Page 37 of Fought and Freed

Maddy walked back toward the Jeep in complete shock.

Every bone in her body told her not to believe Amber, but at the same time, they couldn’t just say it wasn’t true and move on with their lives. Skylar and Amber had dated, and accidents happened.

There was a good chance the baby might be Skylar’s, and they needed to plan for that.

When they reached the Jeep, Maddy remembered Grant was still there and turned to her friend. “I’m sorry you had to see that and missed tonight’s meeting.”

“I could have stayed inside if I wanted to.” Grant waved that away, his expression worried. “Did I hear right that you’re leaving?”

“Yeah, I wanted to talk to you about that later tonight.” Maddy still felt guilty about leaving Grant alone. “This coming Friday through next Wednesday, I’ll be out of town. My brother’s football team made it to some bowl game, and we’re all traveling out to watch him play.”

Grant’s eyes widened in panic. “You can’t!”

“It’s only for a few days,” she said.

“You have to attend thirty meetings in thirty days, remember?” He gestured wildly. “How will you do that if you leave?”

Maddy wasn’t actually under the same restriction as he was, since she hadn’t willingly chose the drugs Mike tricked her into taking. The meetings were more for support if she needed them, and she was going because she didn’t know yet how she was going to handle her recovery.

But with how Grant was acting, she didn’t think now was a good time to remind him of that.

Grant turned his back to her, his hands balling up, whispering, “How will I do that if you leave?”

Guilt tightened Maddy’s throat, making it hard for her to speak. She’d promised to be there for him, and she was leaving.

“Don’t worry, man, we found a meeting near the hotel where we’ll be staying,” Skylar said. “And we’ll all be there with her, making sure she has support.”

Maddy gave Skylar an exasperated look because it was clear Grant wasn’t worried about her. He was worried that he’d relapse without her here.

She reached out and touched her friend’s shoulder. “Grant.”

“I’m sorry.” He turned back around. “I didn’t mean to yell like that. I just panicked about not having you around. It’s stupid. I can handle a few days by myself.” He forced a smile. “So, a bowl game? Where are you going?”

“Maddy doesn’t know football well.” Jace shook his head. “Her brother is playing in the Rose Bowl.”

Grant gaped. “Wow, that’s big! And you get to see the flower parade?”

Maddy rubbed the back of her neck. “I’m not sure what that is.”

Skylar headed for the driver’s door, but Jace stopped him and pointed to the passage seat. They all got into the Jeep.

Jace turned on the ignition. “The Rose Parade is a bunch of floats made of flowers and anything natural. It’s truly amazing how they turn out.”

“Sounds interesting.” Maddy had a hard time imagining how that was possible. “I can’t wait to see it.” She turned to Grant, who sat in the back with her. “Are you sure you’ll be all right by yourself?”

“Yes.” He patted her leg. “I’ll just have to put on my big boy pants while you’re away.”

“You can call me if you need me,” Maddy reminded him.

“I survived by myself before you, and I can do it again.” He turned and looked out the window.

When Jace pulled up outside of Pathways and stopped, Grant hopped out.

He’d been quiet the whole way back, and it worried Maddy.

Before he shut the door, she leaned across the seat. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

He nodded and shut the door, heading for the house.

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