“Let me look,” he said, gently reaching for her.

She warded him off. “I’m fine.”

“You sure? If you don’t want me to see, I can take you to the nurse.”

 “Positive. The pain will pass.” He looked concerned, she added, “Don’t worry. I’ll be okay in a couple of minutes. My head’s hard as a rock…just ask my mom.”

He cracked a grin and some of the tension in his shoulders eased. She looked at the spot where she hit her head and realized they’d been standing under a window. He’d been close to her because he was searching for the person following her, not because he wanted to hold her or kiss her or smell her…

Mortification burned in her gut and she tilted her chin down, letting a curtain of hair fall around her face. He must think she was crazy sniffing him like that. She was like a dog in heat!

A cool hand touched her forehead and she drew back in surprise. “What are you doing?”

“Checking to see if you have a fever. You look flushed.”

That only made her skin turn a darker shade of pink. “It’s nothing. Just a little warm in the room.”

Thankfully, he let the subject drop. “You know, for a girl who’s only moved here a couple months ago you sure do have an active social life.”

It was so far from the truth that she threw back her head and let out a bark of laughter. Seconds later, she grimaced as pain shot through her head.

“Careful,” Carson warned. He reached behind her and rubbed her neck. The tips of his fingers dug into her skin, pressing against the pressure points at the base of her skull. She melted into his touch, the sharp pain easing into a dull thud.

“Why do you assume I have a social life?” she asked after a few minutes. He withdrew his hand and she almost wished she hadn’t spoken.

“Well, for one thing, you ran into this room to hide from someone. And you didn’t come to my track meet Wednesday because you had other plans. Plus, all the other times I’ve invited you to staff events and you didn’t come.”

“You said those weren’t mandatory,” she pointed out.

His lips pressed together. “They’re not, but it would have been nice to see you. So who were you hiding from? An ex?”

“I just moved here! I can barely manage to find my way around much less date and breakup with someone.”

“If it’s not an ex, then whose chasing you?”

“It’s complicated,” she sighed.

He studied her. His gaze unwavering as she looked into those brown and green eyes. They were framed with black lashes that curled back. “Alright but if you need a sounding board, I’m available.”

Madison liked that he didn’t push or pry. Most people would have. She sent him a grateful smile and stood up.  “Thanks for the hiding place.”

He blinked and stood up as well. “Seems to becoming a habit between us.”

“Maybe next time you’ll be the one needing refuge.”

“Is that an offer?”

The flirty undertone of his question took Madison by surprise. “Uhhh. Sure. I mean yeah...if you want.”

“I want.”

Flustered by the seriousness of his response, she attempted to joke around. “Have a lot of girls chasing you, huh?”

“Sometimes,” he responded with a secret smile that had a flash of jealousy streaking through her, “but never seems to be the right one.”

“Oh?” she asked, curiosity demanding to know what he meant.

His smile widened into feral amusement. “You better go. I heard the bell ring.”

As he ushered her out, Madison wondered what the hell just happened between them.

****

It was the end of day when Avery finally cornered her. Preoccupied with her newfound attraction for Carson, she hadn’t noticed the black-haired girl with ivory skin standing by her locker. She was wearing a silver ribbon this time to match her silver ballet flats.

“If we ever attempted a heist, I know who to call for evasion tips,” Avery said in lieu of a greeting. Madison’s face blanched and Avery laughed. “Relax. We’re not planning on stealing money from a bank or anything.”

“Good to know but if that ever changes, don’t come knocking on my door. You do know my mom is a cop right?” Maybe the knowledge would discourage them from wanting her to join their group.

“Of course.” She shifted the books in her arms so she could lean against the locker next to Madison’s

“And you have no problem with that?”

“Not a one.” Stumped, Madison’s shoulders fell. “Soo….?” Avery asked, a smile lighting her face. She looked so hopeful standing there, clutching her books with candid eyes. Madison felt like an ogre ready to tell an innocent child Santa Clause wasn’t real. 

Deciding she needed to use a little tact, she said, “Avery, I’m sure you’re a nice girl but—”

“This is stating to sound like a bad breakup line. ‘It’s not you, baby—it’s me.’” She hugged the books to her chest. “You really don’t want to join?”

“No, I don’t.” When Avery’s face dropped, she added in a soft voice, “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. I just really wanted you to join.” Her gaze dropped to the ground.

