PATIENT LOVE

Chapter twenty-five

By the time the whole family has talked about everything we could everyone leaves to have enough rest for the big wedding tomorrow.

I step out into the hall to the bathroom to finally take a shower. I realize I haven't spoken to Harry. I don't even know if he ever responded to my text, I was so wrapped up in spending time with everyone and didn't have time to check my phone. After some time I wrap myself in my towel to head back across the hall to my room.

When I walk back into my room, I find Jamie looking awfully comfortable on my bed.

"Who's Harry?" he asks and I drop my comb, eyes widening.

"W-what?" I stutter. I don't understand how he knows Harry's name.

"Harry," he repeats. "Called while you were in the shower," he says. And that's when I notice my phone in his hand.

"Give me that you nosy bastard," I snatch the phone from him.

"Oh, someone of importance then? Does little ol' Maddie have a boyfriend back in London?"

I ignore his teasing and slip on my undergarments, my shorts and tank top. Once I'm dressed I finish combing out my hair and then I go over to my side of the bed that he isn't occupying and I lay down.

He turns on his side to look at me. "Seriously, who is he?"

"I don't want to talk about it,"

"Come on, spill,"

"No," I resist.

"I'm not leaving until you do," he threatens.

"Then I'm sleeping on the couch," I try to get up off the bed but he pulls on my arm to bring me back and I can't help but smile.

"Fine, but you can't ever mention it to my mom," I warn with a small scowl. He nods, silently telling me to go on.

"He's not my boyfriend, at least not yet," I say quietly.

"What? Is he taken?"

"Engaged actually," I say and avoid his eyes.

"Hold up, you're fooling around with an engaged man!?"

"Quiet down!" I cover his mouth with my hand, fearing that he'll wake up mom and Jack. I can't have them find out. Not yet.

I feel his tongue on my palm and I quickly remove it. "Gross." I glare and he laughs.

"Oh my God, excuse me have you seen Madelyn Clarke, innocent looking little girl? I can't seem to find her."

"He's calling off the wedding, okay,"

"For you?" he asks with skepticism in his voice.

"Y-yes and he isn't happy with her - his fiancée."

"Wow, London has changed you."

"For the better," I say. "Do you think it's stupid or crazy or irrational?"

"Do you love him?" he asks and I don't even hesitate to answer.

"Yes I do," I close my eyes. "So much,"

"Then I don't see why not." He says and I smile, I like to have his opinion on things such as this.

"I'd like to meet him though,"

"Of course, just don't scare him away."

"No promises," he smirks and we both laugh.

"So tell me about him, how did this all happen?"