Maddie lightly slapped the table. “Ah, here comes Juniper with Brittney’s food. Are you ready to head out?”
“Yep,” Natalie agreed as she tugged her wallet out.
Maddie shot her an aghast look. “I’ll get this, Natalie.”
“I can pay my own way, Maddie.” Natalie just barely managed to keep from jutting her chin out.
Maddie canted her head to the side. “I don’t doubt that, honey, but I invited you.”
Natalie’s expression didn’t falter. Maddie released an exasperated sigh. Her lips twitched after a moment. “I’ll tell you what, you can get the tip.”
“But I get to pay next time,” Natalie sternly insisted.
Maddie smiled slowly. “Alright.”
Juniper, who had been patiently waiting, smiled at them both as Maddie took out her card.
Not long after Juniper returned with the receipt they were ready to leave. Natalie made a point to tip well and then grabbed the takeout bag.
She could see Maddie visibly bite her lip. Since Maddie had gotten her way, Natalie couldn’t resist her own stubbornness. She was glad Maddie didn’t comment as they left the restaurant.
“Are you staying for dinner?” Maddie asked as they ambled closer to her car.
“Are you offering?” Natalie inquired in lieu of answering.
“Definitely,” Maddie affirmed as she pressed a button and her car softly chimed.
Natalie grinned as she opened the passenger door and slid into the comfortable seat. She waited until Maddie was settled to glance over at her. “Then definitely.”
Maddie shot her a return grin. “Great. I know Brittney will like having you around, too.”
Natalie felt warm at the unspoken, but still clear, admission. She hoped Maddie could keep smiling like that the rest of the day, despite Adam’s absence.
When they arrived back at the house, her wish was only partially granted.
Brittney was waiting for them at the door, an unabashed grin on her face. “Something came for you while you were out, Mom.”
“Oh?” Maddie tilted her head and gestured to Natalie. “Your food is here, sweetie.”
“Cool,” Brittney said as she snatched the bag from Natalie. “Your delivery is in the living room.”
Natalie was torn between joining Brittney and peeking in on Maddie. Curiosity won out.
Maddie was on the couch, completely unmoving as she held a large, beautiful bouquet of lilies.
A smile curled Natalie's lips. Adam could do something right. Except… Maddie seemed despondent, rather than pleased. Natalie bit the inside of her cheek as she debated approaching.
She cleared her throat and advanced into the living room. “Those are nice.”
Maddie looked up, a wan smile on her face. “Yes, they’re my absolute favorite. Oriental lilies, pink blush,” she murmured as she brushed a fingertip over a faintly pink petal.
“You don’t seem happy,” Natalie couldn’t help saying.
“Hmm.” Maddie slowly twirled the bouquet. “My mother used to grow these, among other flowers. She had the most unique ones I’d ever seen, with only the barest of pink to them.” She stared. “It’s been at least ten years since the last time he sent me these, and the time before that was the day Brittney was born.”
Natalie tried to hide her surprise. “He hasn’t sent you flowers in ten years?”
Maddie blinked as if recovering from a stupor. She took in a slow breath and released it. “Oh, of course he has. Just not these. These are special.” Her lips twitched. “And expensive here around this time of year.”
“Well, that has to mean something, doesn’t it?” Natalie encouraged.
“Yes. It does.” Maddie seemed to be talking to herself more than anything. It worried Natalie.
As if sensing her concern, Maddie straightened. The smile she sent Natalie seemed genuine. “I need to put these in water. Let’s go see if Brittney’s finished inhaling her food yet.”
“Yeah, sure.”
Chapter Eight
Natalie yawned as she stepped into the restaurant, mind foggy and detached as she examined the menu. The return to classes had been brutal after the Thanksgiving break.
The instructors couldn’t assign any essays or projects due past the current week, and so many had assigned their last ones all due right before the cutoff.
Skipping a weekend of work on Adam’s car wasn’t a decision she made lightly, but she was just too exhausted to make the trip. Jimmy had actually given her a full work week to top it all off, and she didn’t think she’d have the energy to make the drive tomorrow after a week of nights averaging only four hours of sleep.
