Choosing how to love.

Anything for that smile

"Hello?" Maddy grumbled as she was barely awake when she answered the phone. "Late night?" She heard Holton's voice and she let herself smile. She would never admit it, but it was nice to hear his voice.

"Yes, it was. Karaoke and lots of drinks with Lacy and Dave." "You like Karaoke?" He sounded surprised. "I do. I suck at it, but it's fun." "I am sure you don't suck." "Oh, I do." She tried not to laugh, then corrected herself. "Not what I meant. Although I do that too. Ok, that's enough mouth." She embarrassed herself.

"I am not even sure what to say." Holton laughed at her. "Me either, ignore me I am hung over. Wait, I am mad at you, why are you calling me? And so early." She rolled over and stretched, wincing at the bright light.

"First, I am trying to apologize for being a jerk. I should have told you that I was leaving, but I promise I will explain why later. Second, I am calling to see how the deal is going with Nick. Did you get all your kinks worked out? And third, to tell you I was home, before I called anyone else."

"Thank you, apology accepted temporarily, until I hear your excuse. Yes, I think Nick and I worked it out, but I still have some things to work out on my own. And Dave and Lacy knew first since they picked you up. However, if I am the first phone call otherwise, then it makes the forgiveness on your jerkiness easier." She stretched more and yawned.

"Thank you, I think. I will take the temporary forgiveness over nothing. If you are still needing assistance with the book, what can I help with? I am free for lunch if you want me to swing by to talk it over, or we could meet in public, so no one thinks anything." Holton offered.

Maddy blinked her eyes. Surely, he knew by now, or did no one tell him? "Holton, did no one tell you?" "Tell me what?" "Craig and I broke up." She felt sad again as the pain hit her heart. She still was in shock over what had happened.

"Yes, I know. And I was very shocked to hear it. You two made a good couple, and I am sorry it ended. However, that does not change anything with me. You are still my friend, and I am still here to help. Nothing more."

Oh. Just my friend? She remembered that he went away to lose the feelings for her, and maybe he had. Or was he saying he would still be her friend because Craig was not with her? She was confused and a little worried.

"I find it funny that I know you are laying there worrying about what I want." Holton laughed. "Huh?" "I can imagine that you are laying in your bed, and you are chewing on your thumb nail as you try to figure out what I meant."

"How do you know that? Are you spying on me?" She sat up and looked around. "No. You chew it when you worry, and I can hear the uncertainty in your voice." "Oh." She exhaled and put her hand down away from her mouth.

"Madilyn, yes, I am still your friend, even though you are not dating Craig. We were friends before and will stay friends after. At least if you want too. And no, I am not calling for any other reason. I thought if you wanted help with the book, I could add my opinion. And honestly, I wanted to check on you too."

"Thank you." She whispered. She was not sure why she was so sad again. "Welcome. Now, would my friend like some company? For work, or lunch, or a swift kick in the ass to get out of bed and enjoy the sunshine?" He was teasing her, and it made her smile.

"I will take all three, please." "You got it. I will be by to pick you up in an hour. Or you can meet me if you would rather." He added. "Pick me up." "Ok, see you in an hour." "Thanks Holton." "Welcome."

Maddy got dressed, made herself look presentable, without dressing up, and grabbed her notes and her computer and stuffed them in the bag. They were working. It was work, with a friend. She told herself again.