Forbidden Love

by Phillips, Laura

  I guess I don’t really pay attention to that when I’m not at a gay bar... But I probably should start being a bit more observant. Then, maybe I wouldn’t be single.

  Chapter 3

  Kacey blinked back tears as her mother kissed her new husband, a gentle breeze moving through her blond hair as she pulled away, smiling at Trent. Kacey couldn’t have been happier for her mother. Her heart felt like it might explode in her chest. She was such a hard-working woman, and she deserved this.

  When Kacey’s father had died when she was eight years old, her mother had sacrificed so much to keep their business up and running, turning it into one of the best restaurants in Tampa. Kacey remembered her mother working long hours, but she also remembered her being there for every school award and almost every soccer or softball game. Kacey would be lost without her, and now, she was finally marrying the man who had easily become Kacey’s second father.

  They’d met seven years ago, when Kacey was in her senior year of high school. She didn’t know him that well back then, because she was busy at school, and then she went traveling, but when she returned to Florida, Trent was still there, and Kacey could see the change in her mother. They were one of those couples that you could easily see complimented each other.

  Trent had started working at her mother’s restaurant, and somewhere along the way, they’d started dating, and the rest was history. Today, was a day they’d all been looking forward to for the last year, since Trent had proposed on this very beach.

  There was a cheer from the rows of friends and family seated on the white chairs, some standing and whistling as Kacey’s mother, Elizabeth, and Trent walked past everyone on the white carpet that was laid out to cover the sand. Kacey followed them along with the other bridesmaids and Trent’s groomsmen.

  The day had flown by, and Kacey couldn’t believe they were already heading to the reception. They’d take a few photos at the beach, but her duties as maid of honor were practically over. Kacey was looking forward to unwinding and catching up with some of her cousins that had flown in for the wedding who she hadn’t seen in years. She’d also get the chance to meet some of Trent’s extended family who she’d only said a quick ‘Hello’ to when they’d arrived last night.

  The last week had been incredibly busy, and Kacey had a few late nights finishing her assignment for Ms. Malone’s class before she had to switch over to wedding mode. Now that all of the serious business was out of the way, she was going to have a few glasses of champagne and relax.

  Chapter 4

  Madison came back from the restroom, surprised to see her table empty, but Ashley and a few of the waitresses from the restaurant where she worked were on the dance floor, and they looked like they were enjoying themselves. Ashley caught her eye and waved her over before she returned to her dance circle, throwing her hands over her head as she sang along to the eighties song the band were singing.

  The reception was just a few yards away from the beach where Elizabeth and Trent had gotten married. The views from the hotel balcony were amazing, and the way they’d decorated the interior with dozens of lanterns and strings of fairy lights, it looked magical.

  Madison wasn’t quite ready to hit the dance floor. She knew she needed at least one more drink. Right now, she was nicely tipsy, but she still wasn’t confident enough to let go like Ashley could. She’d always admired that in her friend. She didn’t care what anyone thought of her.

  Madison wandered over to the open bar and picked up a glass of champagne, making small talk with the woman beside her. She watched Ashley move away from her co-workers and into the bridal party’s circle, and Madison hoped that she wasn’t going to be a cliché by going after one of the bridesmaids.

  This is probably the part where I show up and play Ashley’s girlfriend... Or I’ll just be a good friend and save her from making a fool of herself.

  Madison downed the rest of the champagne, excusing herself as she made her way onto the dance floor, weaving her way through the crowd until she found Ashley, sliding in behind her, finding the rhythm as she danced beside Ashley, her hand on her hip for just a few seconds before Ashley turned to face her, giving her a wink before she moved away from her towards one of the bridesmaids.

  Charming...

  Madison was about to leave the floor when a blond-haired woman ended up blocking her path, dancing beside her until they both naturally turned to face each other, and Madison gave her a shy smile as the band switched into another song.

