The second someone shows that they give a single shit, I want to push them away as far as I can because… I don’t know, it feels like the only way to protect myself.
Because it’s easier for me to cope when peopledon’tcare.
“So yeah,” I say, clearing my throat once more, desperate to get this shit out. “I was wondering if you’d come help out with it? I’m not sure if LLI would be able to be involved, but I was thinking that the kids at the home would love learning about reading too.”
And I really don’t want to go there alone because I’m fucking terrified.
I won’t be admitting that part. The truth. But it’s there, buried deep.
“I’d love to,” Maisie says. “Seriously, it sounds great. I’m always down for hanging out with kiddos and talking aboutbooks. And I know they’ll be excited to meet you. Every time I mention something to the kids at the program about the next time they get to see the team, they are all so excited.” Her voice goes soft. “Thank you for thinking of me, Wilder.”
Unsure of where the fuck to put my hands or what to even say, I just nod like an idiot.
Because of course, Maisie has no clue what going back there really means to me or the fact that she’s agreed to help.
“I appreciate you saying yes, Maisie.” I stand from the couch, and suddenly, she jumps up beside me.
“Oh, before you go.”
She disappears down the hallway into her bedroom, those damn beaded curtains clinking as she passes through them, and then again when she returns, holding something behind her back. There’s a slightly timid curl to her lips. “I picked something up for you yesterday.”
I lean against the island counter and lift a brow.
Confusion sweeps through me. She bought me something?
Maisie continues toward me, and I realize that she looks a little nervous, hesitant almost.
When she moves her hands from behind her back and I glance down to the small cactus plant in her hands, I can’t help the laugh that spills out of me.
“What the hell is that?” I grunt.
Maisie smiles brightly, her eyes shining with happiness. “This—” She lifts the green pot between us. “—is Carl. He’s a cactus.”
“I see that.”
“I saw it yesterday when I was thrifting at this really adorable shop in the Quarter, and I immediately thought of you.”
“Yeah? Why’s that, Sunshine?” I murmur, watching heat rise in her cheeks.
She rocks back and forth on her heels like she can’t quite sit still. “Well, it’s prickly. Just like you.”
I reach out and press my fingers into her side, relishing in the soft, sweet-as-fuck giggle she gives me. “Little brat.”
“I just thought about the times I’ve been at your apartment and how you didn’t have much… decoration.”
And by that, she means I don’t have a fucking thing in my apartment outside of basic necessities.
Shit I need to survive.
“So… when I saw it, I just thought it would add a little something to the space. I know you probably don’t know this about me, which, duh, why would you, but I love to thrift. I go to all of the shops around the Quarter and the Riverwalk on the weekends to see what I can find. It’s one of my favorite things to do. And I am rambling now, so here.” She shoves it toward me, and then her eyes widen when she realizes that she just shoved a fucking cactus at me. “Oh God, I’m so sor?—”
“Maisie,” I say, cutting her off before she can freak out about nothing. I take Carl the fucking cactus out of her hands and place it beside us on the kitchen counter before turning back to her. My palms curve around her jaw, framing her face. “Thank you. I’m pretty sure no one has ever bought me anything before, so this would be the first.”
The space between her brows pulls tight, but before she can ask anything related to what I just said, I slant my mouth over hers and kiss her.
I’m not ready for questions, and I doubt I ever will be, but fuck… This means something to me. Something she doesn’t understand and probably never will.
I’ve never had anyone buy something for me.
