“You know what I mean.”
He stands taller. “No, Alex, I don’t know what you mean. Are you saying we’re not friends anymore?”
“No, of course not. I just need a moment. Give me a damn moment, okay?” I ask, and he furrows his brows.
“I’m going to message Madeline right now, tell her about you. Okay?”
I nod, and as he turns and walks away to his cell, I grab the door handle and head out, running for my car. I shove the food on the passenger seat as I get in and start the car just in time to see him racing out the front door with his cell in his hand. His eyes are droopy, and he looks lost.
But I don’t stop.
I can’t.
Backing out of the drive, I speed home to think about what the hell I’ve done.
Chapter Twenty
MATT
Standing with my cell in my hand, watching Alex drive away, is both utterly confusing and equally devastating. I’m not entirely sure what the fight was about.
Is she questioning my friendship with her?
Or that I didn’t tell Madeline about her?
Or both?
Sometimes having a female best friend can be confusing, but I love her, and I wouldn’t want anyone else to fill her shoes. The reason I didn’t tell Madeline about Alex was simple. Not because she doesn’t mean enough to me, or because I’m embarrassed about her, or whatever, but because I know what women are like. When you mention your best friend is a woman, they get defensive and jealous, and I don’t want a relationship to start that way.
Sighing, I watch Alex drive off and grit my teeth. I’m angry. I don’t know how such a good day could turn to shit so quickly. But what I do know is I hate fighting with Alex. She means so much to me, and for some reason, she feels like I don’t care enough about her, which couldn’t be further from the truth.
Turning, I close the door and walk inside straight to the freezer, grabbing the tub of ice cream. I slam the door shut, making it wobble as I pull open the drawer for a spoon, then close it far too harshly and make my way back to the sofa to run this whole scenario in my head.
Why is Alex thinking this way?
The only thing I can think of is that now, if I have a girlfriend, she’s going to be losing time with me. Is she scared of losing me?And me not telling Madeline about Alex, would only make Alex think that I’m not thinking about her at all.
I’ve fucked up.
If Alex were a man, I would’ve told Madeline about him. So why the hell haven’t I told Madeline? Why is Alex being a woman so different? I’m the only one making this an issue. Madeline seems reasonable, so surely if I tell her and she can’t handle the fact that my best friend is a female, that’s going to be a problem anyway. So better to know right now.
I scoop a spoonful of ice cream into my mouth, the creamy, gooey sweetness melting on my tongue, offering a small moment of comfort. With my phone in hand, I type out a detailed message to Madeline, explaining who Alex is and why I hadn’t mentioned her until now. I make it clear that Alex is my best friend and that, if this is an issue, it’s a deal breaker. Maybe it should even be rule number eleven because Alex is too important to me—she’s an integral part of my life.
My finger hovers over the send button, anxiety tightening my chest. This message could shatter the great start we’ve had. But the truth is, my friendship with Alex takes precedence right now. With a deep breath, I hit send.
Regret strikes instantly, my stomach sinking as I squeeze my eyes shut. Guilt washes over me. Poor Madeline. She’s only just met me, and here I am, throwing down an ultimatum—accept my best friend or walk away. It doesn’t feel healthy, but this is something that can’t be ignored. Hopefully, she’s understanding enough to accept it.
Knowing my luck, though, she will walk.
I bounce the back of my head on the top of the sofa, trying to calm myself as I wait for Madeline to see the message. It lights up green, and I die a little inside. Shaking my head as I take in another mouthful of ice cream, I cringe in anticipation, watching the little typing bubbles bounce up and down.
“Here we go, here comes the letdown. Nice knowing you, Madeline,” I murmur, and the message comes through shortly after.
Madeline:Matt, thank you for being honest with me, but really you have nothing to worry about. I don’t get jealous easily, so having a female as your best friend is perfect. Just means another friend for me!
I sit up taller and almost choke on the ice cream in my mouth. Swallowing, I reread the message twice. “You gotta be kidding me?” I mumble and shake my head slightly.
I type back quickly.