“You don’t need me. You have Wyatt and Kelly and Garrett.” Why she felt the need to cheer this girl up, she didn’t know, but heaven help her, she wanted too.

“I guess.” She kicked the cement with her silver shoes. “They’ve been friends forever and sometimes I feel left out. They have all these inside jokes that I don’t understand. I wanted someone new to join so I wouldn’t feel alone.”

“Can’t you invite someone else? It doesn’t have to be me.”

“Where else am I going to find someone who likes to steal?” Madison wanted to correct her and set the record straight, but Avery was already continuing on. “Plus, I wanted it to be you. I saw a kindred spirit. I moved here in middle school and went through the same thing you are right now.”

“I doubt you’d understand.”

“You don’t have any friends, not for a lack of offers, but because you don’t want any.”

“Why wouldn’t I want friends?” Madison challenged.

“Because you resent moving here. You feel you have no control over your life and you gain some of that back by saying no. So you say no to anything that might make you happy. But it’s a duel edge sword because every time you say no, it reminds you of why you’re angry in the first place. Soon you’re stuck in a cycle that you can’t get out of no matter how hard you try and you end up alone and miserable.”

Blood drained out of Madison’s face. Every sentence, every word felt like a punch to the gut.

“I know what you’re going through,” Avery said gently. “I’ve been there and I’ve learned a lot of lessons. Let me help you.”

Madison’s hand shook as she rubbed her palm against her thigh. “I-I….”

“Wyatt, Garrett and Kelly are good people. They never judged me or made me made me feel bad for being who I am. And most importantly, they never stopped caring even when I pushed them away.” She paused and let her words sink in. “I want to be your friend, Madison, and I’m hoping you’ll give me that opportunity.”

Even if she wanted too, she couldn’t join that group. They stole for Christ’s sake. It went against everything thing she was taught as a kid. Gathering her resolve, she clenched her fingers into a fist. “I’m sorry Avery, I just can’t join your study group.”

She slowly nodded. “I understand. Here’s my number if you change your mind.” She ripped off a piece of paper from one of her notebooks and held it out. “The offer’s always open—and not just for the club. Call me if you want to grab a bite to eat or are just feeling lonely.”

She took the number and tucked it in her pocket. Feeling unsteady by all that transpired, she gave her a weak smile. “I better go. I’m supposed to meet my mom so we can go shopping.”

“That sounds fun. Where you going?”

“Some boutique by the pier I think.”

“That’s a great store! They have all types of cute tops and dresses.” She went on to describe several things she bought and told her where all the great sale items were hidden. Avery’s enthusiasm over the store started to become infectious and soon Madison was looking forward to going.

After saying goodbye to Avery, she hopped in the car and drove to the station. Excitement flowed through her veins and it wasn’t just to shop. She was looking forward to spending an afternoon with her mother too. Maybe she could convince her to sign up for surfing lessons as well. She heard about a store on the boardwalk called The Shack that sold surfboards as well as offered lessons. She’d been dying to go and check it out, but kept putting it off.

Giddy, she parked the car and walked into the station. Her mother wasn’t at her desk, but Mr. Marks was at his. He smiled at her as she approached.

“Hey Madison. What are you doing here?”

“I’m supposed to meet my mom. Do you know where she is?”

His eyebrows furrowed together. “I’m not sure. Hold on.”

Madison watched as he knocked on the police captain’s door and poked his head in. A sinking feeling took hold as she watched him bob his head at something and then walk back.

“She caught a break in one of her cases and left about twenty minutes ago.”

“Do you know when she’ll be coming back?” she asked, holding onto the hope that her mom hadn’t broken her promise.

He gave her a pained expression and she felt her heart break once again. “Sorry kid, it might be awhile. You probably should just go home and wait for her there.”

She nodded and left before he could see water pooling in her eyes. Sitting in her car, she let the tears run free. Each drop taunted her.

Stupid.

Stupid.

Stupid.

When would she ever learn to say no?

And just like that, a wave of anger slammed into her. She hit the steering wheel over and over again till she ran out of tears. Grabbing her phone she made a decision. If her mother wouldn’t be there for her, then she would find someone who would.

Hey Avery, this is Madison. I’ve had a change of heart about the study group. I’m in. –M