The Fallout | ✓

20 - zero sparks

Q U I N C E Y

At this point, I've lost count of the times I've cried over Maddox Broski.

No girl should cry over a man. Especially not this many times.

I know I shouldn't have cared. But I did care. I cared a lot more than I wanted to.

Why else would I put myself in the position to see him in front of me again after avoiding him all these weeks? After ignoring the way my heart beat and my fingers went clammy whenever he stalked me like a shadow to my car without saying a word when I got off work at late hours of the night...

My hands felt jittery and the tray of cupcakes almost slipped from my fingers when he met us at the end of the parking lot. His beautiful dark blue eyes stared at me and I allowed myself a quick scan of his body. He wore a white shirt that expectantly did its own things to my tummy and dark green Nike shorts. "Want me to take those?" The low hum of his voice went straight to my core. I hadn't heard his voice in a while and God did I not miss it. His hand that was pocketed in one of the pockets appeared and he took hold of the tray before I could say a word.

"Oh 'M Geeh," Mom shoved me aside and went in to kiss Maddox's cheek, "You clean up well boy," She patted the side of his cheek that was clean of any stubble twice before she passed both of us.

I was wearing an oatmeal-colored sweater dress and one of the shoulders fell to the side with the slightest move I made. When I felt Maddox's eyes on the hint of white bra that hid underneath, I quicking adjusted it, feeling hot even though the wind was blowing right at us at that exact moment.

"Hi," I finally breathed out, my fingers busy trying to tame my hair.

His blue eyes were dark, his voice even more so, "Hey."

It was the only words we exchanged before Kenzie's voice cut through the uncertainty growing between us.

"ʼWin!" Her arms flung at me as she involved me in a hug. "You smell soo good." She sighed, her chin on my shoulder. My fragrance bottle probably cost less than any piece of clothing she owned.

"Thanks," I squeezed her back, glad for her interference. "When did you get this dress? Last time I checked, you didn't like white," I raised a brow, my eyes taking in the cute off-the-shoulder flounce dress she wore.

Kenz twirled, her face split into a grin, "The only reason I don't like white is because I get it dirty every time I wear it."

"Relatable. That doesn't stop me from getting them though," I shrugged as we walked side by side over the expanse of green grass that stretched across the park.

There were a few families scattered about but since it was a school night, there were fewer than usual. Our family and friends were gathered at one side, probably the biggest group in there. Hazel and Ian had chosen to do their gender reveal party here, with only their closest friends and I didn't mind that at all. I preferred not faking interest in conversation with people I barely knew.

As we neared, the sound of chatter grew. Maddox had already made it before us and the cupcakes I'd bought were sitting on the small folding table they'd set. Two golden balloons were at each side of the table, and the round cake for the gender reveal was in the middle.

My lips almost left my face by how height they've turned as I walked with Kenz toward the soon-to-be mother. Hazel was wearing a black maxi dress that highlighted her bump and a slit at the side that showcased her long legs. Her long black hair was down, wisps of it flying with the wind.