Page 115 of Breakaway Hearts

She ignores my offer.

“Does this mean we’re friends?” I try, still teasing so she won’t feel bad if she completely turns me down again.

“Maybe.” She sighs and looks at me like this goes against her better judgment. “But not good ones. Like a step above acquaintances.”

I laugh, shaking my head, determined to never let Colt know he was a step below being right.

“Wanna come over tonight and finish the Suttons? The first season at least. I’ll make coffee or something caffeinated so we don’t have a repeat,” I offer.

“You can watch it on your own, you know. Just because it’s technically a romance…”

“You misunderstand. I love love. Bring on the romcoms. But watching ahead is considered cheating in some circles, and I don’t have it in me.”

“Nice, how you threw that in, but I don’t mind,” she assures me. “I’m going out. Girl’s night.”

“You and Tab?” I’m surprised my sister didn’t mention it. Then quickly realize Madison probably has more friends than Tab, who she mostly sees at hockey games, or the parties she avoids like the plague.

“I invited her,” she assures me, as if worried I’d be offended on Tab’s behalf. “But the Honeycomb bouncer already clocked her fake ID, and she says there’s sister stuff going on, not sure if it’s real or Greek, so it’ll just be me, Savannah, and Breanna. Maybe their friend from out of town.”

“Probably Greek,” I share, but Madison said that really fast, and looks like she’s gnawing on the inside of her cheek. “Are you nervous, Mads?”

“My dancing isn’t that bad.” She rolls her eyes.

“I’ve seen your moves, and am already jealous of every guy who’ll ask you to dance,” I admit, but keep it teasing so she just waves me off.

“I haven’t been to a club since…forever.” She swallows, but I don’t press. “I’m more used to guy friends, so I’m…not nervous, just…how’s about tomorrow? For the Suttons. To show you I’m not blowing you off and rescinding the step above acquaintanceship status,” she teases, though I think it’s so I don’t ask more questions about what’s making her nervous. “And if you say you think you’ll be healed…”

“That’s…yes, so much yes, but I can’t tomorrow. I promised a friend I’d be there for her.”

I don’t mean to be aloof, I’m just in the habit of calling all kids I hang out with friends, because I learnt the hard way how crushed they get when they find out you’re actually babysitting. That being said, the jealousy that crosses Madison’s face before she says, “Oh, that’s fine,” is priceless.

“Some other time,” she says in a tone that makes me think we’re talking weeks if not months from now.

“Why don’t you come?” I don’t know if I’m trying to score brownie points, prove there’s no one else, or if I just think she’ll enjoy it, and know I’ll have more fun if she’s there. “I swear it’s not a date, or a couple-y thing, but if we’re somewhat friends now…it could be fun.”

“I don’t think⁠—”

“You can bring Jason too, if you want. How about we say I’ll pick you up tomorrow at 10:30, unless you text me not to?”

“I’m sure your friend doesn’t want me there.”

“She secretly loves the attention in general, but tomorrow she definitely needs people.”

“Okay.” Maddie sighs.

“You’ll come?”

“I’ll text you tomorrow morning to tell you not to come.”

“I look forward to not hearing from you.”

Chapter Forty-Five

Madison

I notice everything

Ididn’t text Owen. Instead, I got dressed up, then down, changed outfits, and cursed myself for not getting more details.