I. Heart Of Gold (Uneditied) ✔️ ORIGINAL

Twenty-Two - Hard to Keep Secrets

Emmi's POV:

I was bummed that I couldn't go shopping with my girls like we did every year on Black Friday. After my parents left to go pick up Brooks and go home, I was alone with my thoughts. I texted Nikki to see where they were at, knowing they were coming by afterwards. Instead of answering with a text, she video chatted me. My face was still swollen, but it was slowly going down thanks to all the ice I was using. I answered the call and waved sheepishly. "Morning."

"Hey, gir--oh my God! I didn't know it was that bad." She was taken back and the others popped on the small screen. "You okay?"

"Mmhmm, I'm doing better. No broken bones at least." I tried to stay positive.

"We can skip the shopping and come by now. Gigi has games and Lilly has stuff for mocktails. Do it up like we usually do, just in a hospital room."

"Nah, go have fun." I insisted. I heard a familiar voice and my heart skipped a beat. "Who drove you guys?"

"Well...we kind of asked Maddox and Wes..." Jamie answered. "But Maddox is being so slow."

They must not know what happened last night. I thought. "Mm, I hope he's okay."

"Is that Emmi?" I heard Maddox ask. Jamie nodded with a chuckle. "Can I talk to her?"

Jamie nodded and handed Nikki's phone to Maddox. He looked miserable, like he'd been up all night, but he smiled when he saw me. "Hey, you're looking better today."

"Hey. You look like you got hit by a truck." I commented.

"I feel like it too," he groaned. "My mom was struggling with some things, so I was only able to get about two hours of sleep."

I could see the worry in his eyes when he mentioned his mom. I didn't know what she did for work, but I assumed it took a large toll on her if Maddox was this worried. "Is she okay?"

He nodded, "She will be. Just takes a few days, or at least this one is." I noticed his eyes get watery and he swallowed hard. "Anyways, we will talk later, kay? The girls are walking away and I don't wanna be left behind. Wes and I will drop them off a little later. Get some rest, okay?" He blew me a quick kiss, but I could tell he wanted to continue to talk to me. He looked like he was heartbroken over something.

"Maddox, you sure you're okay? Nikki will be okay without her phone."

He nodded, "I'll tell you tomorrow, okay? I'd rather tell you in person and I just need something to distract me. Shopping with your friends and Wes is helping with that, even if I am sore as hell. Plus...I wanted to get my shopping done early for certain people..." His cheeks flushed as his gaze went to the ground.

I blushed, knowing one of those people were me. "Alright, call me or text me later. Or as you're shopping. I get bored here alone." I chuckled softly.

"Will do, sweetie." He smiled, blowing me a kiss and we hung up.

My heart swooned just hearing him call me sweetie. It wasn't something I was used to from a guy. Zach always called me babe. I wasn't opposed to it, but hearing something sweet coming from such a scary looking guy was...exhilarating to me. Although, Maddox wasn't that scary. Yeah, he had tattoos, dark hair, handsome brown eyes, and a stare that could kill you if you looked at him wrong, but on the inside he was...sweet and protective, kind and caring. He had a heart, something most guys don't seem to have now a days.

I texted Maddox.

Me: I just wanted to say thank you...for everything. I really appreciate it.

Maddox: You're welcome, Em. It's what...friends (boyfriends 😳🫣) do. At least good ones do.