After all, I asked him for some time.
But, truthfully, is that what I really want?
“I don’t think so,” I mutter.
I’ve had two weeks to myself, and I hate it.
I’ve actually been secretly hoping Lennox would text or call or do something.
See how confused I am?
I just don’t know what to do anymore. That’s why I need to talk to Claire.
I decide not to look at the text until I do exactly that, as I want to read it with a clear head and maybe with some decisions made.
So, tossing my cell into my purse, I jump out of my car and head up to her house.
Claire greets me at the door, and once I’m inside, she gives me a big hug.
“How are you holding up?” she asks, patting my back.
“Not good,” I reply honestly.
“Come on.” She takes a step back. “Let’s go talk in the kitchen. I’ll make us some coffee.”
“Sounds good to me,” I say on a sigh.
After we take our seats at the table in the kitchen, hot coffees in front of us, I say to Claire, “Well, I guess you were right all along. I should’ve stayed away from Lennox. Because he definitely hurt me, just as you predicted.”
I’m ready and waiting to hear her lecture me.
It’s okay; I deserve it.
But to my surprise, she says, “Now hold on a minute here. Let’s not just write him off completely.”
My brows shoot up as I warm my hands by gripping my coffee cup.
I scoff, “You can’t tell me you’re Team Lennox now.” I pause, then ask incredulously, “Are you?”
She hems and haws. “Well, to be honest, um, I don’t know. Er…” Wincing, like she’s fearing my reaction, she finally adds softly, “Maybe I am Team Lennox after all.”
I slap the table. “Oh my God, Claire! I thought you hated the guy?”
Looking contemplative and not fazed at all by my outburst, she takes a sip of coffee.
Finally, setting her cup down, she says, “Okay, first, I never hated Lennox. If you take away his record with women, he’s actually a good dude. I mean, he’s been a great friend to Easton. And Shane too. I just never thought he’d be the right pick for you.”
I chuff and mutter under my breath, “Well, that sure turned out to be true.”
“No.” Claire shakes her head. “I don’t think that anymore. After seeing you two together, I now believe he may just be the perfect fit for you.”
I snort, but Claire ignores me and goes on. “There’s magic there with you two, Madison. I wouldn’t be so quick to throw that away. A love like that is hard to find.”
Okay, she’s kind of right about that.
After a beat, I quietly admit, “The way I feel about Lennox is something I’ve never experienced before. I guess I’ve never been in love, like for real. But still, what he did hurts, Claire.”
“I know, sweetie.” She reaches across the table and pats my hand gently. “Sometimes love does hurt. There are bound to be troubles and misunderstandings in any relationship. But that doesn’t mean you throw everything away.”
