“Don’t be heying me. Every since you got married you don’t call anymore,” Adrienne said.
She blew her horn at the motorist in a blue sedan that cut her off. “Remind me to hire a chauffeur when I get rich.”
“You better slow down. Don’t be getting mad at them because you overslept.”
“Did you want something?” she asked, trying not to sound irritated.
“I’m just worried about you.”
“Girl, I’m fine. I had some shocking news at work yesterday. Ethan and I talked and everything is going to be fine now.”
Adrienne cleared her throat. “Speaking of Ethan, when will you be selling your place?”
“Who said I was?”
“It doesn’t make sense for you to have two places.”
“Look. I have too much stuff to deal with at work than to worry about my busybody sister.” She clicked the end button on her cell phone.
Her phone rang again. She saw it was Adrienne, turned up the radio and continued her drive to work.
***
Ethan picked up the phone several times to dial Sarah’s number, but before he could dial the last digit, he hung up. I have to deal with her some time, so I might as well get it over with.
This time, he let the phone ring. Sarah answered in her annoying voice. “Hello.”
“Sarah, this is Ethan.”
“I knew you would come around. When do you want to meet your son?” she asked in a victorious tone.
“I’ll meet Christopher after it’s been determined I’m his father.”
“Don’t fight the obvious.”
“Obviously, you’ve lost your mind if you think I would accept your words as fact.” He scrolled through the yellow pages online.
“I can bring him by this weekend.”
He found his doctor’s number and wrote it on his notepad. “Look, Sarah. I need to call and make an appointment for the paternity test.”
“I already know who his parents are,” she said sharply.
“I don’t.”
“Do what you have to do?”
“I’ll call you back with the date and time.”
“Ethan?”
“What?”
“Does your girlfriend know about your son?”
“Frankly, that’s none of your business and I’ll appreciate you staying out of it.”
“Don’t worry.” Sarah hung up.
Ethan held the receiver. “I hope she doesn’t do something stupid,” he said to himself.
He called the doctor’s office and made an appointment and then he dialed Sarah’s number again.
“Hello,” he answered.
“I called you back to give you the appointment info,” Ethan told her.
“Madison, can I borrow your pen. For the life of me, I can never keep up with one,” Sarah said.
Ethan’s mouth dropped. “What kind of game are you playing?”
“Dear, I am at work. Now give me the info so we both can get back to work.”
He wiped the sweat from his forehead as he gave her the information. “I need you both to be there on time.”
“We’ll be there and your son can’t wait to see you.”
After hanging up, Ethan didn’t know if he should call Madison and tell her everything.
This is one of Sarah’s games. She’s playing with my mind and I will not let her win, he told himself in thought. I’ll stand my ground and wait until after the test results before telling Madison.
***
Madison pretended to be reading over some notes while Sarah was on the phone. She overheard her mention something about a son.
I feel sorry for her child, she thought. I couldn’t even imagine having a mother like her. Listen to me. I need to stop. I should give her a fair chance. I need to approach this situation differently. We’re both grown and professional women, so there’s no reason why we can’t be cordial on the job.
“Sorry about that. My baby’s daddy is tripping,” Sarah said to Madison.
“I hear you.”
Sarah picked up a picture frame and handed it to Madison. “This is my heart. Isn’t he the cutest little thing?”
Madison smiled and had to agree. “He’s adorable. What’s his name?”
“Christopher.”
She handed the picture back to Sarah. “I have to admit, I never pictured you as a mother.”
Sarah laughed. “Neither could I. But my little bundle of joy has changed my life.”
They spent the next thirty minutes going over some technical specifications for an upcoming project. Madison noticed how Sarah seemed to be on point on various things.
When the meeting ended, Sarah stood up and closed her office door. “There’s something else I need to talk to you about.”
Madison uncrossed her legs. “Work related I hope.”
Sarah sat on the corner of her desk. “I think you know who it’s about.”
“To keep the peace, I think conversing about Ethan is off limits.”
Sarah picked up an object on her desk and swirled it around. “You’re not the least bit curious as to why we broke up?”
“What does that have to do with our work relationship?”
“Nothing. I know if it was me, I would want to know details.”
Madison had to restrain herself. “But you’re not me.”
“Look Madison, I’m not trying to start anything.”
Before Madison could respond, someone knocked and opened the door.
“I hate to interrupt, but, Sarah, I have an important call I need you to be on,” Eddie stated without acknowledging Madison.
“Give me one minute, Eddie, and I’ll be right there,” Sarah told him.
Madison interrupted. “No need. We’re through here.”
Sarah addressed her. “We’ll continue this conversation next week at lunch.”
As she walked pass Eddie, she said under her breath, “Not if I can help it.”
Chapter 21
Madison tried to avoid Sarah the remainder of the week as much as possible. She ended up taking work home and only spoke with Ethan by phone or via email. She was emailing him when Owen snuck up behind her.
“Boo,” Owen said.
