Page 24 of Fighting for You
“Consider it payment for helping me out with this,” I say, lifting the bag slightly.
“You helped me first,” she argues back.
I laugh and shrug, walking backward toward the door. “See ya, Billy-Bob!” I yell across the store. He raises his hand in a wave but doesn’t say anything back. Then a little quieter, I say, “Bye, Freckles.” I shoot her a wink, mainly because I love her reaction. And she does not disappoint—the stunning red I already love stains her cheeks, and her mouth falls open just a bit. She’s still standing there with the same dazed look on her face when I turn and exit the store.
My bike is sitting in a parking spot right in front of the door. I sling the plastic bag over the handle while I grab my helmet. I’m swinging my leg over to straddle my bike when the bell above the door dings as Margot pushes it open. I rev my engine and back out of the parking spot, never pulling my gaze from hers until I’m racing away.
The whole way back to my parents’, all I can think about is how bad of an idea it would be to get involved with MargotMason. Every time I see her, I have to resist the magnetic pull to her, the way my body instinctively reacts when she’s around. She’s too innocent and too off-limits for me to go there. I just about have myself convinced I’m only resisting because she’s Hayes’ sister, and I’m not trying to get my ass kicked. But deep down… I know I’d take everything perfect about her and ruin it like I ruin everything else.
As I pull into the driveway, my phone vibrates in my pocket.
12/9 3:24 p.m.
Freckles: Thank you again. Let me know when I can repay you. Maybe I can cook you dinner again? **blushing smiley emoji**
12/9 3:25 p.m.
Me: **thumbs up emoji**
Read3:25 p.m.
I put my phone ondo not disturb,so I don’t see if she immediately replies and shove it back into my pocket. I can’t go down this road, no matter how much I want to.
Chapter Ten
Margot
My empty notification screen glares back at me. I navigate to my text thread with Brooks. His last text—a thumbs emoji of all things—sits there on the left of the screen. Accompanied by four messages from me.
Four messages.
In a row.
With no response.
A tiny groan escapes me as I rest my forehead on the cool table, trying to tamp down the embarrassment. This is one of those moments where if I had a best friend, they’d be saying, “He’s just not that into you.”
I keep my head down as the nurses’ lounge door swings open, and Jan and Aubrey stroll in, too absorbed in their conversation to notice me. They flit around the kitchenette, opening drawers and cabinets. The distinct sound of the coffee maker gurgling to life.
“Did you see Old Man Matthews’ nephew? What a snack!” says Aubrey.
“Oh yeah, haven’t seen him here before, but I hope he visits more often,” replies Jan.
“That’s probably not likely since the poor old man is pretty much comatose.”
“A girl can dream,” Jan says on a sigh. “Are you up for drinks this weekend?”
“Oooh, maybe, maybe.” There’s a pause, and Aubrey adds with a chuckle, “Colton not calling you back?”
“Colt and I aren’t exclusive. I can—Oh, hi, Margot. I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there,” says Jan. “You heading out soon?”
I pick my head up and give the women a smile. “Yeah, in about an hour or so—I’m going to do a final round, make sure everyone is settling in for the night.”
They both nod and smile warmly, but then continue their conversation, making plans to meet at a local bar this Saturday. I look down at my phone again and try not to think too hard about how the invitation isn’t extended to me.
“What’s going on, girlie? Still spinning your wheels with Brooks?” Lydia’s voice pulls me back from my thoughts. I look down at the plant I’m overwatering and quickly move to the next one. Her words finally register, and my eyes quickly shift to the open suite door through which I can see other residents and nurses milling about in the hallway.
“Keep your voice down,” I say, turning around to face her as she sits in her wheelchair by the window but casting my eyesdown to the floor. “And no. Well, yes—he’s confusing me. He keeps flirting with me… a lot. But then I put myself out there with him yesterday, and he’s been ignoring me ever since. Maybe I read the whole thing wrong.”
