by Beth Carter
Adam chuckled. “Sounds like a good grandma. Do you want to meet at the restaurant or shall I pick you up?”
Pictures of her lower middle-class neighborhood and aging duplex flooded her mind. What if he thinks I’m not good enough to date? “I’ll meet you.”
Adam shoved a hand in his tailored pocket, retrieved his car key, and placed it on the table. “That’s fine. You barely know me after all.”
Madison noticed the BMW logo on his key fob. A BMW is a far cry from my Camry.
As they strode toward their respective cars, they agreed on a time to meet the following evening. Tugging on her sweatshirt so the sleeves would cover more of her hands, Madison stared at the sky. “I wish it would snow. It should snow around Christmas.”
“I agree. I love snow. Maybe I can show your daughter how to build a snowman—or snowwoman.” He chuckled.
Madison couldn’t believe her ears but she never let men get close to her daughter. Certainly not this soon. She simply grinned as they stood near her Camry. Then, the day’s events overcame her. Standing on tiptoes, she awkwardly hugged Adam and kissed his cheek. “Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. I’ll never forget what you did. You’ve made Betsy’s Christmas. I’m forever grateful.”
Adam’s golden eyes sparkled with obvious delight. “My pleasure. It’s not every day that I get to be a real life Santa. It feels good. I hope I get to meet the little girl who has such an amazing mother.”
Madison shifted her purse to her other shoulder, stalling. She had to vet Adam fully and then some before he could be around Betsy. Besides, she didn’t want to get Betsy’s hopes up for a “new daddy,” which was the term Betsy had used for her last boyfriend. She didn’t want to offend Adam but her daughter came first and always would. “You’ll probably meet her someday. She has a busy little schedule for such a young girl.”
Adam leaned against her car. “I’m glad she’s involved. That’s important. I’m also glad you’re protective of your daughter. You’re a good mom.” He glanced at his watch. “I need to run. Let’s meet at seven o’clock tomorrow night in the lobby of the Redbud Hotel downtown. I’ll give you a tour either before or after dinner.”
Madison grinned. “I can’t wait to see it and I promise I won’t wear a sweatshirt.”
He opened her door. “Wear whatever you want.”
Madison climbed inside after they exchanged good-byes. As she drove off, she smiled to herself knowing she’d tear her closet apart in search of the perfect outfit.
CHAPTER 7
The next evening Madison swung the door open wide as her mother, Carol, arrived.
Carol crossed the living room and enveloped her granddaughter in a giant hug. “Want to make cookies tonight?”
“Yes, Grandma. Chocolate chip, pweaze.” Betsy jumped up and down. “Can we watch a movie, too?”
“We’ll do whatever you want, Sugar Plum.” She patted Betsy on the head and followed Madison into her bedroom. Carol closed the door. “Now, hear me out, Maddie. I know you’ve been fretting about that layaway, and now that you’ve lost your job, well . . . you need help. I want Betsy to have a good Christmas. Let me help you pay for it.”
Madison began to speak but her mother raised one hand as she reached inside her mammoth purse with the other. “Lisa told me you both lost your jobs. Why you didn’t tell me yourself is beyond me.”
Carol shook her head. “You’re supposed to tell your mother everything.” She swished her hand inside her purse until she finally retrieved her worn, green wallet. “Here it is.”
Madison’s heart swelled from her mother’s kind gesture. “Thanks, Mom, but no.” She tapped the green wallet. “I didn’t tell you because of this. I knew you’d worry yourself sick. You’re on a fixed income and need every penny for yourself.”
Carol stared at her daughter. “Why are you so happy after losing your job? I thought you’d be in tears.”
“Oh, I’m definitely upset about my job but I’m excited about Christmas.”
Carol’s brows furrowed. “What about Betsy’s toys?”
Madison grinned. “Her toys are in my trunk. The layaway has been paid.”
Her mother’s mouth fell open. “Paid? How? Did you already find another job?”
Madison shook her head. “Nope, I just lost my job. I’ve barely had time to look for openings online. Besides, you’ll never believe me about her toys.”