Her phone buzzed and she winced. She’d texted Maddie just before she went to pick up food to let her know she wouldn’t be making it. The guilt she felt was unexplainable, but that didn’t make it any less real.
‘Are you free to talk?’ She nibbled her lower lip as she read the message, a nervous excitement rolling through her. She hadn’t really texted Maddie much throughout the week outside of small updates on Brittney, and they hadn’t spoken at all since she’d left after breakfast Sunday morning.
She had to wipe her hands against her jeans before making contact with the touch screen. The door jingled and so she moved off to the side so she wouldn’t be in anyone’s way. Her throat worked as the call connected.
“Natalie, hello.” Maddie’s voice was smooth and even, immediately putting Natalie at ease.
Maddie wasn’t upset that she couldn’t make it. Natalie was relieved and oddly disappointed at the same time. Why would she be upset, doofus? She barely knows you.
“Hey, Maddie. What’s up?” She stepped further to the side when a large group tried to pass. She spotted a padded bench tucked away in a corner—no doubt for when the tables were full—and sat with her back resting against the cool wall.
“I got your message. I just wanted to call and make sure everything is alright. I know Brittney just turned in her last major project, but she’s already set on studying clear through next week for finals.” The warm concern in Maddie’s voice made Natalie smile.
“Yeah, thanks for asking. I’m fine. I’m actually about to grab us both some dinner.” She raised a hand to tuck some loose hair behind her ear. She was still terrified of accidentally giving away her crush—Maddie was just so easygoing that she didn’t think before she spoke half of the time.
“Is that so? Thank you for making sure she gets a proper meal to eat. What did you order?” The attempt at idle curiosity didn’t fool Natalie.
She grinned. “Maddie, I promise I’ll get her something at least a little healthy. She just turned in some pretty labor-intensive projects in her first semester at college. She deserves a little treat, too.”
A tingling sensation twisted through her chest when Maddie laughed softly. “You’ve got me figured out already, hm?”
“Not totally, but it’s easy to see that you love your daughter.” She rubbed at the knee of her jeans as the silence lingered.
“So, if you won’t tell me what you’re feeding my daughter, what are you having?” Maddie’s voice was a little thicker than normal, but Natalie decided not to comment. She wouldn’t tease Maddie about loving someone so deeply.
Her eyes flicked over to the menu. She grinned in wicked delight. “Oh, I dunno. The pulled pork sandwich looks pretty good. It’s smothered in the best barbecue sauce.”
“And here I thought I was instilling better eating habits in you,” Maddie chided. “Well, I suppose I’ll just have to keep trying.”
Natalie licked her lips and sat up straighter. “It comes with pickles and,” she paused and glanced back at the menu, “french fries. Fries are vegetables right?”
She was getting a kick out of teasing Maddie. Her eating habits actually weren’t that bad; she enjoyed fresh fruits and veggies when she had time to do the shopping instead of Steven or Reeve. Still, she’d been enjoying the little game of Maddie scolding her in doctor mo
de.
An image of Maddie with a white lab coat thrown over a clingy red dress sitting at a desk flashed through her mind before she could stop it. When daydream Maddie began to cross her legs, Natalie panicked and tried to purge the distracting image from her thoughts.
It took her a moment to realize that Maddie had spoken. “Uh, sorry, what was that? A big group just walked in and I missed what you said.”
Maddie’s warm chuckle didn’t help her focus. “Don’t worry about it, Natalie. Go get your food. I’ll just make something extra healthy next time you come down.”
“Don’t be cruel, you’ve already let me try your mashed potatoes.”
“You really do love potatoes,” Maddie ruefully observed. “Alright, we’ll negotiate on the potatoes next time you come.”
“Now we’re talking. In honor of your oh-so-gracious concession, I’ll get Brittney the smoked chicken breast salad. It’s got bell pepper, onion, and tomato; all over a mixed romaine and autumn leaf mix. I think I can get fresh bacon bits on it though,” she added the last part thoughtfully.
