Page 161 of Will Bark for Pizza
“I didn’t catch your name.”
“No, you didn’t.”
I reached for my phone, ready to text Luke. I’d bribe him with a free lunch if I needed him to stop by and defuse . . . whatever situation this might be.
“I’m sorry, ma’am, but we’re not open.”
The woman visibly shuddered. “Please don’t call me that.”
I held onto Husker’s collar as he started to rise. He was the friendliest dog I knew—he’d probably fawn all over a burglar, especially if they were smart enough to bringtreats—but my Husky mix looked like a German Shepherd. Some days, that worked in my favor. I wondered if today would be one of them.
“If you come back next week?—”
“Oh, I doubt I’ll still be here then.”
A million possibilities rushed through my mind about who this woman might be. Was she one of Diana’s crazy superfans who might threaten to kidnap me if I didn’t finish Mateo’s book? Was she Travis’ new girlfriend, searching out thecrazy exfor herself? Or was she?—
“I’m Madeline.”
“Madeline.”
“Beckett’s sister.”
“Oh,” I said, a sense of relief flooding my nervous system, and cooling it off. “I’m sorry if I was being rude.”
“You didn’t know who I was, so it’s fair.”
Madeline approached the counter. Her makeup was minimal, but it was expertly applied. It paired well with her denim shorts and loose floral blouse. She didn’tlooklike she hated me. But she hadn’t had a chance to size me up for herself.
I waited until she saw Husker to let go of his collar. He trotted around to her, and she extended her hand for him to sniff. I relaxed a little more.
“I didn’t mean to barge in. I was surprised the door was unlocked, actually. I just wanted to see the building my brother bought.”
“And meet me?” I reminded her.
“Yes.”
“Did Pauline send you?” I asked, half teasing, half serious.
“Not exactly,” Madeline said, leaning her elbows on the counter. “But she did mention you.”
“Probably all bad things,” I muttered.
“She’s just looking out for Beckett. Same as me.”
“Because of the redheaded curse?” I supplied.
“You’ve heard, then.”
“A little.”
“Beckett’s got a big heart, but he tends to place his trust in the wrong people. At least, when it comes to women.”
“So, you came to see if I was one of thewrong people.”
“Yes.”
Her honesty made me like her a little more.
