Her First

by Mckenzie, Diamond

  “Follow us,” Ethan said as he and Frederick walked with her outside and everyone else followed.

  “Somebody catch me because I’m going to faint,” Belle said as she walked up to a silver Cadillac. She hugged both of her sons. In between tears, she said, “You boys shouldn’t have.”

  “Mom, you deserve this and so much more,” Ethan said.

  “Open it up and get inside. Feel how it sits,” Frederick added.

  She opened the door and sat inside. “Boys, you have outdone yourselves,” she said as she leaned back in the chair. “Frank did you know anything about this?”

  “I plead the fifth,” Frank laughed and people laughed around him.

  She got out and locked the door. “I don’t know how much more excitement my heart can take,” Belle glowed.

  Ethan walked by his mother’s side as they walked back into the house.

  She stood at the door and hugged everyone as they walked back in.

  “His mom is so happy,” Madison commented to Charlotte.

  “I would be too if my sons got me a Cadillac,” Charlotte said.

  “Shhh,” Madison hissed, afraid someone would overhear her and Charlotte’s conversation.

  Madison didn’t notice Frederick coming up between them. He placed one arm around her and the other around Charlotte. “What are you ladies doing later tonight?” he asked them.

  Madison could have sworn she saw Charlotte blush.

  Charlotte responded, “Nothing. Why, you got something planned for us?”

  “Speak for yourself. I have something to do,” Madison exclaimed. She removed Frederick’s arm and began walking away.

  “I’m sure you do,” Frederick said as if he was in on a secret.

  “I’m going to the bathroom,” Madison snapped. I don’t see what Charlotte sees in him. He is nerve wrecking, she thought to herself as she walked away and went to the bathroom. Before she could exit the bathroom, someone knocked on the door. She yelled, “I’ll be out in a minute.”

  She flushed the toilet and washed her hands. She reapplied her lipstick before unlocking the door. Joyce was standing to the side of the door when she walked out.

  “Girl, I guess we all had to use it at the same time. Both bathrooms were being used.”

  “It must have been all the tea I drank,” Madison said.

  Joyce moved around uncontrollably. “Good seeing you again, but duty calls.” Joyce raced into the bathroom shutting the door behind her.

  Madison walked back into the den.

  “There you are,” Ethan said as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

  “I didn’t know I was missed,” she flirted.

  “More than you’ll ever know,” he flirted back.

  He grabbed her hand. “Hang out with me tonight. Please.”

  “I don’t know if it’s a good idea.”

  “It’s obvious you’re not mad at me anymore.”

  “I’m curious to hear how you came to that conclusion.” She folded her arms and placed her index finger on her chin.

  “Number one, you showed up even when you didn’t have to. Number two; you didn’t slap me when I attempted to kiss you in the room earlier. Number three-”

  Madison smiled and unfolded her arms. “You love lists don’t you?”

  “I only do it to annoy you.” Ethan chuckled.

  “I figured that much.” She blushed. “I will hang out with you tonight on one condition.”

  “Your wish is my command.”

  “We meet in a neutral place.”

  “Name the place and time and I’ll be there.”

  She thought for a moment before saying, “Meet me at the Broadway Café around eight thirty. I’m in the mood for some jazz tonight.”

  “It’s a date.”

  One of Ethan’s cousins tried to get his attention. “I think they’re calling for you.” She pointed.

  “I’ll see you later,” Ethan said as he hugged her and kissed her on the cheek.

  Madison looked for Charlotte and found her in a corner talking to Frederick. She felt the intensity between them. She stood and watched them for a minute and then cleared her throat. “Char, are you ready to go?”

  “Sure,” Charlotte said as she broke away from Frederick.

  “I’ll see you ladies later,” Frederick said.

  “Bye, Freddie,” Madison teased.

  “It’s Fred-er-rick,” he responded.

  “Wait a sec, Charlotte, I need to say bye to Belle and Frank before I leave,” Madison said.

  “I’ll meet you at the car,” Charlotte said as Frederick followed her out the door.

  Madison watched the interaction between Belle and Ethan. Ethan looked up and motioned for her to come over.

  “Mrs. Campbell, happy birthday again,” Madison said. “I’m heading out and wanted to come say good-bye.”

  Belle hugged her tightly. “I’m grateful you’re in my son’s life. He needs someone like you by his side,” she said with sincerity. She wrapped her arms through Madison’s before addressing Ethan. “Leave us alone for a minute.”

  “I’ll let you ladies talk,” he said before departing.

  As they walked arm and arm, Belle commented, “Ethan hasn’t told me everything, but I sense you guys are having some problems.”

  “I won’t lie to you. Things have happened that made me question our relationship,” Madison replied.

  “I know all about the baby situation.”

  “You do?” Madison was surprised.

  “Yes, and I told him he should have told you about it the moment he found out. But he didn’t, and I hope you’ll be able to forgive him.”

  “I don’t know.”

  “If you don’t remember anything else I tell you, remember this. My son loves you with all of his heart and I can tell you love him.”

  Tears formed in Madison’s eyes. “It’s complicated.”