The salad was pretty great without it thanks to the juicy, tender chicken. She’d had it plenty of times herself.
“You were going to get that for her anyway, weren’t you?” Maddie sounded both pleased and exasperated.
“I admit nothing. Well, I need to get this order in before Brittney calls me demanding to know where I am with her food. I’ll talk to you another time.” Natalie probably would have been happy to let the call go on indefinitely, but her stomach was rumbling in the presence of so many pleasant food smells.
“Enjoy your meal. Goodbye, Natalie.”
Natalie let out a sigh as the call ended, cradling the phone for longer than she should. She put it away and rose to place her order.
Talking to Maddie over the phone was a little safer than speaking to her in person. She bit her lip when she remembered her earlier fantasy. A little, anyway.
*****
“Oh my god, finally.” Brittney groaned and stood from the small desk on her side of the dorm room.
Natalie snorted and hefted the brown takeout bags. “Gee, something tells me you’re more excited about the food than you are hanging out with me.”
Brittney stuck her tongue out and swiped the bags from her loose grip. She peeked into the first bag, inhaling the enticing scent before setting both down on her desk.
“Thanks for bringing dinner,” she mumbled as she rooted around in the first bag.
“I guess that’s better.” Natalie shook her head and crossed her arms. They’d both needed a break from studying.
Victoria wasn’t around so Natalie didn’t hesitate to borrow her desk chair. They squeezed in around Brittney’s desk and divvied up the food containers.
“Salad?” Brittney looked surprised and a little dismayed as she eyed the clear plastic containers.
“Despite what you and your mom think, I am not as bad as Reeve and Steven. Just try it.” When Brittney continued to hesitate, Natalie reached for a smaller white paper bag.
She tugged out two freshly baked rolls and offered one to Brittney. “If you need carbs, these are pretty great. Now trust me and try the salad, alright?”
Brittney unwrapped a pack of plasticware with a resigned expression, cautiously scooping up the first bite. Her eyes closed as she began to chew, a look of delight rippling across her features.
Seeing her chance, Natalie raised her phone. She made sure to get the container of salad in the shot too. Her phone made an audible shutter sound.
“Did you just take a picture of me?” Brittney asked as she chewed.
“Yep,” Natalie nodded as she tapped at her phone. “I’m sending it to your mom as proof that I’m feeding you properly.”
Brittney made a choking sound and laughed, her blue eyes twinkling as she swallowed. “You and my mom get along pretty well.”
“Maddie is pretty cool.” Natalie was tempted to say more but decided not to. Initially.
As she typed up a message to go with the image, her curiosity piqued. “You know, it surprises me that you two aren’t closer.”
Brittney’s chewing slowed.
Natalie sent off her message and began to tuck into her own salad, content to let Brittney gather her thoughts.
“I don’t know, it’s kind of complicated,” Brittney murmured. She set her fork down. “My mom was kind of distant when I was little, mostly physically but also kind of emotionally. It wasn’t until I was a little older that we began to connect at all. When I was most interested in spending time with her, she wasn’t around much. She was in school for a long time, and then right after that she had her residency at King Memorial .” Her hands played with the lid to her food while she paused.
Natalie was quietly impressed on Maddie’s behalf, knowing that hospital was in the top ranking for the country but, at the same time, she felt for Brittney. “That must have been tough.”
Brittney shot her a sad smile. “Don’t get me wrong, she called me as often as she could and she never missed a birthday or holiday. But,” she said with a heavy sigh, “I don’t know. I guess I resented her a lot for not being able to be around more. A lot of times I wouldn’t take her calls or I cut them short out of spite.”
Something painful shifted in Natalie’s chest, and she reached out to nudge Brittney’s arm. “Your dad was around more then?”
“Yeah, he wasn’t as senior at his company then. He was mostly behind a desk until a few years ago.” She smiled quite suddenly, looking at Natalie out of the corner of her eye. “He had no idea what to do with me for a while, especially when I was upset. He had all these Erector Sets and he would take them out and we would just build things together. I loved that. It helped me block out the things that were bothering me.”
