Jared watched her for a reaction. Madison shifted in her seat. “My, uh, parents died in a car crash. I don’t have any other family.”
She was lying, he had no doubt in his mind. But, from the way she’d acted earlier, he was guessing there was a good reason she didn’t want her family around.
“Oh, I’m so sorry.” Irene clutched at the scarf around her neck. “That’s terrible.”
Patricia clasped Madison’s hand. “You poor thing. Surely you must have friends you’d like to invite?”
Madison nodded. “I do. My best friend, Carrie. I’ll explain to her what’s going on. I’m sure she’ll want to be there.”
Patricia wrote something on her notepad, then turned to him. “What about you? Who do you want to invite?”
The shocking realization he had no friends crashed through him. The only people he associated with were people who worked for him. They kowtowed to him when he was near, and he was sure they gossiped about him when he was not. Even Darlene hated him. “No,” he muttered. “I just want family there.”
No one questioned him. Patricia jotted down something else. “I’d like Angela and Casey to be my bridesmaids.” She continued to talk about things he couldn’t care less about, and he found his mind wandering.
He studied Madison, sitting with her ankles crossed, her soft hair brushing against her shoulders. He found it difficult not to stare at her slender waist and her shapely legs.
“Don’t you think so, Jared?”
His head snapped up. What had they said? Should he nod? Or admit to not hearing the question? Patricia stared at him, waiting for a response.
“Yeah. Sounds good.”
Patricia smiled. “Great. We’ll all write our own vows, then.”
He held in a groan. Sure, he had to pick that moment to drift off. How in the world was he going to write fake vows for his big, fat, fake wedding?
He sank into the couch, and he was sure he heard a giggle coming from Madison. This was going to be a very long two weeks.
A TRIO OF MANNEQUINS dressed in flowing white dresses posed in the window display, surrounded by flowers, tulle, and satin. Madison gulped, while Patricia let out a little squeal of glee. “I can’t believe I’m shopping for my wedding dress. It’s so exciting, isn’t it?” She ushered her into the shop, Irene close on their heels.
The door chimed as they entered. The first thing Madison noticed was the total lack of wedding dresses. Then the plush seating, textured cream wallpaper, and crystal sconces came into view. Her throat went dry. This was no discount store. A saleswoman walked up to them. She peered down her nose at Madison. “Welcome to Claire’s. How may I help you today?”
Irene stepped forward. “These two lovely young women would like to try on some wedding dresses.”
The woman eyed Irene’s designer clothes and plastered on a smile. “Of course. Come, have a seat.”
A man in a tux held out a silver tray. “Champagne, ladies?”
They sat sipping their drinks while the sales attendants brought out the most beautiful dresses Madison had ever seen. Patricia’s excitement and the royal treatment from the staff calmed her nerves. By the time she picked a few dresses to try on, she was a little excited herself.
Sure, this wasn’t a real wedding, but playing the part of a bride would be fun. And Jared would make a great groom. Imagining him in a tux, clean shaven and pulling her close for a dance, weakened her knees.
The first two dresses didn’t fit right, but she didn’t mind because her favorite was the third. She zipped up the dress and stepped out of the stall. The attendant led her to the mirror room so she could see it from every angle. She stood in the middle of the room and stared at her reflection.
The dress hugged her waist and accentuated her curves. With the right amount of lace and beads, it screamed understated beauty. Her heart fluttered. This was the perfect dress.
Patricia and Irene entered. Patricia covered her mouth with her hand and gasped. “Madison, it’s gorgeous!”
Irene beamed. “You look so beautiful. Jared’s going to fall over when he sees you.”
Madison lifted her arm and flipped over the tag. She choked. Nine thousand dollars? She couldn’t afford that! All she had to her name was the check Jared had given her. And $500 was already promised to Carrie for her half of the rent. What was she doing? This was never going to work.
She shook her head. “I’m sorry, this isn’t the dress for me.”
