Greg and I haven’t spoken much since his role in the ‘Axel abduction.’ I miss him but I can’t seem to be in the same room without flipping my shit all over him. He, out of everyone, knew why I was avoiding Axel but decided to take matters into his own hands. Deep down I know he meant well, but I’m not ready to forget how easy he turned on me. Having Maddox around has another plus when it comes to Greg; Maddox doesn’t play well with others, even his ‘brothers.’ If I get upset, Maddox turns into a grizzly. I have been so used to only having Dee and Greg that it is almost refreshing to have another person I can trust in my life.
It is Saturday morning, and November is in full Georgia force, and we have a nice cold, rainy day on our hands. I call Maddox to see if he wants to come over and watch some football, drink some beer, and celebrate my newfound singlehood. Dee has already been to the store and bought a cake, streamers, and freaking balloons. I think she might be more excited than I am. I haven’t heard from Axel since earlier in the week when he called to let me know he was going to be out of town and to let him know if anything happened. No chance in that.
Maddox shows up early in the afternoon with one of his rare smiles in place. Dee lets him in and he wastes no time coming to congratulate me.
“Hey, girl. Happy?” Leave it to him. All it takes is those three words for me to let the water works flow.
“Oh. My. God.” I get out between broken sobs. “It’s over, Mad. Can you believe it? The last eight years of my life are done with just one signature. Freedom. Do you know how long I prayed to be free from Brandon?”
“Yeah, I get you, girl. No more worries.” He wraps his strong arms around me and just lets me let it out. Tears of relief, joy, and maybe a whole lot of shock.
I don’t know how long we just sit there. Words aren’t necessary because he just gets it. He knows I need to let this out in order to move on and completely let the pain of my marriage die. After I am done using his shoulder as a tissue, I look up and meet his normal blank face, expecting to find annoyance but instead get a smirk before he throws his head back and laughs. That is another Maddox moment that doesn’t happen often.
“Girl, you look like a drowned raccoon. All that black shit you chicks use is all over your face. Go clean up before I’m forced to call animal control to come take your ass.”
I throw a pillow off the couch in his face before leaving the living room and going to clean myself up. I hear him click the TV on and the game day broadcast takes over the silence. Walking into the hallway, I almost jump out of my skin when I nearly collide with a damp-faced Dee.
“He really is a big softy under that ‘don’t touch me’ vibe, isn’t he?” she asks.
“Don’t let him hear you say that, but yeah. He’s been great these last few weeks.”
“I’m so happy this is over. I know I haven’t been around much, but you know I’m here if you need me.” She looks so guilty, and even thought I know she means well, it breaks my heart.
“Dee, don’t you dare feel bad about having a life. I’m good, really. I feel good and I haven’t been alone. Mad’s been around and Coop comes sometimes. Plus you’re here . . . even if it’s holed up in your room shaking the walls with Beck.” I walk away leaving her red faced but laughing.
“Love you, you stupid bitch!” she yells after me.
The alarm has beeped a few times while I was in the bathroom getting cleaned up, signaling that someone has opened and shut the front door a few times. Assuming that it is either Beck or Coop, I just brush it off and continue to get ready. I throw off my yoga pants and tank, switching them out for some worn jeans and my favorite University of Georgia tee—game day gear, a must for any Georgia fan. My face is clear of all black tracks under my eyes and down my cheeks from my crying fit earlier. I am just pulling up my long hair in a ponytail when a deep voice clears his throat behind me, causing me to jump about a mile out of my body.
“Baby girl, can we please talk?”
“Not if you plan on dragging me down, Greg. Today is not the day to do this. We’re celebrating.”
“Izzy, you know how much it hurt to hear the asshole finally signed from Locke? He’s known you a few months and you tell him first? Every step of the way, Izzy, I’ve been here for everything and you didn’t even call me.”
“Okay, you want to do this? Fine. I am pissed, Greg. You went behind my back and called him. You not only called him but you might as well have thrown a fucking bat signal into the air and beamed his ass right into the shop. How could you? How fucking could you?”