Choosing how to love.

He left?

MADDY

"Hey, haven't heard from you at all this week. Nick called me and wants to go over the changes on the first book. I was hoping you would give me some input. Call me back when you can. Bye." Maddy hung up the phone and looked at his number. They had not talked since Tuesday at dinner and it was Saturday afternoon.

She had also sent him a text yesterday, but he had not answered it either, which made her a little concerned. It was not like him not to answer her, so she went in search of Dave and Lucy, who at last check were cuddled on the couch.

"Hey Dave, have you talked to Holton this week?" "Wednesday, I think." He barely looked at her from watching the TV. "Huh, he hasn't answered my texts or calls. I was just wondering if he was ok." "He's fine." Dave gave Lucy a quick glance and immediately Maddy knew there was more to it.

"Good to know, but I wanted his input on the book changes." She offered, hoping that would bring out some more info. "He has been really busy, so you might have to just ask Craig. Or I would be happy to give my two cents." Dave looked up with a bright smile.

"Is he ignoring me for some reason?" She asked, and this time, Lacy and Dave looked at each other, and Maddy noticed Lacy bite her lip. Yes, there was definitely something more.

"Spill it." She sat on the chair next to the couch. "Nothing to spill." "Liar. You all suck at lying. What is going on?" "I have no idea." Dave lied again. "Fine, whatever. Just tell him I am trying to get ahold of him, and I need advice."

She noticed Dave look at Lacy again, and then Dave let out a long exhale. She knew it! "Uh, he is in Mexico." Dave finally said. "What?" "He left yesterday with Dawson for some guy time." "He didn't even tell me." She felt...hurt. Seriously here.

"He told us." Dave looked sad as he wrapped Lacy up in his arms. "What's in Mexico?" She asked, but Dave nuzzled Lacy avoiding looking at her. "A girl?" She squeaked, even though she did not mean too. Why was she concerned? Why did it matter? She wasn't supposed to care, but it did matter to her, and she was now upset and hurt.

"No, the girl is still here." Dave looked at her. "Becky?" Maddy asked as Dave watched her for a long minute, then looked at Lucy. What was it? Did Becky hurt him? Did she break his heart? She needed to know, it was killing her.

"Please tell me what is going on? Is he ok?" Her heart was racing as she waited. Finally Lacy sat up. "I will tell her." "Tell me what?" "Maddy, Holton took a vacation to get away from you. You are the girl. He said his feelings were too strong and he needed some space. He thought he could make them go away if he was away from you. He will be gone for two weeks." Lacy was so calm as Maddy felt her slam to a stop.

"Two weeks?!" Maddy felt her chest tighten and without warning, tears tumbled over. "Maddy?" Lucy moved to the chair next to her and hugged her. "He left to get away from me?" "Yes." "He didn't even say goodbye." "Maddy, he couldn't." "That makes me feel like shit. I thought we were close friends." Maddy stood up and fought the urge to snap. In just a heartbeat, she was suddenly so angry.

"Tell him that I am glad he is gone. I do not want to have any feelings for him either. I don't! I won't! He can screw off." She started to stomp away but turned back. "In fact, do not tell him anything. He doesn't deserve to know anything. I am fine and I don't want or need him!"

"Maddy?" Lucy tried, but the tears burned as they rolled down her face. "Just leave me alone." She stomped into her room and to her amazement, she picked up her phone and sent Holton a text. And then another and another in rapid succession. 

'Nice to find out that you went to Mexico for 2 weeks and didn't  even say goodbye.'
'I didn't want to talk to you anyway. Ignore my voicemail. I can do this alone.'
'And for the record – I was staying away from you too! I don't want feelings for you either!'