Free Until You Believe Me by Lindsey Woods Page A

there. I knew I had feelings for him but I hadn't admitted it until this moment.

    When I was back in my office I started thinking about this weekend. He had taken such a leap of faith by sharing his father's story with me. He had trusted me with information that some of his family didn't even know yet. I made some mental notes of questions I still had about his father and the business.

    My cell phone rang and I felt my stomach turn with nervous excitement. When I looked at the screen I saw it was my mother. While deep down I knew I was disappointed, I was still happy for some company.

    "Hey Ma, how are you?"

    "I find it hard to believe that my daughter is alive. I haven't heard from you in awhile."

    "Sorry Ma, I've just been busy here." I didn't consider that a lie, just an omission of information.

    "I was wondering if you wanted to come down for supper. I know you have to work tomorrow but you can see your old mom tonight."

    I was actually pleased with the idea of having plans. A night not sitting around waiting to hear from Connor sounded exciting. "That sounds great, I'll leave here in a bit and come down. Be ready and I'll just pick you up."

    "I expected to have to beg a little. Drive safe Madison."

    "Bye Ma." I hung up my phone and was pleased with myself. I was happy to see her and part of the happiness belonged that I didn't have to think all night.

    ***

    The drive was uneventful and I reached my mom's in record time.

    We got seated at the table before she started in on me.

    "So I was talking to Ben's mom, Shannon. She gave me some information that I'm sad I didn't hear from my daughter."

    I rolled my eyes and groaned. I didn't see this coming and I should have.

    "Ma, whatever you've heard I"m sure is incorrect. There is nothing to share with you and if there was I'd have already done it."

    "Madison Marie do not roll your eyes at me. This is big and I'm a little hurt I didn't hear it from you."

    I sighed, I might as well settle in and prepare for what was coming.

    "I'll give you a chance to tell me before I assume everything I've heard is true."

    I took a deep breath. I would have taken the night alone over this any day.

    "His name is Connor. He owns the company doing the renovations at the university. We've gone out a few times, that's it."

    "And how do you feel? Does he make you feel good?"

    "Yes mother. He makes me feel like the best person in the world. He is extremely polite, he is kind, funny, amazingly thoughtful. I really just enjoy spending time with him. We haven't spent much time together alone at all but he makes me feel happy. Content is a better word. I feel full."

    "Well that is more than I was hoping for. So you have developed feelings for him?"

    "I care about him, yes. He make me feel good when we're even remotely close to one another."

    "He is good to you?" Her tone was accusing and no nonsense.

    "Very, I promise."

    "Madison, you know I love you. I also loved your father. He wasn't always a happy man but he made me happy when he could. I know you don't understand it and you never will but I don't want him to hold you back. I have forgiven him for what he could not control. I want to make sure you do the same so that doesn't haunt you. I also want to encourage you to go back and see Dr. Richards. With all of this going on it might be a good place to make sure you stay on the right path. Your father or that bastard shouldn't be a reason for you to lose a good thing. You should tell this boy Madison, it will make it easier in the end."

    The thought had already crossed my mind though I kept trying to dismiss it. "Nobody is screwing anything up for me. He makes me feel safe and good." The last night at his house replayed in my mind. I hadn't meant to be so obvious, just the tone of voice was eerie and unsettling.

    "Madison, this is a big deal. If you care for him and enjoy his company the way you say you must be honest. There are going to have to be things you explain. He's