Page 34 of Pucking Your Best Friend

“Youalways worry abouteveryone!”

Yes, and she preferred it that way. She didn’t like spreading bad vibes. Her father was there for that. She just liked it when everyone was happy. And they couldn’t be if she was constantly burdening them with her worries!

“It hasn’t been that bad,” she insisted. “If I had really needed help, I would have asked.”

Another loud snort from Hailey.

“I agree with Hailey,” Lucy replied unhappily. “Maddie, I want to be there for you, okay? You already do so much for the family. You take care of Dad more than any of us because I’m on theroad a lot and Rachel isn’t here, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t share your problems with me!”

Maddie simply nodded. She understood, but Lucy was so happy right now. Their mother’s death had been hard on everyone. Telling anyone something was going terribly wrong in her life only made everything so much worse. It spread the burden to her entire family.

With Matt, it was different. Nothing could throw him off balance. His life was so carefree that the burden of her life didn’t affect him. Matt never felt sorry for her. He’d even made fun of her when she was sitting crying on the flooded kitchen floor.

So, with him, it was okay. But with the others, she didn’t want to be the whining Maddie that everyone had to take care of, who was becoming a problem like her father. Clemens had always said that life was better when you complained less and focused on the good things, which was true. So, she stayed positive, talked to Hailey about her problems because she was her business partner, cried to Matt…and left her family out of it.

“Lucy, everything’s fine,” she said in an encouraging tone. “If it had been serious, I would have talked to you. But, right now, things are going great.”

Unsatisfied, Lucy pressed her lips together, but let it go.

“I’ll get some more flyers,” Hailey said lightly. “For people who are undecided!”

She hurried back to Match Me! and slipped through the door. Unfortunately, Eggsy took the opportunity to wander outside, swinging her curious chicken head from side to side.

“Oh, crap,” Maddie whispered. “I have to grab our chicken.”

Lucy laughed, although her eyes were still strangely serious. “No problem, I’m recording the interview live on Instagram, so I’m busy anyway.”

Lucy fought her way through the crowd to the other side where she had a better view while Maddie crept over to Eggsy. Thechicken cackled angrily when it saw her coming and skittered a few more steps away from the entrance.

Sighing, Maddie slid after it while the ESPN reporter announced the interview on camera. If she carried Eggsy back into the office now, she would walk right through the frame. She’d probably be better off just holding her in her arms until the whole thing was over.

Carefully, she lifted the fat, brown chicken into her arms. The hen immediately snuggled comfortably against her chest – this bird had a lot of dog in it! – then focused on Matt and the journalist speaking to each other not three feet away.

“…not known for talking much about your love life, Mr. Payne. What encouraged you to make an exception now?”

Maddie’s shoulders stiffened. He wouldn’t replymy best friend practically forced me to do it, would he?

“Oh, I don’t talk much about my love life because there’s not much to talk about! Besides, I’m a hockey player. Why would we Hawks talk about anything other than the game we love?” He lowered his voice. “Although, my mother has complained about it many times.”

The crowd and the reporter laughed.

“That still doesn’t explain why you’re suddenly announcing to the whole world that you’re seeking true love.”

Matt glanced at her and, uncomfortable, scratched the back of his neck.

“I…” he began hesitantly and shifted his weight. “I think everyone longs for a little more love in their lives. And no one should be embarrassed about searching for it, right? No one. Many men are afraid of appearing weak if they admit they’re looking for a life partner. Even more so if they have to admit that they can’t find someone on their own, and I think that’s nonsense. Who likes being alone and who doesn’t need help now and then? If I can help these people who are afraid to take thenext step on their journey to love feel better with this interview, then I’m happy to do it.”

Maddie’s throat constricted and her cheeks flushed. That was…perfect. The many women around her goingawwwconfirmed that. Matt had this ability to make people feel like they were exactly right, no matter how much self-doubt they might have.

“So, why did you choose Match Me!?” the reporter continued.

“Oh, to be honest,” he smiled wryly, “the owner is a friend of mine and she’s been pestering me to join for months so I can finally meet my soul mate.” He grinned at Maddie, who put a hand over her face. It was okay, though; it was better than someone finding out afterward that they knew each other. “But until now…until now, I’ve never felt ready, you know? For anything serious. For…I guess,the right one. For the big forever.”

Maddie opened her mouth and pressed Eggsy tighter against her chest.

“But now you are?” the journalist wanted to know.

Something changed in Matt’s eyes. Now his smile had something mysterious about it. And the way he hesitated… “I believe so.”

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