“Can we talk for a moment?” he whispered against her forehead. She nodded, unable to form words just yet. He took her hand in his and turned to Jacqueline, “Ma’am.”
Jacqueline sighed. “Hello, Andrew.”
“Mom, when the oven beeps can you put the yams inside and finish the mashed potatoes?” Madison asked quietly. Jacqueline nodded and waved her off.
Madison led Andrew into the bedroom so they could have some privacy. He immediately sat on the bed and brought her between his legs, wrapping his strong arms around her waist and resting his head against her stomach. Madison’s hands gently ran through his hair, as he pulled her closer to him. They stayed that way for what seemed like an eternity before he gazed up at her, looking very much like a lost little boy, needing reassurance that he was forgiven.
“I’m sorry I walked out like I did.”
“I was trying to help but nothing I was doing was working,” Madison said as she tried to hold back her tears. “I didn’t think you were going to use, I just...” Her words were trapped in her throat.
Andrew stood and held her tightly. “You did nothing wrong. I overreacted. I’m frustrated, Madison. I’m angry that I am craving it after eight years,” he said fiercely. “I’m pissed that I can’t get a grip on this, but I shouldn’t have taken it out on you.”
“I believe in you, Andrew,” Madison said with a raspy breath. “I believe in us.”
“I won’t let you down, Madison,” he bent his knees so that they were eye level. “I won’t do what your father did, I promise you that.” The sincerity in his eyes told Madison everything she needed to know.
“I love you, Andrew,” Madison said before kissing him.
He pulled her onto the bed where he kissed her tenderly, lovingly. His legs encompassed her as he brought her flush against him, unwilling to move away from her. He had spent the last three hours walking around Manhattan. He had called Aaron and then hit a meeting, which had helped. Andrew felt lost and, more importantly, he felt weak. He was frightened that he would succumb to his desire and in turn destroy everything he had with Madison. There was also a part of him, albeit small, that felt he should free Madison from the pain he saw in her eyes when he walked out on her for a simple suggestion. But he wouldn’t let his thoughts linger there because if he did, he could talk himself into doing something that would change their lives forever. He wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize his relationship with Madison.
“We better go out there,” Madison murmured against his lips, bringing him out of his internal turmoil.
He nodded and broke their kiss completely. With a sigh, he rose from the bed and took her hand in his as they walked out to the kitchen. Her mother had brought out the turkey and was placing the yams inside the oven. Not long after, Madison and her mother placed the turkey and all the fixings on the counter, buffet style. Jacqueline then turned to Andrew and handed him the carving knife.
“Would you carve the turkey, Andrew?” Jacqueline asked, glancing at Madison who was smiling brightly.
Jacqueline and her daughter had not seen eye to eye on many things after her father passed away. She recognized that, as a mother, she had been lacking in parental guidance, but John’s death had sucked the life and spirit out of her, something she never got back. After meeting Andrew, the first time, she hadn’t talked to Madison for close to a month and when she had, Madison had been very determined. She had told her in no uncertain terms that Andrew was a part of her and that if she couldn’t accept him then she couldn’t be in her life. Jacqueline had been at a loss but in the end she was not willing to lose her daughter over this man and if that meant that she had to play nice with this Andrew person then she would do it. She watched as he reluctantly carved the turkey. She felt Madison’s eyes on her and quickly shrugged and then offered Andrew a smile of encouragement when he glanced at her for approval.
“Everything looks and smells amazing,” Andrew said as he kissed Madison lightly.
“Thank you, baby,” Madison replied and then glanced at her mom. “It’s been a long time since we did this with all the fixings. We’re going to have leftovers for a month.”
Jacqueline laughed. “Yes, turkey sandwiches for a week.” She touched her daughter’s hand. “It really has been a long time, hasn’t it?”
Madison nodded and then breathed in deeply before motioning to the food. “Dig in, let’s not let it get cold.”
