A Taste of Pleasure (29 page)

“Max!” Mikey squealed, and ran to throw his arms around him. Max leaned in to catch the little guy as Madison glowed, waiting for her turn to move in for a hug. Max propped the four-year-old on his hip as he walked over to Madison. London watched, taking her eyes away from the vegetables as much as she could without risking cutting herself. Her heart ached at the sight of them, apparently so happy to see each other. She blinked away a tear as she looked back down to focus on the task before her.

The crowd eventually moved into the enormous dining room, where a table accommodated twenty people, and a few smaller tables had been arranged for the children. The feast was amazing, but London had lost her appetite and feigned eating out of politeness. Max and Madison chatted so much London began to feel invisible.
Madison's sweet southern accent could charm the pants off any man
, London thought. Part of her wanted to hate this beautiful woman who came in and took over her date for the day, but seeing how happy they were together something inside her felt a sense of peace too.

Madison mentioned some repairs she needed done at her house. Max assured her that he would be over soon to take a look at it. Feeling like a third wheel, London excused herself to the bathroom to freshen up and take a breather from all of the commotion. As she was returning to the group, Marie reappeared.

“Ready for another yet?” she said as she waved her empty glass.

“I sure am,” London said.

“London, I know you and Max have been seeing each other for a few months,” Marie said, pausing as she poured their drinks. “Max told me all about you and your antique store and the wonderful times you two have been having together. But I wanted to prepare you.”

“Prepare me for what?” London asked.

“Well it's obvious, isn't it? Max fell in love with Madison,” Marie said, her voice in a hushed whisper now. “He was so attentive, caring for her and Mikey after Michael was gone. Madison was in mourning and felt it was too soon for a new relationship. Last year, she decided to go stay with her family for a while to sort out what she was feeling, and Max didn't know if she was ever coming back or not. But now that she's back . . . well, I think he has his answer.”

London was dumbfounded as she tried to process Marie's ramblings. “So you think she's back to claim him?”

“I do. Oh, London, I'm so sorry. I know Max wanted to marry her, and he was torn about it too, but Mikey already thinks of him as a father figure since he was so young when it all happened. Max was lost without Madison when she left, but I think you and your project at the store saved him from his loneliness. My mother didn't know he was bringing you to brunch today, or she might not have asked her over.”

London took another large gulp of her drink, the vodka beginning to numb her senses and dull the impact. “As a matter of fact, he saved me too, Marie. I was feeling pretty lost myself when we teamed up together.”

“I just wanted you to be aware. It's possible that they might reunite. They both come from big families and both have
talked about wanting many more children. They have so much in common. Madison just wasn't sure about anything back then. And I'm sure Max didn't want to tell you, as he wasn't sure how things stood or if she would ever be back.”

“Well, I've had my own demons that I've been contending with and I haven't told him everything either. I guess we will have to have a long talk later tonight. Thank you, Marie. Thank you so much for your support today.”

“London, please call me if you need to talk about anything after tonight.”

“I will. And I hope you will join me at the grand opening of the shop next month too. It's going to be amazing and you won't believe all the wonderful things your brother has done with the building.”

London made her way back to the group and pleasantly socialized with her usual charisma. After their meal, she blended into the crowd and watched as the little children scavenged for Easter eggs in the backyard. Her heart melted as she watched Max and Mikey together, and she carefully studied Madison. They were perfect for each other, and as much as London cared for Max, there was no denying it.

She observed him walking them to their car as they left the party. He stopped at his truck to grab something, piquing London's curiosity as she moved closer to the window. She watched as he emerged from the cab with a uniform, hat, baseball mitt, and ball. Little Mikey jumped up and down, overwhelmed with joy, and gave Max a big kiss.

When the event finally wound down, she and Max said their good-byes to his family and headed back to the château. She couldn't wait to get back to the comfort of her home, and she had so much to get off her chest when they arrived. They were both quiet on the drive home, which felt exceptionally
long. Max parked the truck out front in the circle drive and London realized he wasn't planning to stay over.

