Page 44 of The Hand That Holds Me
Igot Jason out of the office by offering to take him to lunch. I didn’t need for him to create any more of a scene that may get back to Maddie. No one is the office was aware of her relationship to the CEO of MSJ Media and him showing up unannounced could have created a problem.
After I got back to the office and realized I had not heard from Maddie all day. I checked to see if Maddie had contacted me but I showed no missed calls or texts. Sending her an “I love you” text, I dug back into my emails. I knew she may not see my words for a while and I wanted them to be waiting when she finally finished her day.
A few hours later, I’d checked my phone a hundred times and still no word from her. I made my way out to Carol to drop off some paperwork, hoping to be finished with my day soon. I couldn’t wait to see Maddie and find out about her day.
“Can you make sure these get to the right departments’ mail boxes and verify the time for my meeting with the newspaper to announce the literacy program? I’m going to head out for the day if you don’t need me for anything else today.”
“There isn’t anything that can’t wait until tomorrow. I’ll get these distributed and double check your schedule before I leave for the day. Please let Maddie know I hope she feels better soon.”
“Maddie? Did she call while I was out? I haven’t heard from her today and figured she must have forgotten her cell phone or the battery may have died.”
“She was here earlier. You were in a meeting with Mr. Merrick when she arrived and asked me not to disturb you.”
Oh shit! Maddie was here when Jason was. Did she see him? Did she overhear us?
I felt like my world was being torn apart and I was powerless to stop it.
“Did she say anything?”
“No. She came in and went to her office but left a short time later. She looked pale and said she wasn’t feeling well. I asked her if I could call you but she insisted I not bother you in your meeting.”
I walked straight back to her office and tried to call her again. Her phone rang over and over, then switched to voicemail, causing me to feel ill.
I left her a message as I walked to her office.
“Maddie, it’s Lucas. Carol told me you stopped by and weren’t feeling well. Please call me so I know you are okay. I love you baby.” I rushed out, hoping she’d get the message and call me back.
As I hung up the phone, something on her desk caught my eye. I walked over and on top of the signed contracts was her company ID and credit card. She had left her access to the company, to me, and walked away.
My heart sank into my stomach. She was gone.
What did she see and hear that made her run?
Get real, Lucas. She found out about Jason. I’d had plenty of time to tell her but selfishly kept delaying talking to her, praying to postpone the emotional explosion she would have. Joe had warned me to be honest with her and I told him I knew what I was doing.
Only, I had no idea the depth of feelings I had for Maddie or how I would do anything to keep the twinkle in her eyes. Even if it meant lying to her. I still had no way to explain my connection to Jason without looking like I set her up.
Fate put me in her path and I would fight everyone to keep her.
I drove as fast as the speed limit would allow to her apartment. I saw her car parked in the garage when I arrived so I knew she was at home. I would do whatever I had to do to make her listen. She needed to hear me out so I could make her understand how much I love her.
I banged on her door for what felt like an hour and didn’t hear a sound to indicate she was home.
“Maddie, please open up and listen to me. I never meant to hurt you or lie to you. Please baby, talk to me.”
I sat with my back to the door. Eventually she would have to open the door and I planned on making her listen when she did. I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew someone gently nudged me awake.
“Lucas? Are you okay? What are you doing here?” Caroline said, worry evident on her face.
I stood up to talk to her, eager to get into the apartment and see Maddie. “She left work today and I can’t get her on the phone. I’m worried she is sick and may need help. I didn’t have your number to call and check on her so I’ve been here, trying to get her to open the door.” I purposely left out the Jason situation. Maddie deserved to hear the whole story from me first.
Caroline opened the door and we walked together to Maddie’s bedroom.
She knocked on the door, “Maddie, are you okay. I have Lucas with me and we’re worried. I’m coming in.”
She opened the door and my greatest fear was recognized. Maddie’s drawers were open and mostly empty and her closet had open spots filled with empty hangers.
“What’s going on Lucas? Where is Maddie and why are most of her clothes gone?” Caroline asked as she dialed her phone, putting it to her ear.