  The woman in front of her was probably in her early twenties, and Madison noticed she was wearing the same dress as the other bridesmaids, but it was a darker shade of teal than the others, making her the maid of honor.

  So, who was she?

  She was younger than the rest of the bridesmaids, which led Madison to the conclusion that she was probably closely related to Elizabeth, Ashley’s boss. The others were probably Elizabeth’s friends or maybe a sister. Madison couldn’t remember if Ashley said that Elizabeth had a daughter or a niece, but she assumed she was related to her somehow.

  As the band announced the next song, the woman leaned in so that Madison could hear her over the noise.

  “That dress looks amazing on you,” she said, her blue eyes almost sparkling in the lights.

  “Thanks,” Madison said, feeling her lips moving into a smile as the band started playing again, and Ashley’s words came back to her.

  ‘Remember that woman at the first store we went to? The one that was asking you about your necklace? She was flirting with you.’

  Even though this woman was at least ten years younger than her, was she flirting with her? Madison didn’t know, and she didn’t care. She was actually having fun dancing, and the two of them ended up back in the circle that had been forming beside them.

  Madison also appreciated this band. Song after song brought her back to her teenage years. Ashley was beside her again, wrapping her arm around Madison’s waist as one of the bridesmaids started a conga line. The maid of honor slipped in line ahead of her, and Madison found herself putting her hands on her waist, wondering why it made her so nervous. Maybe it was just Ashley’s joke about her being a cougar that was getting to her. They were just dancing. Madison glanced behind her, flashing Ashley a smile as they made their way around the room, maneuvering between tables and chairs, doing a lap of the room.

  Chapter 5

  Kacey gave her mother a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

  “Thank you so much,” Elizabeth said, her blue eyes tired but happy. “For everything... Today went so smoothly. I know you had a lot to do with that.”

  “You had a great day?”

  “It was more than I could have hoped for. It was perfect.”

  Trent joined them, giving Kacey a hug. “You did a great job, Kace.”

  “I’m glad you both enjoyed yourselves. I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?”

  “Goodnight,” they both said as they left the dining room to find their room.

  When they were out of sight, Kacey’s eyes searched the still crowded room for Ms. Malone. She’d nearly had a heart attack in the middle of the dance floor a few hours ago when she’d turned and saw her standing there. She had no idea what her social psychology lecturer was doing here, but she wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to talk to her or dance with her.

  Her first instinct had been to run, but when her eyes locked onto Ms. Malone’s while the band announced the next song, she’d stood frozen, just like she had at the coffee shop less than two weeks ago, and when she’d smiled at her... Kacey forgot about everyone else around them. It was just the two of them for a song or two before they ended up back in the middle of the group, all of them dancing together in a circle.

  Kacey could have left it at that, but when a conga line started forming, she jumped in right in front of her lecturer. Kacey didn’t know where the burst of courage had come out of, but it was worth it. Ms. Malone’s hands were on her waist for the next five minutes as they paraded around
the room. If Kacey’s mother hadn’t come over to them when they’d finished, she probably would have started a conversation with her, but that was hours ago. Kacey had spent the last two hours mingling and saying goodnight to anyone who had left early.

  There was still a good crowd on the dance floor. A DJ was in charge now, while the band loaded their gear into their van that was parked outside the hotel. Kacey finally spotted Ms. Malone. She was at the bar with some of the staff from the restaurant.

  Maybe that’s why she’s here? Maybe she’s a regular customer at my mother’s restaurant? She seemed to know Ashley.

  Kacey had gone over the guest list dozens of times, but she never quizzed her mother about who each guest was, and she definitely didn’t recognize Madison Malone’s name when she was organizing everything. Her mother had insisted on doing the seating chart because Kacey didn’t know everyone on the list, and she said she’d feel better if she could do at least one thing to help out.

  I should just go find out...

  Kacey took a deep breath as she crossed the room, heading over to the bar, and greeted Ashley, the executive chef at the restaurant.

