Matthew gives a soft smile, “Eventually.”
Ethan and Joshua threw their hands up in frustration.
“You fell in love with Madison?” I ask him quietly.
He nods again.
“Why didn't it work out? What happened?” Joshua asked.
“Our timing is always fucked up. The last night she was here, after the twins came, we made love. I woke up the next morning and she was gone. Then I had to leave the country for the FBI.”
“Yeah, you were gone for like a month.”
“I was out of the country for 3 weeks and in Chicago for a few days trying to find her.”
“You could've just asked Cookie,” Joshua said.
“I thought she would talk me out of going to her. She should have had the opportunity to do so because when I got there she was on a date with another guy and he was all over her in the middle of a restaurant.”
Ethan whistled.
“I had Richards with me and as I was about to lose it, he got me out of there. I came home.”
“So you never told Madison?”
He rubbed his forehead. “No, I did. A few years ago, she had an incident with Adam and she sent for me. I left straight away. I told her everything and she calmly informed me that she felt the same way, then. She loved me then and gave herself to me thinking I only wanted a one-night stand. 'If you'd only approached that table, I'd be Mrs. Matthew Cannon now and I wouldn't be in all this pain today.'”
“She said that to you?” Joshua asked, wide-eyed.
Matthew nodded again. “If you guys paid attention, you'd notice I stopped fooling around right after I got back and focused on Sidra. I was not going to lose another woman that way. This is why I keep pushing communication on everybody. If Madison and I had talked before we had sex, I would've been happy now, with her.”
“Madison,” Joshua whispers. “It was her. That night...”
“Yeah,” Matthew nods.
“What night?” Ethan asks frowning.
“I called Matthew the night I found out about Madison and Adam. He was drunk and confessed he had just gotten his heart broken,” I said.
Marcus opens his eyes and looks at me.
“What did you find out about Madison and Adam?”
“That they eloped.”
“What happened that night, Matthew? The night you found out about the elopement.”
Matthew answers, his gaze never leaving Madison's face. “I had gotten Madison the information she needed for Adam and I high-tailed it out of there. I told her I had to leave, but I didn't. I knew they were going to reconcile, and I did not want to see it. So I came back to California, went home and got drunk. Marcus called in the middle of it and he and Josh talked me down. It was at the end of that conversation when Marcus told me about the marriage. He gutted me and didn't know it. He had no idea then that I was talking about Madison.”
Madison inhales sharply and stares at Matthew. She then turns her attention to Mariah, who is staring daggers at her.
Mariah points to herself and says, “After our chat in the kitchen, I didn't want to leave you alone with him. I heard your door close and I thought he left. But then...”
She then points to Madison, “You heard us?”
Pointing to herself, “You fell for him, didn't you? That's what you were telling me in the kitchen, or trying to tell me. It's not a hard thing to do. He's very much Marcus' brother... a charming man and quite easy on the eyes.”
Pointing at Madison: “And he's the eternal bachelor. I just took what I could and now I'm regretting it. I didn't know I would feel this way.”
Pointing to herself: “What way?”
Pointing to Madison: “I love him, and it's taking everything in me not to go back in that room and tell him, but I can't have a repeat of Phil, Carey.”
Pointing to herself: “First, Matthew would never, ever put his hands on you in that way. I have half a mind to tell Matthew exactly what he did to you, but I won't. I'm your friend, and you asked me to keep this between us, so I will. Second, if you want to be with him, you can't leave and not tell him. I will hold your hand while you do it.”
Pointing at Madison: “I can't. Either way I get my heart broken. He's not interested in long term. I knew that, Mariah and yet still I fell for him. God, I'm still so stupid! Four years and I have not learned one damn lesson!”
Mariah smiles and covers her mouth. “To say anymore would be, uh...” she grins and puts her head down.
“Mariah?”
She tearfully raises her head and looks at me.
“You saw Matthew didn't you, when he woke?”
