by RH Tucker
“Hi, Daddy.” I get up from my chair.
He walks over, embracing me in a hug, and gives me a kiss on the cheek. “Cece.”
“We can get started if you like,” I tell him, retaking my seat.
“What about your DJ? He’s showing up, isn’t he?”
I can’t help but let out a small chuckle. “Maddox Barkley is more than just a DJ,” I tell him, flipping open my leather folder in front of me. My finger runs down the list I printed to go over with my father, as I say, “He’s incredibly talented, and his name recognition alone brings eyes to Luxe. I didn’t expect stars like Adam Coleman, or his band, to frequent as much as they have. That’s an added bonus. But, he’s a rock star. We called his management firm to make sure they reminded him, but I don’t know if he’s going to be able to make it.”
“I’ll always make time for the boss.” Maddox’s words force my eyes to snap up, meeting him in the doorway. “Especially when she thinks so highly of me.”
He unleashes the smirk, then takes a seat on the other side of the table. Glancing over at Tina and Leslie, they both grin, staring at him. “Maddox, I … Thank you for showing up.”
He nods, and I look over at my father. “Daddy, this is Maddox Barkley. He’s the drummer for Kings of Karmichael.”
My father looks unimpressed, and I’m sure it has everything to do with how Maddox is dressed. Dark gray skinny jeans that are ripped at the knees and thighs, one of his pockets poking out from the rips. He’s in a plain, navy blue tank top that reveals wide-set shoulders. Along with the band’s logo tattoo—a guitar with wings, and a crown on top—his shoulders and biceps have other tattoos decorated over them. And of course, he’s wearing his sunglasses indoors, along with a black baseball hat. He looks like he’s going to an afternoon barbecue, not a meeting with his employers.
Daddy’s eyes flash back to me, and I can almost hear the words he’s thinking: Seriously, Cecelia? This is your DJ? I lift my shoulders, offering him a small smile, then slide a packet of paper over to Maddox. He quirks an eyebrow but doesn’t say anything, opening the folder.
“Shall we get started?” I ask everyone.
They all flip open their packets, and I begin to go over what we’ve grossed since the doors have opened. I also discuss how we’ve increased our social media platforms five times over, and we’ve trended in the United States on multiple sites. Then Leslie explains how the Kings have inadvertently increased our reach since Maddox’s bandmates have visited numerous times. Maddox gets this smug expression on his face, and I roll my eyes at him.
All in all, I cover everything I’m supposed to, proving to my father that this business is profitable and sustainable.
“Miami and New York are incredibly difficult markets to break through, Cecelia,” my father replies. “How can you know you’ll have the same results in those markets? You won’t have your rock star to help with that.”
A small scowl forms over my face. He’s discounting all of my hard work, implying this is all Maddox’s doing. I glance over at Maddox, who I’m expecting to beam with pride, figuring that he’s the reason behind the success of Luxe. To my surprise, he offers my dad a confused expression.
“Well, no, we won’t have Maddox,” I explain. “But I’ve already been in talks with Diamond Dalia, a DJ with a huge following, and she’s definitely interested in the first residency in Miami. And The Lockhearts are a tremendous duo who’ve had four top ten Billboard hits in the last year alone. They’ve reached out to me and want to talk about possibly being the first stars to play if and when we open in New York.”
“So, what happens when you’re out of stars to carry the load for you?” my father retorts.
“Daddy, I don’t think you understand what I’m doing here. Luxe is a place for stars. It’s not your average dance club. And because of that, stars want other stars. It’s cyclical. We can’t have one without the other.”
“If I may,” Maddox speaks up, causing my father to look over. “I don’t know what half of these numbers mean.”
Oh no. Him talking cannot end well. “Um, please, Maddox. It’s okay.”
“No, what I’m saying is, your daughter has created an amazing place, Mr. Mavin.” His commendation honestly catches me off guard. “You might look at it like it’s a place driven by star power, but it’s not. I have friends who’ve come here because we’re not stalked and hounded for autographs and selfies. That’s a draw no matter where you are in my line of work. Cece’s created something that has a demand. And celebrities are willing to splurge their money all night for the chance to be able to enjoy themselves without the baggage of a typical night out.”
