by Nicole Reed
“It’s not like that with Kylie. She’s a cool chick that cares about you. Yeah, I contacted her to enlist her help with trying to corral you, but she is doing it for you and not me. And this last year, has been all about you. I fucking wish I could find someone to replace you, but no one comes close. Is that what you want to hear, Madison?” I want whatever this is between her and I to last so, I give her honesty.
“Why?” I hear her voice meekly ask.
“I don’t know,” I say, rising and then walking to where she is sitting. Standing over her, while she rigidly sits in the chair, I stare down. I reach to grasp a soft curl of hair that lays against her collarbone. This time, I slowly lower my mouth to hers. At first her silky lips don’t respond, but then after several light nips and kisses, she opens. Our tongues touch for an instant before she pulls back and her palm collides with my cheek.
Slap. The sound echo’s against the small walls. Lifting my hand to rub my face, I stand to look down at her. Again, instead of thinking how I don’t need crazy in my life, I remember the sweet flavor of her lips. She gave me a taste of her, and now, I’m hooked like a junky needing his next fix. I want to grab her up to me and show her how little that slap meant, but I restrain myself.
My tongue comes out to trace my lips, and her eyes follow every movement. I see her take a deep swallow. With one last long look at her, I walk back over to sit on my coat.
“My boyfriend will kill you for this,” her voice waivers with anger.
“Yeah, you tell little Lil Rip I’ll be waiting.” I’m not scared of that two-bit hack. Stretching my legs out in front of me, I rest my back against the wall, and look at her. “You know, Madison, you date these guys that you know your father wouldn’t like. What I haven’t figured out is, why do you date the ones that are obviously like him? You see, me, I’m nothing like your father. I keep my promises.”
Glaring at me, I see the tears in her eyes, “I would tell you to shut the fuck up, but I’m a lady. Wait, no I’m not, so shut the fuck up. And for the record…” she begins and then stops to look at the door.
I hear someone fumbling with the handle, which is probably a blessing, because I’m two seconds from losing my shit in front of Madison. When it swings open, Kylie steps in the doorway, with two guys standing behind her. One is dressed like he hasn’t changed in days and the other is in a tux. He looks familiar. Football player maybe?
Madison stands quickly and storms towards Kylie. I can’t hear what she is furiously whispering, but she finishes and pushes Kylie out of the way to rush out. Never once looking back at me. I watch her run out of my life and wonder if it will be for the last time. Kylie looks crushed. Damn, now I feel bad for what I’ve pushed her to do.
Slowly rising off the floor, I reach for my coat and sling it with my finger over my shoulder. Walking directly to Kylie, I lean down and kiss her soft cheek. I notice both men tense up at my close contact. Wow, the girl’s got more problems than I do.
Madison is hard on the ego and the heart. Smiling as best as I can, I tell her, “I appreciate everything that you did for her and me. You have a friend for life. Anything, and I do mean anything, you ever need, call me.” I can see the questions in her light green eyes, so close to Madison’s. I shake my head, because I can’t talk about it right now. Sighing, I walk by her. Looking up at the guy that I somehow seem to know, I nod, noticing the pain in his eyes. “I can relate, dude,” I want to tell him, but walk silently by instead.
Strolling down the hallway, I have no idea what the resolution is supposed to be between Madison and I. Hell, I don’t even know if there is one. What I do know, is even after what just happened, I still want the little vixen. Somehow, I will find a way into that cagey heart of hers and God help her when I do, because I’m not coming out.
Thank you to all the readers who have supported me on this incredible journey. This was a complete hoot to write. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
To all the bloggers who have supported me. Many of you, I call friend and it’s been my greatest pleasure getting to know you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. We are friends regardless if you like anything I write or not!! I respect the craft.
My partner in crime – Trina. If it wasn’t for a “little” blog that Maryse started, I wouldn’t know that a friendship that began online, could mean so much to me. You are, and will always be, the coolest chick EVER!! Thank you for the late night talks, the excessive re-reads, editing, crazy talks, emotional benders, and my favorite…our love of books. I ALWAYS will have your back!!! Count on it!!
To Hang Le – It’s not just about the cover, but damn girl….you ROCKED that out!!! Our friendship that also began on THE BLOG, means more to me than you will ever know!! You are extremely talented and I can’t wait to see what your future holds!! Big LOVE!!
Kirsten – Your support means the world to me!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the time you took to read Cake. I can’t thank you enough for the feedback.
To Erinn, Lynn, Hang, Kirsten, and Trina for taking the time to edit and help revamp Cake. Big, BIG THANK YOU to Jovana for her formatting services. Also, thank you to Gino for the use of his fabulous picture.
Erin Noelle, Ena, Denise Tung, Denise Sprung, Kathy Womack, Becky N., Ali, Melissa, Larissa, Ela, Cheri, Paula, Brenda Poetker, Laura Bierney and all the incredible writers that support one another. You guys are amazing and I can’t wait to meet each of you in person.
Thank you to a very special lady, Belinda Gibbons. Your story is one of complete bravery and continues to inspire me in my own life. You will always hold a special place in my heart.
I love angst....I thrive on it, but only the fictional kind. I adore a story that grips the reader from the beginning and doesn't let go...EVER. I'm an avid reader who just recently discovered my love of writing. My favorite things in life include my three wild & crazy kids, Reese’s Pieces, and every genre of music. Please come find me @ nicolereedbooks.com or www.facebook.com/nicolereedauthor