Carol put her hands on her hips as she gave Madison the all-knowing mother face. “Stop being so secretive and answer my question.”
Madison leaned forward and whispered, “Santa came to my rescue.”
“Santa?”
Madison bobbed her head. “Yep. That’s my nickname for Adam.”
Carol’s eyebrows shot up. “Adam? Who’s Adam?”
Madison turned her attention to the clothes spread out on her bed. “He’s a stranger who paid for my layaway. I’m going to dinner with him tonight. That’s why you’re babysitting Betsy.”
Carol sat on the bed and rearranged herself so she was eye to eye with Madison. She put her hands on her daughter’s shoulders. “A stranger? Why would a stranger pay your bill? I’m not sure about this.”
Madison chewed on a freshly painted pink fingernail. “He’s a very nice man. He grew up poor and now has a successful career as an architect. Adam apparently overheard my drawn out, teary discussion with the layaway clerk, stepped in, and paid the total owed on the bill.” She grinned. “He even helped carry the toys out to my car.”
Obviously wary, Carol folded her arms. “Are you sure he doesn’t have an ulterior motive?”
“I don’t think so. I’ll be careful, Mom. Try not to worry. We had lunch together after we left Target. Adam told me his story while we ate. He said he likes to pay it forward.” Madison shrugged. “I’ve stopped questioning his motives. Just be thankful. It’s the holidays, after all.”
Carol whistled. “That’s something. Really something. I’d call him ‘Santa’, too. In that case, wear a nice dress tonight. Actually, I can spend the night if you want to stay out late.”
Madison laughed. “I see you’ve already changed your tune. Thanks, Mom.” She kissed her cheek and pointed toward the clothes on her bed. “Now, help me decide. What do you think about this dress?”
She held up a V-neck black dress with a lace overlay. “Or this one?” Madison waved a silky, red dress with a flirty, wavy hem in the air.
“Definitely the red one.” Carol stepped across the bedroom. “I’m going to turn the oven on while you get ready. Betsy wants to bake cookies later.” She tapped the door frame. “Add some blingy jewelry, too.”
Madison chose a gold statement necklace that she had bought for her office Christmas party the previous year. It would be nice to have another opportunity to wear it. Glancing at the shoes in her small, crowded closet, she wondered if she should wear black or nude heels. She chose nude. After carefully applying makeup and spritzing perfume on her wrists, she sorted through her meager pile of purses and grabbed a small gold handbag. She thrust red lipstick, a compact, wallet, and cell phone into the tiny purse before twirling in front of the mirror. Not bad. She did a little curtsy. I almost feel like Cinderella.
CHAPTER 8
When Madison appeared in the living room, Carol let out a wolf whistle that would put a construction worker to shame.
Betsy clapped her tiny hands together. “Mommy’s pretty.”
“I’d say,” Carol said.
Madison twirled around. “I’m glad you both approve. Wish me luck.”
Betsy tugged on her Madison’s red dress. “Where ya goin’, Mommy?”
Madison never lied to her daughter but also didn’t want to answer fifty questions. “I’m going on a tour of a new hotel and to dinner with a friend.”
“Okay. Bye.” Betsy turned toward the television to yet again fulfill her seemingly endless fascination with Frozen.
“Bye, sweet girl.” Madison kissed the top of Betsy’s curls and
squeezed her mother’s hand. “See you later. I love you both.”
Carol winked. “No rush, sweetie.” She patted her apron pocket. “I’ll have my cell at my side if you need me. Have fun.”
When Madison approached the highway, her eyes bulged at the heavy traffic and endless car lights. She wished she hadn’t spent so much time dressing. The last thing she wanted was to be late. After a few minutes, she circled the downtown parking garage which appeared to be packed with holiday shoppers. When she spotted a car’s back-up lights, she raced to get the spot. After parking, she powdered her nose and felt wobbly from nerves as she rushed toward the hotel entrance.
A never-ending line of people stood in front of the elevator. She glanced around the concrete garage and spotted a stairwell. Hoping her heels wouldn’t break since she was far more accustomed to wearing sneakers and scrubs, Madison headed for the stairs. Her heels clacked on the hard steps. After several flights, she bent over to catch her breath. The combination of the cold air, plus the stair workout, coupled with her nerves, made her feel twice her age.
