My mother elbows me hard in the ribs.
“Oh my God, no. I’m fine. I just didn’t expect someone to run into me.”
“Youran intome.”
“You’re very wide.”
His eyebrow lifts.
I straighten my blazer, trying to find my spine. Part of the panic is the location. He’s seen us leavethisdepartment, and I’m not ready to unpack that box with him yet. With Beckett, I get to be the girl with the loud music and the sharp tongue. I get to be fun. I don’t have to be the person with the heavy shoulders.
My mother steps forward before I can dig myself in deeper.
“I’m Donna, Madison’s mother,” she says, her eyes raking over him with terrifying efficiency. “Since my daughter appears to have forgotten how to use her words, why don’t you tell me who you are?”
Beckett’s smirk turns smug as he glances at my flaming cheeks. “Lovely to meet you, Donna. I’m Beckett, Madison’s neighbor.”
“Oh.” Mom’s voice trails off. “Upstairs?”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
Yes, Ma’am? Really?
“Mom, we need to go,” I interject, practically shoving her down the corridor. “Beckett is very busy. Bye, Beckett!”
My mother pulls me back.
“You thud,” she says.
Jesus Christ.
“I do,” he admits.
My mother smiles at him. “You’re a very handsome thudder.”
What is happening?
I want to dissolve into the floor.
“Mom!” I hiss.
Beckett glances at me. He’s enjoying this.
Bastard.
“Mom,” I repeat.
She ignores me completely. “How long have you been upstairs?”
“About three months.”
“And how long have you two been arguing?”
Beckett looks at me again. “Two months.”
“It’s not arguing,” I snap. “It’s a mature disagreement.”
He nods solemnly. “She threatened me once.”
