Page 10 of The Love We Make

“She isn’t my girl,” I corrected.

“Yeah, ok.”

“She is my best friend. Not ‘my girl.’”

He sighed really deep, getting comfortable in his chair, “That is what you keep saying.” He closed his eyes and tilted his head back, poised for the nap he always took on flights.

I kind of wanted to flick his nose.

I had made the mistake of telling him I was having Chase check-in on Madison when he wondered why I was always on my phone.

But he didn’t understand and I didn’t expect him to. So, I shook off his backhanded comments and jabs.

And refrained from flicking his nose while he slept.

The flight seemed to last one-hundred hours but when we finally landed, I turned my phone back on and texted Madison.

Ethan: Did you have a good day?

Lame. I know. But I had to start somewhere.

Madison: It was until Chase showed up. But you knew that. You knew I would be seething again.

Ethan: Dude just needed sugar, Maddy.

Madison: I know I asked before, but is it really necessary for you to have someone checking in on me?

Ethan: Maybe.

Madison: And you realize it's creepy?

Ethan: Maybe.

Madison: And you realize it doesn’t actually stop me from doing whatever I want?

Ethan: Maybe.

I knew it didn’t stop a damn thing from happening. I had just hoped it was a constant reminder to her how concerned I was. How much I hoped she made the right decision.

Madison: THEN WHY DO IT?

Ethan: Do what?

I was admitting nothing.

Madison: I swear I will slice you open and put your heart in my purse. I will walk around with it and when someone asks why I have blood dripping from my bag, I will tell them it’s the heart of a mean dog.

I laughed. Even when she was trying to be hardcore, she was soft.

Ethan: A mean dog? Lol

Madison: You are infuriating.

Ethan: You are too.

A few minutes went by as the plane taxied to the terminal. Then, her next message popped up and I smiled, yet again, at her sweetness.

Madison: Did you make it to Milwaukee safely?

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