Taking a Chance (20 page)

Maddie needed to get through the evening without too many tears and then she had the weekend with Austin ahead of her. She wasn’t flying to California until Tuesday, so she had all day Monday to finish packing. Sid had promised to check on her apartment at least once a week. She knew that was above and beyond Sid’s duties, so she appreciated everything he was doing for her.

“Hey, Maddie. Are you ready? I need to run down the street to the UPS store to get a few things taken care of for some of your accounts. I was hoping you’d come with me to make sure I do everything right,” said Sheri.

“Sure.” She scanned her office one more time. Knowing she was leaving for two months was starting to overwhelm her and she had not been expecting to feel so emotional. But the place had been a big part of her life over the last four years and she felt a lump in her throat. The last thing she wanted was to cry in the office. She took a deep breath in and closed her eyes for a moment to let the wave pass. She turned to Sheri who had the same look on her face.

“Let’s go. You’ll be back here before you know it. Don’t think about it as leaving. Just think about it as a long well-deserved vacation.”

“You’re right. I’ll just think about it as a break.”

She turned the light off and closed the door. Her office would remain unoccupied for the next two months. Everyone was being generous and understanding. They were good to her and that made leaving even more difficult. She didn’t want to let them down, but knew she had to go for a while, for her own sake.

They had a shipping department, so Maddie was not sure why they were going to UPS but she helped Sheri carry the documents. Some things needed to have copies made and sent to multiple locations. Other documents just needed to be shipped. Maddie had many active accounts right now and she hoped John and Sheri would get each account moved to someone else to manage them. John was keeping some of her most important clients, so she felt comfortable knowing he would take care of them personally. After almost an hour, they were finally done.

“That takes care of it. Everything has been finalized for the week,” said Sheri.

“Great. Let’s go get a drink. Do you know what time John and the others are arriving?” Maddie knew a few of the executives from her area were meeting them and her other two admins. She was happy to keep the gathering small as her emotions were at the tipping point right now.

“They were heading over a short while after we left the office, so they may be a couple of drinks up on us.”

Sheri looked down at her BlackBerry and typed a quick message.

On the way to the bar, Maddie called Austin to let him know she was going to have drinks now. He had a show that evening, so he would be on stage by the time she was heading home. Since she was leaving so early in the morning, talking to him after was unlikely too. As they arrived at the bar, Maddie finished up her call.

“Can’t wait to see you tomorrow,” said Maddie. “Love you, too. Have a great show tonight.” She hung up.

Sheri cocked her head to the side and raised an eyebrow at Maddie. “Whoa, did I just hear what I think?”

“What?” Maddie asked.

“I didn’t realize you had fallen in love. I knew you were crazy about him, but you forgot to mention the love part of your relationship.”

“Sorry,” Maddie said. “I just didn’t want everyone to think I was moving too fast since I was engaged only a couple months ago. I know I fell fast and everyone else will think that too.” She smiled at Sheri and opened the door to the bar.

“Okay, Maddie. Just so you know I am more than happy for you and you shouldn’t worry what anyone else thinks. As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters to me and to everyone else who cares about you.”

“Thanks.” Maddie gave her a quick hug. “I don’t see anyone here, should we get a drink at the bar?”

“Let’s head to the back to see if anyone’s there.”

Maddie thought she saw a smirk on Sheri’s face. Sheri turned the corner by the bar and headed toward the private room just off the bar. When she opened the door, everyone yelled, ‘
Surprise!’
just as Sheri pushed Maddie through the door.

Overwhelmed by the number of people, Maddie scanned the room and saw John and the other executives from her floor in the front of the group. Even though she figured there were at least a hundred other people, she recognized all of the faces. She even saw her mom and Molly standing off to the right side of the main group.

John handed Maddie a glass of champagne and she raised her glass in the direction of the entire group and took a sip.

Everyone went back to socializing. People came up to Maddie to wish her luck and to tell her she would be missed. Maddie could not believe how many people had shown up to say goodbye. She was touched they had all gone through that much trouble for her, but it was also overwhelming.

After about an hour of mingling, she wanted to make her way to the restroom. She stopped by Molly and her mom to say a quick hello on her way. Sheri was with them and Maddie gave all three of them a hug.

