Somewhere in Between (Madison Square #1) (8 page)

“I have an announcement to make.” He paused, waiting for all of us to get quiet. “Millie and I are getting married.” He looked happily down at Millie, who beamed back at him.

We all jumped and cheered. “It’s about time,” I said, looking at mom, who had tears in her eyes as she stood to embrace them both.

Papa Jack shook David’s hand. A smile spread wide across his face. “You don’t deserve her.”

“I know, Pop,” David said, kissing Millie’s hair.

We all took turns congratulating them, and soon Mom and Millie were heading into the house to look at Mom and Papa Jack’s wedding pictures. Papa Jack took the empty pizza boxes inside. Sean and David followed behind with plates, while Red and I gathered the empty beer bottles.

“Why does Jack think David doesn’t deserve Millie?” Red asked me, her hands full of empty bottles.

I laughed. She furrowed her brow at my reaction, looking even more confused. I grabbed another bottle and tossed it into the recycling bin just off the deck before turning to face her. “He doesn’t actually think that.”

“Then why say it?”

I looked out into the yard and did my best to explain. “When we were kids, Mom always told us that when we fall in love, we should never stop trying to be the man that she deserved. Papa Jack just likes to remind us to be that man.”

When I looked back at Red, she had tears in her eyes. The look on her face made me desperate to pull her close, but I resisted.

“I hope I can find someone to love me like that,” she said, her voice low and hoarse as she fought back the tears. I gave her a sad smile, hoping someday I could be that man.

Chapter 8

Alex (Now)

Friday afternoon, I walked into the office with an arm load of wallpaper samples and coffee. I wasn’t two steps into my office when I almost collided with Wiley.

“You’re avoiding me,” she said. She folded her arms across her chest, letting me know I was in trouble.

“No, I’m not. Madeline has me slammed with errands for tonight.” I breezed past her to drop the samples on my desk.

“This is about what I said at the bar.” She leaned a hand on my desk.

“What? Of course not.” I was getting good at playing dumb. Too bad Wiley was getting better at figuring that out.

She straightened up and let out a frustrated sigh. “Look, I get that you want to be in denial.”

I started to protest. It wasn’t denial. It was avoidance. There is a difference. She held up a hand, her fingers splashed with a deep purple paint. “I will drop it, but let me just say one more thing.” She took a deep breath. “It’s obvious you have feelings for him that extend beyond friendship.” I opened my mouth again, but she lifted her chin, warning me that she wasn’t finished. “But it’s just as obvious that he feels the same way about you.” With that, she turned on her heel and walked away.

What was with that woman dropping bombs like that on me, then walking away? I love Wiley. Really, I do. We’re night and day different, but no matter what, she has my back. God bless her for that, but this was nuts! She only met Drew once. Only saw us together once. Talk about a snap judgment. Yeah, of course she’s heard all about our shenanigans over the years, but that isn’t much to go on.

I dropped in my chair as Gwen stomped down the hallway toward me, bringing me out of my thoughts and back to reality. Her stomping was like a warning sign. It always made me think of the theme music for the wicked witch of the west. Ooh, I should make that her ringtone. Previously, I had the shower music from
Psycho
. Nah. Drew always said go with your gut.

Gwen stomped to her desk and grabbed her bag. “I’m off to get my hair done. Madeline said you can go.” She headed for the door, but stopped short, turning back to face me. She looked me over, her face twisting into a scowl. “You’ll need the extra time to get ready for tonight.”

It took everything I had not to lunge at her and rip her trashy extensions from her head. She sauntered away. I could hear her stomping all the way out the front door. God, I hate that bitch!

I grabbed my bag, keys, and my phone and flipped the office line to voicemail. I just hit the street when my phone made that familiar
ping, ping
noise.

Drew: Got a car to pick us up. Meet at our place at 7.

I typed back a quick
okay
and hurried home. I was determined to look so hot tonight the silicone stuffed hag’s head would explode.

I spent the next two hours curling, brushing, primping, and painting every inch of my body. I broke out the heavy duty Spanx that held down the bad and pushed up all the good.

I slipped into my nude four inch stilettos with the little crystals covering the heel. I double checked my face to make sure my makeup was perfect. I went with soft golds on my eyes with a thick cat eye liner and finished it off with ruby red lips.