  “Search in your heart and the answer you seek will be there.” Belle hugged her.

  “Thanks, Mrs. Campbell. I hope to see you again.”

  “You will.” She winked.

  Madison rubbed her nose. “I better go or Charlotte will be sending the cavalry after me.”

  “See you later, Madison.”

  Madison walked away and headed to the door. She heard Ethan’s voice behind her.

  “Oh, you were going to leave and not say bye?” he said.

  “I thought we said our good-byes earlier.” She continued towards the door.

  He cut her off at the door. “This is how you properly say good-bye.”

  Ethan leaned down and kissed her passionately. For a moment, she forgot where they were. She was brought back to reality when a few people cheered.

  “I better go,” she said as she brushed passed him and out the door.

  Charlotte was in the car and Frederick was standing at her window talking to her. Madison climbed inside. “Char, let’s get out of here…now,” she said.

  “Frederick, I’ll call you later,” Charlotte said as she started the car.

  He waved at them as they drove off.

  Chapter 45

  “You ran out of there like a bat out of hell,” Charlotte commented as she drove Madison home.

  “I have some things I need to take care of before I go out tonight,” Madison replied.

  As they pulled up into her driveway, Charlotte said, “You didn’t say anything to me about going out.”

  “That’s because I DIDN’T invite you.” Madison removed her seatbelt.

  “Do tell.”

  Opening her door, Madison said, “Call me tomorrow. I might have something to tell you then.”

  “It’s Ethan isn’t it?” Charlotte rolled down the passenger window and shouted.

  Madison waved her hand in the air and yelled, “I’ll tell you tomorrow. Bye.”

  She heard Charlotte yell before pulling out of the driveway, “You’re not right.”

  Madison laughed to herself. “It’ll teach you
to stay out of my business.” She unlocked the door and immediately removed her shoes. She rubbed the bottom of her feet. “These are some cute shoes, but I don’t know when I’ll wear them again.”

  She walked to her bedroom with the shoes in her hand. She threw them on the floor by the bed. Before sitting down, she saw her message light blinking on her home phone. She picked up the receiver and scrolled through the caller ID.

  She dialed Pam’s number. Pam answered on the third ring. “Girl, where have you been?” Pam asked.

  “I went to Ethan’s mom’s birthday dinner,” Madison answered.

  “I didn’t know you guys had made up. That’s good news.”

  “Slow down, we haven’t exactly made up.”

  Madison told her what happened at the birthday party. “Tell Adrienne because I don’t have the energy to repeat myself.”

  “I will.” Before hanging up, Pam asked, “Will Ethan be coming with you to Sunday dinner?”

  “He’ll be out of town.”

  “Maybe if he didn’t have to travel so much your relationship would be more solid,” Pam commented.

  Madison knew that was her queue that it was time to go. “Pam, I hate to rush you, but my husband and I have plans tonight.”

  “Do your thing, girl. I’ll see you tomorrow. Too bad he couldn’t stay until after dinner.”

  “No, he can’t. Good night.” After hanging up with Pam, she got undressed. I need another shower.

  ***

  Ethan helped clean up at his parent’s before heading home. Once he got home, he took a quick shower and changed clothes. He then headed back out to meet Madison,

  When he arrived at the Broadway Café, he didn’t see Madison’s car in the parking lot. He decided to meet her inside, just in case she had parked somewhere else.

  The music inside was smooth and soothing. He declined seating until he was sure Madison was not there. After looking around, he asked the hostess for a seat for two. He left his name at the door.

  Several women at the next table made it a point to flirt with him. He smiled and continued to listen to the music.

  “The lady at the table in the back told me to send this over,” a waitress said as she placed a glass of Courvoisier on the table in front of him.

  “Who did you say sent this?” he asked.

  The waitress pointed towards the back but no one was there. “She was there a few minutes ago.”

  Before she could say anything else, Madison walked up and asked, “Is this seat taken?”

  Ethan stood up and held Madison’s chair as she sat down.

  “Thanks,” he said to the waitress.

  “I’ll be back to take your orders,” the waitress said before walking off.

  “You look exquisite,” Ethan commented.

  “Thanks. I see you have a fan club,” Madison said as she glanced at the table full of women next to them.

  “I only have eyes for one woman.”

  “If another woman had bought you the drink, would you have accepted it?”

  “No. I would have sent it back.”

  “That’s what your mouth says.”

  Ethan held his hand to his heart. “My heart says I would.”

  Madison got quiet. Ethan took a sip from his drink. He watched Madison as she moved to the beat of the music.

  “Would you like to dance?”

  “Not right now.”

  “Let me know when.”

  “I sure will,” she smiled as the waitress came back to take their orders.

  ***

  When she walked in the club and saw Ethan sitting by himself, she knew for a fact that there was no way she could go on without him. The entire day being around him and his family showed her he was the man she needed in her life. She watched as the women at the table next to him flirted. He was polite, but not once did she see him flirt back. The idea to send the drink came up at the last minute. Now as she sat across from him, she wanted to feel his arms around her and his lips on hers.

