BETWEEN FAME AND LOVE

dge of the bed, staring at the floor as my m

e and best friend. They'd been inseparable before Max disappeared. Was th

g to dismiss the thought. No,

from my spiraling thoughts. I straightened quickly, smoothing my hair as M

nted to check on you and make sure you're settling

ing for you to stress about. We have enough domestic staff around the house to help with anything you nee

d I managed a small smile. "I really

ling lately, and that's why having you here is so important

, bedtime rituals. Mrs. Carter even listed Maddie's favorite foods, the things she wouldn't

tle cash, is covered," Mrs. Carter added, handing me a sleek black

ank you, Mrs. Carter. I'll make su

ured to start immediately. You can begin tomorrow if you're ready, but if you need a little t

rds sent a flutter of nerves and excitement through

my shoulder. "You're welcome, Nora.

tonight. I'm not sure when I'll be back, but I'll see you soon. In the meantime, as for the rest of

," I pr

nal smile and he

holding the card, her words replaying

to drink a glass of milk every night before bed.

hing was organized in rows-cans, cartons, packets, and bags, all in bulk. Ther

rs, I couldn't help but smile; it

o

cold and juicy! Just as I was munching away, th

my

as C

slipped from my grip, landing on

I quickly bent down to pick up t

tered, bowing my he

red wine. Then he grabbed some ice cubes and placed th

tylish. His dark, curly hair framed his

?" he asked as he poured

I realized I'd forgotten why I came. "I came to get some mil

es got the best of me, and it slipped f

b bent down and ha

ha

y around me, okay? I don't bite," he

ere, utter

with ladies, especially if she's this beautiful,"

t call me

ed some ice cubes. Afterward, he put

ing again before strolling out of

sed a h

. I can't believe he t

headed to Madison's room. She was watching a movie when I e

nd got ready to tuck

d sleepily as she settled into b

d looked at

promise I wouldn't have a babysitter

ere actually the one sending babysitters away? B

ou. Please, can you sing me a song?"

playfully and nod

my throat, I bega

e seen the worl

ind me, now adve

and by the time I finished, she was alre

off the bright light, leaving only the soft n

r, which was right next to me. Soft musi

might be doing. I couldn't help but giggle as I ima

And what do you think you're doing?" I

m his door, fumbling for words.

ttons casually open, and his dark, curly hair fl

d, but then his phone rang. He sighed, pic

, letting out a sigh of relief.

ted to listen again, but I shook off the

. Seeing Zane brought me so much jo

t me; it was beautiful. I just wis

nd make sure Madison was all set too. I picked out her outfit, a

ting her

r hair into a ponytail,

or breakfast?" I asked w

cially not Zane," she replied, and I couldn'

today?" Madison asked after a mom

ur way to school," I replied,

the dining room for breakfast. Just outside her d

ly, my he

, but he hung up

Madison greeted him

essing two fingers to his f

he asked, and my heart raced even fa

t n

on, who looked bac

ask to talk to