by Lulu Pratt
It is just before the lunch hour, so I walk through the dining area to check on stocked items. Nancy smiles and waves.
“Good morning,” she says with a smile.
“You are chipper today.”
“I was able to spend some time with Maddie and I found out just how amazing she really is. I had her all wrong and I feel terrible for trying to get her into trouble. Anyway, we bonded and she is even helping me out with a small problem I have been having. I think we are going to be good friends.”
“That’s good to hear.”
“I even mentioned that I think you and her would be dynamite together,” she says.
“Did you?” I hold a chuckle back.
“I hope she at least gives you a chance.”
“You know the rules.”
“Sometimes rules are made to be broken. Besides, you’d be so much better for her than that other guy.”
“Other guy?” The thought feels like a punch in my stomach. “I wasn’t aware she was seeing anyone.”
“Well, I don’t know how serious they are, but I do know he is quite the dominating type. Are you interested in her? I can tell her if you want.”
“No, no that’s okay. I’d rather keep things professional.”
“Oh, okay. Sorry.” She starts to walk away with a bounce in her step, leaving me there questioning her intentions.
Just as Joanne appears from her office carrying a stack of clean tablecloths, Nancy stops and turns back to me.
“I almost forgot. Where is Maddie?” Nancy asks.
I get a feeling in my gut that this isn’t going to end well. “Today is her day off.”
“Oh. I hope everything is all right.”
“As far as I know, it is.”
“Well, when I saw her coming out of your office this morning, I assumed she was here. I’ll just call her later.” Nancy turns and walks into the kitchen, whistling a happy tune. I glance over and see the daggers Joanne is throwing at me with her eyes.
Chapter 13
MADDIE
“Hi, Daddy.”
“Pumpkin! How are you? How’s New York?”
“Really great. My job is amazing and the people are super nice.”
“Why do I find that hard to believe?”
“I mean, the people I work with. I don’t do much out of work. I have devoted myself to the restaurant and I love it there.”
“That is so good to hear.”
“Which is why I’m calling. I wanted to talk to you about something.”
“Go ahead. What is it?”
I hated lying to people, especially my father. He and I always had a great relationship and I don’t remember ever lying to him about anything. It’s a lot harder than I thought it would be.
“I have an opportunity to invest in the restaurant. It’s an Italian place, very well-known and prestigious. They are offering me a buy in as an investor which could mean bigger profits for me in the future.”
“You don’t know anything about investing.”
“They have good lawyers and I have a coworker who is helping me understand it all.”
“Is this person invested?”
“Yes. So, you know they won’t steer me wrong. They want it to succeed as well.”
“How much is this investment?”
“Two hundred thousand.”
“That’s a lot of money, Maddie.”
“I know. I have some in my savings.”
“No, don’t use that. That is for your future. I can come out next week to meet with the investors. If I think it’s a sound deal, I’ll front you the money.”
“That’s just it, Dad. I need it today.”
“Today?”
“I thought I could do this on my own, but they don’t work in payment plans.”
His hesitation is hopeful. When my father hesitates, he almost always says yes. “Okay, but I want to be copied on all paperwork as soon as you get it.”
“Of course. Thank you, Dad.”
“I’ll transfer the money this afternoon.”
“Thank you so much. I will call you after everything is set.”
“I’m trusting you on this.”
“Yes, sir. I won’t let you down. This is going to be a good thing.”
“Talk to you soon. I love you.”
“I love you, Daddy.”
As soon as I hang up with him, a pang of guilt consumes me. Please, let me be sure I’m doing the right thing. My phone rings and Nancy’s name comes up on the caller id.
“Nancy, hi.”
“Did you get it?” she asks, panic in her voice.
“I will have it by this afternoon.”
“Oh, thank God.”
“Meet me after work this evening. I’ll be at that little bar on the corner. We can talk about the details there.”
“Okay. I’ll see you there around eleven. Thank you so much, Maddie. I don’t know what I would do without you. You are an angel.”
She hangs up and I try to hang on to her words for self-assurance.
When ten-thirty rolls around, I pick up my purse and I start to the door. Just as I open it, I see Rocco standing on the other side, his fist raised in the air, ready to knock.
“Damn good timing,” he says, smiling.
“Actually, it isn’t. I’m on my way out.”
“Want some company?”
“I… can’t. I have to take care of some things. I’m sorry. What are you doing here anyway?”
“I was hoping we could talk.”
“Can I take a rain check? Maybe lunch tomorrow?”
“Lunch, sure.”
“I’m sorry, but I have to go. Walk me out?”
He does, but silently. He seems bothered by my curtness. I want to ease his mind, but that involves time that I don’t have at the moment. I will make it better tomorrow.
We reach the street and I hail a cab.
“Can I drop you some place?”
“No. That’s okay. But thank you.” As soon as the cab slows to a stop, I jump in and close my door before I have to answer any of Rocco’s questions. I feel bad not telling him what I’m doing, but the less he knows the better.
