That’s the smart thing to do, right?
Keep all my cards on the table.
Because Charlotte is a really amazing woman, and I would like to meet her one day. But if things go well with Madeline, I guess Charlotte will never be an option.
Only time will tell.
Chapter Twenty-One
MATT
I’m nervous. Today’s a huge day. Not only because one of my best friends, Danger, is marrying his girl, Lunar, but also because I’m seeing Madeline again, and to top it off, Alex is meeting Ronan. Why she didn’t meet him prior to today, I’m not sure. Taking your internet date on their first date to your friend’s wedding seems like a big deal to me, so she must care for him more than she’s letting on.
As I run my hands over my tie, making sure it’s straight, I look around my bedroom to ensure it’s clean one last time. If all goes well after the wedding, I’m going to bring Madeline back here to spend some quality alone time getting to know each other. I want the house to look nice and less like a bachelor pad.
I’m picking Madeline up, and we’re heading out for a quick lunch before we drive over to the ceremony. I honestly never thought I’d see the day that Danger tied the knot, not after his ex, Ella, and the fiasco that ensued, but Lunar is perfect for him. I’m glad they found each other, and I’m happy their day is finally here. After everything they’ve been through, I wouldn’t miss this for the world!
Taking one last look around my room, I nod, satisfied, and walk downstairs, giving the ficus a flick as I pass. I pull out my cell and send her a quick message, letting her know I’m on my way.
During the short drive to Madeline’s place, I have the music on loud, pumping through my veins, giving me the courage to be the man I need to be today. Madeline and Alex meeting has me more nervous than anything, and to be honest, if they don’t get along, I’m not sure what I’m going to do.
I arrive at Madeline’s house and jolt back in shock. For a hostess, this place is incredibly nice. I know that’s judgmental of me, but honestly, I didn’t think a waitress could afford such a lavish two-story home as this. It’s huge, almost as big as my place, and I take a deep breath, taking in the sight, wondering if I actually have the correct address.
I glance at the number on the post box, and sure enough, it seems correct. Getting out of the car, I stroll to the front door and ring the doorbell. The door swings open, and Madeline’s wearing a knee-length figure-hugging red dress that reminds me of the dress Julia Roberts wore inPretty Woman,only a little shorter. The sleeves fall off her shoulders, accentuating her beautiful curves. She looks stunning. Jaw-droppingly beautiful. A slow smile creeps up my face, and I shake my head slowly from side to side.
She frowns, running her hands up and down her dress. “Oh, no, you don’t like it?”
I reach out, grabbing her hand. “Just the opposite. You look incredible.”
She blushes, looking down in a shy, embarrassed manner, and I move my hand under her chin, making her look up at me as I stare into her beautiful green eyes.
“You’re incredible, Madeline.”
She sighs with a small smile, then reaches inside to grab her clutch, turns back, and closes the door behind her.
“Thank you. Shall we get some lunch?” she asks.
“Yeah, let’s. But we’d better make it something quick. We have to be at the gardens by one.”
She grabs my hand, and we move off to my car, her heels clicking on the concrete as we walk.
“Okay, where to for lunch?” I ask.
She shrugs. “I’m easy. Somewhere that’s good for you.”
I passed an IHOP just down the road on my way here, that should be good enough to fill the need, so I pull out into traffic. On the short drive, I notice Madeline looking down the road, shifting uncomfortably in her seat while staring at a particular building. It’s unmarked, and I don’t really recognize it as anything, but she quickly looks away as we pass. My forehead puckers in confusion, but I let it slide as I pull into the parking lot to IHOP a block down. Her movements have changed, and she seems slightly agitated like she doesn’t want to be here.
“Are you okay?”
Madeline looks up at me and clearly fake smiles. “Yes, sure. Can we head inside, eat, and then go?”
I screw up my face watching her and nod as I park the car. “Ah… yeah, sure.”
Grabbing a hat, I pull it down, then exit the car as I have no security with me, as they’re all focused on the wedding today. We walk inside and take a seat near the back. Luckily, the restaurant isn’t too crowded, and I attempt to hide myself as much as possible from the other diners. I’m sitting with my back to the rest of the room so no one can see me, while Madeline faces the restaurant, but she seems incredibly uncomfortable. Then it hits me—maybe this is where she works?
As she looks around the restaurant like she’s searching for someone, I reach out and grab her hand. “Madeline, do you work here?” I ask, and she looks at me. Her posture softens as she visibly relaxes.
“No, sorry. I’m okay, I promise. I just want to have a great day with you and your friends. I’m a little nervous.”
