Page 62 of I Got You

Her upper body relaxes and shifts to the side. “Actually, he asked Sadie. Of course, he had to clarify repeatedly they’re only going as friends. I hope he doesn’t break her heart. She’s way too sweet, with the biggest heart, and he doesn’t even see it.”

Somehow, I feel like Hank and I are the same in this as well. The difference is I see Maggie and all of her beauty and goodness. I just have no idea what to do about it, so it’s best to keep things locked down tight.

Teddy comes flying into the room in his pajamas, and I release Maggie. “Shane, that was awesome.” He steps up on the footrest on my stool and hugs me around the neck. “Good night, and watch out, sucka.” Before I know what to think, he’s gone.

Maggie smiles. “I need to go see what’s happened to Liv and throw her in the bath.” She turns back in the doorway. Her eyes drift to the floor, and then she tugs them back up to me. “I’m not very good at that, you know…letting people help me.” I stare at her, seeing the vulnerability of her admission. “Peanut butter and jelly, an apple, and Doritos. Light on the jelly.”

Damn. I have no idea what to do about any of this. I’m way out of my element here. I need a playbook, a manual, a damn spreadsheet…something to help me figure out what in the world I’m supposed to do.

Chapter 21

SHANE

Before the game.

MAGGIE: Good luck today. I’ve got the game and your jersey on. You’ve got this. Don’t forget to smile for the cameras:)

∞∞∞

After the game.

MAGGIE: Picture attached: (Hank and Sadie in their homecoming attire).

ME: Did you stuff his pockets with condoms?

MAGGIE: Haha. You’re so funny.

MAGGIE: Good game. Cole was on fire. What’s up with 38?

ME: 38 is a hot shot. He’s going to find out what the bench feels like.

MAGGIE: What time will you be home?

ME: Google says 10:37. What time is Hank supposed to be home?

MAGGIE: Are you worried?

ME: More about you than him.

MAGGIE: Then hurry up so I don’t have to sit here by myself thinking about all of the things he could be doing…drinking, smoking pot, sex, fights, meth, crack.

ME: Don’t forget STDs, oxy, heroin, fentanyl.

MAGGIE: You’re so helpful. Lord, help me when it’s Liv’s turn.

ME: I can’t think about that.

MAGGIE: SEE!!!!

ME: I thought you said Sadie was a good girl.

MAGGIE: SHE’S IN LOVE WITH HANK.

ME: So

MAGGIE: ***eye roll emoji***

MAGGIE: When a teenage girl is IN LOVE with a teenage boy, she’ll do anything to get his attention and go along with things to be cool, hoping he will finally see her.

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