Taste of Love

by Nicole, Stephanie

  "Oh, hi, Austin. No, it's alright, we'd...I'd just fallen asleep." After listening to the earpiece for a moment, her face grew rigid. "Yes, he's still here. He came over to help me through a difficult night, not that it's any of your business."

  Cameron looked back at her and raised an eyebrow. She rolled her eyes. She listened for a moment, then sighed. "I'm not going to fight with you about this. If I want Cameron here, then he'll be here. End of subject." She rubbed her forehead. "How did business go tonight?"

  After Cameron had gathered his things, he motioned to her that he was leaving. Madison held up her hand, stopping him, and told Austin to hold on for a moment. She covered the phone with her hand. "You're leaving?"

  "Yeah, I have an early interview in the morning. Besides, I don't want to overstay my welcome. I remember what happened the last time." They smiled at each other. "I'll give you a call, though."

  She put the phone down and crawled out of bed, then shyly walked over to him and put her hand on his cheek. She looked into his eyes before kissing him on the cheek. "Thank you, for everything tonight."

  Cameron pulled her in for a tight hug, better than any other hug she had ever received. "My pleasure."

  He kissed the top of her head before letting her go. Only when she heard the door to the apartment close did she go back and pick up the phone again.

  A few days later, Madison felt better after the D&C, and she was ready to get back to work. She was tired of laying around in bed with nothing to do but think about her disappointment.

  As she approached her restaurant, she was surprised to see none of her workers milling around in front, waiting for her to open the doors. She was sure that she had told Austin that she'd be back today.

  The front door was still locked when she pulled on it, making her wonder if everyone was late. She dug her keys out, then opened the door, muttering to herself about slackers as she turned on the lights. To her surprise, her staff jumped out, laughing and cheering at her shocked expression. A big banner hung behind them, 'Welcome Back Boss' painted with chocolate syrup, made her smile.

  "I knew you guys wouldn't let me down while I was gone."

  "Not a chance boss. Austin kept us all in line," one of the waiters yelled, sparking even more cheers.

  Madison looked around, past all the smiling faces coming to hug her. She took in the ambiance of her restaurant; the cream-colored walls with Tiger Lily orange trimmed wainscot, the Tiger Lily orange tablecloths, with brown cloth napkins, and the fresh Tiger Lily bouquet centerpieces at every table. Everything within these walls made her smile. This was where she needed to be; with her staff, with her customers, inside her restaurant - her source of inspiration and happiness. She could feel her zest for life returning.

  Chapter Seven

  Madison scanned the packed dining room as she made her way out of the kitchen to greet her customers. She sure had a full house, and what pleased her the most was that most of the faces were new to her. Most, except one very familiar table. Before she could turn around and seek refuge in the kitchen, she was spotted and waved over.

  "Good evening, ladies. How is everyone tonight?" Madison donned a smile.

  "We're doing well, but what about you? We heard you've been under the weather. Are you feeling better now?" Sasha asked, offering her the vacant seat next to her with the wave of her hand.

  "I'm doing better. It's a slow recovery, but I'll live," she joked.

  "What was wrong dear, anything major?" Bunny asked.

  She doesn't know, Madison thought. What should I tell her?

  "Oh Bunny, that's really none of our business," Sasha chided her friend.

  Madison looked relieved. "Let's just call it girl problems and leave it at that."

  "Well, I am so glad you're back. And perfect timing too," Sasha said, searching through her purse. She pulled out a small black envelope and handed it to Madison.

  "What's this?" Madison asked, opening the envelope as she spoke. Inside was a black card with the words 'Your Presence is Requested' inscribed with gold lettering. She opened the card to find details regarding a charity ball that Sasha was hosting at her home that weekend.

  "It's our annual Gold and Black Ball. When my husband was alive, he started a foundation to help rescue dogs from puppy mills and the abuse and mistreatment that they received. God rest his soul, he truly believed in 'Man's Best Friend', and he did all he could to save them." She wiped a tear from her eye.

