“Yes,” he agrees easily, and I feel myself smile.
“Wear your eyeliner.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Can Serial Killers Be Good Guys?
Cedrick
I’m still reeling from the endless conversations with Madison.
It’s been two weeks since I told him my name, and I swear, we talk more and more every day.
I’ve learned that Madison is more than just a soft, shy boy with a stutter.
I know that his parents have traumatized him with their religious bullshit, and that’s why he got out when he did—which I can’t even imagine how hard that must’ve been for him. He’s startin’ all over on his own, and I admire that about him—and it’s also something we have in common.
He enjoys spending time with his roommates, but he really puts most of his focus on his schoolwork because he wants to do well. He’s worried he’s not as smart as everyone else because it doesn’t come as naturally to him, but I don’t think he has anything to worry about.
Anyone that has the kind of dedication that Madison does will succeed in anything they want to do.
But more than that, he’s…fuck.He’s pretty fuckin’ fierce, too.
And I admire him.
I’ve also revealed more about myself to him than I have to anyone aside from Kaser—and the only reason why Kase knows as much as they do is because we grew up together.
I’ve told him about Ma. Told him her name is Scarlet. How hard it was to leave her behind. But after Lillian, Kaser’s Ma, died, it was made easier because I was always closer to her. And the fact she’s an alcoholic solidified that choice.
Not that it made me love her any less because that’s not true, but when you love someone with a disease like that… you have to learn to separate yourself somehow… some way, and I just had to get out.
Ma would get sober for a few weeks here and there, but she’d always go back to Fireball, and I was losing my mind with fear and worry over what was going to happen. If she’d come home, and if she did, would she even wake up.
Those fears haven’t gone away since I’ve left, but I’ve been able to distance myself for my own sanity… or whatever I have left of it.
And Madison… my sweet darlin’… he was so perfect when I talked about Ma.
Somethin’ I never thought I’d do with someone. Somethin’ I didn’t think I…I could.But he just makes it feel so easy to open up.
I want him to know me, as fucked up as I am.
And he still hasn’t run away.
So, maybe I’m not as messed up as I thought.
Shaking my head, I walk through the doors of the club, only to find my favorite bartender behind the bar.
“Wowww,long time, no see,” Ethan drawls, and I’d wince if I was ashamed, but I’m not. He knew what he was getting into with me.
“Been busy,” I tell him as I saddle up to the counter.
“What can I get you?” he asks, and I don’t miss the way his eyes rake up and down my body. Normally, that would make me feel hot all over, but tonight, it does nothing for me other than make me smirk.
“Corona with lime.”
“Drinkin’ light tonight?”
“Need to keep a clear head.”
