Maddox: She'd love that. She enjoyed being part of everything.
Eve: She was the designer, after all.
Maddox: She's so proud of herself.
Eve: She should be. It was a genius idea.
I still couldn't believe I hadn't thought of it. The light trails I'd been to were all linear. You saw one thing after the other. But our trail had themed stops, inviting people to linger.
Eve: I scheduled a hot chocolate truck to be stationed at the entrance to the trail so that people feel like they can take their time or go through as many times as they'd like.
Maddox: It's going to be a hit.
Eve: As long as everyone knows about it.
Maddox: We'll plaster Christmas Town and Telluride with flyers tomorrow.
Eve: Don't forget the firehouse.
Maddox: I think you're their favorite person at the moment. You always bring food, and you host events that benefit the department.
Eve: I put everyone to work too. Can't forget that.
Maddox: You're a master deal maker. You get whatever you want without making the other person feel like they're being manipulated.
My sister had said as much but in person it sounded more like teasing. On text, I couldn't tell if he was being serious or not.
Eve: Ouch
Maddox: Sorry I just reread that, and it sounded awful. I didn't mean it like that. It's a good thing.
I called him, and he answered on a laugh. "I'm sorry. I really didn't mean it like that. I like being manipulated by you."
My lips quirked. "Are you sure about that?"
"I'm positive. I didn't mean anything negative by it. You have this way of giving everyone what they want. That's not a manipulator." He fell silent for a few seconds. "It's more like a life planner where you’re helping people.”
I bit my lip but couldn't stop myself from asking, "What if I want you?
His side of the line fell silent. "Then I'd say you can have me."
"Mmm. I wish I was there right now." I wanted to show him how I felt.
"I want that too. But no more midnight meetings. No more hiding."
Pleasure flowed through me at his words. As much as I wanted to spend time with him, I wanted to do this the right way. "Are we officially dating then?"
"I'd say so. Tomorrow, it's you, me, and Sofia at the light trail, drinking hot chocolate."
"Sounds like the perfect night." I'd be working, considering how I could improve the light trail, but I could focus on them too.
"I'd better get to bed if I want to have energy to hang flyers around town."
"Good night, Maddox."
"Night, Eve."
I clicked End on the call and lay back on my pillows. I couldn't believe that things with Maddox had worked out soperfectly. He was talking to a therapist and attending grief support meetings. He was healing and getting exactly what he needed to have a healthy relationship.