Irene and Patricia exchanged glances. Then Irene put her hand on her back. “Don’t worry about the money. I’d like to pay for it.”
Madison stared at Irene. Was she serious? Did she know how much the dress cost?
“I don’t have a little girl of my own, and it would mean a lot to me if you let me do this for you.” Her eyes darkened with emotion. “I’ve always wanted a daughter. I’m so lucky you’re joining the family.”
Blood rushed through her ears, and she felt like she was going to faint. “I don’t know what to say.” How could she let this woman pay nine thousand dollars for a dress when the whole wedding was a farce? She couldn’t do that. She’d feel terrible, knowing the money was going down the drain.
Irene smiled. “You don’t have to say anything. I know we’ve only just met, but I feel like you’re already an important part of the family. I see the way Jared looks at you. You make him happy, honey. That’s worth so much more than the price of this dress.”
“I’m sure we can find a cheaper one.”
A frown crossed Irene’s face. “But this one...look at it. So beautiful. It looks like it was made for you.” Irene put her arm around Madison and gave her a small hug. “I know this rushed wedding can’t be what you imagined, but if you can’t have the wedding of your dreams, at least you can have the perfect dress.”
“But I—”
“Not another word.” Irene motioned to the sales woman. “We’ll take it.”
Madison swallowed. What was she going to do? Maybe she could pay Irene back. After she found a job, of course. She’d save up. Maybe even sell the dress. Yes, she’d find a way to give the money back.
“Thank you,” she whispered, emotion making it difficult to speak. Irene was welcoming her into the family, no questions asked, no conditions. Just open arms. The feelings this brought to the surface were strong, and Madison struggled to bury them. This was only an acting job, she reminded herself. This wasn’t going to be her real family.
Ten minutes later, they were leaving the dress shop with two wedding dresses ordered. Even though it was getting to be late in the day, the August heat hit them when they stepped outside. Patricia couldn’t stop talking about the wedding, and her excited chatter made Madison feel a little better.
As they pulled up to the house, Patricia sucked in a quick breath.
“What?” Irene asked.
Patricia, staring out the passenger window, narrowed her eyes. “That’s Veronica’s car.” A yellow Jaguar convertible sat on the driveway.
Madison wasn’t sure if she should know who that was, but decided to take the chance and ask. “Who’s Veronica?”
Patricia turned a serious face to her. “Jared hasn’t told you?”
“Um, I don’t think so.”
“That’s not good.” She chewed on a fingernail, worry lines etched into her forehead. “She’s Jared’s ex. Come on, we’d better go inside. I’ll tell you about her later.”
Patricia hopped out of the car and dragged Madison up the walkway and through the house. They found Jared in the living room, sitting on the couch next to a busty brunette wearing cute shorts and a trendy top. Gold bangles jingled on her arms. Her legs were crossed, and her feet were adorned with expensive-looking strappy heels. She was draped over him, and they were looking at what appeared to be a high-school yearbook.
“Remember that? I can’t believe your hair.” She laughed, a deep throaty sound.
“Hey, it was cool back then.” He blushed.
Patricia folded
her arms. “Veronica, what brings you here?”
The sound of her voice made them both jump, and Jared’s blush deepened. He stood. “Um, Veronica, I’d like you to meet Madison, my fiancée.” He rushed over and put his arm around her waist.
Veronica closed the yearbook and stood. “Aw, she’s adorable.” Her gaze flickered over Patricia. “Good to see you again, Patty.”
Patricia stiffened.
Veronica fanned herself. “Jared, I’m a bit hot. Do you mind being a sweetie and getting me a glass of ice water?”
“Sure.” Jared left the room.
Veronica meandered over to Patricia, doing a perfect hip-swaying thing. Long red fingernails adorned her hands, which she rested on her hips. “You look good, Patty. Love the haircut. Have you lost weight? You looked a little porky last time I saw you.” Her gaze turned to Madison. “And Maddie.” She said it like she might address a child. “You’re nothing like I thought you’d be. Jared usually goes for the more...sophisticated type.”