  "You really must come. I'm afraid I can't take no for an answer," she said with a warm smile.

  "I'm honored that you would think to invite me, but I can't leave the restaurant again, so soon after being sick," Madison tried to protest.

  Bunny pulled a silver envelope out of her purse and sat it in front of Madison. "That's an invitation to my ball the week after. Our foundation benefits orphaned children to give them a better life, and puts them through college. I won't take no for an answer either. Besides, we've already talked to Austin, and he assured us that he would take good care of the restaurant in your absence."

  "Wow." Madison was overwhelmed. "I'm not really sure that I can afford this," she told them honestly, thinking of the monetary donations she's have to make, as well as the cost of two different formal dresses. And besides that, she would have medical bills after the misfortunes of the past week.

  "That's simple. All I ask is that your restaurant donates some of those wonderful Lobster Dainties appetizers, enough to feed 150 people," Sasha told her.

  "And I would like some of those Shrimp Bruschetta Rounds, for the same number of people," Bunny added. "We've both hired caterers, but we've told many of our friends how wonderful your restaurant is, so you can network, as well as have a little fun that night. And, my seamstress will be waiting for you tomorrow morning. She has promised to give you a great deal on your dresses."

  Bunny handed her a business card, again from her purse.

  "Well, you've made it virtually impossible to say no." Madison raised her eyebrows and took a deep breath. "I guess the answer's yes, then."

  Both Bunny and Sasha clapped their hands. After Madison thanked them again and excused herself from the ladies, they high-fived each other.

  "Bet is on," Sasha told her friend.

  "You know, you should just give it up. She's already got her eye on Cameron," Bunny told her with all the confidence in the world.

  "Not a chance. The minute she sees my Thomas, she's going to go weak in the knees and melt like cheese," Sasha bragged, as she bit into a chunk of cheddar.

  "We'll see," Bunny promised, not mentioning that Madison and Cameron already knew each other. She wasn't sure if they were friends or not, but she felt there was something going on.

  "I can't believe I'm doing this," Madison told Chase as she got ready for her first ball. "I mean, look at this dress. I could never have afforded this if it wasn't for Bunny. Her seamstress was amazing. She knew exactly what to do to make me look good."

  "Girl, you look hot. That's enough to turn a gay man straight." He wagged his eyebrows as he took in her dress, while she turned in a circle for him. The dress was long and flowing, but hugged every curve of Madison's body. The color was such a deep shade of purple that it looked almost black, and it sparkled in just the right places.

  Madison laughed. "This is so unreal. I feel like such a princess."

  "You look like one too," he told her. "I'm going to go down and hail you a cab, so that you don't have to stand on the street like that. I don't want some strange Prince snatching you up as their prize."

  She laughed again as Chase kissed her cheek before leaving. She took a final look in the mirror, running her hands over the dress, making sure that it was all real. Two minutes later, she heard a knock at her door and nearly jumped out of her skin.

  "Who is it?"

  "Thomas Winters. My mother, Sasha Winters, sent me over to pick you up," the voice on the other side of the door called.

  Madison looked confused and rushed to the
door to open it. A gorgeous man stood tall and proud before her. She looked him up and down with wide eyes.

  "Hi. I wasn't told you'd be coming."

  "She said she wanted to make sure you got to the house okay," he told her. Then, with a million watt smile, he confided, "But I think she has an ulterior motive."

  Madison grinned. "That I can believe." She held out her hand. "I'm Madison Drew. Nice to meet you."

  Thomas took her hand and kissed it. "Nice to meet you too. I'm glad I can finally put a face to the name I've heard so much about."

  "Likewise," she told him, looking into his crystal blue eyes. She had to admit, Sasha was right, he was very handsome.

  "Well," Thomas snapped her out of her stupor. "We should probably get going. Don't want to upset Mother by being late."

  "Right." Madison gave a small nod. She grabbed her small handbag off the coffee table. "Let's go."

  All was quiet as they made their way outside, until Madison saw Chase standing in the middle of the street with his hand in the air.

