Just then, Steven bursts through the door. He spots us in the waiting room and gives Maddie a hug. He casts an eye at his mother, who’s dozed off.
“How did the rest of the meeting go?” I ask.
Steven shrugs. “Your departure was abrupt. We chatted a bit longer. They’ve scheduled another meeting, so the show’s not quite over yet.”
“Snorty’s okay now?” Steven asks Maddie.
“I think so.”
“I’m going to take Mom back to Connecticut. I’ll stay with her tonight.”
“I’ll come with you,” Maddie says.
“No,” I say. “You heard the vet, Maddie. Snorty’s just had surgery. We need to keep him close by here in Manhattan in case anythinghappens.”
Steven gently helps his mother up. We say goodbye as they embark on their journey to Connecticut.
“What now?” Maddie asks.
“Let’s get Snorty settled in my apartment. It’s not far from here.”
I grab the paperwork and the medication instructions while Maddie holds Snorty close. I flag down a cab and order it to my apartment.
CHAPTER 43
MADDIE
Rio hands the cab driver a large bill and waves away the change as our taxi pulls up to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.
I crane my neck to look up at the towering glass building that dominates Columbus Circle.
A bellman in a crisp black uniform with shiny gold buttons rushes over to our door, pulling it open with a white-gloved hand.
"Welcome, Mr. Wilder," he says.
Rio helps me out of the cab and guides me into the lobby. Enormous flower arrangements tower from pedestals in each corner, filling the air with a sweet, delicate scent.
I knew Rio came from money. But having an apartment in this hotel means he comes from a lot of money.
Big money.
For the first time, I wonder why he’s dedicated himself to being a rockstar when he could just kick back and relax.
But I know how committed both Rio and Steven are to their music. It’s a labor of love.
Not lust for profit.
The realization gives me renewed respect for Rio.
Rio takes me by the hand and introduces me to the handsome man wearing a well-fitting blue suit and gold pin behind the counter.
"Maddie, meet Oswald,” says Rio. “He's the head concierge for the residents, and you'll be seeing him quite a bit. Oswald, meet the future Mrs. Wilder."
My jaw practically hits the floor.Future Mrs. Wilder?
I feel my cheeks flush hot as I try to keep my expression neutral.
Oswald doesn't even blink at Rio's announcement.
