by L. P. Dover
“I feel like there’s a story here.”
“A long complicated one.”
“You know her then?”
I pick up the pen sitting on my desk. The name August Cahill stares back at with in the ridiculously small white lettering that has been etched into the casing. I don’t know why we have pens with my alias on them. It’s not like I hand them out to the chefs when I visit restaurants because that would give away my secret identity. One I have strived to keep a secret for as long as I can remember.
“Did I ever tell you how August Cahill started?”
Brenda shakes her head. “No, I don’t think so.”
The pen spins between my fingers. It’s a habit I have when I’m lost in thought or reminiscing, which I’ve been doing a lot of lately. “My senior year at Northwestern, I met Maddy Metcalf. She was a freshman, but wise beyond her years. We connected immediately and started a relationship that we both agreed would end when I graduated. I was very vocal about leaving for New York and she still had another three years to go. But in the time we dated, she turned me onto food, and I don’t mean in just the way she cooks, but how to savor each spice, sauce or cream. How to let the aroma settle over me before digging in. Maddy taught me so much in those months.
“When I finally made it out of the dungeon at the studio and started going to dinners, these restaurants with their overpriced foods were horrible. I decided to start a food blog. It was more of a way to express myself and the experience. I never expected one person to read my ramblings, let alone millions or to have the Times pick up my articles. I wrote because it reminded me of my time with Maddy, which I had ruined of course, by not keeping in contact with me.
“And now, here I am. In love with the girl who made me who I am today, but because of the life I keep, I didn’t tell her, and now she hates me.”
Brenda adjusts in the chair. One glance and I know she’s poised to rip me a new one. I deserve it, but I’d rather have Maddy yell at me instead of my assistant.
“You’re an idiot.”
“I’m aware,” I admit. “But my stupidity doesn’t negate the issue.”
“No, I suppose it doesn’t. Why didn’t you just tell her when she sat down you weren’t there to review her restaurant? In all honesty, I’m not sure why you did. It’s really bad timing.”
Yes, I know. I sigh heavily and run a hand over my face. The tavern was never on my radar and I’ve never reviewed a friend's place before, because of this exact reason. “I screwed up. Maddy was nervous about August being there and after everything she said about him, I knew I couldn’t tell her it was me. But in the end, I wanted everyone to know about her place. She deserves to be world renowned.”
“So, you didn’t do it as an apology for leaving?”
I shake my head slowly. “No, Brenda. The restaurant is one of the best I’ve ever been to. If she opened a chain, she’d destroy the market. Maddy is on the cusp of becoming the next reality TV star because of what she’s accomplished in a year.” I push forward a sales progression sheet.
“How did you get this?”
Epic douchiness! “The morning of the pulled pork contest, I couldn’t sleep. I was at her house and it was on the table. I looked and couldn’t believe my eyes.”
“Her earnings are increasing at seventy-five percent a night. This is unheard of.”
I nod. “And she’s only open until eleven. I can’t imagine what her sales would be if she drew a late-night bar crowd.”
“And now with your review . . .”
“Booked for a month.”
Brenda slid the paper toward me, and I picked it up. The numbers were astounding. It normally took restaurants years before they were comfortably in the blue. If Maddy’s trend continued, her place would earn over a million in revenue by the end of the year, and that was something to be celebrated.
“What are you going to do?”
Again, I sigh heavily, and this time I lean my head back in my chair. My feet push on the floor so I can swivel and look out over the New York City skyline—a sight I used to love—but now I love the one in Chicago.
“I don’t know, Brenda. But it has to be epic.”
It’s been three weeks since I left Chicago in haste. In theory, I should’ve stayed and tried to fix things with Maddy, but I also have a boss to contend with. Despite the fact that I have a successful food critic business, I do work for a publication, who pays my salary and tells me what to do. Now, I find myself standing in the middle of my downtown loft, with boxes stacked five to six high, some threatening to topple over.
“Stupid movers,” I mutter. I rented this particular place because of the kitchen. It’s brand new, state of the art, and I could easily see Maddy standing by the stove, cooking us a gourmet breakfast. I’ve given myself a year to win her back, and while I’m hoping it doesn’t take me that long, I’m prepared to wait because she’s worth it.
I set my bags down and move deeper into my new space. My mattress is on the floor, while my box spring rests against the wall. I’ll have to email Brenda and ask her what exactly these movers were supposed to do because while I’m certain they were paid to move and set up the major furniture, I left it all up to Brenda and she’s rather sour with me for moving.
In the walk-in closet, boxes are stacked, hopefully filled with my clothes. Seeing the mess makes me wish I had canceled my trip out west and just packed my stuff myself. Brenda assured me everything would be fine.
There’s a knock on my door, likely neighbor welcoming me. As quickly as I can I make my way to the heavy steel door and pull it open. Brenda stands on the other side, with a plant in her arms.
“What are you doing here?”
She doesn’t answer me as she walks in. “Wow, this place is much bigger than I thought.”
“Hi, nice to see you too. Shouldn’t you be in our office, back in New York?”
Brenda takes off her jacket and sets her things down. That’s when I notice, she’s dressed casually, not in the normal power suit she wears.
“I’m here to help.”
“Help with what?”
“The unpacking.”
“Hmm, it’s like you knew I was about to call you.”
She turns and looks at me. “This moving company was a joke, Adam.”
She could say that again.
“Well, let’s get to work.”