  "TAXI!" He shouted at one that passed by him, never slowing. "Stupid son of a bitch," he muttered, flipping the driver off.

  Madison burst into laughter. Thomas did, too. "What in the world?"

  Another one came by.

  "EXCUSE ME! TAAAAXI!" That, too, passed him by.

  His hands flew to his hips. "Do I have fucking queen written on my forehead? Is that why you won't stop?"

  Madison was still giggling, but she had had enough. She didn't want Chase riled any more than he already was, funny as it may be. "Hey Chase, it's alright. I got a ride."

  Chase looked over to where Madison stood with a man he didn't know; a very fine specimen of a man he didn't know. He strolled over to the curb, wanting an introduction. "And who is this hunk of a man?"

  Madison looked mortified. But before she could introduce them, Thomas held out his hand. "Thomas Winters. Pleased to meet you." He smiled and showed his perfectly straight, bright white teeth.

  "Well hello Tommy Boy. I'm Chase, the man of your dreams." He shook his hand, holding on to it a little longer than necessary.

  "Chase!" Madison scolded. She grabbed Chase by the ear and dragged him away from Thomas, then whisper-yelled, "I can't believe you are embarrassing me like that."

  "Sweetie, he's a closet flamer. I hate to tell you," Chase told her, matter-of-factly.

  "What? You're delusional!" She protested. She looked over at Thomas, who gave a little wave in their direction. "I've got to go, we can't be late."

  "Okay, at least I know you're safe tonight with him as your date." He smirked and kissed her cheek before he turned and strutted away.

  "Sorry about that," Madison said, rejoining Thomas. "I'm ready whenever you are."

  The ride to the house had them comparing notes on recent pop culture. They seemed to enjoy the same music, books, movies, and shows on television. By the time they had arrived, Madison thought Chase was way out in left field, thinking that Thomas was gay.

  Thomas got out of the car first, then turned to offer his hand to Madison. "Here we go."

  "Thank you, Thomas." She held tightly to his arm as he led her through the front doors and into the foyer, where Sasha was greeting her guests.

  "Ah, Madison. I see that Thomas got you here safely." Sasha was obviously quite pleased to see Madison with her son.

  "Yes, he was the perfect gentleman. And thank you for sending him, though it was completely unnecessary," Madison told her. "Did the appetizers arrive?"

  "They did. They were delivered about half an hour ago. Right on time. So now you can relax and enjoy yourself," Sasha winked. "Thomas will be your personal escort this evening, so if you need anything, you just let him know."

  Madison thanked her, then moved off with Thomas to get a drink from the bar. As they were waiting, Madison heard a woman behind her raving about the Lobster Dainties. It sent a warm tingle to her ego and made her smile. Thomas handed her a glass of champagne, and led her through the room to mingle with the guests.

  About an hour into the party, Madison and Thomas were leaving the dance floor when she looked up and locked eyes with the last person she would have expected to see there. "Excuse me for a minute," she said to Thomas, and walked in the direction she had just seen him.

  Seeing her coming towards him, he met her half way, then leaned down and kissed her cheek. "How're you feeling?" Cameron asked.

  "Much better, thanks. How've you been?" she asked him, feeling like it had been weeks since they last saw each other, rather than just a few days.

  "I'm good." He lifted her hand over her head and twirled her around. "You look phenomenal."

  The look he was giving her added to her dizziness. "Thanks. You don't look so bad yourself."

  "You can thank Mother for that. As if I was still five, she picked this out for me," he told her with a shake of his head.

  "Well, she did great." Madison told him, just happy to be in his presence.

  "Darling, I turned to speak with someone, and you left me," a blonde woman pouted as she came up to Cameron.

  Cameron jumped and turned around to see his date. His eyes darted back and forth between Madison and Lynda. "Uh, Madison, this is my date, Lynda. Lynda, Madison."

  "Nice to meet you," Lynda told Madison without emotion, letting her know that it wasn't quite as nice to meet her as she said.