She nods and gives her brother-in-law a sympathetic look. “First time he saw one of the babies and didn't snatch him away from me.”
“What did he say?” Tim asks, as Madison crosses her arms.
Mariah sighs. “He asked for her and when I told him she was on the plane, he paled. I thought he was going to be sick. That's when I knew he felt like she did and I've kicked myself every day since for not making her go back in that room.”
“Why?”
“He broke my heart with his sadness, trying to hide the pain of her leaving. I yelled at him when Madison got shot. They were both being completely stubborn about their feelings for each other and it pissed me off. I told Matthew then to dump Sidra and wait for Sugar to recover from her loss. I think it's commendable you wanted to protect Sidra's feelings, Matthew, but... if she'd went in that room, half the pain either of you experienced in the last ten years never would have been felt. Then they had that second chance when Matthew went to Chicago, but he fucked that up.”
We stare at Mariah.
“Do any of you disagree?”
Silence.
“I didn't think so; just like they are in danger of fucking it all up now. But as much as I love the two of you, this time I will kick both your asses. You have 4 ½ of my nephews invested this time, not just your stubborn asses.”
Matthew looks at Mariah and she gives him a look that says 'I dare you.' He looks at his wife then walks over to her.
“What do I have to do, say, act, or plead to you that will convince you that I love you and I am not going anywhere? And neither are you?”
“You don't know that,” Madison answers. “You could walk out tomorrow, for all I know.”
“Yeah; that's not gonna happen,” Mariah murmurs, fisting her chin.
Madison's eyes flash. “You don't know that, Mariah!”
“You think Phil's a fucking expert?” Mariah's head snaps up at Madison, a look of determination that makes several people say 'ut-oh' and others back away. Even Madison blinks rapidly at the expression.
Slowly Mariah stands and goes to Madison, pushing Matthew out of the way, staring at her face.
“Do you believe I love my husband?” Mariah screeches out.
Madison stares and Mariah's brow lifts. Finally, Madison lets out a small, “Yes.”
“And that he loves me?”
“Yes.”
Mariah suddenly grabs Madison in the hug we saw earlier, cheek to cheek, and whispers something in her ear.
Madison inhales sharply and jumps back as she stares at Mariah, then at Matthew.
“I don't gamble but I'd bet anything on that. Forever,” Mariah says, looking straight in her eyes.
Madison sobs and puts her face in her hands, crying hard. Matthew wraps his arms around her and rubs her back. He holds her so tight, I think he's about to crush her. They whisper to one another as he calms her tears then walks her to the bathroom.
Every eye turns to Mariah, who is trolling through the food box. She finds her food and grabs a shake then turns and freezes.
“What?” She frowns, sipping the milkshake.
“What did you say to her, Mariah?” Tim asks her, smiling and crossing his arms.
Mariah lowers the shake and looks thoughtfully at my husband. “I remember you, Tim. I remembered our last session. You were right.”
“Since he doesn't hear that often, why don't you share with the rest of us, Cookie?” I laugh, along with everyone else.
She looks in Tim's face again.
“I asked you 'how on Earth do I convince Marcus to have his vasectomy reversed? And how do I open up again and love any more kids we may make?'”
“And I told you, 'First step is to ask the question, then wait for the answer and work from that,' Tim smiles and shakes his head. “But I don't think that's what you told Madison.”
“It's not,” Mariah smiles. “I told her the answer to the last one. Remember?”
Tim's frowns as he thinks then smiles. “There's no difference.”
“His love for her, her love for him... there's no difference between theirs and the love Marcus and I have for one another. Just like my kids: I love them all the same. There is no difference.”
Chapter Thirteen
But Did You Know This…?
Matthew and Madison come out of the bathroom. Hand in hand, they grab their food and join us at the table.
I smile as Madison smiles at me. I think these two are going to make it.
The door opens and Mandy and Joshua walk in, giggling. All eyes are on their quickly thrown together appearance as they come in and go straight to the food, which they quickly find and leave, the door clicking resoundingly behind them.