When everything seemed to be in place, I slipped into my dress. It felt incredible. This dress was amazing. The cream colored silk made my skin glow, and the lace felt so delicate against my shoulders. When I looked into the mirror, I saw a different woman looking back at me.

I clasped an antique pearl and gold bracelet around my wrist and placed a small matching comb in my hair above my right ear. The set belonged to my grandmother. My mother had given it to me when I graduated from high school. I felt close to her every time I wore it.

I had my ears double pierced, so I paired small diamond studs that were a Christmas gift from Drew with a pair of pearl and gold chandelier earrings. After one last check in the mirror, I grabbed my crystal clutch and stuffed in my keys, ID, and phone. Then I headed out to meet Drew.

It was starting to cool off a bit as I walked toward our place at the center of the square. I thought about going back up to my apartment to get a wrap. Just as I started to turn back, I saw Drew heading toward me and I stopped in my tracks. I’ve seen Drew in a tux before, but this was different. My breath hitched as I took him in. He looked incredible in a classic black tuxedo. The slim cut jacket hugged his broad shoulders and highlighted his narrow waist. He was gorgeous, and I was completely mesmerized.

I blinked, trying to clear my head. This wasn’t right. I wasn’t supposed to react to Drew that way. I mentally slapped myself, chanting
get it together
in my head as he approached. He stopped just in front of me and our eyes met. I couldn’t look away. I had no idea how much time passed, but it had to have been a while.

He cleared his throat. “You look unbelievable, Red.”

“So do you,” I said, stumbling on my words, desperately trying not to sound as breathless and shaky as I felt.

He stepped closer and offered me his arm. “Shall we?”

My cheeks heated as a shy smile stretched across my face. I took his arm and let him lead me toward the waiting car. As I slid into the plush leather seat, Drew shut my door behind me, walking around to get in the other side. I took the moment to take a deep breath.

You’re being ridiculous Alex. You have been waiting for this night for years. Don’t ruin it by letting your sex-starved hormones take over. This is Drew, granted the hottest version, but still the crazy asshole who spent most of his senior year with a purple mohawk! You do not have feelings for him! Your body is just reacting to an attractive man! It’s not a big deal.

I forced a smile as Drew slid in next to me, praying my pep talk would work and I could just enjoy the rest of the night.

***

We pulled up outside the Museum of Art & Culture. The Museum was housed in an old stone building in the heart of downtown. The building itself was so big it took up almost a full city block. Out front, a red carpet spanned the entire width of the large stone steps that led up to the open doors. Colorful banners emblazoned with the words
‘Rags & Riches Gala’
draped each side of the entrance, lit from below, giving the entrance a grand, unearthly feel.

Drew opened the car door and held out his hand to help me get out of the car. I slipped my hand into his, ignoring the way my body instantly warmed from the touch. As we ascended the stairs, Drew kept a hold on my hand, guiding me through the crowd.

When we finally made it through the front doors, the room opened up to a cavernous space elegantly lit and decorated in rich jewel tones. Each table was set with a kaleidoscope of color, from the table cloths and lighting to the silk fabric draped across the ceiling. It was completely breathtaking.

Votive candles in crystal holders flickered over every available surface. The room sparkled as the soft light bounced off the gold plates and flatware, artfully arranged at each table. Crystal goblets edged with gold leaf tossed fractured patterns of the delicate light across the tables. I had never seen such a beautiful room in my life.

Drew and I were approached by an usher dressed in a deep red waist coat. We gave him our names and he nodded before leading us to our table, which was set with a dark gold table cloth. I couldn’t remember the name of the jewel the color represented—citrus something or other—but it was gorgeous. The center piece, set on a tall, narrow gold pillar, was amazing. Cream roses, sunflowers, and stalks of wheat burst from the center of the table. Wheat seemed like an odd choice for a floral arrangement, but it worked.

Drew pulled out my chair and I took a seat, setting my clutch on the table next to me. There were a few people already seated, one of which was Drew’s boss, Gabe, and his wife. I met them the year before at the Christmas party his company threw. We chatted with them for a bit before Drew focused his attention on me.

“Bar?”

“Yes, please.”

I smiled, grabbed my clutch, and pushed back my chair. Drew and I excused ourselves, nodding politely to Gabe and his wife. Drew took my hand and placed it in the crook of his elbow as he guided me through the crowded ballroom. The room was overwhelming and people were everywhere. Some I recognized, some I didn’t.