  "I'm sure," Madison quipped back. "Well, I have to run, I'm sure Thomas is looking for me. Nice seeing you."

  She turned to leave, but was stopped by a hand on her arm.

  "Thomas?" Cameron questioned.

  "Yes, Thomas Winters. My date for the night." She gave him a winning smile, then shrugged out of his grip and walked away.

  Cameron stood there and watched Madison disappear into the crowd, only to appear a few minutes later with Thomas on the dance floor. He shook his head, and realized there was nothing he could do about it as he returned to his own date. They were friends, and he had no claim on her, just as she had no claim on him. That was how it needed to remain.

  Chapter Eight

  Madison excused herself from Thomas after getting directions to the powder room. With the door in sight, she thought she heard her name and turned to see who called her. A genuine smile graced her face. "Well hello, Bunny. I haven't seen you all night."

  "Hello dear. You look absolutely gorgeous! I bet you've been beating the suitors off with a stick all night," Bunny teased.

  "Not quite," Madison laughed. "But I've had a lot of fun."

  "Just wait until next week. Nothing compares to a Bunny Rome party," she announced.

  "I'm really looking forward to it," she told her. "But if you'll excuse me?" She motioned to the bathroom that was just ahead of her.

  "Of course, darling," Bunny told her, and patted her arm as she took her leave.

  As she was returning, Madison took a right when she should have taken a left, but luckily found an empty balcony. The view was amazing; it overlooked an impressive garden that was well-lit in all the right places, drawing focus to some amazing rose bushes. There was also a pretty little gazebo with flowered vines growing up the sides. A little further down a path bordered by flowers sat an intricately carved bench with an arched trellis over it. Even though it was dark, she could appreciate the beauty of what was in front of her. Some peace and quiet was exactly what she needed, because the champagne and dancing were really starting to get to her.

  "I thought I'd find you out here." Madison turned with a smile at the sound of his voice.

  "Hi, Cameron. Having fun?" she asked. "I'm surprised Lynda isn't chasing after you."

  "You're not the only one." He rolled his eyes. "If I'd known that you were going to attend, I'd have asked you come with me. I'm sure we'd both be having a lot more fun."

  "So I take it that you didn't tell your mom anything about us."

  Cameron was quiet. "Remember what I told you the other night? Getting a girl pregnant after a one night stand isn't ex
actly my mother's idea of proper, especially a girl she holds in such high esteem. I don't know. I've just disappointed her so much, I felt this one would've put her over the edge."

  Madison empathized with him. "But what would you have done had I not lost the baby?"

  "I'd have told her, but I think that maybe we could have dated for a while first. That's what she really wants, you know," he told her, bumping into her with a flirty wiggle.

  She smiled. "I'm aware of that. I think she and Sasha have a bet going."

  "I wouldn't put it past her." He looked over at her. "Are you sure you're doing alright?"

  "The wound's still fresh, but day by day I'm getting better. Everything happens for a reason, right?"

  "So they say." Cameron put his arm around her, and together they stood in silence, each with their own thoughts, looking out into the night.

  "There you are!" A masculine voice invaded their solace. "I was wondering where you went to."

  Madison and Cameron both jumped and turned towards the intruder. "Thomas! We were just catching up. I needed a breather, so I came out here."

  "Mother was looking for you. She and Bunny wanted to introduce you to some of their friends," he said, casting a questioning glare at Cameron as he spoke to Madison.

  "I'll be right in," she told him, and after hesitating for a moment, he turned and went back in the house.

  "Why do I feel like I'm in high school and we just got caught making out by my dad?" Madison asked Cameron.

  "Thomas can be pretty condescending sometimes, especially when it comes to me. Let's just say that thanks to our mothers, we've often competed for the proverbial prize. But I've always been the 'wild one', and he was always the 'straight arrow'," Cameron explained without a small bit of irritation.

  "I can see that." Madison smiled at Cameron. "Well, I better get in there," she told him, feeling strangely disappointed. She had enjoyed their moment of solace before the interruption.