I glance over at Tina, then Leslie. They both stare back at me, unsure what they just heard. I’m not sure, either. Maddox came off as sincere, cordial, and even if he doesn’t have a business mind, he knows what sells and is giving me his endorsement. He gives me the slightest of nods, and I smile back.
“Very well,” my father says, getting up from the table. He buttons up his Burberry charcoal suit, and I get to my feet, unsure what he’s about to say or do. Leaning over, he places a kiss on my cheek. “Nice work, darling. I never had any doubts. We’ll meet back up next month, and if everything stays steady, we’ll begin planning on Miami first.”
“Great,” I exclaim.
“Winston’s father tells me you and his son have been spending more time together.”
“Oh, yes. I’ve invited him here a few times.” I should probably tell him nothing is going on with Winston and me, but then again, this meeting has gone exceptional, and I don’t want to hear him go on and on about how great of a prospect Winston is. Especially in front of Maddox.
“We’ll have to set up a dinner,” my father says, giving me a hug.
“That sounds great,” I reply, hugging him back. As I do, I notice Maddox twisting his head. His look is a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.
“Leslie. Tina.” My father offers them a small wave, then heads out of the room. I see him eye Maddox, who waves at him, but neither of them exchange words. I can still hear my father’s thoughts, though, and I have to hold back a giggle.
Tina and Leslie both get up from their spots, and Maddox follows suit. “That went good,” Leslie says. “Looks like we’re well on our way to Miami.”
“Looks like it,” I agree. “I couldn’t have done this without you guys.” I offer them a hug and they grab their folders, heading toward the door.
Maddox waits at the table. When I begin to walk by him, he steps closer to me. “I thought I added a couple good points. Don’t you think, boss?”
I let out a laugh. “Surprisingly, yes. You did.”
“Doesn’t that deserve a reward or something?”
Tina’s walked out of the room, and Leslie is just about to, but turns around and lets out a small snicker. The door shuts behind her, leaving us alone in the room. “I don’t know, Maddox. A reward? Like a treat? For being such a good boy?”
My mocking does nothing to deter him. “I’ll take any scraps you’re willing to throw me.”
“I’m sure you would.”
“Or do you only offer treats to what’s-his-name?”
I smile, knowing exactly who he’s talking about. And I find it amusing that he seems a tad bit jealous. “His name is Winston—”
“Wow, named after Daddy. Okay, then.”
“And he’s a business major at UCLA. Plus, the heir to Thornhurst Properties.”
I’m expecting a cocky reaction, or maybe even a tease, but I get neither. Instead, he has a thoughtful expression. Figuring our conversation has come to its end, I reach for the door handle.
“Are you guys serious?”
Again, unlike every other interaction I’ve had with him, there’s no cockiness to his words. They’re sincere. When I look back, he lifts his sunglasses on top of his hat. I can’t lie, his emerald green eyes have the same effect on me that I’m sure they do on every other girl he interacts with. But there�
�s something about his expression and tone.
Taking a deep breath, I decide that if he’s trying to be real and not play some game, I’ll grant him the same. “If you must know, no. We’re not even really seeing each other. Our fathers want us to, so they set us up.”
It sounds so cringeworthy when I say it out loud. I expect him to start laughing and crack a joke.
“That’s good. I was getting jealous for a minute.”
I let out a scoff, rolling my eyes. “Right. Maddox, I don’t know if you’ve ever been jealous of anyone.”
“You’re right. I’m Maddox Barkley,” he says with a grin. I roll my eyes, about to turn around, when he reaches out and takes my hand. “But that was before I met you. I’m gonna ask you something right now, and I don’t know how you’re going to react. Hell, I don’t know how I’m going to react.”
His words pique my interest.
“Will you go on a date with me?”
“Excuse me?” I ask with a laugh. He can’t be serious.