  “Madison, are you okay?” he asked.

  She shook her head and came back to reality. “Yes. Would you like to dance?”

  “Sure. I thought you would never ask.” He winked at her.

  Ethan pulled out her chair. Madison noticed a couple of the women turning their noses up when they passed by their table.

  “Eat your hearts out, ladies,” Madison said as Ethan wrapped his arms around her waist.

  “I’ve wanted to sweep you off your feet since the day I met you.”

  “Is that why you spilled that drink on my brand new shoes?” She pulled back from him a little and looked in his face and smiled.

  “I had to do something. How else would I have gotten your number?”

  She leaned in closer to him. “You’re right. I never would have given you my number.”

  He blew in her ear. “Never?”

  Madison found it hard to keep her balance. “I would have if you asked.”

  He stopped blowing in her ear. “Glad to see I haven’t lost it.”

  “You haven’t lost me either,” she said softly, not sure if he heard her over the music.

  They danced for the next two songs. Ethan held her hand as they walked back to the table. After they got seated, the waitress brought out their food.

  “This looks good,” Madison said about her stuffed shrimp.

  “I hope it tastes good.”

  They ate in silence while enjoying the café’s ambiance.

  Madison glanced at her watch. “Ethan, I’ve had a nice time, but it’s getting late and I’ve had a long day,” she told him.

  “This has been a long day.” He stood, walked around to her chair and pulled it out for her.

  She waited for Ethan to pay for the meal and drinks. After placing some money on the table for the tip, Ethan reached for her hand and they walked out doors.

  “I’m parked right over there.” She pointed.

  “I’ll walk you to your car.”

  Madison didn’t want the night to end. For a few hours, she was able to forget her problems at work and all other issues. She found her keys and turned off her alarm. “I guess this is good night,” she said as she opened the door.

  “Madison, wait,” Ethan said as he reached for her arm. She turned around. “Come back over to my place so we can really talk. I know it’s late, but I feel there are some other things we need to clear up.”

  Madison took her hand and placed it around his neck and pulled his lips onto hers.

  “Everything is cool now. I have dinner at my folk’s place tomorrow, so I’ll call you afterwards.”

  He exhaled. “I’ll be waiting on the call.”

  She got into the car and waved at him as she backed up and pulled away.

  Chapter 46

  “Are you sure you’re doing the right thing?” Frederick said through the phone receiver to Ethan who had just pulled out of the driveway.

  “How many times are you going to ask me the same question? I was prepared to do it yesterday, but I didn’t feel like the time was right,” Ethan stated.

  “Better you than me,” he added.

  “I called you for encouragement.”

  Frederick imitated Kermit the Frog as he spoke. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t help myself. Me and commitments don’t get alone.”

  Ethan had to laugh. “You must have cheated your way through school because I know your retarded behind didn’t earn a three point five GPA on your own.”

  “I plead the fifth, and on that note, I’m about to let you go,” Frederick said.

  “Wish me luck.”

  “You don’t need it. She loves you. And I love you too, man.”

  “Is Freddie getting mushy on me?”

  “Bye ETHAN,” Frederick said before hanging up.

  I know I wasn’t invited to dinner, but this can’t wait, Ethan thought as he drove. He turned on the wrong street at first, but ten minutes later, he parked right behind Madison’s car. He hoped her folks wouldn�
�t mind an extra mouth to feed. He checked his pants pockets and walked up the walkway.

  After he reached the door, he had second thoughts. He turned to walk away when he heard Napoleon say, “Son, where are you going? I know you didn’t come all this way to turn around.”

  “Sir, I wasn’t sure if I was welcome,” Ethan said.

  Madison’s father reached out to shake Ethan’s hand. “I saw a shadow come up the driveway and when I didn’t hear a knock I came to see who it was. I see I almost missed you. No need to turn away. You’re always welcome here, son.”

  “You still don’t know do you?” Ethan asked.

  Napoleon had a puzzled look on his face. “Know what?”

  Ethan stopped. “Maybe we should talk out here.” He pointed to the chairs on the porch.

  “You should probably sit down.”

  “It must be serious.” Napoleon sat down and didn’t blink an eye.

  Ethan was nervous and made sure he was standing a few feet back. If Napoleon’s reaction to him and his daughter’s deceit was what he thought it would be, he didn’t want to be in arms length of his wrath.

  “I don’t know where to begin.”

  “The beginning always works for me,” Napoleon said sternly.

  Ethan looked up in the air and then back into Napoleon’s emotionless face. His palms were sweaty. How could he tell this man that Madison and him were not really married and had been living a lie for the past four months? He took a couple of deep breaths and began telling him how he and Madison met. Once he got started, it became easier and easier to tell Napoleon everything. He left out certain things such as Madison being a virgin and the situation with Sarah claiming to be the mother of his child. After confessing to Napoleon how he felt about his daughter and his intentions, Ethan waited for a response. Napoleon remained quiet. Ethan couldn’t figure out whether it was a good or bad sign, because his face still held no emotion.

  ***

  “What’s taking Dad so long? I’m hungry,” Adrienne exclaimed.