Madison gave Cole a thumbs up sign.
His eyes narrowed, and he shook his head. He mouthed the words, I am only doing this for you.
Madison smiled. I know.
* * * *
“Can I help you with anything?” Madison poked her head into the kitchen of the Livingston’s home a few hours later. The mouth-watering scent of a baked ham and potatoes cooking in the oven made her stomach growl.
“No thanks dear. Everything’s under control. Once my daughter Natalie and her husband Nick arrive, we can eat.” Evelyn smiled and waved her away.
“Okay. Would you mind if I explored your house?” She’d been dying to see the rest of the
home since they arrived.
“Not at all. Feel free to wander.” She mixed a few ingredients in a bowl and turned on the
hand mixer.
“Thanks.” Madison let the swinging door close behind her and ventured out into the hall. The old home carried an essence of the community itself. Old fashioned in a traditional,
warm, inviting way. Built in the 1800’s each room had its own fireplace. Each was decorated with fake snow and different Christmas themes. The dust accumulating on the ornaments suggested the Christmas decorating started early in the Livingston home. The original hardwood floor in the house had been re-stained in recent years to create a modern light and dark wood pattern and the warm colors of brown and blue paint on the walls enhanced the cozy, family
atmosphere of the home.
Family pictures lined the hallways and Madison smiled, studying the school photos of Rod
and his sister Natalie. He’d always had a playful, warm smile and gentle eyes. Maybe Evelyn
would have a copy of his high school graduation photo for her article.
She descended the staircase and rejoined the men in the living room. Rod and his father
Clyde were engaged in a chess match. Cole sat on an ottoman observing the game. “Who’s winning?” She placed her hands on her hips and glanced at the chessboard. “I’ve never won a game, ever.” Rod grinned at Madison as he moved a horse-shaped piece
to the right, taking one of his father’s smaller pieces.
“They’ve been playing this one game for three years.” Cole moved over on the ottoman and
patted the space for her to sit.
Madison sat on the edge near Clyde. “Really?”
“Yeah, it’s serious stuff around here.” Rod laughed. “We’ve been playing ever since I was
old enough to move the pieces. I think Pop here had hopes of me becoming a champion chess
player like he was in his day.” Rod pointed to the long line of chess trophies lining the ledge
above the chess table.
“You won all of those?” Madison admired the long line of accomplishments. The older gentleman nodded and placed his cigar in the holder. He narrowed his eyes toward
the chessboard. “Are you sure you want to move there?”
“Not anymore.” Rod laughed. He studied the board and scratched his chin. He shrugged.
“I’m not seeing whatever you are dad.”
The old man chuckled. “Okay. I gave you a chance.” He winked at Madison and moved his
Queen to take Rod’s King. “Check Mate.”
Rod stared at the game board in disbelief. “Seventy-two years old, and his mind is sharper
than a twenty year old.” He picked up his King and laid him sideways on the board. He patted
his dad on the arm. “Good game. We’ll start a rematch after dinner. I think I hear Natalie and
Nick.”
Clyde pulled back the curtain at the window and smiled. “Finally, we can eat.” He smiled. The door opened and Rod’s sister Natalie entered, her arms full of freshly baked pies. Rod took them from her. “I’ll take those.” He pulled back the tin foil on one and stuck his
finger in the meringue of the lemon pie.
“Rod, stop that. No one’s going to want to eat that after you touch it.” His sister pointed a
coat hanger at him.
“Exactly. Mmm.” Rod licked his finger and grinned.
Natalie shook her head and laughed. She hung her coat in the closet and kicked off her
boots.
“Natalie, please meet Cole Harris and Madison Grey from Women’s World Quarterly.” Rod
did the introductions.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you both.” She smiled. “I’m a huge fan of your work.” She turned to
Cole. “Although, I don’t think even a fantastic photographer like yourself can make this old guy
look good.” She teased her brother.
