Total pages in book: 46
Estimated words: 43072 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 215(@200wpm)___ 172(@250wpm)___ 144(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 43072 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 215(@200wpm)___ 172(@250wpm)___ 144(@300wpm)
THIRTY-ONE
Hendrix
When I came over to Madden’s house tonight, I had no idea I’d be meeting his brother. Sure, I knew about the girls. He told me they were with him up front. I kind of assumed they’d be spending the night because after we painted all our nails and toes, Madden included, and ate dinner, we made hot fudge sundaes, or banana splits for Cammy. Piper wanted more of the chocolate gooeyness than ice cream. Not that I can blame the girl for knowing what she wants. At first, Cammy was apprehensive, rightfully so to a newcomer, and while Madden hinted that they’ve had a fast and heavy change in their life, it probably didn’t help. What I wasn’t expecting, though, was watching Madden with his nieces. The love and adoration he has for them, the affectionate way he held them close to his chest when they felt the need to climb on his lap for a hug. And when they left with their father, Madden’s brother, Forest, he gave him a heartfelt hug. Not the half hug with a slap to the back. Seriously, the man is freaking perfect, and clearly, I’m the one who has issues.
That leads us to now, me sitting on the couch with both dogs at my feet, waiting for Madden to make his appearance after he made it known he’d join me as soon as he shut a few things down around the house.
“Sorry about that. The girls kind of leave a path of destruction in their wake,” Madden says as he enters the living room from the back patio. I’m practically sitting on my hands, attempting to keep from wringing my fingers in nervousness.
“Not a problem at all. They’re great kids.” It’s not a lie, and sure, it’s small talk, but because where do I even begin when it comes to my behavior?
“Yeah, they’ve had a tough time lately. Hopefully, things get better from here on out.” Madden hasn’t shared their background story. I figure he’ll tell me when he’s ready.
“I hope so, too. Madden—” I barely get his name out when he’s interrupting me.
“Hendrix—” We both stop talking. “You go first,” he insists. Now, I’m biting at my lower lip, hands still underneath my thighs, as I’m trying to come up with the right words to say.
“Okay, here it goes. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have treated you like crap. There’s really no excuse. I’ve done a lot of soul searching, trying to come to peace with my past that isn’t my future. I’m aware I was taking it out on you, going so far as to make you jump through hoops to see if you’d actually stay. The last straw, that text, was me running scared. Of you, of my feelings, of how you made me feel. I’ve never felt like this. The last guy who made me have any sort of emotion screwed me over in the worst kind of way.” I’m not sure about the correct protocol on how to start a relationship, like, do I tell him about everything? Or do I keep it pretty vague? I should probably keep it pretty blasé, but instead I go for broke. “Josh, which should have been my first sign. Men with names starting with the letter J have never done me any favors, even back in high school. Justin, Jeremy, and then Josh. Anyways, I’m getting off track. I should have seen it coming. The writing was on the wall. The way he talked down to me, the way he couldn’t hold a job down, how it was always my fault, how no matter what I did, it was never good enough.” I move my hands because Jolene places her head on my lap, asking for attention. It gives me a reason to fidget without it being apparent.
“Josh didn’t cheat or abuse me, not physically at least. He did something that was probably way worse for an independent person like myself. I had been saving money, trying to buy a house long before he came into the picture. I let my guard down thinking it was forever when he was Mr. Right Now. So, one day, I’m looking at my bank account and realize the money I moved to my savings account is gone. Forty thousand dollars, my nest egg, had disappeared, as well as the man who promised me love, devotion, and a future together. He hacked into my savings account. That was three years ago. They never did find Josh or my money. That’s when I made a promise to myself. Never lose yourself to a man. And, Madden, I was doing exactly that with you.”
“Wow, and to think I thought you were playing a game. That’s some heavy shit. I’m not sure how I can make you realize I’m not out to take your money, stomp out your independence or your flare for dramatics. Which I gotta say, they have me laughing more times than not.” Madden’s hand goes to the back of my head, moving it so my eyes are on his, except I close them because getting that off my chest was not easy. The only people who know exactly what Josh did are my family and close friends. I refused to make everything public, only talking to what is now formerly my bank and the cops who couldn’t find a trail to save their life. Looking back, I probably should have made it more well-known. That way, it wouldn’t happen to another woman, but the embarrassment was way too much with everything else swirling around.