Page 50 of The Ruckup
Sometimes Panic is the Correct Course of Action
Maddie
“ARE YOU SURE Gavin won’t mind me coming with you?” I hesitate at the open door, chewing my lower lip as I peer into the kind of condo I once imagined Leo owning.
Not anymore. Now that I know him better, I can say with absolute certainty, Leo never would have been happy in a place like this. It would have only felt like a stepping stone to him.
Not a home.
Plus, he wouldn’t have been able to swim naked here, and the weirdo does that almost every night, even this time of year.
“Positive.” Alexis crouches down, picking up the skinny black cat weaving between her legs. “He knows we’re hanging out this weekend while they’re out of town, so I’m sure he figures you’re coming with me.” She glances around Gavin’s sparsely furnished condo. “Plus, his place is pretty boring, so it’s not like he’s got anything to hide.”
My eyes skim over interior décor that looks a lot like what’s in the apartment I used to occupy. “Fair enough.” Stepping inside,I let the door close behind me. “I’m surprised you haven’t helped him out with that yet.”
Since the night at Hazel’s house a few weeks ago, I’ve gotten to hang out with Alexis and her friends on a few occasions. During our girls’ nights, I’ve discovered Leo’s sister is just as quiet and reserved as I remembered her being when we were kids.
I’ve also discovered she loves making shit pretty. Her apartment. Her clothes. Her hair. Her nails. Alexis has an eye for trends in both fashion and decor.
I’m hoping we can find a little time for her to help spruce up my wardrobe this weekend while Leo and Gavin are off at a charity game. It’s for a great cause, but it couldn’t have come at a worse time.
Because Drake is a free man, and it has Leo climbing the freaking walls. That’s probably why he made sure I wouldn’t be alone a single second while he was gone. Luckily, Alexis doesn’t seem bothered by being my babysitter.
Actually, we seem to get along really well.
“It’s been a little crazy.” She gives the cat a few pets before setting it back on the floor. “But I definitely have plans.”
The condo is big and open, with a great view, but for sure looks like a bachelor pad. “I can’t wait to see what you do with it.” I grin, waggling my brows at her. “As soon as you figure out how to tell Leo about you two.”
At first I felt bad about not filling him in on what I know about Alexis and Gavin. But after I thought about it, I decided Leo would want me to keep the secret. Would want me to protect his sister’s privacy the same way he protects mine.
Alexis lets out a sigh that turns into a groan. “If you have any ideas on how to accomplish that without causing him a full menty-B, let me know.”
The reminder of how chaotic Leo’s life is now sends my good mood sinking. “It’s my fault. I feel like all my shit has turned him into a different person, and he doesn’t deserve that.” Managing a sad smile, I admit the truth I’ve been trying to avoid. “He’s amazing. And he should be with someone whose life is uncomplicated.”
Alexis shoots me a dirty look. One that says she thinks I’m being an idiot. “We might have to agree to disagree on this. Leo was an asshole to me plenty of times growing up. I think he has some shit coming to him.”
My smile perks up, but only a little. “If it was just normal shit, I might be fine with it. But what I’m dealing with is so much more than that.” Sucking in a breath, I focus on the ceiling. “He’s afraid to even leave me alone for the weekend because of my ex.” Meeting Alexis’s gaze I continue. “How is he going to focus on actual games when he can barely make it through a charity game without texting to make sure I’m okay?”
Leo’s sister lifts a finger, cringing a little. “They’re actually called matches.”
I huff out a little laugh. “See? I don’t even know the proper terminology for his career.” Deflating, I blow out all the air in my lungs on a sigh. “He does so much for me, and I’m just a mess. It all feels so one-sided and unfair.”
Alexis chuckles. “It is kind of weird when you’re used to men who do the bare minimum and then end up with a guy who just wants to take care of you, isn’t it?”
I give her a sly smile. “It sounds like you’re familiar with that problem.”
Alexis’s face scrunches. “Is it really a problem? Yes, Gavin cooks our dinners and brushes my hair and rubs my feet and would pretty much jump through any hoop I came up with, but I bring a lot to the table too.” She stands taller, giving off an amount of confidence I hope to one day feel myself. “I’m a great conversationalist, I babysit his pets, and I have amazing tits.”
I look down at my own, much less impressive chest. “I’m probably screwed then. My brain won’t shut up long enough for me to be a great conversationalist, your brother doesn’t have any pets, and I don’t have much more than nipples on skin.”
“Listen.” Alexis leans in, speaking quietly even though we’re the only two here. “Boobs are all fucking amazing. And we could totally find Leo a pet for you to take care of when he’s out of town.”
I think about how good he is with Cupcake. How he carries her around when we visit my grandmother. “Leo probably could use a pet.”
Alexis grins. “That’s the spirit.” She turns toward the hall. “So let’s take care of my boyfriend’s weird pets, and then we can go find your boyfriend a weird pet.”
I follow behind her as she walks into what seems to technically be a bedroom. It has a closet and is about the right size, but instead of a bed, there’s a large cage dominating the space. I stay a few steps away as Alexis starts to check on Gavin’s pet lizard. “Just so we’re clear, I’m not getting Leo a lizard.”
