Page 64 of Fractured Frets

“Yes.” She turned her hand toward the hallway. “In my bedroom, on the nightstand, or in the bathroom cabinet.”

Maddy dashed around the counter and headed across the room. “Okay. I’ll get them.”

But the moment Maddy disappeared, Valerie wouldn’t look at me.

What was she playing at? Whatever it was, I wouldn’t fall for it.

“Valerie?” I resisted the urge to grab her chin and force her to face me. Instead, I folded my arms and spoke with a sharp edge. “You’re fine, aren’t you? You may’ve Maddy fooled, but not me. So drop the act.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She rubbed and patted her chest. “My lungs hurt. My joints ache. I have a woozy head. You don’t understand.”

“Yes. I do. Trust me. I know all about pain.” Sitting awkwardly on the armrest didn’t help my hip—not one bit. “But maybe you shouldn’t have gone to Santa Monica today. Or had so much to drink. If you’re genuinely sick and having a flare-up, we’ll give you your meds and keep an eye on you for ten minutes or so to make sure you’re okay. If you are, we’re going home. If not, we’ll take you to the hospital. So which one is it going to be?”

Her chin trembled as she stabbed her finger against the armrest. “This is Maddy’s home.”

Shit. Was that it? She was upset Maddy and I weren’t staying? Fuuuuck! “Yes, but so is my house.”

“No. This is my time with Maddy.”

I clutched her hand in mine. “We had time planned with you this afternoon. But you messed that up. Not her. She has a busy weekend. While I’m on tour, I only get a few nights or days a month with her too. That will change when I get home.” I gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “Valerie, I assure you, I’m not taking Maddy away from you. We will always make time for you and be around to take care of you. I promise you that. Maddy loves you very much, but she loves me too. And I love her with all my heart and soul.” I lowered my voice but hardened my gaze. “I know you’re sick, scared, frustrated, tired, and over being in pain...but please, don’t ever abuse that situation or take advantage of Maddy’s good heart. I’ve enough shit going on without adding you to the list.”

“You don’t know the first thing about me.” Valerie yanked her hand free from mine. “I need someone to take care of me.”

“Yes, but you don’t need full-time assistance. You’re not an invalid. You do just fine when Maddy is away. You have Bridget when needed.” I leaned toward her and sharpened my tone. “But whether you like it or not, Maddy is my wife, and we’re gonna spend the night at my place.”

Tears shimmered in her eyes. “What if I get worse?”

“We’re only fifteen minutes away.”

Her chin trembled. “She’s my daughter. She’s all I have.”

“No, she’s not.” I clasped her hand again. “You have me too. I’m family now. I will take care of you. But if you pull another bullshit stunt like this and keep playing these games, I will ensure Maddy finds out what you’re doing.” I’d tell her anyway. Valerie could hate me. But I wouldn’t lie to Maddy. “So from now on, stop abusing Maddy’s love for you.” I leaned toward her, unwavering in my stance. “Once you’ve had your meds, Maddy and I are going to leave, and you won’t make any more fuss. Are we clear?”

“How dare you talk to me like that?” she hissed.

“I will, because I love Maddy.” I stood, bent forward, and rested my hands on the recliner. “Now, is there anything I can get you?”

She fidgeted with her hair, not meeting my gaze. She wriggled her toes. Twisted the throw around in her hands. Then she closed her eyes and nodded. “Yes. I need a pain-killer. I walked too much today. They’re in the cupboard by the fridge.”

“Excellent.” I ambled into the kitchen, grabbed the pill bottle, and eyed the prescription label. Tramadol...hmph. Not strong enough for my liking anymore. I grabbed Valerie a water and returned to the sofa. As I handed her the pills and glass, I asked, “Do you need help with anything else?”

“No. I’m fine.” She swallowed one capsule with a mouthful of water.

“Funny that.”

She sneered and swallowed a second pill.

After Maddy came back and Valerie took her other meds, we stayed to make sure she was okay. Of course, she was fine. Once the food arrived, we took two of the dishes and headed to my place.

As I drove through the hills, Maddy remained quiet, seeming lost in her thoughts. My head thudded in overdrive. Fuck! I’d always suspected Valerie, but I hadn’t expected her to fake flare-ups and abuse Maddy’s trust. That was just plain cruel.

I didn’t want to upset Maddy further, but I cared about her too much to keep this a secret. I’d promised I’d always be honest with her. She needed to know what Valerie had done. Valerie could despise me for the rest of my days, but I couldn’t keep the truth from Maddy.

Was there a subtle way to say something without the conversation turning into a fight? Maddy loved her mom. I never wanted to cause a rift between them...or burn my relationship with Maddy. But honesty came first. That was why my friendship with the guys had survived for so long. We saw through each other’s bullshit and called it when necessary. Even though the truth hurt sometimes, it often opened our eyes and forced us to change. Be stronger when something or some drama erupted. We always had each other’s backs. And I’d do the same for Maddy. I just prayed we survived this storm.

“Mads, your mom’s going to be okay.” I stole a sideways glance at her. Too many concerns and worries clouded her eyes. “She was fine tonight.”

“Not really.” Maddy curled her hand around my thigh. “But thanks for helping. I really appreciate it. I’m sorry Mom’s a handful.”

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