Abruptly, I stand up from the couch and head into my bathroom to get ready for bed.I know that I am wrong to rush this decision.Also, I love Madison.I trust her.She will reach her comfort with the idea of living together, and then it will happen.Perhaps not on my own personal timeline, but on a timeline that works for her.
I finish brushing my teeth and spit.To my reflection, I say, “I hate being patient.”
My reflection has no advice.
MADISON
As I cower under my blankets in bed, one thought keeps shoving itself to the front of my mind.
I screwed up.
Damiano and Seth just want to help.And what was I thinking, calling a control freak like Damiano and telling him “don’t worry, I handled the problem”?Especially when said problem is in an area where he excels—safety, and protection.I know Ironwood isn’t a direct competitor with Nove, that Nove handles very different things, and operates special missions.But I most likely offended him by turning down his offers to help.
Fuck.
I’m trying to act like I have my shit together, when I definitely do not have my shit together.If I did, I wouldn’t be shaking right now, and second-guessing every thought that comes into my head.
I’m second-guessing the face in the window, too.Did I even see that?I was extra exhausted from the travel home, and the emotional toll of our discussion about living together.Maybe my overtired brain hallucinated.
Maybe, regardless of whether I hallucinated or not, I owe Damiano an apology.
The truth is, I wouldn’t mind his and Seth’s company tonight.I’m still twitchy and paranoid.Going to any room in the house that has an uncovered window is out of the question.
I miss them, too.We spent several glorious days together in Mexico, and I didn’t get tired of them once.When it was time to come home, I thought I was sad because I was saying goodbye to Mexico and those beautiful beaches, the friendly locals, and the delicious food.But that wasn’t entirely it—I’m missing all the time I spent with Seth and Damiano.
My phone is under the covers with me, so I redial Damiano.
“Bella.”His voice is warm, but concerned.“Are you all right?”
“I—I changed my mind.I want you and Seth to come over.”
“We’ll be right there.”
DAMIANO
Seth and I let ourselves into Madison’s house.She doesn’t meet us at the door.
Seth gives me a concerned look.“She’s too scared to come down, isn’t she?”
I shrug, but nod at the same time.“Madison?”I call toward the stairs.
“Yeah, I’m up here.”Her voice is muffled, like she’s under blankets.
“Fucking hell.”Seth takes the stairs two at a time, and I follow on his heels.As he enters her bedroom, he says, “Baby,” and goes straight to sit next to her on the bed.
“I’m okay, really.”Madison pulls her head out from under the covers.Her light brown hair is frizzy.“Just got freaked out for a second.”
“You don’t have to minimize it for us.”I sit down on the other side of her.“If you’re scared, that’s understandable.”
“Do you want to talk about it?”Seth takes her hand.
“Not really.I’m sure Damiano already told you?”
“You saw a face in the window, and Ironwood came by to check the property.”He gives her an approving smile.“You did the right thing by calling them, and calling us.”
She looks down.“They didn’t even see footprints by the kitchen window.There’s no sign anyone was here at all.I feel like such an idiot.And I can’t get that face out of my head.”
“Was it anyone you recognized?”I ask.