Patricia’s lips tightened into a thin line. “Veronica—”
“Don’t worry. I won’t get in the way of your wedding plans. I know you have lots to do, with such a rush and all.” She eyeballed Madison. “I’m sure there’s a good reason for the quickie wedding.” She patted Madison’s belly, tsked, then crossed the room.
Madison was too stunned to make a sound, her throat closing. Red flamed Patricia’s cheeks. “That’s not why—”
“You don’t have to explain to me, hon.”
Jared came back with a glass of ice water and gave it to Veronica. “Here you go.”
She took a small sip. “Thank you, darling. You’re a life saver.” She brazenly kissed him on the cheek. “I must be going now. I’ll show myself out.” She handed him the glass and sashayed out of the room.
Everyone seemed to be in a trance until the front door slammed.
“Of all the...” Patricia rounded on Jared. “Why did you let her in here?”
“Don’t be rude. Just because you don’t like her—”
“Don’t like her? You should have heard what she said. She’s mean, Jared.”
He frowned. “She was pleasant. You shouldn’t let past quarrels get in the way of how you treat people.”
Patricia huffed. “Why was she even here?”
Irene came into the room and set her purse down on a chair. “I take it that was Veronica?”
Jared cleared his throat. “Yes. She stopped by. I guess she saw me out shopping so she knew I was in town.”
Patricia rolled her eyes. “Great. I suppose you invited her to the wedding?”
“What was I supposed to do? She’s an old friend.”
Patricia muttered something under her breath and stomped out of the room.
Jared looked so uncomfortable, Madison decided not to ask any questions. It wasn’t like she really was his fiancée, anyway. None of her business. So what if he was into this Vanessa, or whatever her name was. She didn’t care.
She peered up at Jared and noted his strong jawline and high cheekbones. He really was a handsome man. And he deserved to find happiness. There was no reason he shouldn’t be involved with someone.
Then why did she feel this unbearable jealousy streaming through her?
Chapter 9
Jared stood at the sink, brushing his teeth. The bathroom door was closed, the only thing separating him from Madison. She was in the guest bedroom changing into some of Irene’s silky nightwear. He tried not to think about it...just kept scrubbing away. After he had the cleanest teeth in town, he rinsed, spit, and dried off his face.
Was she done changing? He didn’t want to barge in on her. He paced the bathroom for a minute, then tentatively knocked on the door.
“Come in,” her soft voice called.
He opened the bathroom door. She was in the bed, the covers tucked up to her neck, and laying so close to the edge she had to have one cheek off.
He suppressed a laugh. “Don’t worry. I’ll sleep on the floor.”
Relief flooded her face. “Thanks.”
The closet contained a quilt and an extra pillow, which he plopped down in the floor next to the bed. He smoothed out the quilt, then sat down. Not very comfortable, but it was the honorable thing to do.
“Nice pajamas,” she said with a giggle in her voice. She was peering down at him over the edge of the bed, her hair falling forward, a cute half-grin on her face.
Jared looked down at the dark blue material. It wouldn’t be so bad if it didn’t have orange fish with kissy lips all over it. “Yeah. I’m sure Dad gave me these to embarrass me.”
“Where does one even purchase fish pajamas?”
He chuckled. “Off the half-price rack, I’m sure.”
Her laughter bubbled up, and Jared realized he liked the sound. She didn’t politely twitter like many of the girls he’d dated. She wasn’t afraid to let it loose. The sound comforted him. Let him know she wasn’t trying to hold back. She was being real with him.
He climbed under the blanket and tried to find a comfortable position on the pillow. She propped her head up with her hand, her elbow on the bed. Her gaze flickered over him.
“What?”
“Nothing. Just wondering what you were like as a kid. You’re so serious most of the time. Surely you weren’t always like that.”
“I’m not serious. I’m practical. There’s a difference. And yes, I was practical as a kid.”
She crinkled her eyebrows. “You didn’t do regular kid stuff? Sledding down the monster hill up the street? Playing tag? Dancing in the rain?”