“Vicky, where do I sign?”
“For what, Marcus?” I smile at him.
“You worked miracles with Toad and Twerp. I know you can help me.”
“Yeah, you need to work that Cramp out!” Matthew smirks.
“Don't go giving away my job, Toad!” Mariah points.
“And a very good job you do, baby.” We laugh.
“Vicky?”
“Yes, Ethan?”
“You said earlier that there were two people you hadn't gotten a read on. Care to share?”
I smile. “I've since got a read on one of them that I think is pretty good.”
“Bullshit! You've been batting a thousand today!”
I laugh, “Maybe.”
“No maybes, Vicky,” Nathan smiles. “I think you're very good.”
“Why, thank you, Dr. James,” I say, bowing at the neck.
“Now spill.”
“Are you sure?” I look around the room. They nod.
“Yes, Vicky. There are several you have yet to do,” Rachel smiles.
“Let's see... I've done Mariah, Marcus, Tom, Nathan, Ethan, Russell, Matthew, and of course Madison. Hmm... I guess I should go for...”
I look around the table, “Alissa.”
She jumps. They laugh.
“Nervous little thing, aren't you? I bet you like to hang out in the corner until you size up the situation. I noticed that when you took your seat today. In the far corner, not one word at first. You keep the best secrets but there is some you are dying to tell. Just like everyone else, your loyalty knows no bounds.”
Everyone nods.
“Besides that, I bet you're a better attorney than your husband, though you'd never admit that to him.”
Ethan scoffs, “Another understatement of the century!”
We laugh at that as Russell pats Ethan's shoulder.
“I think the parents are one in the same, but Katherine's more of an amalgam of all six of you. I think Daddy and Lil are the epitome of a cocktail buddy. Honest, caring, protective, all of them. And Rachel's the extrovert; Katherine's the subdued one. Thomas is outgoing and Stephen's reserved, until provoked.”
More nods.
“Lisa,” I smile. “You and Nathan... wow. I think when Nathan was created, God said I'm going to make his perfect mate now, and it's going to take a few years to perfect; can't say something about one that you can't say about the other. You're the amalgam of the women, as he is the men. I believe the only things different about the two of you are physical.”
“That's the best part,” Matthew chuckles.
“Shut up,” Lisa blushes.
I watch the two of them and want to ask a question, but I don't want to ruffle any feathers, so I attempt to move my attention elsewhere.
“What was that look, Vicky?”
“Excuse me?” I frown at Ethan.
“The look you gave Twinkie and Matthew.”
“I don't know what you're talking about,” I say, slurping my shake.
Everyone stops eating and stares at me. I blow out a deep breath and put down my drink.
“What on Earth made the two of you go on one date, let alone countless?” I ask, exasperated.
“Easy,” Matthew deadpans. “She was hot for me so I had to at least try to cool her off.”
“If this were my office, half of my cold fries would be in your face, Beta man,” Lisa growls.
What the hell? The cleaning crew will be here later anyway. It's time they got an extra tip. I pick up a fry and toss it. It lands in Matthew's hair. Several follow mine.
“Truth, Matthew,” I demand a fry with ketchup in my hand.
“Okay, uncle,” he laughs. “I needed a date for Joshua's dinner to introduce him to the company. Lisa begged, so I caved. I'm such a giving guy!”
More fries pummel Matthew.
“He's half right, Vicky,” Lisa sighs. “He needed the date for Joshua's dinner, but a friend begged me to go for her, since she found a better choice for the night.”
Matthew’s jaw drops. “What? She dumped me? Are you sure?”
“Like a bowl of hot potatoes fresh out of an oven,” Lisa nods.
“Damn. I can't believe she dumped me before I had a chance to dismiss her. Shit!”
“Matthew?”
“Yes, Vicky?”
“What was her name?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.
