Choosing how to love.

I see it too

MADDY

"To my beautiful, one of a kind, amazing girlfriend Maddy. Congrats on getting the contract and making your book dreams come true." Craig raised his glass, and everyone followed.

"And to my friends that made this all possible. From the long hours on the computer, to the crazy idea to talk to the publisher, to making this all work, thank you Holton. And to the long hours of listening to me talk, thank you Craig. To all the support that you gave me throughout the years, thank you Lacy. And Roger, where do I even start, thank you is not enough. Each of you have given me something to help me get to this point, and I will forever be grateful. Now whether it lasts or not, that is to be seen, but I am here now and for this moment, my dreams of being a real author have come true. Thank you to each of you for being a brick in the foundation of my world. I love you all." Maddy raised her glass and after the toast, Lacy hugged her tightly.

"We love you. And it will last. You have more talent than the rest of us combined!" Lacy hugged for a bit, then Maddy made her rounds to talk while they waited for their dinner. She even got to meet Mike's kids, and promised them both books when they came out.

The room was filled with laughter and happiness, and she enjoyed it so much. She was talking to Sara when Craig came over with a woman at his side. A very pretty woman at that.

"Maddy, this is Kelly." "The Kelly?" Maddy smiled. "Yes. Kelly, this is my girlfriend Maddy." Craig introduced them with a huge smile. "It is so nice to meet you, I have heard so much about you." Maddy held out her hand and Kelly looked shocked as she took it.

"It is nice to meet you too. I am happy that this big guy finally got another girlfriend." She laughed and Maddy noticed the way she looked Craig over. Maddy was not sure how she felt about this woman, or why she was here, but Craig answered her before she asked.

"Kelly was coming by to pick up dinner and saw us, so she stopped in to say hi to everyone." "Oh, please, come on in. And if you want, you are welcome to join us. The more the merrier." Maddy tried to be polite.

"I couldn't impose on your party." "Yes, you can. We are all friends, just pull up a chair." Maddy put on a brighter smile. "Are you sure?" "Yes. Any friend of Craig's is a friend of mine." Maddy was unsure why, but she wanted her to stay. She wanted to get to know her and maybe understand why Craig was still so close to her.

"Then maybe I will. I haven't seen this bunch of guys in a long time." Kelly looked around and then back at Craig. "Are you sure you don't mind?" She asked Craig. "Not at all. I am happy you finally get to meet Maddy." "Alright, I will stay." Kelly nodded.

Maddy noticed how sweetly she smiled at Craig when she answered, then touched his arm, but before Maddy could comment, Craig spoke.

"Great. I will take you around and introduce you to the girls." Craig gave Maddy a quick smile and then took Kelly by the arm and walked off without another word. Maddy was a little taken back, and not sure what to do, so she turned back to the conversation she was having with Mike.

Except Mike was staring at Holton, who was staring at Maddy. Everyone seemed a little shocked at the exchange and it made Maddy even more uncomfortable. Something about that woman bothered her.

"She seems nice." Maddy finally told Mike, hoping he would put her at ease, but he was still watching Holton, who was now walking towards Maddy with purpose.

"Why is she here?" Holton asked Maddy through gritted teeth. "I have no idea. Craig said she was picking up food and saw you guys and came in. I was being nice and invited her to stay. Is that ok?" "It's your party." Holton shrugged, then looked at Mike.