Page 85 of Double Fault

“Yeah?” The statement sounds more like a question. “She handles my schedule.”

“How come I’ve never met her?” I ask.

Maddie is several feet away, watching the people come and go, hopefully oblivious to our conversation and any jealousy that might be making its way into my tone.

“She works remotely. Fisher interacts with her more than I do.”

A flicker of relief hits me. “Is it not strange that your best friend-slash-coach knows more about your schedule than you do?”

He cocks his head, his lips turned down in thought. “No.”

One set of doors slide open, and we follow Maddie inside the elevator. She pokes the button for our floor, then tilts her head in a way that makes her look just like her dad.

“Why did you give Sabrina two room keys?”

I didn’t realize she’d even noticed, but at least she wasn’t listening to our conversation.

“Because the suites are all booked up. Our rooms are side by side, though. So she’s got a key for her own room, and one for ours, in case you need it.”

“Oh. That’s not as fun.” She frowns, rubbing at her nose.

It’s the lightest shade of red, making me worry that she’s coming down with something. I make a mental note to grab cold medicine while we’re out. I’d rather have it on hand and not need it than have to venture out for it in the middle of the night.

Chuckling, Noah ruffles her hair. “If you ask her nicely, maybe she’ll leave the adjoining door open.”

Maddie’s eyes brighten. “Will you?”

I shrug. “I don’t see why not.”

On our floor, we let ourselves into our separate rooms. I set my bags down on the bed, then head for the adjoining door, unsurprised to find the other side already open.

Maddie’s beaming at me, still wearing her backpack. “Hi, Sabrina.”

“Hi, Maddie.”

This little girl already has a special place in my heart. A little room she carved out just for herself. The more time I spend with her, the more I dread the day I have to walk away.

“Remember when you said we could have a sleepover?”

With a hum, I tap my finger against my bottom lip, ignoring the way Noah is watching us with an amused smirk.

“I might recall that.”

“So,” she hedges, threading her fingers together. “Can we have one?”

There’s no hiding the smile that takes over my face. “Sure. We’ll need to get some supplies, though.”

She scrunches up her nose. “Supplies? Like what?”

“Popcorn,” I say, ticking it off on my finger. “Ice cream.” I hold up another finger. “Chocolate, face masks, more nail polish.” Head tilted, I scan the room, mentally running through other options. “Maybe a new stuffed animal?”

She glances at one of the queen-size beds, where her teddy bear already rests against the pillows.

“Not a replacement. Just something new,” I say before she can overthink it.

“Okay,” she says, her tone still light. “Maybe we could ask Ebba if she wants to have a sleepover too?”

“I bet she’d like that.”

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