“That explains that bond,” Natalie said with a gentle bob of her head.
For several moments, Brittney just breathed. “I know my mom loves me, and I know I haven’t always been fair to her. I do appreciate all she does for me. It’s just hard to let certain things go.”
Natalie hummed. “You’re trying, she’s trying. You’ll figure it out.”
“I’m so glad I met you, Natalie. I haven’t been close to many people, and you’re like my best friend.”
“I haven’t had a close girl friend in… ever?” Natalie frowned. “Actually, I haven’t gotten close to anyone that wasn’t a Holder in ages.”
“What about Victoria?” Brittney focused on her salad. “Weren’t you guys ever close? Or anything?”
Natalie just barely managed not to raise her eyebrows. “Victoria is almost seven years younger than me. I’ve never seen her that way. I’m more of a cool older sister to her than anything.”
Brittney frowned down at her salad but didn’t say more, seeming lost in thought.
Something niggled in the back of Natalie’s brain. She should—her phone buzzed, so she immediately unlocked it. The laugh escaped her before she could stop it.
Curious, Brittney peered over at her phone. She frowned and shot Natalie a confused look.
Natalie fought to regain control of herself, shaking her head as she looked back down. “It’s kind of an inside joke. I think if I explained it you’d think I’m weirder than I am.”
Brittney gave her some serious side-eye. “Natalie, my mom sent you a picture of herself holding a bag of potatoes and giving you a thumb’s up. How is that so funny?” She stared.
Natalie pursed her lips as she tried not to smile at Brittney’s frustration.
“You’re both weird,” Brittney declared before tearing off a piece of roll and chewing it.
The smile remained on Natalie’s face as she finished her dinner.
*****
They’d just sat down to watch a movie when the door swung open. An exhausted-looking Victoria, dressed in jeans and a baggy grey hoodie a few sizes too big, stepped into the room.
“Hey, Tori.”
“Ugh,” Victoria groaned.
&nb
sp; Natalie scooted toward the edge of Brittney’s bed. She hadn’t seen Victoria in a while, either. “Oo, I’m used to deciphering Holder groans. She says ‘hi’ back and is wondering if there’s any food left.” Natalie’s translation was proven accurate when Victoria enthusiastically pointed at Natalie and dropped her heavy backpack. A heartbeat later she was flopping down diagonally across both Natalie and Brittney’s legs, barely avoiding Brittney’s laptop.
Both Brittney and Natalie laughed at her dramatic flair, Natalie stretching to shift Brittney’s laptop so that it wouldn’t slide and smack Tori in the face.
Natalie grunted as a bony elbow dug into her rib. “Jesus Tor, there’s a baked potato for you on Brittney’s desk. Now get your bony ass off of me.”
Victoria seemed suddenly full of energy again as she bounced up and moved to inspect the brown paper bag on her roommate’s desk.
“You brought her carbs?” Brittney seemed offended. “I wanted carbs.”
“One,” Natalie glanced at Victoria, “You’d better not forget to call your brother. Two,” she turned her attention back to the scowling Brittney. “I brought you a freshly baked roll.”
“Wha? I of air olls!” It took Natalie a moment to decipher what Victoria had said since the seated girl’s mouth was already full of potato, cheese, and bacon.
“Jesus, you wanted a roll and a baked potato? You’re both so freaking demanding,” Natalie huffed.
Victoria swallowed. “Shut up, you love us.”
“I also hate you,” Natalie insisted.
Victoria opted to poke her tongue out. She paused and walked to the mini fridge, retrieving a gallon of water and a cup from a nearby shelf.
“So are you guys going out of town again this weekend?” She asked between sips of water.
“Nah, I’m toast after a full week at the garage and having to turn in three essays and a working design for a steam-powered engine that Professor Angler insisted we needed to do for whatever reason. I swear he’s just a little too into steampunk,” Natalie grumbled.
Brittney cleared her throat. “Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that.”
Meeting Mrs Garret Page 9