Rico froze, his eyes dropping to her feet. For the first time, he noticed the thick gauze wrapped around her right foot. Maddie was barefoot, standing on the cold floor and tears fell silently, splashing against the ground.
“I didn’t know…” he murmured, his voice tinged with guilt. He moved as if to crouch down and examine her injury, but Jane quickly intervened.
“I’m so sorry!” Jane’s voice quivered with practiced regret. She stepped beside Rico, her face a picture of remorse. “I had no idea you were hurt. I didn’t mean to bump into you yesterday—I swear!”
Maddie’s jaw clenched as she watched Jane’s theatrics. The sweet, apologetic tone was for Rico’s benefit, not hers.
***
Maddie’s chest heaved as she took a step back, leaning against the doorframe for support. “Save it, Jane,” she said coldly, her voice sharp enough to slice through the air. “You’ve done enough.”
Rico glanced between the two women, conflicted. “Maddie, she didn’t mean any harm—”
“No, Rico.” Maddie’s voice cracked, but she held his gaze. “You didn’t mean any harm either, right? But every time Jane hurts me, you’re the first to defend her. Every time I need you, you’re too busy. Do you know what that feels like?”