She almost jumped out of her seat. She hit him with her hand. “Don’t you ever do that again,” Madison said.
“Sorry. You’ve been in your own little world. I was wondering if you were available to go with us to happy hour.”
“I’ll pass. I’m hanging out with my best friend tonight.”
“What does Charlotte have that I don’t have?”
“Free food and my favorite movies,” she said in a serious tone.
“Can I tag along?”
“No, silly, this is ladies night. Meaning no men.”
“Your loss, baby.” He tugged on his collar.
“I’ll get over it.” She laughed.
“See you on Monday.” He turned to walk away.
Madison looked at the clock. “You’re leaving already?”
“Yeah, I need to run to the bank and the post office beforehand.”
“Be safe. Have a good weekend.”
“You too.”
Soon after Owen left, Mya passed by her desk carrying her purse and laptop. Madison asked her, “Are you going to happy hour too?”
“No. Didn’t Owen tell you?”
“Tell me what?” Madison asked.
“Me and some friends are going to Las Vegas for the weekend.”
“Have fun.”
“I plan on it,” Mya said before walking away. She turned her attention back towards the computer and read Ethan’s response:
We’ve only known each other a short time, but I will do whatever I can to make you happy. I know you’re an independent woman and you’re not accustomed to depending on a man for anything, but I’m here for you. You’re becoming my best friend and I hope one day to be your REAL husband. I love you and there’s no turning back from this journey we’re on. Have
fun with Charlotte. I’ll be over tomorrow to help you move. I can’t wait (smile).
She read it several times before responding:
Ethan, you always know the right things to say. Thank you again for being my “knight in shining armor.” I wouldn’t be able to get through this ordeal without you. As I mentioned in my previous email, work is work. I’ll deal with it. I’m on my way out the door now. You know how bad Friday traffic can be. I’ll see you bright and early tomorrow morning. I don’t have much stuff to bring because I know it’s only temporary. I wish…well, I won’t say what I wish, but know that I care about you too (smile).
Madison
After hitting the send button, she logged off her computer, locked her desk and grabbed her purse. She stood up to leave and accidentally bumped into Sarah.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Madison said while catching her balance.
Sarah said, “No problem. I came over to say congratulations.”
“For what?”
“I found out you and Ethan are married.”
Madison stuttered, “Who told you that?”
“A little birdie.”
“People need to mind their own business.”
Looking down at her ring, Sarah commented, “I don’t know why I didn’t figure it out earlier. Your ring does sparkle.”
Madison moved the hand with the ring out of view. “This is nothing.”
“I see why you wouldn’t want to talk about Ethan now.”
Madison tapped her foot on the carpeted floor. “I don’t mean to be rude, but I need to get out of here.”
Sarah moved out of her way. “By all means, I don’t want to hold you up.”
As Madison walked out the door towards the elevator, she heard Sarah say, “Have a good weekend.”
She is getting on my last nerve, Madison thought. Now I wonder who’s been discussing my personal life with her. All I need is for her to blow my cover.
***
Ethan walked straight to the bar. He ordered a Heineken and waited for his brother to show up. He watched the interchange between the women and men. He laughed to himself as he saw men being turned down by provocatively dressed women.
“Excuse me,” said a tall curvaceous woman as she accidentally bumped into him, spilling some of her drink on his shirt.
“You’re excused,” he replied.
“Why don’t I buy you a drink to make up for it?” she asked as she flirted.
“That’s okay. Thanks for offering though.”
She batted her eyes and got close enough to him so he could see her cleavage. “You sure?”
He cleared his throat and stepped back. “I’m sure.”
She twisted away.
He was watching her walk away when Frederick came up behind him. “I see you’re not dead. She was hot.”
He gave Frederick a brotherly hug. “What’s up? I’m cool on that. I have a woman.”
“That’s right you’re an old married man,” he joked.
“Hey man, I didn’t see you standing there,” Ethan said to his friend Steven who was standing behind Frederick.
Steven was short and athletically built. He had a cute baby face and was often mistaken to be younger than his thirty-three years. They gave each other a tight handshake.
“Man, I’ve been doing my thing. I heard you were tied down now,” Steven said.
He looked at Frederick. “I’m enjoying life. How’s the force been treating you?”
“I’m a sergeant now. I saw your brother speeding on Central Expressway earlier today and he invited me to join y’all.”
They laughed, ordered drinks and talked throughout the night over the loud music..
Chapter 22
Madison went straight home from work, showered and changed into a comfortable pair of black jeans and a t-shirt. She put on her black Nikes and headed to Charlotte’s.
“Somebody must be having a party. I can’t find a parking place anywhere,” she said to herself as she parked several houses down.
She rang the doorbell and turned her back towards the door, waiting on Charlotte to answer.
“Hey girl, you’re a little late,” Charlotte said.
Looking back at the crowded street, Madison said, “Girl, I had the hardest time finding a parking place.”