“I can’t believe all three of you kept this from me!” She turned to her mom. “Are you staying at my place tonight?”

“Yes, if that’s okay with you?”

“Of course. It’ll be nice to have company this evening.” She turned toward Molly and Sheri. “Both of you are welcome to come over too if you’d like.”

“Thanks, but Adam is coming in later tonight. He’s going to pick me up here, so you’ll have a chance to meet him before you leave me.”

“Stop it. Don’t make me feel worse than I already do. But I do look forward to meeting Adam.”

“Not me either, I have to meet Travis. Besides, you don’t want to get to bed too late, you have a big day tomorrow,” Molly said with a grin.

“That’s true. I’m going to use the restroom. I’ll be right back.”

When she came out of the stall, she set her purse on the counter and washed her hands. She grabbed her lip-gloss to touch up her lips and then checked her phone. No new messages or texts. Feeling relaxed, she headed back out.

“So, you’re leaving the state, huh? Do you really think you can get away?” George hissed at her.

Maddie whipped around to see him standing against the wall outside the restroom. His blond hair was wild and his eyes darkened with fury narrowed at her.

“How the hell did you know I was here? This is out of control, George. You need to stop stalking me!”

“Stalking you? Please, Madison, I think people do that when they like someone. I don’t want to see your pathetic face. I just find it interesting you’re leaving the state for a few months. Seems like you’re trying to hide.”

“Hide from you? Please don’t flatter yourself, George. I couldn’t care less about you.”

How the hell does he know I’m taking a leave?
He was always one step ahead of her and it was starting to bother her. George took two steps forward planting himself inches from her face. She smelled alcohol on his breath and stared directly into his eyes shivering from the icy stare.

“Now, that’s harsh, Madison. Of course you care about me, or you wouldn’t try to run and hide.”

“I don’t care what you think. Leave me alone and don’t come near me again.”

“Or else what?” he purred at her.

“Don’t push me, George.” She turned on her heel, but he caught her arm. She felt his strong fingers wrap around her upper arm. She did not turn to face him keeping her eyes straight ahead.

“I will do what I want. Just remember that. You can run away, but I will find you if I want to,” he snarled at her.

She pulled hard on her arm and quickly made her way back to the party. The crowded room gave her a sense of security knowing he wouldn’t do anything with so many people around. Now she was happy someone was staying with her that night. More than ever, she was looking forward to being gone for a while.

“What’s wrong?” asked Molly.

Maddie knew she couldn’t hide her frustration.

“Nothing, George just happened to be in the hallway by the restrooms.”

“What! How is that possible? Why the hell would he even be here?”

“Who knows, maybe he wanted to say goodbye, too.” Maddie tried to make light of the situation. She didn’t want to get into this right now. “I’m going to continue saying goodbye to everyone. You guys okay here?”

“Yes, we’re fine,” said her mother.

• • •

A
s soon as Maddie was far enough away, Nina turned to Molly. “I don’t like that he keeps showing up. Something’s not right. I don’t understand why he’s doing this. Is he trying to get her back? She’s never said he wants her back. I would think she’d tell us if that was the case. I wish she would talk about it. Do you know why the engagement ended?”

“I’m sorry, but I don’t. I’m with you, Nina. She’s never shared any details, which seems odd. Something is definitely off. Maybe I should call Austin. I don’t want to upset him if he’s not in the loop. They had one moment of Maddie holding back and it almost ended their relationship. I don’t want anything to happen between them, but maybe she told him more. I’m worried about her.”

“Maybe we should wait until one of us sees him in person. I think it would be easier to broach the subject. She’ll be gone for two months, so it’ll be difficult to run into George in California.”

They both looked to Sheri, who hesitantly nodded in agreement. Sheri had seen Maddie every day during the relationship and probably had more insight. Sheri had not wanted to assume the worst, but she was almost positive George had hurt Maddie. Even the thought of it sent a shiver down her spine. She was not sure if it was her place to say anything to Maddie’s mom and best friend. If Maddie hadn’t told them herself, maybe she wanted to keep it a secret.

“You all right, dear?” asked Nina.