“Hey, we’re three minutes apart—and you were born first.” Rod called over his shoulder as
he carried the pies into the kitchen.
“That’s not how I remember it.” She laughed.
Clyde stood and hugged his daughter.
“Hi, dad.” She gestured toward the chessboard. “Let me guess, your queen took his king in
position eight?” She tucked her arm around the older man’s waist.
“Yup. He made the mistake you predicted he would.” Clyde chuckled. “Where’s Nick and
the kids?”
“Getting their skates sharpened. We took separate cars because I had to work late. The boys
are excited about the skating party tonight.”
“Skating party?” Cole’s eyes widened.
“Yes, it’s one of the highlights of the season’s festivities. The Town Center Park is
transformed into a magical ice palace with thousands of white lights. They set up a portable ice
rink and booths where they serve hot chocolate and cookies and provide skate rentals, so don’t
worry if you didn’t bring any.”
“I love skating. That sounds great.” Madison gained another surprised look from Cole. She
suspected he found her sudden change of heart strange. She couldn’t fully understand it. Maybe
it had something to do with him. Or a lot to do with him.
“I’ll probably be too busy taking pictures to skate.” Cole shoved his hands in his pockets,
avoiding Madison’s gaze.
Hmm…Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. I bet he can’t skate.
* * * * Madison gasped as they rounded the corner onto Main Street, and the Town Center came into view. The trees surrounding the lake were strung with sets of white and blue lights flickering to the beat of Christmas carols. Miniature pole lamps lined the pathway around the lake. The booths Natalie had mentioned were made of Styrofoam blocks, designed to look like ice huts, each labeled with signs that read hot chocolate, cookies and skate rentals. Traditional Christmas songs played over a loud speaker, and the three young boys sang along to Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.
“You know Rudolph isn’t the only reindeer.” Rod pouted.
The boys laughed and dashed off to put on their skates.
“Shall we get skates?” Madison asked Cole when they reached the edge of the frozen lake. “I wish I could, but I should probably get to work.” Cole held up his tripod and camera.
He’d been clutching his camera bag since they’d left the Livingston home.
“Maybe later?” Madison’s eyes narrowed with suspicion.
“Of course.” He nodded.
“Okay, I’m going to head out with the others. I’ll see you out there in a bit?” She grinned. “Yeah, sure.” His tone was noncommittal as he watched the skaters with a look of
admiration mixed with terror. The faster they skated or the more complicated a stunt they landed the more Cole looked ready to faint.
Madison hid a giggle and turned away, leaving him to set up his camera.
A cheery old man wearing a Santa’s hat greeted her inside the igloo hut. “Nice to see you again.” He beamed.
It was the same man she’d seen at his costume fitting earlier that afternoon. What was his name again? Archie…no Ernie.
“Hi, Ernie. Can I please have a pair of size five men’s skates?” Growing up in California, they hadn’t gone ice skating much as kids, but they had roller-bladed quite a bit. After moving to New York, Madison had turned to ice skating as one of her favorite forms of exercise and had found men’s hockey skates a similar fit and feel to roller blades.
“Sure thing.” He searched the racks behind him and handed her the skates. “Do you need someone to tie them for you?” He gestured toward two teenage boys who were flirting with two pretty local girls. He shook his head. “Hey boys, get back to work.”
The girls giggled and rushed off with their hot chocolate.
“Sorry dad.” The taller boy said.
“Boys.” Ernie took a deep breath and rolled his eyes. “Nothing but trouble.” He grinned. “Do you have children, Madison?”
“No.” Madison shook her head. She had wanted them once, but now she wasn’t sure. Knowing how fast a marriage could end, she would hate to put children through that pain. For now she was content being cool Aunt Madison to Samantha’s boys.
“Well if you decide to—don’t have boys…” He looked toward the lake where a young girl was skating hand in hand with a much older boy. His eyebrows furrowed. “On the other hand, girls are not much better.”
Madison glanced toward the skating couple and smiled. “Your daughter?”
