“You’re juggling a lot of things, aren’t you?” I say softly. “I don’t mean to be nosy, but that has to be really draining.”
She sighs. “It is,” she admits. “I’m doing this all on my own and I don’t get a lot of free time. It’s all working and studying. Has been for years.”
“You have to make time for you,” I point out. “That kind of thing—going all-out without ever taking care of yourself? Eventually, it catches up to you.”
She frowns thoughtfully. “You may be right. But nothing will change unless I’m the one who makes it happen.”
I’m not sure how to respond. Especially because I find myself wanting to help her. And I barely even know this beautiful young woman.
To my enormous relief, Bruce chooses that moment to come bolting back over to me, long legs flying and ears flapping. Perfect timing.
“I’ve seen your dog running around out here before,” Maddie says, her tone lightening a bit. “What’s his name?”
I lean down and scratch behind one of his floppy ears. “This big guy is Bruce,” I say. “He’s huge, but harmless. You should come around and meet him sometime.”
“Maybe I will,” she says. “Mom hates animals, so I’ve never had a pet. Always wanted one, though.”
She sounds a little sad. I straighten up and curl my fingers over the top of the fence, millimeters away from where her hand is resting.
“You know,” I say carefully, “If you ever need to get away from your house for a little while or talk or whatever, I’m here. My door is open.”
In the brief silence that follows, I wonder if I’ve overstepped, and I’m just opening my mouth to try and smooth things over when she gives a short nod.
“I’d like that,” she says hesitantly. “Someone close by, that is.”
My heart thumps. “I promise I’m a good listener,” I tell her. “What’s your number? I’ll text you.”
I pull my phone out of my pocket and enter in the string of digits as she recites them, and then tap out a quick message.
Hey, this is Gabe, call or text me anytime, it says. And I mean it.
The door of Maddie’s trailer opens, and I see someone silhouetted in the light that streams out onto the porch.
“Madelyn, I need you,” a sharp female voice says. “Inside, now.”
Maddie sighs and looks over her shoulder. “Be right there, Mom.”
Her fingers, curled over the top of the fence, brush mine for just a millisecond, sending electric shocks through my body.
“Gotta go,” she says. She turns around and jogs back to the trailer, then pauses to look over her shoulder. “I’ll see you around.”
“Goodnight,” I reply softly as the screen door slams behind her.
I turn around and head back into my house, Bruce on my heels, and drop my empty beer bottle into the recycling on the way into my living room. The couch cushions feel good on my tired body, and I flop my head back and relax.
What is it about Maddie O’Malley? She’s too young. Too beautiful. And the earnest look in her eyes when she talked about her dreams… Something about her has me hooked. And whatever it is—well, I can’t wait to figure it out.