Page 14 of Big Trouble
“Back up a minute,” said Maddox. “Who’s Lo and when did Jack get back into town?”
I held up my hand. “Um, hi. I’m Lo. And I have no idea when Jack arrived, but I sure as hell wish he hadn’t come back.”
Maddox narrowed his gorgeous green eyes, which I would gladly have stared into all night had he not already been taken. “Wanna tell me what happened?” He took Lyla’s hand and sat down, before helping himself to some of my fries as well.
In all honesty, there wasn’t a great deal to tell. But the fact someone seemed interested in what had gone down - someone who wasn’t Ciara - was touching. Briefly, I filled him and Lyla in on Jack’s tirade.
“For fuck’s sake, he’s such a prick.” Maddox shook his head.
“Are you guys good friends?” I asked.
“We were once in high school,” snorted Maddox. “Then we were rivals, then he left town and I haven’t seen him in a long time. Not since he became a hotshot bike rider.”
There was a bitterness to his tone, and I wondered what had gone on between them. In the short time I’d spent with Jack, it was evident he was very sure of himself. The arrogance in his actions spoke volumes. Maddox couldn’t have been further in the other direction.
“Andre kept in touch with him more than I did,” said Maddox.
“That’s my brother. You should meet him,” added Lyla.
My interest piqued. A brother? Maybe there was someone for me to date after all.
“And you’ll get on really well with his girlfriend Willa. She’s just moved back from the city too.” Lyla chattered away, as if we’d all been friends for ages and I knew exactly who she was talking about.
As soon as the little pinprick of hope had appeared, it was dashed. Of course, Andre had a girlfriend.
“Willa’s back in town? How did I not know?” Ciara squealed.
Despite myself, I got caught up in the excitement of someone I hadn’t even met coming home to Cali Cross. For the first time since I’d moved here, I actually felt accepted and at home.