“Yes, I’m fine. I just hate to see Maddie unhappy. I’m so glad she’s going to see Austin this weekend and that she’ll be out of sight for a couple of month months.” She dropped her head for a moment and knew she should be honest with them. She cautiously looked back up. “I don’t know anything for sure, but I’ve seen her almost every day for the last year. I’m pretty sure that George hurt her, and on more than one occasion.”

“What!” exclaimed Molly. “Are you sure, Sheri?”

Sheri saw Nina immediately turn white.

“No, I can’t say for sure, but I remember a few times I thought something had happened to her. I asked her a couple of times, but she always had a different story, so I started to think I was crazy for thinking such a thing. I mean, why would I assume her own fiancé would do anything to harm her? I felt guilty for even thinking it.”

“No offense to you, Sheri, but I hope you’re wrong. However, if you are correct, I think we need to be more protective of Maddie. Nina, I’ll call Austin on Sunday when Maddie is on her way home. I will tread cautiously. I don’t want to cause any issues between them, but I need to see if he knows anything. I don’t think we should push her on it right now, do you, Nina?”

Nina’s voice shook. “I agree. I’d feel better if you spoke to Austin. Depending on what he says maybe we should sit down with Maddie and get to the bottom of her break-up before she leaves for California. I can’t imagine that she wouldn’t have said anything to any of us or that we wouldn’t have been able to see it.”

“Like I said, I hope you’re wrong, Sheri, but thank you for saying something. I know how much Maddie means to you too and I know you wouldn’t say anything unless you were concerned,” said Molly.

• • •

B
y nine, people were starting to head out. Adam had arrived, but Maddie had not been over to meet him yet. She started to make her way over to where her mom, Molly, Sheri and Adam stood. On her way, John stopped her to give her a quick hug and say goodbye. She promised to keep in touch over the next couple of months.

“Hi, Adam.” Maddie smiled as she walked up and put her hand out.

He grabbed it and eagerly shook her hand. Maddie thought he was adorable. Even though he could only be a year or two younger than she was, he had a youthful appearance. He was about the same height as Maddie and had a slight build. His chestnut brown hair fell straight and maybe a bit too long. It was casually pushed to the side out of his eyes. Bright green eyes mirroring her own caught her attention and something told Maddie he was perfect for Sheri. He seemed shy, but attentive to Sheri, as he had wrapped his arm around her after shaking Maddie’s hand.

“So, what are you two up to this evening?” Maddie smiled warmly at Adam.

His face reddened and Maddie knew her instincts were correct. He was definitely shy.

“Well, I was thinking I’d take Sheri to grab something to eat and then out for a few drinks at The Signature Lounge at the 96th.”

“Nice choice, Adam.” Maddie winked at him and his flush deepened. “I know you two want to get out of here, so I just came over to give Sheri a hug before she leaves.”

Maddie leaned over and Sheri squeezed Maddie hard in return.

“I’m going to miss you. Please come back and visit. I’m also going to try and come out by you.”

“I will. Take care of your man. I’ll talk to you on Monday to make sure everything is good at work.”

“Thanks for everything, Maddie. You’ve been a great boss and more importantly a good friend,” Sheri choked out.

“No crying. I’m not leaving forever.” However, Maddie was having a hard time not crying herself. She had no idea she’d touched so many people at their company and it made her feel guilty again for leaving. She gave Sheri one last squeeze and stepped back.

She leaned over and gave Adam a quick hug. She knew that would fluster him, but she couldn’t help herself. When she released him, he stepped back and put his head down. Maddie could see his cheeks were still red. He swiped at his hair and took a long drink from his beer.

“Have a good evening, you two.”

“Thanks, Maddie. See you later.”

Molly was also leaving and Maddie reminded her they would see each other Monday, so there was no need to get emotional or say goodbye right now. Amanda was still on her honeymoon and Maddie felt terrible leaving before she returned, but she did not want to wait. Rachel was planning to stop by for a drink, but she had a work dinner she couldn’t get out of. Maddie was looking forward to a few hours with just Molly. They needed to catch up and had not had an opportunity to spend a lot of time together lately with just the two of them. And Austin had been right; it was time she told Molly the entire truth about George.