  “Hey, Ashley,” Kacey said, putting her arm around her. “I’m so sorry I haven’t had a chance to talk to you all night. I never thought it would be this much work to be the maid of honor.”

  “Well, you did a fantastic job,” Ashley said, smiling back at her.

  “Thanks for getting out on the dance floor right away... It can be hard to get it started, especially with the older crowd that’s here.”

  “No problem. You know I love dancing. So, you’re officially off-duty now?”

  “Yeah,” Kacey said, nodding as she glanced over at the dance floor and then back to the bar area where Madison Malone stood a few feet away. “I guess I am.”

  “Good. Have a shot,” Ashley said, grabbing two shot glasses from the bar.

  Kacey eyed up the green colored liquid as she held it up and clinked her glass off Ashley’s before downing it.

  “Do you know that woman? The one in the blue-green dress?” Kacey asked as the liquor burned her throat on its way down.

  “Oh, that’s Madison,” Ashley said with a smile. “My girlfriend,” she added.

  Kacey felt her jaw drop slightly, but she recovered with what she hoped was a normal looking smile. “I didn’t know you were in a relationship. Congrats.”

  “It’s relatively new... We’ve been together for three months.”

  “She’s beautiful,” Kacey heard herself say in just above a whisper as her eyes met Madison’s, and Kacey darted her eyes away.

  “She is,” Ashley said, her attention on the dance floor as a woman motioned for her to come join them. Kailey could see Madison walking towards them out of the corner of her eye. “Do you want a shot?” Ashley asked Madison.

  “No... I’ll stick to the wine,” Madison said, bringing her glass to her lips as her green eyes met Kacey’s again.

  “I better go,” Ashley said, waving over at the woman on the dance floor. “Looks like she wants another dance. Enjoy the rest of your night Kacey. You deserve it.”

  “She’s wild, isn’t she?” Kacey asked with a soft laugh as Ashley sauntered onto the dance floor to join the woman.

  “She is,” Madison said with almost a sigh, and Kacey wondered if they were having problems or if Madison wasn’t impressed with Ashley’s moves on the dance floor and the way she was so close to the woman who’d called her over. “I’m Madison, by the way,” she said, extending her hand.

  “Kacey. Nice to meet you.”

  “You’re the bride’s...?”

  “Daughter.”

  Madison nodded. “This was my first beach wedding.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes. You did a great job with it. There was a lovely atmosphere on the beach this afternoon, and this place looks great too. Did you hire a wedding planner?”

  “No... I took care of everything. My mom had her own ideas, but then she left me to put it all together.”

  “Wow. You should be proud of yourself,” Madison said, her eyes lingering on Kacey.

  “Thanks... I’m just glad that Trent and my mom were happy with everything. That’s all that matters.”

  Kacey held Madison’s gaze. She wished she was more charming or wittier. She wanted Madison to want to keep talking to her, and Kacey hoped she wasn’t just being polite.

  Kacey was surprising herself by keeping it together. Being around Madison did something to her. Her heart beat a little bit faster, her mind raced, but for some reason, she was keeping her cool tonight.

  “Do you want to go for a walk on the beach with me?” Madison asked after a moment. “I don’t think Ashley’s going to leave the dance floor anytime soon.”

  “Sure...”

  Kacey followed Madison outside, her heart hammering in her chest. She thought she saw a hint of desire in Madison’s stunning green eyes, but she was with Ashley, so Kacey must be seeing things.

  I’m seeing exactly what I want to see... There is no way that she would go for one of her students.

  The light ocean breeze ran through Madison’s dark hair as they left the reception and made the short walk down to the beach. Kacey did her best to keep her eyes up, but they eventually dropped to the toned legs that peeked out from underneath her sea green dress, the fabric flowing away from her in the light breeze.

  “So, Kacey,” Madison said as she bent down to take off her heels, and Kacey started to do the same, “Are you interested in the restaurant business too?”

