Page 105 of Minor Works of Meda
She scratched her arm. “I’m having cravings. I guess that’s what you’d call it. I realize it’s wrong, but the numb feeling would be nice with everything that’s been happening in my life right now.” She forced her hand back to her side. “Thank you for listening.”
Brian took over the podium once more. “Thank you for your testimony, Maddy.”
As Maddy walked back to her seat, she glanced up at Skylar, and he mouthed, “I love you.”
She mouthed back, “Ditto.”
Brian looked out over the room. “Maddy brought up a good issue. How do you deal with the stress of day-to-day life?”
He gave some examples of how he’d dealt with life over the years, then opened the discussion to everyone.
Maddy listened intently to what they said, and some of the people who’d been attending NA the longest had good ideas.
When Brian closed the meeting, Skylar turned to her. “You’re having cravings because of me.”
She shook her head. “Not just you, Skylar. It’s school, my inheritance, the trip to California… It’s everything.”
His large, warm hand cupped her cheek. “I’m here if you need to talk. I love you, and I’m so damn proud of you for standing up there tonight.”
When the three of them walked outside, Amber was waiting for them.
Maddy looked at her friend. “Why don’t you go wait in the car, Grant? We’ll be right there.”
He nodded and took Skylar’s keys before heading to the Jeep.
“What do you need to talk to me about, baby?” Amber cooed to Skylar.
“First off, I’m not your baby. I’m not your anything.” Skylar folded his arms across his chest. “Did you give Scott the same deal you gave me? Or is he your Plan B?”
The color drained from Amber’s face. “I don’t know anyone named Scott.”
Maddy took a step forward. “Then why did you tell your friends that it was Scott’s or Skylar’s baby earlier today?”
Amber turned to Maddy and lunged at her, but Skylar stopped her. “You listened in on our private conversation, you bitch!”
“I was in the bathroom before you.” Maddy sneered. “Next time you have private conversations, you should make sure no one else is around.”
“This is what’s going to happen, Amber.” Skylar pushed her back to stand next to her mom. “When I return, you’re going to take a fetal DNA test while I’m there. If the baby is mine, then I’ll step up. If not, I hope Scott’s ready to be a daddy.”
Skylar’s hand settled on Maddy’s back. “Let’s go, Princess. We have to pack.”
He ushered Maddy to the car, and she climbed into the front.
Grant was sitting in the back, and she turned around to look at him. “Grant, are you all right?”
He forced a smile. “Of course, I am.”
Before she could ask more, Skylar jumped behind the wheel, and he drove out of the parking lot.
When Skylar pulled up outside Pathways, Grant jumped out. “Thanks for the ride. Bye.”
“Hold up for a minute.” Maddy jumped out right after Grant. “Hey, hold up.” She walked over to him. “What’s going on with you? You’re acting strange.”
“Oh, I’m sorry that my freaking out about my only support ditching me for a week is bothering you,” he said sarcastically.
“Grant, I can’t be your only support.” Maddy shook her head. “Even Dr. Hayes said that. I’m going through the same thing you are. It would be best if you had someone who was past this stage. I’m sure, if you talked to people at the meeting, that they could tell you who can help you. But I’m here if you need me as a friend.”
He ran both hands through his hair. “You’re right. I know you are, but it’s just not that easy. You said we’d do this together.”