When she spotted the entrance to the Redbud Canyon Hotel, she slowed her pace. The exquisite double doors and sparkling, cascading bubble chandelier beckoned her. Giant gold and silver wreaths the size of a small car hung on each door.
The second she entered the gleaming foyer, the tone was set for an upscale experience. Mouth agape, Madison stood in place to take in the hotel’s beauty which featured floor-to-ceiling glass, marble columns, unique paintings, and sculptures.
I’m not sure I fit in here. Once this architect sees my house, this relationship will be o-v-e-r before it begins. Her insecurities rose to the top as her heart pounded. Almost losing her nerve, she grasped her faded, worn leather handbag as if it were a life ring thrown into the ocean.
Madison felt like one of the many marble columns—without the splendor—until a smiling Adam waved to her and immediately calmed her nerves.
Seated in a round, leather chair near the circular bar, he stood and headed in her direction. Madison blew out a deep, cleansing breath, held her head high, and strode across the lobby like she owned the place. She was sick and tired of being intimidated by everyone and everything. On the drive over, she had made a pledge to rid herself of the past and to create a hopeful future. Somehow.
As they stood face to face, Adam’s eyes widened. “Wow. You’re a knockout, even more beautiful than I remember.”
Madison winked. “A pretty dress does wonders.”
“You don’t need a beautiful dress to be pretty but it’s very nice. Care for a glass of wine before I give you a tour?”
She bobbed her head. “I’d love a merlot.”
Adam ordered one for himself and motioned toward two leather club chairs.
Madison glanced at the expansive lobby. A cascading waterfall had been placed strategically in the middle of the biggest wall. Gigantic chandeliers created dancing lights on the Italian tile. Rustic beams were strategically placed, and lights on the floor surrounding the tiled bar changed from pink to green to blue. She shook her head. “You designed this?”
He nodded. “Yep.”
“This is extraordinary.”
Adam beamed. “Thanks. The owner had a vision. She wanted a combination of modern, Italian, and rustic. She gave me strict instructions that her boutique hotel should not be reminiscent of a chain hotel with a breakfast bar off the lobby. You won’t find any waffle makers here.”
Madison giggled. “I rather like waffles.”
“So do I. They’re available in the restaurant.”
Studying the spacious lobby, Madison said, “I’m teasing. Go on. Tell me about the renovation. I’d never know this was the same downtown hotel.”
Pointing toward the windows, Adam said, “She loves A-frames, so I incorporated several angles using repurposed wood from this area. The theme you’ll notice is angles combined with circles and lots of water.” He chuckled. “I’m pretty sure I drove the framers and roofers nuts.”
“I can’t imagine being an architect.”
“I can’t imagine staring into other people’s mouths all day.”
Madison laughed. “It isn’t so bad. I love—I mean I loved my job. I already miss it.”
Adam frowned. “That’s rough—especially around the holidays. I’m sorry you lost your job.”
“Me, too, but let’s talk about other things tonight. Tell me more about the hotel.”
He pointed toward a variety of paintings. “See those. That was my idea.”
Her eyebrows shot up. “You paint, too?”
He grinned. “On a good day, I could paint stick people. No, I meant I had the idea to invite local artists to showcase their paintings and sculptures. We even held a contest prior to the grand opening. The owner loved the idea and it brought in a lot of traffic from the artists, sculptors, their friends, and family members. Everyone wanted to see their work in the new hotel.”
“What a wonderful idea.” Madison stared at the paintings. “Now, I see why the styles vary so much. I’m sure the artists were thrilled. You really are a nice guy, aren’t you?”
Adam shrugged. “I try.”
As she sipped her merlot, Madison observed the crowd. Couples chatted, professionally dressed singles bellied up to the bar, a name-tag-wearing group laughed and talked over one another, college kids had their faces buried in their Smart phones and laptops, and two guys walked by with striped burgundy and white towels wrapped around their bodies. Their tell-tale wet hair indicated a pool was nearby.