Nancy is already in the bar when I arrive. She is sitting at a table with an older gentleman, who is quite good looking and dressed very well. At first, I’m not sure if he is there with her, or if she is being flirtatious. My stomach flips at the thought this guy might be the man she has to pay off. I don’t want to deal with them directly so I dart off to the side and pull out my phone.
I’m almost there, I text her.
Okay. I’m here now.
Are you alone?
No. I brought my father. I thought you should meet him since you are the one who is saving his life.
I smile, pocket my phone and walk to them.
“Hello,” I say, as I approach them.
“Maddie!” Nancy jumps out of her chair and throws her arms around me. I glance at the man as he stands, his eyes squinting as he smiles at me. “This is my father, Joseph. Dad, this is Maddie.”
“It is so very nice to meet you, Maddie,” he says softly.
I hold out my hand to shake his, but instead he grabs my wrist, pulls me to him and puts his arms around me.
Chapter 14
MADDIE
“I’m sorry,” Nancy says when he finally lets me go. “He is the touchy feely type, but harmless, I assure you.”
“I like to hug. What can I say, Nancy?” he says, shrugging his shoulders.
“It’s okay. My family is like that too.”
“Let me buy you a drink, Maddie” he says, quickly as the bartender approaches.
“Thank you. A vodka and cranberry, please.”
“I will be right back, Maddie. I have to use the ladies’ room.”
I give her a ‘don’t you dare leave me alone with your father’ look, but she smiles and turns away. “Please, get to know each other.”
She walks off before I can say anything more and le
aves me with her very good-looking father. Although he doesn’t look anything like her, he seems genuine and very kind. He is just a little over the top. It makes me wonder how a man like this could possibly get himself into such trouble.
“Nancy told me what you offered, and I can’t thank you enough. You are truly a good person.”
“I was raised to try to help others. I just hope this will help. Do you have a plan on how to repay this debt? This isn’t my money. I had to lie to my father to get the money. He thinks he is helping me invest in a deal that doesn’t exist.”
He looks at me and shakes his head as if in awe at my kindness. Next thing I know, his arms are around me again. “I just can’t thank you enough. You have saved my life.” He squeezes me tightly before letting go.
“Thank you,” I mumble. I look out to the back of the bar, wondering where Nancy is when her father turns my face to his and kisses me on the lips. My eyes are wide and we are frozen for the longest moment in my life.
“No, thank you,” he says, letting me go.
The bartender walks to us with my drink and as soon as he sets it down, I grab it and hold it in front of me putting an extra chair between me and Nancy’s father.
The entire night is odd for me but I need to stick around to be sure what his intentions were on paying me back and what kind of counseling he is planning on getting for his addiction. Maybe it is forward of me to ask, but I did just front two-hundred-thousand dollars to a complete stranger and his daughter who, just a few days ago, tried to get me fired. I’m insane.
I open my purse and I start to pull out the envelope full of cash. Looking at each of them, I realize this is the moment of truth. How well do I trust these people that I can hand over so much money with no way of guaranteeing I will get it back? My hesitation makes them uneasy.
“Can we do this someplace more private?” Nancy asks, putting her hand on my arm. “I don’t feel right here.”
I push it back into my purse. “The restaurant is just down the street. We could go there.” I look at the time on my cell phone. “It should be closed by now. I have a key.”
“Perfect,” she says, getting up.
When we get inside the restaurant and I turn off the alarm, we sit at a table close to the front. I hesitate before pulling out the envelope and I feel Nancy’s hand on my arm again.
“Maddie? I know it’s a lot of money, and I assure you that my dad and I are so very grateful for what you are doing. Please know that we will both work really hard to pay you back, to pay your father back.”
“I know. It’s just, not easy to do this.”
I take a big breath and hand the envelope to her father.
“You have no idea what this means to us,” says Nancy.
“If you’ll excuse me.” I stand up and grab my purse. “I’ll be right back.”
I walk into the bathroom and just stand there, looking at my reflection in the mirror. “Please tell me I’m doing a good thing. Don’t let this bite me in the ass.”
I wash my face with a little cold water and pat it dry before walking back out. Nancy is sitting quietly alone with her hands folded in her lap.
“Where is your dad?” I ask, looking around.
“He had to go already.”
“Why the long face?” And why is it making me nervous?
“I just miss him. That’s all. I sometimes wonder if he only contacts me when it is convenient for him.”
“Parents can be funny sometimes.”
“Thanks again, Maddie. You really came through for me. I promise I’ll work it off.”
“I’m just glad I could help.”
We decide to call it a night, promising to see each other at work the next day and I lock up after she leaves.
When I get home, I grab the pile of mail I had thrown on the desk as I left. I pull out a large manila envelope. Walking to the refrigerator, I grab one of the last two beers and I walk into my room. I plop down on my bed, looking at the envelope.
That’s odd, there’s no postmark, no stamp.
