Page 76 of Love me, Maddie Mendoza

“I can try first.”

Jason clapped once. “So everything turned out ok?”

“Well…” I started because it felt like he wasn’t following our conversation.

“Everything is ok for now.” Nick helped. “Concentrate on that, King.”

“You gave him the scarf?” Maddie asked over the phone.

“Yes.”

“Did he appreciate it?” She was eager.

“He let you know he isn’t here for bribes.”

Maddie giggled. She was truly the only person in all Statham University who actually liked the hard ass that was our anthropology professor. She took other classes with him too, so I guessed his mood never scared her off.

“Well, I’m glad they all gave me more time.” She sighed.

Not that it was easy. Some professors were assholes, even about someone as sweet as Maddie. But I pushed here and there, and I promised I’d bring her the assignments and she’d not lose a day until the end of her course. By my last visit of the day, I had bargained so much it became second nature.

Maddie kept telling me tales about Orchid Street, like I wasn’t there only a few days ago. I didn’t mind it, but in the back of my mind I wondered if I should be more evasive and use the time apart to put things in perspective.

I was still as confused as I was when I left her sleeping in my bed. She moaned when I tried to wake her up, so I gave her a kiss on her temple and rushed away.

I never thought I would see the day when I had to put miles between Maddie and I. Especially because it didn’t work.

We talked on the phone every night and texted during classes. I craved her something fierce. The details of our last night sleeping together were fading, and I was starting to believe that our night was something out of my imagination. The Maddie who wanted me became this mythical creature. A wish. A desire. Fantasy.

By the fourth day without Maddie, I went back to my default, using the gym as an escape from my feelings. I felt fire in my gut all the damn time. I ran but it was never enough. I lifted weights and my head was as cloudy as it was before. I went for a swim. I called Matt and the guys for a friendly game.

Nothing worked.

The only time I breathed out in peace was when Maddie called.

I knew I was wandering close to the realization I liked Maddie more than a friend. But each time I came close to that conclusion, my rational side talked me out of it. I always craved her company. It wasn’t damn news. I was just feeling weird and lonely and probably nostalgic.

Graduation was coming, and I was trying to hold onto her. That was it.

And then another day started, and I went to classes and exercised like I had to exorcise my goddamn demons. All because a five-feet nothing Mexican-Filipino girl had me on my knees.

Sweat and cursing weren’t helping.

I wanted my girl back.

Just when I was sure I was going insane, Maddie finally came home.

She got a ride from my dad. I opened the front door when I saw the familiar truck, and dad smiled at me from the driver’s seat like he knew a secret. I was still looking at dad when Maddie ran toward me like a bullet. She buried her head in my chest. I breathed in and kissed her hair.

I glanced up to catch dad watching. “Do you want to come in?” I called from the porch.

He shook his head and waved goodbye. I frowned as he chuckled to himself and rolled the truck forward.

I paid little attention. With Maddie tucked under my arm, I felt right for the first time in days. She brought her arms around my neck and I curved myself to give her a proper hug, and in a second she was on me. Her legs around my waist, her face buried on my neck like she needed to breathe me in.

“A week was too long.” Her muffled voice tickled my skin.

Yes. It was too long and yet not enough. I still wasn’t sure what part of me was missing her and she was already back. Maddie melted in my arms, my hands on her ass supporting her up, and she was perfect enough for me to stop caring.

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