  “I love what my mother, and my father, did with the place. It was rundown and had been an empty building for years before they came along with a vision and an idea, and turned it into what it is today, but I’m not sure that I want to take over when she retires.”

  “Does she expect you to?” Madison asked as they strode through the sand, moving away from the reception, heading down to the water’s edge.

  “I think so... Not in any sort of controlling way. I’ve always spent a lot of time there, growing up, and now as a waitress when they’re short staffed, so I guess it makes sense for her to assume that I’d like to have a more serious role someday.”

  “You’re not into cooking?”

  “No. I almost wish I was. Ashley’s done such an amazing job with the menu. She’s had some great ideas over the years. I wish I had that kind of creativity when it came to food... I always end up cooking the same things,” Kacey said with a soft laugh that sounded nervous to her own ears, but hopefully Madison didn’t think that.

  Kacey needed to steer the conversation away from her. She might never get this chance to get to know Madison away from campus again.

  “Does Ashley cook at home or is she sick of it by the time her shift is over?” Kacey asked, glancing over at her as they walked, but even in the moonlight she could make out the confusion that crossed Madison’s face. Maybe they didn’t live together. Kacey had just assumed that they did.

  “I don’t know.”

  “She doesn’t cook for you then?” Kacey asked, hoping that she didn’t sound nosy.

  Madison hesitated before she spoke, her lips parted to speak as if she was mulling over her words. “I don’t think she’s ever cooked for me... I should probably complain about that,” she said with a weak smile.

  “You really should. She’s definitely the best chef we’ve ever had.”

  “I’ve eaten at the restaurant before, so technically she has cooked for me...”

  “That doesn’t count,” Kacey said in a serious tone. “You’re missing out.”

  If it wasn’t for the nearly full moon, Kacey wouldn’t be able to see where she was going, but the white glow it cast on the beach allowed her to steal another glance at Madison as they walked, wisps of her dark hair falling into her eyes.

  Kacey’s feet sunk into the wet sand, the tide washing over her as they walked along the shoreline. “So how long have you two been together? I didn’t even know Ashley wa
s seeing anyone,” Kacey said, biting her lip as she waited for Madison’s reply.

  Kacey knew they were only going out for three months, but she wanted to hear it from her. She had a feeling that they might be having trouble, between the way Ashley danced with that woman and the way Madison spoke about her. They just didn’t seem like a happy couple.

  Chapter 6

  Madison silently cursed Ashley. Why did she agree to pose as her girlfriend?

  Ashley was loving it. Her plan was working for her. She had no problem dancing the night away with any woman that came near her, and Madison had no doubt that she’d end up with one of them by the end of the night, but Madison was struggling with the idea of approaching someone while she had a fake girlfriend.

  Somehow Ashley didn’t care what anyone thought of her, and she was only after a one-night stand, so that was probably why she had no problems being seen leaving with someone else, but Madison didn’t think she could do it.

  If she wasn’t pretending to be Ashley’s girlfriend, she’d be trying to come up with something funny or witty to say to the beautiful woman who was strolling along the beach beside her, but instead, she was cursing her best friend for putting her in this position.

  “So how long have you two been together? I didn’t even know Ashley was seeing anyone,” Kacey said, taking Madison away from her thoughts.

  That’s because she isn’t...

  Madison didn’t know what to say. She wanted to just tell her that it was all for show, but how would that make her look? What kind of a person pretends to have a girlfriend in an attempt to meet someone?

  Ashley.

  Madison tucked a lock of her dark hair behind her ear as they continued to walk. She had to say something.

  “Not that long,” Madison said. “We’re not very serious actually. I think we were both just lonely...”

  “Oh,” Kacey said quietly, their hands lightly brushing across one another as they walked, but Kacey’s hand was gone again in a second. “I don’t know Ashley that well... I mean, I’ve known her for a few years, but it’s usually between shifts at work or when one of us is on a break. I was kind of surprised to see her out on the dance floor... You know...”