Page 14 of Madness

We head towards the diner, but I can't help but wonder what I'm getting myself into. Despite my better judgment, despite the voice in my head telling me to be careful, I find myself looking forward to whatever conversation lies ahead.

Maybe, just maybe, I'm not the only one who felt that connection last night.

As we walk, I pull out my phone. "Just give me a second," I say to Dakota, quickly typing out a text to Shannon.

ME: Grabbing coffee with a friend. Be home a bit late. How's Roman?

I hit send, then turn my attention back to Dakota. He's walking beside me, hands shoved in his pockets, looking almost nervous. It's such a contrast to the confident rockstar image that I can't help but feel intrigued.

"So," I begin, breaking the silence, "rough night?"

He lets out a dry chuckle. "You could say that. I almost did something I would have regretted."

I nod, not pushing for details. "But you didn't?"

"No," he says softly. "I didn't. But it was close."

We walk in silence for a moment, the weight of his unspoken struggle hanging between us. My phone buzzes, and I glance down.

SHANNON: He's fine. Still no fever. Have fun, but be safe! x

I smile slightly, tucking the phone away.

"How's your son?" Dakota asks, catching me off guard. "Roman, right? Is he feeling better?"

The fact that he remembered surprises me. "Yeah, Roman. He's doing okay. But it turns out he has another ear infection. Nothing we haven't dealt with before, though."

Dakota nods, looking genuinely concerned. "That's tough. Kids are resilient, but still... it must be hard on you both."

"It is," I admit. "But we manage. Always do."

We're quiet for another moment, and then Dakota speaks again. "Lauren, I want you to know that I meant to come in earlier. I was there, actually. Sat in my car for about an hour, trying to work up the courage."

I raise an eyebrow. "Courage? To enter a diner?"

He laughs, but it's a self-deprecating sound. "Crazy, right? I can perform in front of thousands, but the thought of walking in there, seeing you... it terrified me."

"Why?" I ask, genuinely curious.

He stops walking, turning to face me. His eyes meet mine, and I'm struck by their intensity. "Because you make me feel... real. Not like some stupid fucking rockstar, or some screwed-up addict, but just... me. And that's both amazing and terrifying."

The word 'addict' hits me like a physical blow. Suddenly, I'm back three years ago, the phone call telling me Miles was dead. The sleepless nights, the broken promises, the constant fear - it all comes rushing back.

A voice in my head screams at me to run, to protect myself and Roman from going through that hell again. Red flags are waving frantically in my mind. I should end this right now, turn around, and go home to my son.

But as I look at Dakota, I see something I never saw in Miles - a vulnerability, an openness about his struggle. He's not hiding it or making excuses. And despite every instinct telling me to flee, I find myself curious about his story.

Still, I can't ignore the warning bells. I need to be careful, for Roman's sake, if not my own.

I take a deep breath, trying to keep my voice steady. "Addict, huh? That's a lot to process. I appreciate your honesty, but I hope you understand that I need to be careful. I have Roman to think about."

He nods, understanding and disappointment in his eyes. "Of course. I get it. I shouldn't have dumped all that on you right then. I'm sorry."

Before I can respond, the diner's neon sign comes into view. "We're here," I say, gesturing towards the entrance, grateful for the distraction.

I feel his hand brush against mine as we walk towards the door. It might be accidental, but the brief contact sends conflicting sparks and anxiety through me that I can't ignore.

Whatever happens next, I have a feeling this night is going to change things. I just hope I have the strength to handle it - and the wisdom to know when to walk away if I need to.

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