Page 58 of Check the Halls
I wet my bottom lip. “What do you mean?”
“The condo is Derek’s and we broke up.”
Externally, I appear calm and concerned. I give her what I hope is a reassuring nod.
Internally?
Holy fucking shit this is the greatest thing that’s ever happened. This is Christmas, Easter, Halloween, and my birthday combined. I want to drop to my knees and thank God, the Universe, the dinosaurs, the Academy—anyone who will listen, for this gift I’ve been given.
Instead, I ask, “Are you okay?”
“Yes,” she answers without thought or hesitation. “I just need to find a place for us to stay.”
“Would you feel comfortable staying with me?”
Her eyes widen the slightest bit and her top teeth sink into her lower lip. She nods and I nearly pass out with relief.
I thank the bartender and leave him two hundred dollar bills on the bar before picking up Maddy’s bag in one hand and Cheshire’s carrier in the other. As we walk out of the hotel, Maddy hooks her arm in mine, leaning against me slightly for balance or maybe just for comfort?
We stop at a grocery store on the way back to my place. I run in and grab a litter box, cat litter, and some wet and dry food for Cheshire. When I get back to the car, I find Maddy fast asleep in the passenger seat. She doesn’t wake when I climb in.
I sit there for a moment staring at her. I always loved watching Maddy sleep and to be honest, I never thought I’d get to again. She stirs when I start the car again but doesn’t wake up. A strand of her hair falls across her face, causing her to crinkle her nose adorably. I brush the soft strands away, tucking them gently behind her ear.
“Wow,”Maddy breathes as she walks into my living room. “Your place is gorgeous.”
Her nap appears to have sobered her, at least somewhat.
“Thanks,” I tell her, placing the cat carrier down in front of her. She drops to her knees to open it and a huge, pissed-off cat stalks out.
“Cheshire,” I laugh as I crouch down. The miniature tiger gives me a long, assessing look before slowly strutting over to me. As soon as he’s within arms length, I reach for him, stroking his head firmly. He closes his eyes when I scratch under his chin, purring so loudly my hand vibrates.
“He always loved you,”she says softly, watching us together.
“I’m very lovable.”I flash a grin, trying to lighten the moment.
“I remember.”
My hand stills in Cheshire’s thick fur. I look up, expecting to find her smiling, maybe even rolling her eyes at me. Instead, she won’t meet my gaze. Her eyes flicker around the room like she’s suddenly unsure what she’s doing here.
The need to fix it, to make her feel okay, rises up fast.“Can I get you anything?”My voice is gentle, careful.“Something to eat, maybe?”
She shakes her head.“I think I just want to go to bed.”
I swallow hard.“Of course.”
“I forgot to pack something to sleep in.”
Motherfucker.
“Not a problem. Why don’t you start getting ready for bed. The bathroom is down the hall and on your left and there’s new toothbrushes in the drawer. I’ll grab you a t-shirt and sweats to wear?”
She nods, and I step away, promising I’ll be right back. But as I head down the hall, the walls feel narrower, the air heavier. This uncertainty is new for me. I feel awkward, nervous, and completely out of my depth.
In my room, I rifle through my dresser, my fingers skimming over fabric until they land on a well-worn pair of pajama pants and an old Otters t-shirt.
By the time I return, Maddy is in the bathroom. I set the clothes just outside the door and let her know they’re there.
While she gets ready for bed, I focus on getting Cheshire settled. I fill the litter box with fresh litter, setting it in the corner of the living room for now—I’ll figure out a better spot in the morning. Next, I pour water into a glass bowl and set out a plate of food. Cheshire rubs against my leg before sniffing at his meal and I scratch behind his ears, grateful for the distraction.
