Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

After Brandon left, I took a shower before laying down on the bed. Then, I picked up my phone.

Lisa had sent me a message with a photo attached. The photo showed Ellie sleeping soundly, and the message read, "Ellie is fine."

As expected of a close friend. I knew I could trust her to take good care of things.

I replied, "Thanks for your help."

Right after I hit the send button, Lisa's video call came through almost immediately. Had she been waiting for my reply?

Considering that she had just established a relationship with her crush, I figured that she was just eager to share the news with me. I answered the video call.

Lisa was lounging in her office chair, and her face was glowing with joy that was almost palpable through the screen. I teased her, "You can't hide that glow. It's written all over your face!" "Mrs. Howell, you're so poetic," Lisa said with a thumbs up.

I didn't play along. Thinking about her and Keith's progress, I couldn't help but tease, "Dr. Carline, you really know how to handle people."

"Do I?" Lisa replied with a faint smile.

I laughed. "Just agree to that statement."

how excited I was when I heard Keith saying that he

you'd definitely throw

I didn't. Surprising, right?" she replied

so excited that you lost your mind back then?" I teased her

but I wasn't out of my mind. I

laughed. "So, you were playing against

told you that while I love him, I can't let it make me forget myself or make him think

and her previous advice. She had once said that my breakup with Chris was ultimately due to my inability

Lisa was new to relationships, she was

I said

you call being a pro?" she

her playful tone when she was speaking to

"Wasn't that

the knees. That's why I say that you're smart. You know how to be cool when you need to be and how to be sweet when

what men

ten years of unrequited love and four years of