Page 66 of The Truth of Our Secrets

“A guy at my old shop started it, but then Alec brought my vision to life.”

We maneuver to fit in the tub. Madyson rests her back against my chest and settles between my legs. Emmet faces us and our legs jockey for position. The tub accommodates us better than I imagined.

“You’re so far away.” Madyson pouts.

“I’m right here.” His hands caress her legs. “How about a foot massage?”

“You just found her weakness.” My hands roam on the outside of her arms. I’m careful not to touch her breasts. “She’ll do anything you ask if you rub her feet.”

Emmet waggles his eyebrows suggestively. “Anything?”

“Not anything.” Madyson laughs. “But I’ll do whatever you have in mind.”

“You don’t want to be in my mind,” Emmet says lightly.

After today, I wonder what’s on his mind. He was terrified of getting that late fee. As if the late fee would cause financial ruin.

“What if I do? I told you a huge thing about me. Tell me why you were at the hospital today. Are you sick? Is it your mom?” Madyson’s nails scratch his kneecaps, causing them to jump.

I wonder if he’s ticklish.

“Nothing important. I was paying a bill.” He shrugs, his eyes drop.

“Emmet,” Madyson’s voice is barely a whisper, “you can trust me.”

So many emotions play across his face. I know he wants to change the subject, and he opens his mouth with a half-smile, then closes it. Storm clouds roll in and take up residence on his face. He’s conflicted.

Madyson keeps her eyes trained on his, sliding her hands under his knees. She’s holding him as if he’s going to bolt. But really, if Emmet runs, she’s more likely to break a nail than stop him.

His chest heaves. “My mom has a huge outstanding balance, and I needed to make a payment.”

“Okaaay.” She draws out the word, expecting him to say more. When he doesn’t, her hands stiffen, most likely digging her nails in.

His legs bounce out of the water, splashing us.

“Just tell me.” She catches one leg in both hands and pushes it back into the warm water.

“I’m legally responsible for the debt. It’s tens of thousands of dollars and I can never get ahead. The finance charges and late fees are all I can manage to pay,” he says in a rush.

“Why are you responsible?” I ask the obvious question.

“Because I was a stupid kid who believed they wouldn’t treat my mom if I didn’t sign documents to take responsibility for the bill. It’s unethical, but I don’t have the money to hire a lawyer todispute it. I didn’t even have a job at the time. I never figured I’d be able to complete four years of college. That just sped up my drop out date.” He presses his thumbs into the ball of Madyson’s foot, unable to make eye contact.

“You were a kid!” I wave my arm, sending water flying.

“Technically a legal adult and old enough to sign a contract.”

“That has to be illegal.” My body flushes as my temper rises.

“Like I said, unethical, not illegal. And do you know how much lawyers charge per hour? And if I don’t win, I’ll have the medical debt along with the lawyers.”

“That’s why you’re living over Unframed Art.” Madyson’s nails tickle his thighs.

“Yup.” He pops the P.

“That’s despicable. Why doesn’t your mom pay her bill?” I must be missing something and Emmet gives Madyson a look of surprise.

“She’s not responsible and the debt collectors would probably repossess her trailer and she’d be homeless.”

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