CHAPTER 8
When Madison appeared in the living room, Carol let out a wolf whistle that would put a construction worker to shame.
Betsy clapped her tiny hands together. “Mommy’s pretty.”
“I’d say,” Carol said.
Madison twirled around. “I’m glad you both approve. Wish me luck.”
Betsy tugged on her Madison’s red dress. “Where ya goin’, Mommy?”
Madison never lied to her daughter but also didn’t want to answer fifty questions. “I’m going on a tour of a new hotel and to dinner with a friend.”
“Okay. Bye.” Betsy turned toward the television to yet again fulfill her seemingly endless fascination with Frozen.
“Bye, sweet girl.” Madison kissed the top of Betsy’s curls and squeezed her mother’s hand. “See you later. I love you both.”
Carol winked. “No rush, sweetie.” She patted her apron pocket. “I’ll have my cell at my side if you need me. Have fun.”
When Madison approached the highway, her eyes bulged at the heavy traffic and endless car lights. She wished she hadn’t spent so much time dressing. The last thing she wanted was to be late. After a few minutes, she circled the downtown parking garage which appeared to be packed with holiday shoppers. When she spotted a car’s back-up lights, she raced to get the spot. After parking, she powdered her nose and felt wobbly from nerves as she rushed toward the hotel entrance.
A never-ending line of people stood in front of the elevator. She glanced around the concrete garage and spotted a stairwell. Hoping her heels wouldn’t break since she was far more accustomed to wearing sneakers and scrubs, Madison headed for the stairs. Her heels clacked on the hard steps. After several flights, she bent over to catch her breath. The combination of the cold air, plus the stair workout, coupled with her nerves, made her feel twice her age.
When she spotted the entrance to the Redbud Canyon Hotel, she slowed her pace. The exquisite double doors and sparkling, cascading bubble chandelier beckoned her. Giant gold and silver wreaths the size of a small car hung on each door.
The second she entered the gleaming foyer, the tone was set for an upscale experience. Mouth agape, Madison stood in place to take in the hotel’s beauty which featured floor-to-ceiling glass, marble columns, unique paintings, and sculptures.
I’m not sure I fit in here. Once this architect sees my house, this relationship will be o-v-e-r before it begins. Her insecurities rose to the top as her heart pounded. Almost losing her nerve, she grasped her faded, worn leather handbag as if it were a life ring thrown into the ocean.
Madison felt like one of the many marble columns—without the splendor—until a smiling Adam waved to her and immediately calmed her nerves.
Seated in a round, leather chair near the circular bar, he stood and headed in her direction. Madison blew out a deep, cleansing breath, held her head high, and strode across the lobby like she owned the place. She was sick and tired of being intimidated by everyone and everything. On the drive over, she had made a pledge to rid herself of the past and to create a hopeful future. Somehow.
As they stood face to face, Adam’s eyes widened. “Wow. You’re a knockout, even more beautiful than I remember.”
Madison winked. “A pretty dress does wonders.”
“You don’t need a beautiful dress to be pretty but it’s very nice. Care for a glass of wine before I give you a tour?”
She bobbed her head. “I’d love a merlot.”
Adam ordered one for himself and motioned toward two leather club chairs.
Madison glanced at the expansive lobby. A cascading waterfall had been placed strategically in the middle of the biggest wall. Gigantic chandeliers created dancing lights on the Italian tile. Rustic beams were strategically placed, and lights on the floor surrounding the tiled bar changed from pink to green to blue. She shook her head. “You designed this?”
He nodded. “Yep.”
“This is extraordinary.”
Adam beamed. “Thanks. The owner had a vision. She wanted a combination of modern, Italian, and rustic. She gave me strict instructions that her boutique hotel should not be reminiscent of a chain hotel with a breakfast bar off the lobby. You won’t find any waffle makers here.”
Madison giggled. “I rather like waffles.”
“So do I. They’re available in the restaurant.”
Studying the spacious lobby, Madison said, “I’m teasing. Go on. Tell me about the renovation. I’d never know this was the same downtown hotel.”
Pointing toward the windows, Adam said, “She loves A-frames, so I incorporated several angles using repurposed wood from this area. The theme you’ll notice is angles combined with circles and lots of water.” He chuckled. “I’m pretty sure I drove the framers and roofers nuts.”
“I can’t imagine being an architect.”
“I can’t imagine staring into other people’s mouths all day.”
Madison laughed. “It isn’t so bad. I love—I mean I loved my job. I already miss it.”
Adam frowned. “That’s rough—especially around the holidays. I’m sorry you lost your job.”
“Me, too, but let’s talk about other things tonight. Tell me more about the hotel.”
He pointed toward a variety of paintings. “See those. That was my idea.”
Her eyebrows shot up. “You paint, too?”
He grinned. “On a good day, I could paint stick people. No, I meant I had the idea to invite local artists to showcase their paintings and sculptures. We even held a contest prior to the grand opening. The owner loved the idea and it brought in a lot of traffic from the artists, sculptors, their friends, and family members. Everyone wanted to see their work in the new hotel.”
“What a wonderful idea.” Madison stared at the paintings. “Now, I see why the styles vary so much. I’m sure the artists were thrilled. You really are a nice guy, aren’t you?”
Adam shrugged. “I try.”
As she sipped her merlot, Madison observed the crowd. Couples chatted, professionally dressed singles bellied up to the bar, a name-tag-wearing group laughed and talked over one another, college kids had their faces buried in their Smart phones and laptops, and two guys walked by with striped burgundy and white towels wrapped around their bodies. Their tell-tale wet hair indicated a pool was nearby.
“This is stunning. I can see why you’re proud of it. And-” she motioned with her hand toward the many guests “-the hotel is obviously popular with a variety of customers.” Madison extended her wine glass. “Congratulations.”
Adam clinked her glass. “Here’s to meeting strangers at Target.”
She giggled. “Cheers to that. What were you doing at Target anyway? Somehow, I doubt that you were getting items out of layaway.”
“I didn’t even know they had a layaway department. I was in the sports department near layaway.” Adam sipped his wine before explaining. “I’m on the Boys Town board. I was buying new basketballs. Those kids go through basketballs like nobody’s business but they’re worth it.”
Can this guy get any nicer? “I guess there’s no end to your charitable work.”
Adam peered over his wineglass. “I can be selfish. I like nice things for myself, too.”
“Don’t we all?” Madison noticed his bare wedding ring finger. It hadn’t occurred to her until this moment that he could be married. She remembered he said something over lunch about being unlucky in love. He could be a nice guy but a cheat. That’s what she seemed to attract—cheaters or liars. Madison studied the well-dressed, handsome man.
He almost seemed too good to be true and she knew all about that old adage. Narrowing her eyes, she remembered her pep talk to herself and decided to be blunt. “Are you married?”