I’m barely holding it together.Endorphips!
“Yes, right! Y’all get going. Enjoy the sunshine!”
We try to jog away, but Phil catches me with a subject I can’t ignore. “Wait, James! How’s it going with Maddie?”
My stomach knots. I already know I won’t like what’s next.
“Tell you what, I’m surprised I haven’t heard of the farm burning down yet with her living on the property. Now, Iloveher, you know, but I can’t believe you’d trust your restaurant to—”
“I’m going to stop you right there, Phil.” I step in closer. Will flanks me. He must sense the shift, because it feels more like he’s bracing forPhil’sprotection, not mine.
“I’m not of the mindset that talking negatively about a professional woman is appropriate.” I watch Phil’s face pale. “Let alone someone I claim to care about. So I’m going to say this once, and feel free to tell everyone in town: From this moment on, the jokes and roasting—however well meant—stop. Madison Walker is to be treated with respect and encouragement as the head chef of the Greenhouse. Understood?”
I’ve never talked to Phil like this. Never had to.
“Understood,” he says, wide-eyed and embarrassed. He resembles a kicked puppy. His tube socks droop with sadness.
Now I feel bad for coming on a little strong.
“Do you need a hug?” I ask him, because it will ruin my day to know I’ve ruined his.
Wordlessly, Phil nods. I give him “bring it in” arms and he steps close, letting me give him a huge hug. I have a rule to never pull away first, so I wait until he’s ready.
After a minute, he pats my back. “Tell Madison I can’t wait to eat her delicious food. She’s going to do great.”
“Thanks, Phil.”
Mood rebalanced, he releases me. “Good seeing you, boys! Have fun on your run!”
“Always a pleasure, Phil!” Will waves.
The second we’re out of earshot, Will turns to me. “Wow. I didn’t realize . . .”
“That the town has been complete shits to Madison?”
“No.” He breathes a laugh. “That you love her.”
I falter a step and then stop. “Don’t say anything to anyone, please?”
He gives me a pitying look. “Sure. But I have bad news for you. I’m always the last one to find out about something. Which means they all already know.”
Shit.
When I get home, drenched in sweat, I head straight for the kitchen and a giant glass of water. Then I check my phone.
My heart jumps when I see the text waiting for me.
MADISON: Just letting you know, I’ll be out of town July 2 & 3. Leaving early tomorrow morning.
JAMES: Where are you going?
MADISON: New York.
I don’t waste time texting. I call her, and she answers on the first ring. “Hello?”
“You’re going by yourself?”
She laughs once. “You do remember I lived alone in that city for two years, right?”
