Page 17 of Mad Love

“Sadie,” I say softly, “we can come back and do this another time…if it’s too much.”

She takes a deep breath and it’s shaky. “Okay.”

I take the bags from the counter and she follows me out of the kitchen. I take the groceries to the car and when I come back, we’re able to get the rest of the bags and Caleb to the car in one more trip.

“Are you okay to drive?” I ask when everything but Caleb is loaded in my SUV. She’s still crying. It’s almost like she doesn’t even realize it, the tears are just falling. “I’d feel better if we sent someone to pick up your car. My friend Penn might still be in the area and he could drive it to my place.”

She’s holding Caleb’s carrier and looks down at him.

Her eyes are in such pain when they meet mine again.

“That might be for the best,” she says.

I nod and open the passenger side for her, taking Caleb as she climbs in. Sadie’s holding her keys and when I hold out my hand, she places them in my palm and I put them under her driver’s seat, texting Penn when I’ve shut the door.

Are you still in the area?

He texts right back.

Penn

Yes, sir.

Would you be able to pick up a car and drive it out to my house sometime tonight? There’s no rush.

Penn

I’m on it.

I send him the address, tell him where the keys are, and he says he’s five minutes away.

You’re a lifesaver. Thank you.

Penn

I’ve got you, man.

The drive to my house is quiet besides the sounds of Sadie sniffling and Caleb’s little baby squeaks.

I don’t know what the hell I’m doing, but I think we’re in this together.

CHAPTER SIX

THIS ISN’T ME

SADIE

I didn’t even have time to be embarrassed about Weston seeing what a dump our apartment is. I was hit so hard by the fact that Sasha is gone. Being in our place made it so much worse. It didn’t feel real until then.

I would never admit this to Weston, but I don’t know how I would survive if I had to stay there right now.

When we drive into Silver Hills, my spirits buoy slightly. I’ve always loved this beautiful little town. There are no two houses alike, and I love all the intricate detailing on the colorful homes. The small downtown area is boutique heaven, the perfect place to window shop for someone like me. But I’ve never even seen this side of Silver Hills…the beyond wealthy side. We pull up to a large gate and Weston puts a code in. The heavy metal gate silently glides open and we drive down the long driveway with trees lining each side. When I see his—estateseems like the most fitting term for it—I’m filled with a new level of dread.

How am I supposed to function in a place like this?

He pulls around to the side and I see the lake and pool in the back before we park in the garage. He’s been quiet the whole drive, but I think maybe he’s nervous when we get out of the SUV. He starts talking fast.

“Just leave it. I can get everything inside,” he says. “Let me show you around first.”

---