CHAPTER 6
At a stop light, Madison applied pink lip gloss and finger combed her dark hair. She found a tube of smoky eyeliner in the seat under Betsy’s Dr. Seuss books. With her ring finger she smeared some under her eyes. There. I look more presentable. Then, she remembered she had silver hoop earrings in her purse, and at the next light, added those.
After she parked, she triple checked the car to make sure it was locked and the toys and bike were safe. Madison’s heart pounded as she stepped over the curb and toward the door.
As she got closer, she grinned. Her very own Santa stood on the sidewalk holding the restaurant door open.
A smile spread across his face. “Nice lipstick and earrings.”
She giggled. “You’re observant. Thanks.” She wasn’t used to nice men. She had always attracted losers.
After walking inside, they stood behind the counter and studied the menu board. The man approached the cashier and turned to Madison. “What would you like?”
She was ravenous but didn’t want to eat anything messy. Her appearance was chaotic enough. Deciding on a grilled cheese, chips, and iced tea, Madison found it hard to break the habit of her usual cheap fare. The man ordered a pastrami sandwich, pasta salad, and a pickle, before motioning toward a red booth.
After they were seated, his gaze unsettled her. His gold-flecked eyes danced with, what, amusement or excitement? She couldn’t tell which. Regardless, his eyes were intense and bored into her. “Tell me about yourself. First off, you don’t even know my name. I’m Adam.”
Madison’s mouth flew open. “I can’t believe I didn’t ask your name. I was too dumbfounded by your unbelievable generosity.”
His eyes twinkled again. “You seemed a little rattled.”
She nodded. “It’s not every day a stranger pays for my purchases.” After placing a napkin in her lap, she extended her hand. “I’m Madison.”
“Nice to meet you, Madison.”
A server plunked their drinks on the table. After the waiter left, Adam said, “I overheard you mention you were laid off. Where did you work?”
“A dental clinic. I’m a—I mean—I was a dental hygienist.”
“That must be why you have perfect teeth.”
Feeling uncomfortable, Madison sipped her drink. “What do you do . . . Adam?”
“I’m an architect. My firm recently renovated the new hotel downtown. It’s my first big project.” He beamed. “I’m pretty proud of it.”
Madison had never dated an expert in . . . anything. Not that they were dating she reminded herself. She studied his expensive suit and shiny cuff links. “The Redbud Canyon Hotel?”
He nodded. “That’s the one.”
“I heard about the renovations on the news. I haven’t been inside but have driven past it.”
Adam’s eyes glimmered. “Well, then, we need to correct that. I’ll give you a personal tour soon.”
Madison couldn’t believe her ears. This successful, handsome stranger wanted to see her again. I’ll be able to make a second impression and wear something more exciting than a stupid sweatshirt. I’ll even wash my hair. Still, she was too afraid to get overly eager. After all, he might be offering to be kind but never planned to deliver. She wanted to believe him. “I’d like that.”
After their food arrived, they both ate quickly and in silence. After draining her tea, Madison stood to refill her drink. “Would you like a refill?”
“Sure. Thanks. Regular Coke for me.”
When Madison returned to the table, she noticed only crumbs remained from his sandwich. As Adam picked at his salad, she said, “My daughter is going to love those gifts. I don’t know how I—how we—can thank you. You are beyond generous and a kind man.” Tears pricked her eyes.
“Please don’t cry. I hate it when women cry.” He wiped his mouth. “Besides, this is a happy occasion. I was able to help you and you can help me.”
Uh oh. Madison’s heart hammered. What if he expects a favor? Like a bedroom favor. She wasn’t prepared for this. She lowered her disappointed voice. “How?”
He grinned. “By going to dinner with me.”
Relaxing, she said, “I’d love to go to dinner with you.
Groceries are expensive. Eating out is a real treat.” Madison thought she detected tears in his eyes.
“Groceries are expensive. Everything is, it seems.” Adam cleared his throat. “I have a good job now. A very good job. In fact, I make a lot of money. I hope you don’t think I’m bragging.”
She shook her head. “Go on.”