Dinner was filled with laughter and light conversation as Jacqueline asked Andrew questions about his aunt and uncle, his life in California and how he liked New York. Andrew was careful not to mention his time in prison and minimized his homelessness. Madison quickly shifted the conversation back to her mother’s work and then they spoke about the possibility of Madison being promoted. Madison had been extremely nervous about them all being at the table together but it had turned out quite well.
“Excuse me,” Madison said rising and heading to the bathroom.
Jacqueline watched Andrew, whose eyes were following Madison. He smiled as the door shut and then turned to eating his food again. Jacqueline needed to know more details about his addiction but also anticipated that Madison would thwart any conversation that broached the subject. She leaned back slightly and sipped her wine, figuring now was as good a time as any since Madison was out of the room.
“So, Madison tells me you’re an addict,” Jacqueline said, eyeing Andrew as she set her glass down.
Andrew swallowed his food and set his fork down. “Yes, I have used in the past.”
Andrew leaned back in his chair and involuntarily ran his hand over his arm, a nervous habit, but something that Jacqueline picked up on quickly. She breathed out quickly as she distinctly remembered her husband doing that same thing when he thought about using. Her heart started beating swiftly as visions of her husband flashed through her mind, him laughing and smiling, him holding Madison, him making love to her and then the visions morphed into him lying lifeless on their bed, dead from an overdose. Tears filled her eyes as she rose and started for the door just as Madison was walking back into the dining room.
“Mom, what’s going on? Where are you going?” Madison asked confused.
“I... I can’t...” Her mother muttered as she grabbed the doorknob.
Madison turned to Andrew who looked just as confused as Madison, he shrugged his shoulders unsure what had happened. Madison dashed out of the apartment, catching up to her mother at the elevator.
“Mom, wait, what happened?”
Jacqueline turned to her. “You didn’t say he was a heroin addict.”
Madison dropped her head. “I’m sorry. I should have. I wasn’t sure how you would respond.”
The elevator opened and Jacqueline stepped inside. “Your father quit when you were born. Do the math, Madison,” she tossed her hair back, her expression hard. “Andrew’s craving and no matter what you believe, you will never be enough for him.”
Jacqueline pushed the 'close door' button on the panel, hearing her daughter gasp as the doors shut. Jacqueline leaned back against the elevator walls, looking up at the ceiling. Tears were streaking her cheeks as she remembered a love she once had, the pain of burying that love and the hurt at the recognition that she wasn’t able to prevent the inevitable. She wiped under her eyes as the fear that her daughter was following in her footsteps coursed through her.
Madison stared at the closed elevator doors, lost and heartbroken. She turned and slowly walked inside. Andrew was leaning against the countertop, waiting for her. She immediately went to him, praying that she was enough to stop the demons within him from rising again.
10 21 Club
December
The weeks following Thanksgiving were difficult. Madison, in her distraught state, had told Andrew what her mother had said, regretting it the minute the words were out of her mouth. Now Andrew seemed to be in a funk of sorts. He only left the apartment to go to his job. He continued to attend meetings after work but refused to put in any eff
ort to find a sponsor. She was glad that Jayden and Callie would be coming in a few weeks as she hoped that would make him feel better.
Madison was in the bathroom getting ready for her company’s Christmas dinner and reception at the 21 Club. She would have preferred to stay at home in bed with Andrew but this event was required. She was just nervous. Not about Andrew, but about the announcement. Andrew was not really happy about going and even unhappier about the fact that he had to wear a tuxedo. She had forced him out of the house last weekend so that they could shop for said tuxedo, which had proved to be a very interesting day and an even better night. Madison grinned as she leaned in closer to the mirror, applying her lipstick. Madison closed her eyes as she remembered every thrust, every dirty word he said, every... She opened her eyes and shook her head. If she continued down this line of thought, they would never make it tonight. She took a deep, calming breath and stood. She arched her brow at her reflection and brought her hand into the V of her dress to make sure she was secure. She had selected a beautiful red gown, with a plunging neckline and patches of lace along her ribs and over her back. She had gone with a classic up do and subtle makeup with her ‘bring on the night’ red lipstick. She chuckled at her reflection.
