Page 12 of Love me, Maddie Mendoza

I cracked a laugh. “Are we at mass?”

“Shh!”

I schooled my expression and caught Nick doing the same.

“Brother King tells us he has news to share.”

“Are we monks now?” Nick wanted to know. “How does the gavel fit in all this?”

“This is a brotherhood, Nick.” Jason frowned. “What do you think this is?”

“Honestly? Hell. Can we please let King get on with it?”

“Can youoncebe cool?” Jason whined.

“I’m the coolest person at this table.” Nick stated. It was true. He was an athlete with bronze skin and a laid-back smile. Plus, the bastard got his mother’s green eyes. Frankly, I knew Nick was carrying the team. Especially when the team had Jason with a toy gavel bringing us down.

“Ok, ok.” I interrupted the bickering. “I don’t have news, just a request.”

Jason lowered the gavel and Nick listened attentively as he usually did.

“Maddie’s landlord is taking the house to renovate and sell, so she and Aisha are out of there.”

“Oh, shit…are people allowed to do this?” Jason asked. Yes, he was full of theatrics, but Jay was also the mother hen. He careda lot. Way too much at times. I nodded. There was nothing illegal about the landlord asking for the house back as long as they give notice.

“Aisha is moving in with her sister, but she only has space for one. Maddie was shopping around but…she doesn’t want to commit to a three-year lease when we are a semester away from graduating, you know?”

I looked over at my friends. They both nodded, understanding what I was asking. I knew it was a big ask, but I couldn’t leave her hanging. Not Maddie Mendoza. And the guys liked Maddie. I squeezed the back of my neck, searching for ways to sweeten the deal. “I know it’s too much to ask, but I promise she won’t be in anyone’s way…”

“Maddie Mendoza?” Nick arched his eyebrow.

“Yes?”

Nick crossed his arms over his chest. “The same Maddie who knits non-stop?”

I cleared my throat. “It’s crochet actually…”

Bringing up crochet was probably going to do the opposite of what I wanted…

“And she collects stamps?” Nick pushed on.

“Hmm yes?”

“She bakes too.” Jason piled on.

“Baking has to go on the pro column!” I argued. “Come on, man. You love those muffin tops she bakes.”

Nick lifted his hands, chuckling. “Hey, I love Maddie. I’m just saying the girl hasthirtysteady hobbies. It’s hard to believe she won’t be in anyone’s way.”

“You know what else she’s got?” Added Jason. “Peter.”

God. I knew we were going to get into that because, like me, my friends hated Maddie’s boyfriend, Peter. I could list forever the reasons we hated Peter, but I shouldn’t.

Fuck it, I will.

1 - He had a douche last name. Peter Adamson-Burton III.Not acceptable.

2- He wasn’t a basketball fan.

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