Madison

I’m spending the day in my childhood home. I miss this house and everything about it. It’s quiet these days, and I wonder how my dad’s handling the change since I’m not living here anymore. Maybe I’ll get him a puppy for Christmas. I’m sure Betty will love me for that.

“Is there anything else I can get you, Ms. Madison?”

I look up to see Betty, my dad’s housekeeper, next to Kaylee, my best friend.

Betty has been with us for years. Her son lives in California and is expecting his first child in December. I’ve asked her if she’s thought about moving, but she hasn’t given me a definite answer.

I sit up and place my sunglasses on top of my head. I fill her in on Kent and Bryce. She listens and holds my hand because between Bryce’s silence and Kent’s admission, I’m a mess. A damn hot mess.

“Ms. Madison, forget Kent. He’s not a good man. Now, with Bryce, maybe instead of being here trying to hide, you should go see him,” she suggests.

“I guess,” I answer dryly.

She pats my hand and gives me her comforting eyes. You know that look a mother gives to make her child feel better? That’s the look. It helps and makes me smile… a little.

“Do what you feel is right. You’re a very smart young woman, and I know your mother would be proud of you.”

“Thanks, Betty,” I softly respond. The mention of my mom makes me want to curl up and cry. Growing up without her has been the hardest. I grimace and try to keep my emotions at bay.

I watch her walk into the house and turn back to grab my cell phone from the side table next to me. I toss my phone between my hands, debating if I should text Bryce. My mind goes back to the last time we talked. It still doesn’t make sense. He did everything to get me, and yes, I’m asking for space, but Bryce Hunter doesn’t seem like a man who waits around.

“Madison, is everything okay?” The voice of my dad makes me put away my phone.

“Hey, Dad.” He comes around and sits down next to me on the lounger. It’s only two in the afternoon, and he’s home. “You’re home early.”

“I have a three-hour meeting, so I figured I’d take it in the home office. Back to you, honey. Is everything okay?”

“Just wanted to stop by and visit.” I notice my dad’s looking tired from the bags under his eyes and his ashen skin. Since my mom passed away five years ago, he hasn’t been the same.

My parents had the best marriage. They were high school sweethearts, conquered any obstacle, and were married in front of their family and friends. I came into the world sixteen months later, and my childhood was the best. My mom suffered from five miscarriages before they decided to stop trying for another baby. I had their attention, and unlike my friends, I wasn’t raised by a nanny. Dad has his multibillion-dollar financial holdings company, and mom was a socialite. She was head of several charities and events. People admired her, and why wouldn’t they? Every year around Christmas, my mom organized a fundraiser and raised so much money for those in need. When she passed away, not only did my dad and I feel her loss, but our community did as well.

“Dad, is everything okay?”

He smiles and pats my knee. “Of course, honey. Update me on what’s going on. How’s climbing the corporate ladder in the fashion business?”

I fill him in about my job, Kaylee, our apartment, and Bryce. Except I leave out all parts that would induce a heart attack on my dad.

“So I don’t know what to do with Bryce.”

“Well, if this man’s going to act immaturely, are you sure you want someone like him in your life? He doesn’t sound like a man I’d like for my only daughter.”

I nod and carefully look at him. There’s more to what’s going on, and I have a feeling it’s not very good. I’ll be sure to tell Betty and his driver, Charles, to keep their eyes on him since I don’t come around as often as I should. I also make a note to visit at least once a week and see my dad in the city.

“Whatever’s going on, Dad, you know I’m here for you.” I hope he knows what I’m saying is true. “Even though I’m an hour away, it doesn’t mean I won’t make time to see you. How about we get lunch this week? Your building’s downtown, and that’s where I work. We can even grab dinner after work.”

He smiles again and takes my hand into his. “I love you, honey. That sounds good. Call me when you want to do that. Do you have everything you need?” He attempts to take out his wallet, and I immediately stop him. “Let me at least give you a few hundred. Just for a rainy day.”

“Dad, I have the money Mom left for me. I don’t need much.” I should tell him about my car.

“Oh! I forgot to ask. When did you get a new car?”

Crap.

“Well ...” I pause and look down then back at him. “MycargotjackedandBryceboughtmeanewone.”

“Pardon?” My dad’s eyes go wide. “Did I hear you correctly?” Slowly, I nod. I’m so nervous to hear what he’s going to think. “I see.”

“I didn’t ask him to buy it, and he won’t take it back either. Plus, I do like the car.”

“I see.” My dad quiets, and I’m not sure what he’s thinking.

We talk a little more and walk inside to the kitchen. He kisses my forehead and heads to his office.

After saying bye, I head back to Chicago and Bryce’s penthouse. I pull into the parking garage at the Ritz-Carlton, where Bryce lives, use the code he’s given me, and gulp. My hands shake, and when I park my car, I sit still. I’ve been unfair to him, so now I should give him a chance and we can open up to one another.

The doorman, Luther, smiles at me before I get on the elevator to his floor. My nerves are shot. I should’ve texted him instead of simply showing up unannounced.“You got this,” I encourage myself and take one last look in the mirror before getting out of my car.

The elevator dings, and I get out, watching my pace and steadying my breathing. I shouldn’t be nervous. Bryce didn’t break up with me, and I didn’t break up with him. Everything will be fine as long as we talk.

I’m standing outside his door, and I’m about to knock when I feel a hand on my shoulder.

“Ms. Smith.”

“Hi, Peter.” I turn around and ask, “Is Bryce in?”

“He’s in an important meeting. Does he know you’re here?”

I shake my head. “Ah, I wanted to surprise him. I didn’t realize he’d have people here. Will he be mad?”

A faint smile curves on his face, and just like that, it disappears, and he’s back to looking big and scary. “No. Mr. Hunter will not be mad. Not when it’s you. There’s no one else here. It’s a conference call.”

My cheeks instantly heat. I want to ask him to elaborate. “Oh.” I pause and let his other statement sink in. “What do you mean?”

“You know what I mean.”

“Okay. So ...” I point my thumb over my right shoulder, pointing at the elevator. “Let him know I stopped by.”

“That won’t be necessary.”

“Huh? If he’s busy, I don’t want to wait for him. I can always come back, Peter. No biggie.”

“Shake the look off your face, girly.” Peter moves to the door and unlocks it with a code. He looks over his shoulder, smiles, and lets me in. “He’s going to be happy you’re here.”

“Oh.”

“Mr. Hunter will be done shortly. Make yourself comfortable.”

“Okay. Thanks, Peter.”

“You’re welcome, girly.”

The huge couch engulfs me. I’m staring at the artwork along the walls, then try to find the television remote to his massive big screen. A manila folder on his glass coffee table gets my attention, and my curiosity wins out. I sit down again and easily reach for the folder. I move it slightly and notice a picture. Carefully picking it up, I notice it’s a picture of me. I’m looking through paperwork. From the looks of the background, I’m in his office. He must have taken this the first time I was there. How odd.

“I took it when you weren’t looking.”