39. Hannah

THIRTY-NINE

While Maddox goes to answer my front door, I drop my head back and stare at the ceiling.

Maddox is inside my house. And he's joining us for Mom's birthday dinner.

Why is this my life?

Then I remember the cash.

"Don't forget the tip!" I call out as I hurry toward the front door, but Maddox is already closing it.

He turns, one brow lifted. "I'm sorry. What did you just shout at me?"

I blush as I think about it but see the money on the floor where I must've dropped it when I saw it was Maddox at the door.

I crouch down and pick it up, but when I try to wedge past Maddox, he shifts into the way.

His hands are full of brown paper bags that are stapled at the top, so he flares out his elbows, completely blocking the door. "I took care of it."

"The tip?" I clarify since the meal was already paid for.

He smirks, and I make a sound of annoyance in the back of my throat.

"You're impossible," I huff, then spin away and head back into the dining room.

Mom has moved the flowers to the side and gestures for Maddox to set the bags in the center of the table.

We all sit, with Mom across from me, Maddox on one side, and Chelsea on my other.

I keep an eye on the giant man as Mom opens the containers, sticking utensils into each one and telling everyone what they are.

And then I watch as she tries to make Maddox go first, but he just serves her instead.

My poor crumpled heart expands a bit at his actions.

"Chelsea?" He lifts the tongs Mom set out for the egg rolls.

The preteen gives him a narrowed-eye look but still lifts her plate. "Two, please."

He doesn't question it and just places the pair of delicious fried rolls on her plate.

It doesn't mean anything. Maddox has always been a decent guy. This is just him being a decent guy.

"Hannah?" He gestures with the tongs, and I hold up my plate.

Once our plates are full, Mom lifts a cream cheese wonton into the air. "To another trip around the sun."

Chelsea and I lift our wontons, and we tap the three of them against each other in a toast, tiny crumbs breaking off and fluttering to the table as they crunch together.

Looking over, I see Maddox already shoved his wonton into his mouth— whole.

Chelsea snickers.

Maddox holds his hand up, covering his mouth as he speaks with it full. "Should I take it out?"

Lord help me.

If I'd had food in my mouth, I probably would've choked.

"No, no. Eat up." Mom takes a bite of her own like she's making a point.

Chelsea gives me a look that says this is the guy you like? and I try to give her a look that says I didn't invite him.