“This is stunning. I can see why you’re proud of it. And-” she motioned with her hand toward the many guests “-the hotel is obviously popular with a variety of customers.” Madison extended her wine glass. “Congratulations.”
Adam clinked her glass. “Here’s to meeting strangers at Target.”
She giggled. “Cheers to that. What were you doing at Target anyway? Somehow, I doubt that you were getting items out of layaway.”
“I didn’t even know they had a layaway department. I was in the sports department near layaway.” Adam sipped his wine before explaining. “I’m on the Boys Town board. I was buying new basketballs. Those kids go through basketballs like nobody’s business but they’re worth it.”
Can this guy get any nicer? “I guess there’s no end to your charitable work.”
Adam peered over his wineglass. “I can be selfish. I like nice things for myself, too.”
“Don’t we all?” Madison noticed his bare wedding ring finger. It hadn’t occurred to her until this moment that he could be married. She remembered he said something over lunch about being unlucky in love. He could be a nice guy but a cheat. That’s what she seemed to attract—cheaters or liars. Madison studied the well-dressed, handsome man.
He almost seemed too good to be true and she knew all about that old adage. Narrowing her eyes, she remembered her pep talk to herself and decided to be blunt. “Are you married?”
CHAPTER 9
He spewed his red wine onto his khaki pants. “Married?”
Madison jumped up and asked the bartender for a towel and club soda. She dabbed at the wine until the red disappeared.
“See that?” Adam asked.
“What?” Madison asked.
“That kind gesture you just did. My former wife wouldn’t have done that in a million years.”
“Former wife.” Madison liked the sound of that. “How long were you married?”
“Too long. Five years.”
“Any kids?” she asked.
Adam appeared to find the wall unexpectedly appealing. After several seconds, he shook his head. “She didn’t want any. Not with me anyway. I’ve always wanted kids. That’s one reason I volunteer at Boys Town.”
Leaning on her arm rest, Madison said, “You seem like the perfect husband. The perfect man. Maybe even the perfect dad. I know we’ve just met but I’m a pretty good judge of character.”
He shrugged. “I wasn’t wild enough for
my ex-wife. She wanted to party several times a week. I couldn’t keep up because of my demanding job. She played during the day while I was at work.”
Madison sipped her wine. “Doing what?”
Adam frowned. “Doing the professor.”
Madison scrunched her face. “Really?”
“Would I joke about that? She apparently fell for her professor when she got her master’s degree. From what I’ve been told, he was a party animal and fifteen years her senior. He had a French accent, a skinny, gray pony tail, and taught some horseshit liberal arts crap.”
Madison put her hand over her mouth and giggled. “Sorry. That’s quite a picture.”
Adam waved his almost-empty glass in the air. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”
Madison waved her hand. “No, no. I’m not enjoying your pain. Just the description of the professor. Please go on.”
Adam drained his glass. “The spry, old professor swept her off her feet, apparently. She left a ‘Dear Adam’ note by the coffee pot, which surprised me since she always refused to step foot in the kitchen.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “I don’t even know where she lives now—and I don’t care. Good riddance. That’s five years of my life I’ll never get back.”
Madison leaned back against the cool leather as she attempted to comprehend Adam’s story. “Sorry, but this sounds crazy. I can’t imagine why she’d do that. You seem like such a great guy.”
“It’s all true. You’re probably wondering what I did to deserve this, aren’t you?” He stood. “After telling you about her escapades, I need another drink. How about you?”
Madison handed Adam her empty glass. As he strode toward the bar, her mind swirled. Maybe this guy was damaged goods or maybe he just had a horrible, cheating wife. She decided to believe the latter. His many thoughtful gestures had already proved he was an upstanding guy.
Adam returned with freshened drinks. “Enough about me. Tell me about you.”
She set her wine on a round glass table. “My past isn’t great either. My ex left six months after our daughter, Betsy, was born. She was so young she doesn’t remember him, which is likely for the best. When he left, I was so shocked and devastated I didn’t date for three years. Betsy had my full attention; she still does.”