Maid for Each Other

by Lynn Painter

I considered myself to be a self-aware person, and I had become painfully aware during the course of the day that my feelings for Abi were growing at an exponential rate.

It was intoxicating, knowing this beautiful man would be interested in exploring something with me.

My throat was tight and my eyes were scratchy as Dex raged for little Abigail.

As someone who didn’t consider herself a hugger, it was shocking how natural it felt to wrap my arms around him and pull him into the tightest hug I had in me.

“I had the best day with you today.”

We’d done a lot together in such a short time, parties and dinners and events—all in front of hundreds of people—but I was hungry for the Abi at home.

I wanted to stay in the same room as her more than I wanted to breathe.

That was the thing with Abi. We were both cry-laughing over something that should’ve been traumatic. But instead, it was refreshing and freeing.

“You’ve got to help me, honey,”

“I can’t help you because I can’t remember, either.”

Suddenly I didn’t care what it all meant because I knew. It meant everything to me, and that was enough.

Do you feel this, too? Are you as terrified as I am? Can you kiss me for the rest of your life?

No, he didn’t look mad, he looked intentional. Intense.

“I thought we were going to share fries,” I said, though not really hungry. “You did say that,” she said, “but I don’t like to share my fries so I got you your own.”

I was terrified to put my trust in him, in this, but it was too late for me to do anything but. My heart was already his.

I never wanted to see her cry again. I knew they were happy tears, tears that meant she liked the gift, but I hated them. Abi Mariano should always be smiling, twenty-four-seven.

I hadn’t heard a word from Declan. Not. A. Word. Because I’d blocked his number.

“I care that my friend stupidly suggested something that might’ve made you feel like a commodity.”

“I can’t walk away from you.”

“I liked that version of you, but that’s not who I’m in love with.

I might die if I didn’t get to talk to Abi alone.

I made a deal with a devilish maid,” I corrected, “and it cost me my whole entire heart.”