At this point, Brantley probably knew the same about Madison and the Adorite family as Reese did. His relationship with Madison hadn’t been one based on shared secrets or intimacy. Sure, there’d been sex involved, but even Reese had known there’d been a detachment to it. A means to an end. On both their parts.
And yes, somewhere down the line, Reese had gotten comfortable enough with Madison to consider a future with her. The problem had been in that comfort level. It wasn’t that he’d been in love with her, certainly not to the point he didn’t think he couldn’t live without her. No, more like he’d felt the need to settle down. So many people in his life had been getting married and having kids at the time that Reese had felt as though they were leaving him behind.
Reaching for his phone, Reese pulled up the chat thread he had going with Madison. He started back at the beginning:
*
March 8, 2021
In case you don’t recognize this number, it’s Madison. I hope you don’t get upset, but I still have your number in my phone. Thought I’d check in.
Not upset. Good to hear from you.
I heard you just finished working a case that had something to do with my brother.
Doesn’t everything somehow come back around to involving your brother?
I guess in a way that’s true. How are you doing?
I’m getting by pretty well. A lot going on. New job and all.
One day you’ll have to tell me about it. I’d love to know how things are going, what you’re up to.
March 10, 2021
I heard you were gonna be in my neck of the woods. Thought maybe you’d want to grab some dinner while you’re in Dallas. It would be nice to catch up. I’ve missed you, Reese.
March 13, 2021
Are you really going to ghost me, Reese?
Not ghosting you. Been really busy lately.
Too busy to type back a simple acknowledgment? :) So, is it true? Are you working in Dallas from time to time?
Training with Sniper 1 Security. Every few weeks we make it up that way.
Who’s we?
Me and my team.
Ah. So not a girlfriend? That’s good to know.
No girlfriend, no.
I wish I could tell you that didn’t make me happy to hear that. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about the past lately and you’re a big part of those thoughts.
March 16, 2021
I just looked back at my last message, noticed how it probably sounded to you. I promise, I’m not hinting at anything. I would really like to see you though. Catch up in person.
One of these days, I’d like to do the same.
Really? Wow. Now my heart is fluttering.
Don’t read anything into that, Reese Tavoularis. I’m not coming on to you. I promise.
Ok, maybe I am. A little. Can you blame a girl?