Ernie nodded.
“Can Madison come and skate, Ernie?” Rod teased, poking his head inside the igloo.
“Oh yes. Sorry to keep you. Have fun.” Ernie turned his attention to a family waiting for skates.
Madison followed Rod outside to the wooden benches. She sat and tugged off her boots. She slid her feet into her skates and wiggled her toes.
“Do you need a hand with those?”
“No, that’s okay, thanks. My brother taught me how to tie skates years ago.” Madison bent and started on the laces.
“Okay, when you’re ready one of my old high school friends is back in town for the holidays, and I would like you to meet him. I’ve made him promise, no embarrassing stories or they might end up in print. In hindsight though, it was probably a bad idea to tell him not to. That may be enough motivation for him to reveal all.” He chuckled and dashed off in the direction of his old classmate on the skating rink.
Madison pulled the leg of her jeans down over her skate and stood. She glanced toward the hot chocolate booth where Cole had set up his tripod. He snapped photos of the Livingston family on the ice rink, changing the lens several times. She didn’t doubt the photos for the article would be amazing. He was amazing. Her feelings for him grew with each passing day, and she was anxious to see where things might lead once they returned to Staten Island.
“Madison, over here.” Rod waved from the other side of the rink.
She waved and headed toward the two men.
Rod took her arm. “Madison, I’d like you to meet Chris Windsor, a pediatrician in New Jersey.”
Chris smiled at Madison.
“Nice to meet you. So, how long have you two known each other?” She wished she’d thought of bringing her notebook along. She was having such a great time—she’d forgotten her purpose for being here. She vowed to work on her notes that evening.
“Too long.” Chris grinned. “We grew up on the same street, went to the same schools…”
“Same little league baseball team in summer and triple A hockey team in winter,” Rod finished. “Oh, you two will have to excuse me. I think Cole is flagging me over for a family photo.” Rod skated to the other side of the rink where his family was positioned for a photo inside the gazebo.
“Shall we skate as we talk?” Chris asked.
“Sure.” Madison pushed away from the boards and weaved in among the skaters. “Do you two keep in touch throughout the year?”
“Yeah. We make an effort to get together once a month…” Chris lowered his head and grinned. “When Rod isn’t otherwise engaged.” Chris struggled to keep up with her expert strides.
“What do you mean?” Madison slowed her stride.
“He doesn’t know, I know, but my sister visits him often.”
“Your sister?”
“Anita, from the bakery.” He smirked. “Rod goes there for more than the baked goods, but for some reason whenever I ask him about it, he denies it.” Chris shook his head. “My sister’s been in love with Rod since we were in diapers. I think it’s hilarious, they think I don’t know.”
Madison laughed. “That is funny. Why do you think they keep it a secret?” She glanced toward Rod who was posing for a picture with his nephews.
“Beats me.” Chris shrugged, out of breath. “I just wish they’d get married and have a kid already. I’m dying to be an uncle.” He paused and took a deep breath. “Okay, where did you learn to skate?”
“I used to roller blade on the beaches in California with my brother when we were kids, and the skating rink in Central Park is one of my favorite places to go during the winter months.” She slowed her pace even more.
“You are certainly graceful on those men’s skates.” Chris matched her slower stride. “You live in New York?” He studied her.
“I live on Staten Island. The publication I work for has its headquarters there, and I like the quieter pace.” Madison enjoyed the crisp air and the cool, refreshing wind on her face.
“I haven’t been to Staten Island in years. Maybe in the New Year, I could take you to dinner.”
The invitation took her by surprise, and she stumbled.
Chris grabbed her arm to steady her. “You okay?”
Madison skated toward the boards and moved away as she reached the edge of the rink. “Yeah, I’m good. Thank you.” She smiled. Chris was a pleasant man, but the only man she was interested in having dinner with was Cole. She hesitated.
“So, what do you say—a friendly dinner and a tour around Staten Island?” Chris looked hopeful.