“Max, could you come inside so we can talk for a little while before you head home?”

“Sure,” he replied with a weak smile through the look of grief and shock on his face.

They went inside, where he lit the fire and London brewed coffee. They snuggled in on the sofa to chat. After a long hesitation, Max mustered the strength to finally speak.

“Oh, London, I'm so sorry I never told you about Michael, Madison, and Mikey,” he said.

“Max, it's okay. Marie filled me in at the party.”

“She did? So you know . . .”

“Yes, Max. I understand.”

He was soft-spoken as he quoted, “If you love something, set it free. If it comes back to you, it is yours. If it doesn't, it never was.” He paused for a moment as the words sank in to the air between the crackling sounds of the fireplace. “I let them go, London.” His voice caught and she could see the glimmer of tears forming in the flickering firelight. “I thought they were never coming back.”

“Max, please don't be sad. You should be celebrating right now. By the way, I saw you at the baseball game on Thursday.”

“You did?”

“Yes, I've been searching the depths of my soul since then, trying to find a way to tell you this. Max, the truth is, I will probably never have children. I knew after seeing you with the boys that day that I could never give you everything you need in life. You're a family man and you're meant to be a father someday. You deserve to have that.” London took a deep breath before continuing.

“I will admit that Madison was a huge surprise, and it was
awkward meeting the way that we did, but I'm so happy for you. I want you to go to her and Mikey tonight. You belong with them, and it's a blessing from heaven that they returned to be with you.”

Max blinked away the emotions that were beginning to consume him. She leaned in, wrapping her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly as she rested on his burly shoulders of strength one last time. He embraced her, holding her close as they both quietly sobbed tears of pain and joy together. She finally pulled back, resting her hands on his shoulders and looking deep into his eyes.

“Max, we've been here for each other and we've helped each other through some very tough times. I can't thank you enough for your support and understanding after what happened to me with Deacon and Jen. You have helped me turn my life around and given me hope for the future. I only wish I had known what you were really going through all this time so that I could have been more supportive, but I think I understand why you kept it to yourself. I won't hold you back from your true love, Max. Madison is your fate. I know you love me, and I love you, but we are both still madly in love with other people. We will always be friends, and we had the most amazing affair two lovers could ever ask for.” She smiled as she brushed away another tear and forced her best smile. “But I do hope that you might still help me to finish the store and see me through to the grand opening.”

“London, you are amazing. I don't know what to say except that my crew and I will certainly be there to help you every step of the way.”

“Thank you so much. I don't know how I would do it without you and your brawny team.” She gave him a tender and final kiss. “Now go!” she ordered, giggling as she rose from
the sofa, pulled him up, and guided him to the door anxiously. As he walked out, he stopped and turned around. He grabbed her, embracing her, his breath hot on her neck. She whispered in his ear, “You were never mine, Max. Now, go be free.”

He turned to hide the tears that were streaming down his face and walked to his truck. She watched out the window, closing the gate as the lights on his big truck disappeared into the darkness. Her heart ached as she strolled across the room to fetch a box of tissues. She stopped on her way to the sofa to pour a glass of Deacon's fine scotch, then snuggled down with the remote. She flicked on the TV, searching for distraction from the deep thoughts that overwhelmed her mind. She scrolled through the guide and stopped at the movie classics channel. She mused at the irony of the title of a 1957 film,
An Affair to Remember
. It had been one of Grams's favorites, and she recalled watching it many times with her. She selected the movie and the opening credits appeared on the screen.

Cary Grant reminded her a bit of Deacon with all his glorious charm. She lost herself in the story, only needing a few tissues along the way as she was whisked off to France and back to New York with Deborah Kerr leading the way. Knowing how the film ended, London drifted off into a deep and peaceful sleep to visit her palace of refuge. She was enchanted to find Deacon waiting there for her in her dreams.

