Page 47 of Shadows of You

The words were out before I could stop them. It annoyed me that so many people saw Roan as something other than what he was: a kind, gentle soul. A little rough around the edges, sure, but that was just the exterior.

Maddie’s brows lifted. “Sounds like you’re getting to know him pretty well.”

“Cady likes him,” I said, trying to avoid the subject.

“Well, my bestie certainly has good taste,” Maddie said as she pulled into the school parking lot.

As we slowed to a stop, Cady jumped up and down, waving maniacally. I couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled out of me. It was the first one since Steven and Tyson had shown up. “I think she’s excited you’re picking her up.”

Maddie chuckled and jumped out of her SUV. Cady ran straight at her, and Maddie scooped her up in her arms. Cady giggled. “Today is the bestest. Charlie’s dad took us to school, and you’re picking me up. I gots all my Hartleys.”

My chest constricted. This.Thiswas why I couldn’t rip Cady out of her life here. She’d lain down roots. Built a community. Had a support system.

Maddie squeezed her tightly. “You’re the bright spot in my day, too. You ready to go?”

I grabbed Cady’s booster seat and got to work installing it in Maddie’s SUV.

“I’m the readiest. Charlie already left with his dad.”

“Then it looks like we can hit the road,” Maddie said, setting her down.

Katelyn led her daughter by us, sending Maddie and me a dirty look. I tried my best to ignore her as I got Cady settled.

“What’s that woman’s deal?” Maddie whispered as we headed for our respective doors.

I shook my head. “I have no idea. She’s hated me since day one, and her daughter is awful to Cady.”

Maddie scowled. “I forgot you’d said that. It’s still bad?”

I nodded. “Unfortunately.”

“It’s depressing that some people never grow out of the mean-girl stage and then teach it to their children.”

I sighed as I slid into the SUV. “It’s exhausting.”

“What’s sausting?” Cady piped in.

I should’ve known better than to say anything around tiny ears. “Cleaning up all of Mabel’s poop.”

Cady giggled. “I’m not sorry I missed that.”

Maddie snorted. “I bet.”

Cady chattered on and on about her day as we headed home, telling us who she and Charlie had played with at recess, the book their teacher read to them, and the art project of the day. I didn’t think she stopped for a breath until Maddie parked at our house.

“Can you come in and play, Maddie?” Cady asked hopefully.

“Sorry, bestie. I gotta go train a dog right now. But let’s have a girls’ night soon. We can do glitter manicures.”

“Yes!” Cady cheered.

“Thanks again for the ride. I really appreciate you going out of your way.”

Maddie just smiled at me. “I love getting a little extra time with you two. I’ll be by in the morning to get you.”

I tried not to let the feeling of being a burden well up. “So glad you came into The Brew looking for a job.”

Maddie shot me a dirty look. “Do not make me cry, Aspen Barlow.”

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