“Yeah, that’s been my fault. I was still upset that you got the headliner position. It was mine, everyone knew that, and then you came and took it.”
“Yeah, I’m sorry. It just happened.” She climbed into the car. She hoped the whole ride wouldn’t be this topic. And where was Sabrina’s apology for the rumor she spread?
“It’s just I needed the money, and I doubt I’m going to win fashion week. I mean let’s be honest. I’m in last place.
“You never know. Besides, other fashion houses will be there, so it’s not like you can’t get in with another fashion house.”
“Yeah, I guess that could be a possibility.” Sabrina parked outside the restaurant. “There is something I need to say to you, and something I need to ask you.” She turned around and looked at Madison.
“That sounds serious. Yeah, sure.” Madison turned her body towards Sabrina and expected her to apologize.
“I know we have known each other since we were kids, but I have to know something.”
“Ok, sure. Ask?” Madison had no idea what Sabrina was going to ask.
“Did you sleep with Dante to get the headliner position?”
“What? No.” Which wasn’t a lie. She had slept with Dante after he had agreed to put her on the schedule. True she didn’t know it was going to be as a headliner. Did he do that because she gave him her virginity?
“I didn’t think so, but I had to ask.”
“Why would you think that?”
“I don’t know. It was the only thing that kind of made sense as to why you just happened to sub for me and then you all of a sudden you were exclusive there.”
“That was the first night I met Dante.”
“But there is also the fact that you don’t have to follow club rules.”
“Dante had nothing to do with that. That was a deal between Enzo and me.”
“You know why he made that deal right?”
“Yes.” Madison shivered at the memory.
“Do you like him?”
“No.” And her feelings wouldn’t change now that she knew how he was deep down. “I know you’ve had a crush on him, and I would never date someone I know you like. I’m not that kind of person.”
“I know.” Sabrina gave a chuckle. “Goody-two-shoes, perfect Madison would never be that kind of person.”
“Hey, wait. I never said I was perfect, nor do I think I’m a goody two shoes. I have my own problems, just like anyone else. I’m not perfect, and I don’t pretend to be. What does this have to do with the headliner position?”
“I guess I’m tired of coming in second or more behind you.” Sabrina slapped her hand down on the wheel.
“Wow. Ok. I didn’t know that’s how I made you feel. I never meant to make you think you were second to me or that I was better than you.”
“I guess deep down I know that, and that is what makes it worse. You’re not a bad person. You’re my friend.”
“I am your friend, and I would never do something intentional to harm you. Like you did to me with the rumor that said I was a ho and had a STI.”
“I know, I was just upset. We better get in. Zoe could think we aren’t coming.”
****
Dante sat in his office as he tried to clear things off his desk. He didn’t want to be focused on business or the progress he made toward turning his businesses clean. He wanted to be able to focus on Madison for the weekend.
He and his cousins were having a status report meeting. It would be his first-time seeing Enzo since the incident when he had slammed him against the wall. They had both kept their distance. Dante, more so, because he was spending time with Madison.
