I couldn’t believe he was going to push me away and not give me a chance to explain. He promised me he wouldn’t run, but he did. I understand he’s hurt, and he questions if he can trust me, but every time he’s needed me, I’ve come running to be there for him.”
She sighs and shakes her head, scooping another bite of ice cream into her mouth.
“I’ve thought about sending the audio file I shared with Clive to Kyla. I still have her email from when we arranged the interview.”
“Do it, if nothing but to give Madden the peace of mind.”
“I just know they’ll question how I got the recording. It seems like everything I do, they think I’m doing it to hurt Madden and the guys.”
She scoffs, tossing the spoon onto the table and climbs off the counter.
“What?” I chuckle, not sure what’s got her all riled up now.
“I’m just pissed they constantly assume the worst of you. You’re the most honest and loyal person I know. He’s going to regret this, Elle.” She squeezes my arm. “Some men don’t realize what they’ve lost until reality smacks them upside their head.”
The familiar twinge in my chest returns, and I shrug.
“He made his choice, and he chose not to let me explain. I guess this is how it ends.”