Page 21 of Bossy Hero

Maddie

* * *

To: justmaddie

From: ALancaster

Too late, Maddie. I read it. And I’m glad I did. Now I really want to see you when I’m on leave. You don’t have to go through this alone. I want to be there for you. If you’ll let me.

* * *

To: ALancaster

From: justmaddie

I just needed to vent. I don’t need a savior. Plus, you’re like... fourteen states away, give or take. Yet even if you were next door, I’d still tell you to stay out of this.

All my life, I’ve failed on my own and because of my mistakes. I need to heal on my own too.

* * *

To: justmaddie

From: ALancaster

I still want to see you.

* * *

To: ALancaster

From: justmaddie

A wise woman from the moviePretty Womanonce said, “It’s good to want things.”

* * *

To: justmaddie

From: ALancaster

Another wise woman in that movie said, “Big mistake. Huge.” And I’m going to drink myself stupid tonight for admitting I know that.

But message received. I’ll eat my rejection sandwich now.

* * *

A week later

To: ALancaster

From: justmaddie

Sorry I haven’t replied sooner. I’m not ignoring you. I’m just dealing with life.

About the rejection... it’s not a no. It’s just anot now.

* * *

---