Charlotte hugged her and led her in. “Come on in.” She grabbed Madison’s hand and led her to the living room.
“It’s awfully dark in here," Madison stated.
“Wait here and I’ll turn the light on.”
When the lights came on, all Madison could hear was thunderous voices yelling, “SURPRISE!”
A shocked expression went across her face. “What is this?” she said.
Adrienne and Pam hugged her. “We didn’t get a chance to give you a shower before you got married, so we decided to give it to you now.”
She stuttered, “But…But…you didn’t have to.” Emotions swamped Madison and tears fell down her cheeks. “I don’t know what to say.”
Janice spoke. “Don’t say anything. Enjoy being the lady of the hour.”
Madison needed to get some space. “Char, come with me for a minute.” She looked back in the room at her sisters and her sister-in-laws and a few of her sorority sisters. “I’ll be right back. I need to pull myself together. I love y’all.”
She heard them say, “We love you too.” She grabbed Charlotte’s arm and pulled her into the kitchen.
“Charlotte, why didn’t you warn me?” she whispered.
Charlotte tried to remove her arm, but Madison had a tight grip. “I couldn’t or it would have ruined the surprise.”
“No kidding, Sherlock. You and I both know this isn’t right.”
She jerked her arm away. “Look. You wanted me to help fool everybody and that’s what I’m doing. What was I suppose to do when your sisters asked me to help them plan this?”
“You could have told them NO.”
“How would that have looked if your best friend didn’t want to throw you a shower?”
“Any excuse would have done.” Madison turned away and pouted.
“Look. For two hours pretend to be overjoyed and enjoy the attention.”
“It’s easy for you to say.”
Charlotte crossed her arms and leaned back. “I did warn you about lying.”
She rolled her eyes. “Now is not the time to remind me.”
Pam walked in the kitchen. “Are you okay? We didn’t mean to make you cry.”
“I’m fine. Just overwhelmed at what you ladies have done for me.”
“Come give your big sister a hug.”
She hugged Pam and glanced over her shoulder at Charlotte with a “what am I going to do?” look.
When they walked back into the living room, Adrienne said, “Let’s get this party started. Let’s play a few games, eat, and then open some presents.”
Janice placed a tiara on Madison’s head. “You get to wear this.”
Madison smiled. I’ve pretended thus far, so I might as well enjoy it, she thought.
Adrienne tried to get everyone’s attention. “What game do y’all want to play first? We have charades, taboo, and Pictionary.”
“How about charades? Madison’s good at that game,” Charlotte said with a smirk on her face.
Madison cut her eyes at Charlotte. She stood up and asked, “Who’s on my team?”
The ladies teamed up and started up a game of charades. As they were winding down from playing charades, the doorbell rang. Charlotte was gone a few minutes and walked back into the living room. “Ladies, the food is here. I’ve set everything up in the dining room.”
All fifteen of them walked towards the dining room with Madison and Charlotte lagging behind.
“Char, I’m sorry for earlier,” Madison told her best friend.
She wrapped her arms through Madison’s. “You’re forgiven. I know you’re under a lot of pressure.”
“That’s an understatement.”
“A
re you having fun?”
Madison laughed. “Believe it or not, I am. It’s weird.”
“Good. Now don’t ask me to do this for you again.”
As they ate, the women asked Madison about Ethan. She tried to sound enthusiastic, like she was heads over heels in love.
Who am I fooling? I am in love with him, she reminded herself.
She tried to dodge some of the questions, but Adrienne wouldn’t let her drop them.
“When are you selling your place?” Adrienne asked.
“We haven’t decided. For now, we’re living between the two,” Madison responded.
April commented, “If I were you, I would rent it out. Never know when you might need something to fall back on.”
“Y’all need to stay out of her business. If she wants to sell or keep it, that’s her business,” Pam said as she sipped on her frozen strawberry daiquiri.
“Thanks Pam,” Madison said.
Charlotte rang a bell. “Ladies, we’re going to move this party back into the living room. It’s time to open up the presents.”
“Come on, girl, this is the fun part,” Janice said to Madison, hurrying her along.
Charlotte pointed for Madison to sit in the chair surrounded by gifts. Teary-eyed, Madison sat and said, “Before I open these gifts, I want to thank you all for everything. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.”
Adrienne wiped tears from her eyes. “Girl, open up these gifts.”
“Okay,” she said as Pam handed her the first one.
Madison read the card. “This is from April.” She carefully opened the beautiful floral wrapped box. She held up a black-laced teddy with some garter belts. She blushed. “Oh my.”
“Now that’s what I’m talking about,” Charlotte said.
Every gift she opened was either a piece of lingerie or a couple’s bath set.
“Chocolate body paint. Now what am I suppose to do with this?” Madison asked.
“If you don’t know, give me my gift back,” Janice said.
“Ugh. I can’t imagine you and my brother,” Adrienne said, shaking her head.
They all laughed.
The doorbell rang. “I wonder who that is,” Charlotte commented.
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