I open it and pull the contents out. My heart drops down into the pit of my stomach as I look at a picture of Rocco and me in a heated embrace on a glossy eight-by-ten photograph. My breathing is shallow. What the hell? I can’t tell where we are. The close-up of our faces takes up the entire picture. I slide it to the back and look at the next one showing his hand underneath my shirt. I glance at the floor next to my bed. It is the same shirt I wore earlier today in his office. The next one is a similar embrace but in front of the couch he carried me to. The passion in our faces, the heat in our kiss, these photographs show it all. My fingers loosen and my head gets dizzy as the pictures fall to the floor. I feel a warmth flood over me. Who would do this? I look down at the pictures scattered on my carpet.
“I have to talk to Joanne before someone tries to use these against me or Rocco.”
Chapter 15
ROCCO
“Hey, Rocco.”
I look up from my work and frown when I see Nancy standing in my doorway.
“Nancy,” I say, bluntly. I turn back to the computer.
“Can I talk to you?”
“Depends. Are you here to try to sabotage someone again?”
She walks in and sits in the chair across from my desk. “I want to apologize for that. I was jealous, and I really had no reason to be. I’ve talked to Maddie and we are good. We actually went out the other night and made amends. I like her,” she nods.
“Well, good. It’s nice to know you are able to work through any differences you had.” I hesitate, waiting for her to continue, but she sits there and looks at me with a solemn expression on her face. “So, what can I do for you?” I ask, when she doesn’t offer anything more.
“I really don’t know how to, or if I should, bring it up. I’ve always liked you and I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Never mind. It’s just going to look like I’m trying to get her again. I should go.” She gets up and starts to walk out. I’m skeptical, but maybe if I hear what she has to say, I can decipher a truth versus a lie.
“Nancy. It is obviously bothering you if you came in to tell me. Come back over and sit.”
When she finally sits back down after a few moments of hesitation, she presses her lips together and looks down at her hands.
“I just don’t want any problems, but I’m worried that Maddie might not have the best of intentions in her relationship with you.”
“Relationship?” So much for keeping it under wraps.
“Yeah. I know about you two, and I was so happy when I heard. I know we didn’t get off on the right foot. That’s why I… kind of encouraged her to talk to you. I think that is why she went to see you the other night.”
“So, you knew.”
“I honestly thought she had good intentions. I thought she really liked you.”
“She… does,” I reiterate with skepticism.
“Just keep your guard up, please?”
“Nancy. Stop beating around the bush. If you have something to say, then say it. Otherwise, stop wasting my time.”
I watch as she purses her lips and fidgets with a button on her top.
“I was supposed to meet her at Manhattan’s Best last night but I called and canceled. Something came up, however, it finished early so I decided to go after all and when I got there I overheard her talking to someone and it wasn’t good.”
“I’m sure whatever you heard was taken out of context.”
“She said something about going to Joanne, something about an investment? She is going to tell her you seduced her and pushed yourself on her. I’m afraid she wants you out of the way.”
“That is ridiculous.”
“She has pictures, Rocco.”
“Maddie wouldn’t do something like that. She doesn’t have it in her.”
“I didn’t want to believe it either, so I stuck around in the shadows until I saw this.�
��
She pulls out her phone and presses a couple of buttons. When she hands it to me and shows me a picture of Maddie in an embrace with another man I find myself still skeptical, examining the picture, looking for some signs of Photoshopping or Maddie pulling away, or something. A feeling in the pit of my stomach forms and I begin to believe Nancy. Apparently, my face shows it.
“I’m so sorry. I know how you feel about Maddie.”
I text the picture of Maddie and this man to my phone and hand Nancy’s back to her.
“Maybe I’m wrong,” she says. “Maybe the embrace meant… nothing.”
“Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I’ll handle it.”
She nods and leaves quietly, leaving me with new thoughts and doubts.
I walk into the kitchen and watch Maddie as she puts the finishing touches on an anniversary cake for a party later that evening. I can’t help but see her in a new, vindictive light. Shaking my head, I try to stay positive until I hear her side of the story. There has to be a good explanation.
“Maddie?”
She glances up at me and smiles. “Oh, hey! Hang on, I’m almost finished.” She swirls the pastry tip up and down gracefully over the top of the cake and steps back to look at the finished product. “What’s up?” she asks, setting down the bag.
“We need to talk, now.” I clench my jaw and look at her through heavy lids.
“Is everything okay?”
“Not really, no.”
She follows me out of the kitchen, grabbing her purse and I lead her into my office.
“Close the door.”
“Do you think that’s a good idea?”
I glare at her and she closes it.
“What’s wrong?”
I sit down, contemplating my words carefully.
“Rocco, you’re scaring me.”
“Do you have anything you need to tell me?”
“Like, what?”
I can see her growing uneasy. She does have something to hide. Damn her!
“I know about the picture, Rocco.” She quickly picks up her purse and pulls out a large envelope. “Did you get them too? I didn’t know what to do about them.” She hands me the envelope. Without another word, I open it and pull out the pictures of our intimacy. I look at them carefully and look back at her. I feel disgust build.
