Read a Romance!

Madeline thought of Mike as her best friend . . . then she realized just how empty life would be without him!

Ianswered the door, and my friend Mike handed me a box of cookies before heading straight to the kitchen.

“Did you get me the chunky chocolate ones?” I asked.

“Of course.” He grabbed two cups from the cupboard and filled them with coffee.

“Ann and I broke up last night.” He plopped down on my sofa.

“You have terrible luck with women.”

“Tell me about it.” He shrugged. “So what did you do last night?”

“Nothing. I’d rather be alone than with the wrong person.”

Mike only grunted as he reached for the TV remote to turn on a ball game. Then my mother called.

“I need Mike,” she said.

“What makes you think he’s here?” I asked. “Madeline, he’s always there.” I started to protest, but she kept talking.

“Your father is trying to move that armoire. Maybe if you and Mike casually drop by . . . ” “I’ll ask,” I said. “Tell him there’s a roast in the oven.” “A roast?” I turned to Mike. His eyes lit up. “There’s just a small catch,” I told him.

He groaned while following me out the door.

My mother was grateful. “Pie, Mike?” she asked after dinner.

“Oh, no thanks, I’m stuffed. Everything was delicious.”

Later, when the doorbell rang, my mother called out from the kitchen. “Maddy, get that, would you?”

It was their elderly neighbor, Mrs. Smith.

“Madeline. How nice to see you.” She looked past me. “I see your husband is here.”

I chuckled. “Oh, that’s not my husband. That’s only Mike.”

I bit my lip trying not to laugh. Glancing at Mike, I realized he was not amused. In fact, he looked hurt.

There was an awkward silence in the car on the way home. Desperate to lighten things up, I chuckled and turned to him. “Mrs. Smith thought we were married. Wasn’t that funny?” “Real funny,” he said. “What’s wrong with you?” “You sure were in a rush to deny anything to do with me.”

“It was so ridiculous. The idea of us . . .”

“Ridiculous? We spend more time with each other than anyone else,” he said, pulling into my driveway.

“I better go,” I said, opening the door

It was a quiet week. Mike was avoiding me, which made me realize what a mess I’d made and how much I did care. No one was more surprised at that than I was.

Sunday, I stopped by my parents’ house. Mom seemed hesitant when she opened the door. “Madeline, what a surprise.” “I should’ve called— sorry,” I said, sniffing the air. “Lasagna?”

“Mike’s favorite. He offered to help your father fix the fence.” “I should go.” My mother grabbed my arm. “Madeline, I think you better

The next thing I knew, his arms were around me

talk to Mike. He’s quite distracted. I’m afraid he’ll hurt himself with those power tools.”

I walked out to where Mike was crouched next to the fence. I cleared my throat He jumped and dropped the hammer. “Are you okay?” I asked “I will be if you’ll stop being mad at me.” “I’m not mad.” “Sure you are. You’re mad because your parents love me and you don’t.”

“That’s not true. I love you just as much . . . ” I stopped and closed my eyes tightly. The next thing I knew, Mike’s arms were around me. “You love me?” “We’re best buddies. I’ve always loved you.” “Not what I mean.” “I’m scared, Mike,” I whispered.

“I’m terrified. I don’t want to lose my best friend.” “You won’t.”

He hugged me closer. “I apologize for . . .” “It’s okay,” he said. “No, it’s not. Besides, I missed you this week.”

“Me, too. It hit me after I dropped you off. Of course I’m lousy with women. I’ve been waiting for you to recognize what we have together!” “So what’s next?” “You’re my best friend. From here, it’s all easy,” he said

Mom called from the kitchen. “Lasagna time.”

I took his hand, leading him to dinner . . . and a future that was suddenly wonderful.