Chapter 8

Once I got home, I greeted my two cash cows with a huge smile. “Mom, Dad, I’m back.”

There on the living room sofa, I quickly noticed an unexpected guest.

I uttered in surprise, “Maddox, what are you doing at my place?”

Maddox looked at me. “Willow, what’s with that look? Do you not want me here?”

He hung his head low, looking hurt and sad.

I was lost for words.

Even Mr. Machoman, Maddox, was slipping out of character.

I could not believe he looked so fragile.

My mother snapped an intimidating look at me before offering Maddox comfort. “Of course, you are welcome here, Maddox. We adore you. You should come by more often, and we’ll make you something delicious.”

Maddox had that upright, wholesome look my parents loved in a boy.

However, as rugged as he was, Maddox started to turn all sweet and manipulative. “Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald, you don’t have to make me feel better. Willow just doesn’t want to see me. I’d better get out of her hair.

“You make the best casserole,