“Um…” Her eyes landed on Cole studying them from across the ice rink.
Chris followed her gaze. “Oh, I get it.” He put his hands in his pockets. “Sorry, I didn’t realize you two were together like that.”
“Oh well, we’re…” What exactly? They were no longer just co-workers, and she suspected the growing feelings she had for him were mutual. She smiled and shrugged. “Sorry, I can’t have dinner with you.”
“Fine, well at least skate around with me so I can tell you more embarrassing stories about Rod.” He grinned. “There are many.”
Madison nodded. “Okay.”
* * * * Cole stood and fought to keep his balance on the icy snow. His toes ached in the skates a half size too small, and his ankles felt weak as he walked through the tall snow banks bordering the ice’s edge. Why did people put themselves through this torture? The balls of his feet were already seizing in muscle spasms. He stopped at the ice and watched as a group of school aged kids whizzed past. He frowned. Show offs.
He placed one foot on the ice and his leg stretched out in front of him. He teetered to keep his balance. Forget, this. Skating wasn’t his thing.
He heard Madison laugh and turned his attention to where she skated alongside Rod’s doctor friend. His eyes narrowed. Okay, focus. He could do this. It couldn’t be that hard. Eight year olds were doing it.
He stepped out onto the ice. The ice surface felt like glass, and his arms flailed as he struggled to keep his footing. He took a deep breath. Madison and Chris had stopped skating and watched him from across the ice. He waved. “Whoa.” He spun around and gripped the light pole on the bank. Waving was not a good idea. He steadied himself against the pole and straightened. He turned and lifting one foot after another made his way toward Madison. Hey, this wasn’t so bad. He was staying on his feet at least.
Madison met him halfway. “How are you doing there? Or should I say, what are you doing?” She placed her hands on her hips and came to a stop in front of him.
“Skating.” Cole studied his ice skates. Every muscle in hi
s body tightened as he struggled to maintain his balance as the other skaters zoomed past him.
“That’s not skating.” Madison shook her head and giggled.
“It’s how we skate where I come from.” Cole lifted a foot and took another step.
“Florida?” Madison laughed.
“That’s right, Florida.” Cole grinned. “Now stop laughing and show me how to do this.”
“Okay, stop moving.” Madison stood behind him and placed her hands on the back of his hips. “On the count of three, gently glide your right leg across the ice, without lifting your skate off the ice.”
He did as she instructed, and within a few minutes, he was gliding across the ice. He continued to struggle to keep his balance, but as Madison took his hand to skate next to him, his confidence grew, and the two were soon skating in the rotation with the other skaters.
“So, who was that guy I saw you skating with?” His tone was nonchalant.
“One of Rod’s high school friends, Chris. He’s a pediatrician in New Jersey.” Madison repeated the few facts she’d learned in their short skate together.
“Was he flirting with you?” Cole grinned, a slight note of jealousy in his voice.
“Yes, I believe he was. He asked me to dinner.” Madison brushed her long hair over one shoulder. She turned to look at him. “Why? Are you jealous?”
“Yes.” His honesty earned him a look of shock. He glided to a stop in front of her. “I was insanely jealous, watching the two of you skate. You, looking amazing in that red scarf with your dark hair blowing in the wind behind you. Your sexy hips swaying with each glide. I had to be near you again. That’s why I put on these ridiculous skates that are too small, so I could flirt with you and hopefully do a better job than that guy.” He nodded in the direction where Chris skated alone.
Madison’s breath caught in her throat. “Skating certainly isn’t your thing. Maybe you should try something else.”
Cole brushed her hair away from her cheeks and wrapped his arms around her waist, drawing her into his chest. “That won’t be a problem.”
“Cole—people are watching.” Madison placed her hands against his chest.
Cole’s grip on her waist tightened as he lowered his lips to hers. “So, let them think we’re practicing for the Christmas play, Mrs. Cratchet,” he whispered against her lips.
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