“I just hope I don’t fall out of this thing,” she smirked and headed out to the living room.
Andrew was standing near the window, staring out into the night, shifting from one foot to the other. He hated the tuxedo and after much debate, he went with a regular black tie instead of the standard bow tie. In truth, he felt like some kind of a poser that would be outed at any moment and he had a sneaking suspicion who would be the one to do it. He fiddled with his tie again and turned to see Madison walking into the living room in her long red dress. His smile was radiant as he watched her, his eyes hungrily took her in, moving down her long, sumptuous neck, to the V in her dress, down her sexy hips and ending at her ultra-high heels.
“You are breathtaking,” he said as he approached her.
“So are you,” Madison gasped at how incredibly handsome he looked in his tuxedo.
She drew her lip into her mouth before remembering her lipstick and released her lip, still breathing hard. He gave her his trademark playful smirk before offering her his arm. She grinned and linked arms with him as they left the apartment looking like royalty. They had already called for a cab, not wanting to drive tonight as they both planned on drinking. The 21 Club was not too far away so it did not take long to arrive. As they exited, Andrew looked around in awe. There were wrought iron gates around the building and atop of the gates were little jockeys, 21 to be exact. The gold-rimmed glass doors were being held open by a maître'd for another couple entering. Andrew started breathing a little harder, his insecurities about the evening coming forward.
“Did you know that this is one of the oldest clubs in New York?” Madison asked, holding his arm, hoping to ease his discomfort.
“Really?” Andrew asked as the doorman nodded to him, opening the door.
“Yep, it initially started in Greenwich in 1922 but then moved to this location in 1929. It was a very notorious speakeasy during prohibition,” Madison wagged her brows causing Andrew to grin widely. “Rumor has it that whenever they were raided, which was a lot,” she tugged on his arm lightly and he turned to her, “every time they were raided there were all of these levers that would be activated and the shelves of the bar would tip over, dumping all the booze through this chute and into the sewers. Just like in all those old gangster movies,” Madison said giggling, oblivious to the people watching them walk back. “Oh, here’s another neat little tidbit that I think Jayden’s parents would totally enjoy,” Andrew looked at her questioningly, “they supposedly had this secret wine cellar with a hidden door that opened into the building next door. Pretty cool, huh?” Madison asked drawing his eyes away from the many people and the fancy setting.
He nodded, so Madison continued.
“I guess they have a pretty good sized vault that holds or has held the private wine collections of lots of celebrities, like Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly and umm, oh yeah, Marilyn Monroe,” Madison said excitedly.
Andrew laughed. “I bet that Jayden’s parents would sell a kidney to get into that vault.”
“I know it,” Madison chuckled as they made their way to the Orchid Room. “I wonder if they still have any of Sinatra’s reserve in there. My grans would love that.”
“I bet they do,” Andrew said as they entered the Orchid Room.
Madison glanced at Andrew who had stopped at the entrance. He was staring inside the room, his mouth slightly parted with a hesitant look on his face. Madison had effectively distracted him while entering but now he was face to face with the magnitude of what this evening would entail for him. Madison gripped his arm, forcing him to look at her.
“You are perfect, Andrew, and I love you.” He swallowed thickly. Madison sighed, “We’ll try to sit opposite Mr. Turner. Follow his lead. He likes you, Helios. He was pissed at the way Kurtis treated you. He won’t steer you wrong,” Madison said quietly so only he could hear her.
He breathed in deeply and frowned. “People will know I don’t belong here.”
Before Madison could refute that, a hand was placed on his shoulder, “Nonsense,” Grayson said with a smile before turning to Madison. “Ms. Ellis, of course you know my wife Natalie, Natalie this is Andrew Harrison, correct?” Andrew nodded, surprised that he remembered his name.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Andrew,” she then turned to Madison, “Madison, that is a stunning dress.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Turner,” Madison smiled.
