Page 61

“I think so.”

“I’ll call before I come. Matthew gave me your number, and I’ll text later so you have mine.”

He headed downstairs, the steps creaking loudly under his weight. I heard the door open and shut, and a moment later, the car pulled away. I sat down, looking around. The room was small but clean. Stuffy, but I imagined once the heat of the summer passed, it would be a nice cozy spot. Unless there was no heat. But I would deal with that later.

With a sigh, I pulled out my phone and called Matthew. He answered right away, his voice warm and welcoming.

“Hey, Maddy. You get in okay?”

“Yes. The flight was good, and your uncle was there to pick me up.”

“Good.”

“He is rather, ah, imposing.”

Matthew chuckled. “But great.”

“Yes, he is.”

“How is the house?”

“I’ve only seen my room, really. It’s small but fine. I have to go buy sheets and a pillow. But Aiden said he was coming back tomorrow, although I’m not sure why. I’m going to unpack and explore a bit.”

He sighed. “I wish I were there with you to help.”

“You helped enough, but I wish you were here too.” I stood and looked out the window. “It’s a big city,” I admitted.

“You’ll figure it out,” he encouraged. “I know you will.” He paused. “I love you, Maddy. I already miss you. The city feels empty without you.”

I pressed my head against the glass. “I miss you too. Can I call you later?”

“Yes. Call me tonight. I’ll be at work, but I’ll answer.”

“I love you,” I whispered.

“Good.”

And he hung up.

CHAPTER 15

MADDY

Iwent downstairs and explored. The second floor had four bedrooms and a decent-sized bathroom. Outside the door was a bookcase, and everyone had a shelf with their name on it for their personal toiletries. I added my few things to my shelf and went to the main floor. The kitchen was at the back, and a large table was located in what I assumed was once a fancy dining room. The living area was a good size with big sofas. Older, but comfortable-looking. The girls already there had added throw blankets and pillows and hung posters to make it homier. The main floor had a second bath with a shower, which I knew would come in handy with so many of us trying to get ready in the mornings. The added bonus was the stackable washer and dryer in the corner. The kitchen was tidy, and I had to smile at whoever was the organizer. Each cupboard had a name on it for the person to put their own supplies. Some said Community—and inside were pots and pans, utensils, and dishes to share. In the fridge were baskets, again labeled, and a full shelf marked Community. It held some apples and condiments. I shut the door, feeling more settled. I could add to the community shelf and still have some of my favorite things for my own use. In the living room, I found a whiteboard and laughed. They were working on a bathroom schedule, no doubt needing everyone’s input.

The door opened, and a woman who looked a little younger than me walked in. She had short, dark hair and brown eyes, and her smile was friendly. She held out her hand. “Hi. I’m Jill. You must be Madison.”

“Maddy,” I said, shaking her hand.

“Well, Maddy, I see you’re looking at the schedule. We thought tonight we’d have a welcome dinner for you and wrestle this into something resembling organization. Since we’re all in the same program, the mornings are going to be a zoo.”

“I can shower at night,” I offered.

She beamed at me. “You’re an angel.”

I waved her off. “Tell me where I can go buy some sheets, and we’ll be even.”

She grinned. “There’s a little place not far. Nothing fancy, but cheap and has all the sundries. I’ll walk with you.”