“A date. Cece, I know how I come off. Honestly, I never gave it much thought before. I’m a rock star. I do and say what I want. But ever since meeting you, you’re … you’ve been …” He lets out a scoff, shaking his head. “See, listen to me. I don’t even know what to say.”
I reach over, moving his hand off of mine. “Thank you, Maddox. I’m flattered. Really, I am. But … you don’t know what to say because you said it yourself; you’re used to getting exactly what you want.”
“No,” he argues. “Look, it might’ve started that way that day at the deli, but … Cece, come on. Give me a chance. I know you have no reason to believe I’m serious right now, but … I am. Come on, one date. No games, no pickup lines, no Maddox Barkley.”
I can’t believe what I’m seeing and hearing. He’s not giving me a smirk or daring me to say yes as if it’s a game. He’s not eyeing me up and down, trying to give off the vibe that he’s a rock star, and I’d be insane to say no to him. He’s … he’s truly genuine right now. Just that fact alone leaves me confused.
“Please? Cece, are you seriously going to make me beg? Just one date. I’ll even dress up for you, in one of those suits your dad wears with a tie and everything.”
He offers a crooked grin at what I can only assume is an honest promise, and it makes me giggle. “You’d look ridiculous in a suit. I can’t even imagine it.”
“Yeah, I would,” he agrees. “But I’d do that. Just give me a chance. One chance.”
I still don’t know if I should believe him. I want to, and he does seem as sincere as I’ve ever seen him. But it’s Maddox Barkley. On the other hand, I wasn’t lying when I told him if he’d been more cordial the time he forgot who I was, I would’ve given him my number. The decision wars inside to believe him and take a chance or realize this is a rock star who wants what he can’t have.
“One date.” Holding up a finger, I give in to the thoughts of wanting to believe him.
“One date,” he replies with a smile.
13
Maddox
Have you ever had an out-of-body experience? Before the business meeting, or whatever that thing was I went to that Peter said I should attend, I never have. I still don’t know if that’s what I had while there, but it feels like it.
After the weekend and playing at Luxe, all while keeping my eyes and ears open the entire time to try and talk to Cece again, I never got the chance. So, I was left with not only EJ’s laughter still ringing in my ears but maybe more concerning, being unable to forget Leah’s words.
I like Cece.
Look, I’ve liked girls before. When I say like, I mean that I’ve thought about possibly dating them. But that was before my life turned into a rock and roll roller coaster, and I took advantage of everything that comes with that. Ever since then, I haven’t had time to “like” someone. Sure, I’d go out, and we’d have fun, but like? Like like? No.
When Leah said I liked her, I continued to think she was crazy for the rest of the night. How many times have I said it? I’m Maddox freakin’ Barkley.
But if that’s the case, then why can’t I get those words out of my head? Why couldn’t I stop myself the next night, or the night after that, from scanning Luxe, trying to spot Cece somewhere? I saw her a couple of times while I was on stage, but after that, I didn’t see her anywhere. And maybe the most concerning part of it all is that I wanted to find her again and talk to her. Not hit on her, but just talk to her.
I had a voicemail from Leslie about going over numbers for the club but didn’t think much of it. However, when Peter called and said I should show up, I asked if Cece was going to be there, and he laughed. “Yeah, she runs the club. Chester Mavin will be, too.”
So that’s when I knew I had to go. Showing up, I still had my bravado on full display because why not? It’s my go-to move and works all of the time. Of course, I got the same annoyed look from her when I showed up. That’s when I remembered this isn’t normal. Nothing about my interaction with her is normal.
Thus, the out-of-body experience happened.
I dropped Maddox freakin’ Barkley. The rock star who has traveled the world doesn’t make a dent in this girl’s armor and, maybe more unsettling, I didn’t want to make a dent. I didn’t want to finally zing her with a one-liner and have her fawn over me. I just wanted to talk to her. Connect with her. And I had no idea where that was coming from. When she finally agreed to go out with me, it was like I was looking down on myself, and I had to finally accept Leah’s words. I do like her.
