Page 41 of The Renegade Billionaire
“That’s…you like an awful lot of things, Braxton.”
“Miss Madi, Miss Madi!” A young female voice filters up the stairs.
“Jessa?” Madison calls out. “We’re upstairs.” She turns her frown my way. “We’re not done with this conversation. There’s no way you’re paying $100,000. That’s highway robbery.”
Footsteps crash against each stair, and then the doorway is filled by a teenage girl wearing a basketball uniform.
Damn it. Does every good deed have to be shared with Madison Ryan?
“We did it. The fundraiser you helped me set up. We did it. We’ll be able to fund a team this year and refurbish the gym floor during Christmas break.” The girl jumps up and down.
Madison releases the board she was holding with a loud thud, and the girl crashes into her for a hug.
“Thank you so much, Miss Madi. I might have a shot at a scholarship now. Coaches will be able to come see me play. It’s no cap amazing.”
Jesus, the teen-speak is the same here as it was in California. I’ll never understand why no cap means no lie or why they can’t just say no lie.
The chair Pops is sitting in squeaks as he turns toward the window and begins to whistle.
Well, that doesn’t look guilty at all.
Madison directs her gaze in my direction, every question she wants to ask playing across her features.
“Jessa, that’s great, honey. But, how? The projection we came up with was for next season.”
The girl shrieks and claps her hands and I almost cover my ears. “I know. Isn’t it amazing? Coach said we got a ton of online donations. A few big ones, and a lot of the hundred-dollar levels. I think my TikTok must have worked faster than we thought it would.”
“Your…TikTok.” I might be the only one hearing the skepticism in Madison’s tone because this girl is too happy to pay attention.
“Now that’s something to celebrate,” Pops says cheerily. “I guess your wiffee really does work like magic.”
“Wi-Fi,” Madison and I correct in unison.
“I’m so happy for you, Jessa.” Madison is still frowning at me. “Coach has confirmed all the donations?”
“Yup. It’s all in the account we set up. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.” The girl’s knuckles turn white as she wraps herself around Madison again.
Madison’s curious gaze hasn’t left mine though, and heat creeps down my spine. Doing anonymous good deeds shouldn’t be this difficult.
“I really didn’t do anything, Jessa. I just helped you set it up. You have to thank the donors.”
“How? How should I do that?”
“Well, if you think the donations came from TikTok, I’d start there with a heartfelt thank-you video, and anyone you have contact info for should get a personalized thank-you card.”
“Okay. I can do that. Can you believe it, Miss Madi? This is the luckiest day of my whole entire life.”
Madison’s gaze on me is like a physical weight, so I keep staring at the bed that’s nearly disassembled.
“Yup.” Madison pops the P with an exaggerated sound. “Seems to be a lot of luck flying around here lately.”
“Okay, I wanted you to know first. I’m going to start the thank-you stuff. Thanks again, Miss Madi. You changed my life.”
“Ah, kiddo. You did that all on your own. I’ll see you tomorrow at the Chug.”
“Yes. I’ll be there early to help you set up.”
“That would be great. Come on, I’ll walk you out.” She turns what I’m sure she thinks is a glare my way. “And we will finish this conversation, Braxton. I’m serious.”