“Sure, I did regular kid stuff. I went sledding and played tag. But I can’t say I’ve ever danced in the rain. That’s stupid.”
“Oh, you’re missing out.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Really? Sounds like an idiotic thing to do.”
Madison got a faraway look on her face. “There’s something freeing about being outside in nature, gentle drops falling from the sky, and letting yourself go. You find the rhythm of heaven.”
“Hmm. And here I thought you’d just look like a nutcase to your neighbors.”
She laughed, then reached over and turned the switch on the lamp. Darkness filled the room. “Good night.”
Soft sounds of her getting situated in the bed came to him. Then silence.
He stared at the ceiling, or at least, what would have been the ceiling if it wasn’t pitch black. It was odd, staring into nothing. And odd to know a couple of feet away from him lay Madison.
He felt a weird giddiness thinking about her. What was wrong with him? She was not like any girl he’d ever known. She was kind, yet feisty and witty. She made him want to be around her. When he touched her, there were definite sparks. They had chemistry, no doubt. But something more than the physical attraction was there. He genuinely liked her. That hadn’t happened in a long time. It made him want to get to know her better.
“Madison?” he asked, softly.
“What?”
“Tell me about your family.”
More rustling came, and then silence. It stretched so long, he thought maybe she’d fallen asleep. Then she spoke. “My mother abandoned me when I was a baby.”
When she didn’t say anything else, he rolled onto his side. “So, you’re adopted?”
A bitter laugh. “No, my mother would never do anything as noble as letting a family adopt me.”
More silence. He got the feeling this was hard for her to talk about. But he wanted to know, so he probed again. “What did she do?”
“She pawned me off on Grandma. Just left me there. Said she was going to the store. Didn’t come back.”
He felt sick. Having dealt with his own abandonment issues, he knew what it could do to a person. “Why did she do that?”
“The party life was too appealing. Didn’t like to be tied down. Having a child cramped her style.”
“You never saw her again?”
“I wish. At least that would have been toler
able. I’d see her every few months or so. She’d come around when she was out of money. Wasted, and smelling like cigarettes and cheap booze. She’d pretend to be happy to see me. Fawn all over me, hugging me and telling me how proud she was of me. But I knew. She hated me. I could see it in her eyes. I had ruined her life.” Emotion tinged her words. “And Grandma could never say no to her. She’d always give her money, and as soon as she got what she wanted, she’d be gone again.”
Jared tried to imagine what it would be like to have a parent like that. Of all the stepmothers he’d had, none of them ever showed him anything but kindness. Even when he was terrible to them. “What about your father?”
“I never knew him. I doubt my mother even knows who he is.”
“Do you and your grandmother have a good relationship?”
“She died when I was sixteen, but yeah, she made things bearable. She taught me to look on the bright side of life. But she was old, and she had health problems. After she died, I spent a couple of years in the foster care system. My own mother came to court and signed away the rights to me. Like she was selling an old piano she didn’t want anymore.” Her voice broke, and he knew she was crying.
An incredible urge to put his arms around her and hold her overcame him. But he couldn’t. So he lay there instead. “I’m sorry.” His words sounded hollow.
He heard movement. Maybe she was wiping away tears. “Don’t be. I’m better off without family. My mother’s probably sprawled out on someone’s kitchen floor right now, too stoned to know what day it is. My father doesn’t even know I exist. Another party animal, I’m sure. No, I’m fine the way I am. I worked my way through college. Even got some acting experience. And after I get a job and save up some more money, I’ll go back to Hollywood and try again. You’ll see me in the movies someday. I’ll make something out of my life.”
“I know you will.” He had no doubt about it. “You’re ambitious and tenacious. You’ll succeed at whatever you put your mind to.”
“Thanks, Jared.” Her voice was so low, he almost couldn’t hear it. “That means a lot to me.”
[Anthology] A Clean Fake Marriage Romance Collection Page 6