Which brings me here, standing in the main lobby of Peter’s penthouse. The elevator opens to his home as long as you know the code, but I’m not here to see Peter. Jade still lives here, and I’m here to see her. So why are my feet stuck to the floor, and I can’t move?
Jade walks around the corner, stopping when she sees me. “Maddox? I heard the elevator ding but didn’t hear Peter … What are you doing here?”
I’m still stuck.
“Maddox?”
“I … uh … I need help,” I finally spit out. She eyes me carefully, waiting for me to continue. “I … have a date.”
I’m not sure what I’m expecting her reaction to be, but I’m not surprised when she rolls her eyes. “Very funny. You usually have to truly like someone for it to be a date. Otherwise, it’s just a hookup. What are you really doing?” I don’t answer, and it earns a lift of an eyebrow. Her head turns slightly, and her lips part. “Are you … Are you serious?”
I still can’t answer her. Of course I’m serious, but I feel like I’m in the deep end of a pool right now and I can’t swim.
Her eyes grow wide. “Holy crap! You’re serious!”
“Your reaction is just making me more nervous.”
“I can’t believe this!”
She grabs my hand and drags me through the penthouse, over to the couch in the living area. There’s a large flat-screen TV that’s on with some sort of cooking show, but she picks up the remote and turns it off. Dropping to the couch, she grasps my hand again and pulls me down to sit next to her. Nervously, I rub my hands over my jeans, staring down at the tiled floor.
“Maddox, this is insane! Who is it? How long have you liked her? How long have you known her? When did this happen?”
Her questions are all rapid fire. It’s as if I’m in a blender, getting swirled around like a tornado. I can’t believe this is happening. I actually like someone and want to go on a date. Not to hook up with them or play the part of being the King of Bad, but to try and develop an actual relationship with someone.
“I think I’m gonna be sick,” I say, grabbing my stomach.
“No,” she cries, placing her hand on my arm. “Don’t say that. Why? What’s wrong?”
“What’s wrong?” I repeat her question, letting out an incredulous chuckle. “What’s wrong is I feel like a complete loser. I’m turning to my sister for dating advice because I actually like a girl, and I have no idea what to do?”
&nbs
p; “Who’s the girl?”
I cringe, feeling a new form of nervousness take over. Jade waits, and then I close my eyes. “Cece Mavin.”
“You’re going on a date with your boss?”
“Technically, she’s not my boss. She’s more of a supervisor. Chester Mavin owns Luxe.”
“Way to try and talk your way around that one, buddy.” She starts laughing. “Seriously, how is this even possible?”
“How the hell am I supposed to know? One day I’m hitting on her, the next thing I know I can’t stop thinking about her.” She starts laughing again. “Jade, I’m completely screwed.”
“You’re not screwed, Maddox. You just like someone. You might be having some new feelings. Experiencing sensations your body is just starting to discover.”
She starts cackling, doubling over and grabbing her stomach. I push her over on the couch. “Very funny!” Leaning over, I put my face in my hands. “What am I gonna do?”
“Maddy, you’re going on a date. You should be happy, not melancholy.”
“I’m happy, but I’m freaking out. Jade, I don’t know the last time I really liked someone. I didn’t even expect to like this girl, but … I do.”
“How did this happen?”
Taking a deep breath, I pinch the bridge of my nose, trying to piece it together myself. It’s what I’ve been doing since Cece offered the bottle service the night at the club. “She’s unlike any girl I’ve met. At first, I thought it was just a game thing, and I don’t know, maybe there’s still a little bit of that in there somewhere. But … she doesn’t put up with my typical crap. She throws my words back at me and doesn’t let me act like a King. I’m just a guy to her.”
Jade lifts a brow. “And you like that?”
A bewildered chuckle escapes me. “I know it’s crazy, but yeah, I like that she doesn’t put up with it. I like that she’s smart and is running her own life and doesn’t care if I’m a rock star or not. I practically had to beg her to go on this date.”
