Page 70 of Cadence
The question is simple, but I can hear all the other ones he doesn't ask underneath it.
Why are you doing this?
Why for her?
Why now?
I set the basket to the side, answering him with a half-truth. “Yeah, just figured she’s not feeling great, the tour’s a lot, even for us, so why not make it easier for her?”
I don’t look at him while I say it, but I already know his expression. It’s the same one he wears whenever he sees me doing something “off-brand” from how I used to treat her.
He doesn’t push more, just watches as I scan the things Paige never asked for as Eli bounds up beside us, peering into to the bag, screwing up his face.
“Uh…did I miss something?” he asks, poking around the cardboard boxes.
I pause, a box of super-plus tampons in my hand, glancing at Beau. Slapping Eli’s hand away, he gives me a pointed stare as he ushers him to the side, laughing like it’s nothing. “Dude, don’t even ask.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Paige
*Image attached*
Olive
Damn girl, I knew you’d be on your period when you were on tour, but Jesus. Who knew how heavy you were.
I’m not!!! This was all Maddox. He left them while I was sleeping.
Olive
Wait. Maddox bought you all that?
Yup…
Olive
That’s… strangely sweet. Did you say thanks?
No. He ran out of the room before I could even look at what was inside.
Olive
LOL! Boy’s got it bad.
Wait, are those Nerds??? Uh oh. He’s found the way to your heart.
Chapter Thirty
Maddox
Reign’screwistight,efficient as hell, even.
I’ve been watching them from the wings, mentally noting each lighting cue, every guitar swap, their movements so practiced they barely need to communicate with words at all. A glance, a simple nod, and it just shifts into place.
We need to be like that. Seamless, synchronized, no weak spots or distractions.
Not ones like her.
