Page 119 of Surprisingly Us

“I do and it did when I first started, but now, I’m used to it. Do you want to see a picture?” Lettie asks.

Madelyn nods eagerly and Lettie pulls out her phone to find pictures to show the little girl.

“That’s so cool. My mom says I can start ballet after my treatment.”

“That’s amazing. I’m excited for you.”

As if Madelyn finally notices I’m standing there, she points at me. “Who’s that guy?”

“This is Rhys.” Lettie motions for me to come closer but I barely move. I’m frozen in place.

I’m not good with kids, so I imagine I’m going to be even more awkward with a child that’s sick. My only way of coping is to tease and joke, but there’s nothing funny about cancer.

“Hi.” I lift the box since I’m not able to wave.

“Reece like Reese’s pieces?” Madelyn asks.

I exchange a look with Lettie to acknowledge the nickname she gave me when we were younger.

“It’s spelled differently. R-H-Y-S.”

Madelyn shakes her head. “That doesn’t sound like it spells Reece. That sounds like rice.”

I shrug. “That’s how it’s spelled.”

“Hmm. Are you a dancer, too?” Madelyn asks, her eyes giving me a discerning look.

“No. I’m not.” Finally, I step closer and set the box down on the floor next to the bed. “I’m here to help Colette.”

Lettie smiles. “He’s the official tutu passer-outer.”

Madelyn’s gaze snags on my arm. Where my sleeve is rolled up exposing my tattoo. “I like your tattoo.”

“Thanks.” My eyes drop to the friendship bracelet on her wrist. “I like your bracelet. I’m a Swiftie, too.”

“My friend Leah made me this one. She went to the concert, but I couldn’t go.” Her eyes dart to mine. “Wait. You like Taylor Swift?”

“Yeah, I do.”

Madelyn’s eyes narrow in disbelief. “What’s your favorite song?”

I chuckle at her skepticism. “You can’t ask me that. It’s impossible to choose.”

“Fine. Favorite album.”

“I’m partial to1989butReputationis a close second.”

“I loveReputation!LoverandRedare top three for sure.”

“Solid choices.” I nod toward the tutu box. “All right, I didn’t make any black ones with snakes on them, but there’s a pink, blue and gold one that’s givingLovervibes.”

Madelyn squeals with delight. “Oh my gosh, yes! I love it!”

Lettie helps Madelyn pull it over her gown, then Brittney comes in the room to take a picture.

I move to get out of the way, knowing this is Lettie’s gig, not mine, but Madelyn insists I be in it. After the picture, Lettie and Madelyn chat some more before we say our goodbyes.

On our way down the hall to the next room, I catch the smile on Lettie’s face. The hint of fascination as she glances at me.

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