When we reached the bar, Drew ordered me a glass of champagne and I turned to scan the crowd. I saw Madeline working her way toward us, her long, plum colored gown flaring out behind her. She threw her arms open, a smile spreading wide across her lips. Was she drunk?

I smiled back at her as she finally reached me, grasping both my arms tightly before pulling me into an awkward hug. My boss is a very proper and elegant woman. She’s always strictly business, so I was completely floored when she embraced me.

“Alexandra, you look stunning,” she gushed, leaning in to kiss my cheeks.

“Uh,” I stammered, completely caught off guard. “As do you, Ms. Grant.”

“Please, we are not in the office. Call me Madeline.” She waved a hand, dismissing the formality. Her eyes widened as Drew stepped beside me and handed me my glass. Madeline glanced between us, pursing her lips and nodding her approval.

“Madeline, this is Andrew Collins,” I said.

“Drew,” he clarified, shaking her extended hand.

“Well, it is a pleasure to meet you, Drew,” Madeline said, her eyes roaming over him from top to bottom like he was a life-size chocolate sculpture. Yep, she was drunk.

I took a sip of champagne to hide my giggle, eyeing the actual life-size chocolate sculpture that stood across the room. I would have to get a closer look at that later on. Damn, I should have brought a bigger purse.

“Alexandra has told me so much about you.” Madeline placed a hand to her chest, toying with the insane diamond pendant nestled there. I was impressed she wasn’t hunched over from the sheer size of the thing. Madeline was hammered and flirting with Drew. It was quite the show.

Drew retreated closer to my side, placing his hand on the small of my back. “Well, I’m sure only half of it is true.”

An awkward smile spread across his face. His eyes shifted to mine, begging me to save him from my inebriated boss. I bit my lip to suppress a giggle.

Madeline giggled. “Oh nonsense.” She placed a hand on his arm. Totally sauced.

“Can I get you a drink, Madeline?” Drew asked, clearly looking for an escape.

“Champagne, please,” she said with a brilliant smile. As he turned back to the bar to get her drink, she leaned in to me. “He is delicious, darling. Well done. Best to hide him from Gwen.” She winked. Drunk Madeline was my new favorite person! I immediately started devising a plan to start slipping Kahlua into her morning coffee.

I heard the telltale stomp before I saw her. The sound stopped just behind me and a chill ran up my spine.

“Alex,” Gwen said. I could hear the irritation in her voice, and I could feel her cold glare on the back of my neck.

I took a deep breath, slowly turning to face her. I was met with an eyeful of exposed breast. Holy shit! There was more boob out of her dress than there was in it. I swear it looked like the fabric was doing everything it could not to just rip open. I couldn’t look at her face if I wanted to. My eyes were locked on her boobs. She might as well have come topless.

Gwen shifted, pushing her breasts even further up, causing me to take an involuntary step back. For a moment I thought they were going to attack. She must have noticed Drew and aimed her torpedoes in his direction.

Gwen flipped her extensions over her shoulder as Drew approached. With a smile, he handed Madeline her glass and turned to address our new arrival. Poor bastard never had a chance. All he saw were breasts. It was a direct hit, with no chance of survival. I couldn’t blame him. Hell, I couldn’t look her in the face either.

To his credit, he eventually snapped back to himself and looked up at her face. “Hi, I’m Drew,” he stammered, extending his hand to Gwen. She took it and stepped closer, almost pressing herself against him. She practically shoved me out of the way, pretending not to notice that I was standing right fucking there!

Gwen’s eyes ran up and down Drew like a predator inspecting her prey. “A pleasure, I’m sure,” she said in her best breathy Marilyn Monroe voice. Oh come on, was she for real?

Without breaking eye contact or even releasing Drew’s hand, she said, “Nice dress, Alex.”

“You too, Gwen. Too bad there isn’t more of it.”

Drew coughed, almost choking on his drink. Calling that a dress would be a serious exaggeration. It was more like strips of black fabric glued randomly to her body. Gwen glared at me and I met her evil eye head on, neither of us wanting to be the first to flinch.

Madeline looked frantically between Gwen and me, searching for a way to defuse the tension. I was tired of Gwen and her bullshit. Everything with her was a competition. She made it her personal goal to ruin my life and my career. I was not going to let her ruin this night. I was done taking her shit. I knew, at the time, how childish I was acting, but all my sense of reason and maturity vanished when that glorified blow-up doll confronted me.