He changed his tone. “I grew up dirt poor. My parents, brother, and I had to scratch and claw for everything we had. Now, I love to give back, especially at Christmastime. I’m just glad you were on the receiving end.”
“Me, too. Extremely glad.” Madison dabbed her mouth with her napkin. “How did you get out of poverty, if I’m not being too nosy?”
“Not nosy at all. I enjoy telling my story. Basically, I worked hard in school, got good grades, and landed several scholarships. That’s how I got my architectural degree after five long years. My parents couldn’t afford to send me to college, so obtaining a professional career was up to me. After graduation, I interviewed with several firms, and luckily, the largest firm in Redbud Canyon hired me. We have more work than we can handle. Job security.” Adam obviously noticed Madison’s face fall. “Sorry. Bad choice of words.”
“It’s fine. I’m happy for you.” Madison took the last bite of her grilled cheese. “Besides, I don’t think it was pure luck. You sound like a smart guy. And you’re definitely a good guy. I’m sure they firm is lucky to have you.”
Adam shrugged. “I’m fortunate to have the job. But . . . my luck isn’t great in other areas.”
She raised her eyebrows. “In what way?”
He rubbed the dark stubble on his jawline, suddenly appearing shy and vulnerable. “Love. But that’s another discussion for another day.” He grinned. “Maybe I’ll tell you over dinner tomorrow night—if you’re free.”
Madison’s heart hammered. If I’m free. Are you kidding me? She paused for a half-second. “I’d love to go to dinner with you tomorrow night.”
“Good. Will that give you time to get a sitter? It’s on me.” He reached for his wallet.
Madison waved her hand. “No, no. I can pay for a sitter. You’ve done more than enough with the Christmas layaway and lunch. Besides, Betsy’s grandma loves to babysit any chance she gets. She only charges hugs.”
Adam chuckled. “Sounds like a good grandma. Do you want to meet at the restaurant or shall I pick you up?”
Pictures of her lower middle-class neighborhood and aging duplex flooded her mind. What if he thinks I’m not good enough to date? “I’ll meet you.”
Adam shoved a hand in his tailored pocket, retrieved his car key, and placed it on the table. “That’s fine. You barely know me after all.”
Madison noticed the BMW logo on his key fob. A BMW is a far cry from my Camry.
As they strode toward their respective cars, they agreed on a time to meet the following evening. Tugging on her sweatshirt so the sleeves would cover more of her hands, Madison stared at the sky. “I wish it would snow. It should snow around Christmas.”
“I agree. I love snow. Maybe I can show your daughter how to build a snowman—or snowwoman.” He chuckled.
Madison couldn’t believe her ears but she never let men get close to her daughter. Certainly not this soon. She simply grinned as they stood near her Camry. Then, the day’s events overcame her. Standing on tiptoes, she awkwardly hugged Adam and kissed his cheek. “Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. I’ll never forget what you did. You’ve made Betsy’s Christmas. I’m forever grateful.”
Adam’s golden eyes sparkled with obvious delight. “My pleasure. It’s not every day that I get to be a real life Santa. It feels good. I hope I get to meet the little girl who has such an amazing mother.”
Madison shifted her purse to her other shoulder, stalling. She had to vet Adam fully and then some before he could be around Betsy. Besides, she didn’t want to get Betsy’s hopes up for a “new daddy,” which was the term Betsy had used for her last boyfriend. She didn’t want to offend Adam but her daughter came first and always would. “You’ll probably meet her someday. She has a busy little schedule for such a young girl.”
Adam leaned against her car. “I’m glad she’s involved. That’s important. I’m also glad you’re protective of your daughter. You’re a good mom.” He glanced at his watch. “I need to run. Let’s meet at seven o’clock tomorrow night in the lobby of the Redbud Hotel downtown. I’ll give you a tour either before or after dinner.”
Madison grinned. “I can’t wait to see it and I promise I won’t wear a sweatshirt.”
He opened her door. “Wear whatever you want.”
Madison climbed inside after they exchanged good-byes. As she drove off, she smiled to herself knowing she’d tear her closet apart in search of the perfect outfit.