“You two sit at our table,” Grayson insisted, wanting to be sure that Madison was close by for the announcement but also so he could keep an eye on Kurtis so they didn’t have a repeat of what occurred at the M Bar.
The room was set up with one long table and several smaller tables nearby. The tablecloths were of fine white linen that was elegant to behold. White china, sterling silver dinnerware and fine crystal glasses were set before each plush chair. The centerpieces were a beautiful arrangement of white carnations with smaller crystal bowls along them that housed smaller red and white poinsettia plants. The flower arrangements dispersed throughout the room housed elegant orchids and the walls displayed several pen and ink drawings of the same flowers. Located behind the head table was a bar where people could order whatever they wanted. Mr. Turner directed Madison and Andrew to the chairs next to him and his wife.
“Grayson, Natalie,” Nolan said, offering Natalie a quick kiss on her cheek. “You look very lovely this evening.” Nolan smiled and stepped back. “This is Leanne Mills. Leanne, this is my partner and his wife. And this is Ms. Ellis and,” he acted as if he didn’t remember Andrew’s name, which garnered the angry expression from Madison that he wanted. Then he snapped his fingers, “Andrew, right?”
“Yes, it’s Andrew. It’s good to see you again, Mr. Crawford,” Andrew said, trying to mask his annoyance.
Nolan chuckled and walked Leanne to the chair’s opposite of Grayson and Natalie, letting his eyes linger on Madison longer than what would be deemed socially appropriate and then smirked at Andrew as he offered Leanne a seat. Madison could feel Andrew tense up and quickly brought her hand to his thigh and started rubbing up and down, but it wasn’t until she allowed her fingers to graze his crotch that he turned from Nolan. He arched his brow slightly and was unable to stop his lips from forming that lustful smile she adored. Madison gave him a shy little smirk as if she were doing nothing unusual under the table.
“Do you think they would mind if we left right now?” Andrew muttered as his lips touched her temple.
Madison brought her hand to his face and nodded. “I think they might.”
“Yeah, I thought so too,” he said finally smiling.
Soon, many others came in and much to Madison and Andrew’s dismay, Nolan rose and directed Kurtis and his date to sit next to him and Leanne, effectively placing t
hem across from the now restless couple. Nolan, being the game player he was, thoroughly enjoyed watching Andrew and Kurtis eyeing each other throughout dinner. At one point, he couldn’t contain his laughter and when he had glanced at his partner, Grayson’s scowl told him they would be 'talking' again soon. Nolan looked away and quickly took a sip of his wine remembering the last time they had 'talked' after Grayson had effectively caught him eyeing Madison inappropriately at Kurtis’ promotion party at the bar. Nolan heard Grayson move, and as he glanced at him, Grayson motioned for him to stand as well. Andrew looked at Madison, who seemed to suddenly be nervous. She had been told two days ago that she received the promotion and she had told Andrew immediately. He was excited for her but Madison got the impression that there was something else going on as well, something he didn’t want to talk about.
“As many of you know, we have been in the process of looking for a managing supervisor for our Wall Street office. After a tireless search, we have made a selection. Madison, please stand,” Mr. Turner said, motioning to her.
Madison glanced at Andrew and he nodded slightly as she rose. Andrew watched as Mr. Turner went on about Madison’s skills and what made her stand out as a candidate for the position. To anyone else, Madison appeared calm, but Andrew could tell that she was anything but that. Andrew wasn’t able to take his eyes off of her, the way her unsteady breaths made her chest heave slightly, the pearly white skin showing underneath the lace on her dress begging him to touch it, her dark lips that he wanted to kiss desperately and her deep chocolate eyes that he consistently got lost in. He was aware of other people in his periphery but, to him, the only person in the room was her. That was until he felt a cold bucket of water being dumped over his head, in the form of Nolan’s arrogant voice speaking.
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