T
he weeks passed by fast, and the following night was the ball. London's antique shop was ready for the event. Max had kept his promise and was very helpful in making sure everything was in order for the deadline. The responses she'd received from the invites to the ball were overwhelming. She was excited about the day her business would be in full swing and the party where her guests would be wearing masks and eighteenth-century costumes.

The local costume store was delighted, and as a consequence had already become a fan of London and her new venture.

She planned to hand out prizes at midnight for the two best costumes. She had found the gown of her dreams and would be dressed as Marie Antoinette. The dress was a gorgeous cream satin number with faux pearls and diamonds throughout the bodice, and lace at the end of the sleeves. The food was also inspired. Her fruit cake was to be designed after the Eiffel Tower, coated with sugar glazing and adorned with removable mini lights. It had sounded amazing, and she couldn't wait to see it. The front room would be decorated like
the Hall of Mirrors ballroom—miniature, of course, but elegant just the same. She could hardly sleep that night, like a child on Christmas Eve.

On the day of the ball, she arose and headed to the store to finalize the details. The decorators had placed French chairs along the mirrored walls, making the room look huge. Next to the French sconces on the walls were gorgeous masks of gold and cream. Her ceiling-to-floor windows accented the French theme. She placed crystal and gold beads, which hung from the sconces to the chandelier, in the dining room. When London entered the front room, which had been transformed into a ballroom, her heart skipped a beat. The makeover was awesome, and she couldn't wait for the evening to begin. She had hired a string quartet that would sit in the kitchen area, out of the dancing area yet microphoned to be heard. Everything was perfect. So she left for home to get herself dressed and ready for the event.

Her dress had been delivered with a bustier, farthingale, slips, shoes, and wig, all boxed and ready to adorn her body. She retrieved the necklace Max had given her and smiled, fondling the glistening crystals as she set the box beside her costume. She jumped into a warm, scented bath as the room glowed in the flickering candlelight. Her body felt so excited, yet so relaxed. She couldn't believe how calm she felt at that moment. But the evening's anticipation was slowly building, and she began to tingle all over. She closed her eyes as she pictured herself in the majestic gown and envisioned the grandeur of the evening.

She got out of the bath, dried herself, and went into the bedroom to get dressed when she was interrupted by a buzz on the intercom.
I wonder who that could be
, she thought. The voice on the other end of the speaker was a lovely lady from the costume shop who had offered to help her with her dress.
London opened the gates and ran down to open the door. The woman introduced herself as Gabriel and explained that her services were part of the costume rental agreement. London accepted gratefully, as putting on all the garments required two people. Gabriel held the undergarments for London as one layer after the next was draped over her body. She was girdled and tightened up within the layers until she felt just like a marshmallow. The cream satin dress was placed over her head and her bosom popped out at the neckline. Her skirt flowed down to the floor with pearls and faux diamonds in flowered forms. Her sleeves were tight at the top, flowing into ruffles of lace and pearls. Her neckline was plain, but her faux-diamond necklace from Max amply filled the space. She tried to sit but failed as she puffed out like a cotton ball, sending her and Gabriel into a fit of giggles. After her make-up was applied and the faux-diamond earrings were affixed, Gabriel adorned London's head with the fancy wig. She spun around and . . . voilà! She was Queen Marie Antoinette! She slipped her feet into the cream satin slippers and was ready for the evening.

She traveled to the party in a horse-drawn white carriage. She felt as if she was on her way to the Palace of Versailles right down the street. When she entered her store, people were already dancing. She was amazed at how beautiful they all looked in their noble attire, their faces disguised by their masks. The store was glistening, thanks to Jon. She was announced and all the guests bowed. One of the guests reached out his hand, inviting her to dance. He waltzed her out onto the cobblestone sidewalk. She believed it was someone she knew, but he didn't have his telltale cologne on. He wore gloves, and had done a good job of disguising himself. She thought she knew who he was, but she was not sure; however, it had to be someone she'd invited.