Matthew blinks rapidly. “Marcy? Melanie? Mandy! Shit... that's Twerp's wife's name! Maggie! Yeah, Maggie.”
“Brenda, Toad!” Lisa snaps.
“Brenda!” he claps. “That's right, Brenda; just needed a minute.”
“Good. Cause her name was Trina.”
“Are you sure?” Matthew frowns.
“No! It was Karen Crowley! Jesus,” Lisa shouts, shaking her head.
The room lets out a belly aching laugh to a reddened Matthew.
“Right, right,” Matthew nods then frowns, questioningly. “Brunette?”
“Blonde.”
Matthew narrows an eye at her.
“Well, she is now,” Lisa chuckles.
“Will you ever learn?” Marcus chuckles.
Matthew scowls. “Ask me anything about any woman in this room.”
“Why?”
“Just do it.”
Marcus’ head tilts. “What's Mariah's favorite color?”
“Yours for her or one she really likes?”
“Both!”
“You like her in purple. She'd rather have blue, like your eyes.”
Mariah smiles. “That's true.”
“What's Lisa's favorite movie?”
Matthew scoffs at Nathan. “She'll say it's Mildred Pierce, but it's Toy Story 3.”
“Nathan!” Lisa gasps. “You promised!”
“I didn't tell him that!”
Lisa's head snaps back to Matthew. “What the hell?”
Tom asks, “What's Monica's favorite scent?”
“Baked Apples.”
“Wow.”
“I got one,” Madison smiles. “Favorite color.”
Matthew scoffs again. “Orange; subtle, not that strong shit.”
“Not mine; Vicky's.”
A chuckle goes around the room.
“You said any woman in here,” Madison grins.
Matthew pauses for a beat then smiles, “Green.”
I smile and nod.
“What the hell,” Evelyn shouts.
“I am the master!” Matthew grins and bows.
I shake my head; shades of green are everywhere in the office.
* * *
After we've eaten and cleaned the mess, Matthew doing the bulk of it
, I ask if they want to wrap up for the day. They didn't and Tim agreed to stay as well.
“Okay, so what should we move on to now?” I ask the group after they have called to check on their children and have taken their seats again.
“You still haven't read Evelyn and Monica,” Russell nods.
I shrug. “Monica's guarded and Evelyn... well...”
They turn to me.
“Monica's the most open person I know,” Tom says.
“Okay,” I smirk.
“She is.”
“Monica?”
“Yes?”
“What's your father do for a living?”
“Uh, Pumpkin?”
“Yes, Daddy?”
He goes into a dialog about Federal government and statutes that need to be followed. Matthew jumps up and stares across the table at Caspar. I nod.
“I've just figured out the last person,” I murmur to my husband.
“Monica?” he murmurs.
I nod again. “Daddy, this room is protected. I promise.”
He studies me a moment and finally waves a hand, “Fine. No one talks outside this room. You ask my permission before you speak.”
“Fine,” Monica murmurs then turns to me.
“How long have you been an agent, Monica?”
Caspar nods.
“Since 2000.”
“You've been an agent since 2000? You've been an agent 21 years? You're only 42! How have you been an agent half your life?”
Monica shrugs. “I started the January before I graduated Brown. Ad exec was just a cover.”
“I don't believe this,” Tom snorts.
“Yes, you do,” I say, going to the candy drawer, followed closely by the other pregnant women. I giggle.
“Excuse me?” Tom says, incredulously.
I grab a Snickers and Mariah snatches it out of my hand.
“You knew this woman wasn't an ad exec. Look at her!” I point, grabbing a Twix.
Madison grabs that one. I giggle again. “Babe, remind me to refill while we're out tomorrow.”
“And what made you so sure so fast?” Monica scowls.
I sigh and grab another Snickers and make my way to the chairs.
Tearing it open, I take a big bite and moan, to the chuckles of several others and I point to my father. “Daddy, stand up, please.”
Broken: Book One of the M Series Page 15