We do, and surprisingly everything goes much faster. She helps me carry my bed up the flight of stairs to the loft and jokingly says that I’ll never be able to have company stay here if Maddy’s here because of the open concept—no one wants to hear us hump like rabbits. She’s right, not that I expect people to come visit, but I’m hoping Maddy moves in eventually.
It’s late when Brenda leaves. She tells me where she’s staying and makes me promise to show her around the area before she flies back to New York. As much as I’d enjoy having her here, she has a family in New York and I’d never ask her to uproot them for me. Everything we do can be done remotely.
As midnight rolls around, I gather the things I’ll need and make my way toward Maddy’s. The night life is vibrant and alive in downtown. Laughter fills the street, couples walk hand in hand, and the sound of boat horns fill the pier.
When I reach Maddy’s Tavern, the lights are off as I suspected they would be. If my plan works, I am going to have to convince Maddy to keep the bar open a little longer, although I suppose part of her ambience is the exclusivity that comes with closing at a decent hour.
I stand outside her window and fumble with my phone. When everything is set, I take a deep breath and call her name. I must say it four or five times, but she never comes to the window. “Here goes nothing,” I say to myself as I press the button on my phone.
The musical sound and voice of Bryan Adams booms through my MP3 player. His lyrics to Please Forgive Me cascade toward her window as I hold the player up in my hands. I stand there, looking like a fool in love, as people walk by and stop. A small crowd gat
hers, and someone asks me who I’m apologizing to.
“Maddy. She’s the love of my life and I messed up bad.”
“Dude, did you cheat?” someone asks.
“No, I would never.”
My new group of friends start singing, while a couple of them start to chant Maddy’s name. I don’t know if this is going to do me any good, but I’m willing to take all the help I can get. When the room illuminates, everyone cheers, but I still stand there, with my arms stretched toward her window and the music playing.
Madeline Metcalf, the love of my life, appears in the window. She opens it and leans out. “What the hell are you doing?”
“He’s telling you he’s sorry,” one of my groupies calls out.
I drop my arms and stop the music.
“Oh yeah, did he tell you what he did?” she asks the group.
“He didn’t cheat so that’s a bonus,” a stranger replies.
Maddy scoffs. “He lied about who he truly is.”
“Really, man?” the guy next to me says. “Who the hell are you?”
I nod and turn to face the crowd. “I did. I lied to her because I’m bound by contract to keep my work identity a secret.” I turn back toward her window. “But I never lied about how much I love her. Those words and feelings have always been true. I’m sorry, Maddy. I truly am. I wish I could’ve told you everything, but I couldn’t.”
“Maddy, give him another chance,” one person says.
“He’s sorry, clearly,” says another.
“The man is playing Bryan Adams for you—that shit is gold!” another adds.
“Maddy,” I say as I step away from the group. “You’ll never know how sorry I am for everything. But I’m here, and I’m staying.”
“You moved to Chicago?” she hollers toward me.
“I did because you’re worth it.”
She shakes her head. “I don’t know if I can trust you.”
I nod but suspect she can’t see me through the dimming street lights. “Give me a chance to prove my worth to you, Madeline. That’s all I ask.”
“Hell, if she doesn’t, show me where to sign up.”
I crack a smile but never take my eyes off Maddy. She disappears from the window and her light shuts off. My shoulders sag and the people around me start chanting her name again. When the door leading to her apartment opens, everyone erupts in cheers.
We walk toward each other and as much as I’d love to press my lips to hers, I don’t. Instead, I look her in the eyes and say, “My job doesn’t define who I am. Deep in your heart, you know who I am. I’m the guy who loves you, standing here on the street, surrounded by people I don’t know, asking you to love me back.”
Nine
Madeline
Adam walks toward me, his blue eyes focused on mine. “My job doesn’t define who I am. Deep in your heart, you know who I am. I’m the guy who loves you, standing here on the street, surrounded by people I don’t know, asking you to love me back.”
I never expected to see Adam again. Hell, I didn’t want to see him. At least, that’s what I thought. Turns out, I was very wrong. Seeing him again makes all my feelings come back with a vengeance. Now, he’s right in front of me. So close.
“Please say you can love me again, Maddy,” he begs. “I need you to forgive me. There’s so much I have to tell you.”
“Give him a chance!” one of the ladies in the group shouts. “He’s cute!”
Adam laughs and I can’t help but join him. His groupies disperse and we’re finally left alone. It’s as if all the anger melts away. Maybe I was too hard on him. I close the distance between us, his body just an inch from mine as I look up at him. He looks down at my lips and I know he’s dying to kiss me.
“Took you long enough. Three weeks is a little extreme, don’t you think?”
He chuckles. “I knew I had to make a grand gesture to get you back. That’s why I moved back here. I don’t care how long it takes, but I’m going to make sure you have no doubt how much I want this to work. No more leaving. I’m here to stay.”
“Promise?”
He leans down, his breath warm against my lips. “I promise. These past three weeks have been agony.” His arms wrap around my waist and he holds me close. “I’ve missed being able to touch you.”
Goosebumps fan out over my skin. I’ve missed him too. I lift my chin higher so our lips can connect. He deepens the kiss and I moan into his mouth as his grip on my waist tightens.
He breaks from the kiss. “Can we go inside and talk?”
Shaking my head, I nip his bottom lip with my teeth. “We can go inside, but I don’t want to talk. Not yet.” I reach behind me and pull his hands apart so I can hold them. He stares at me curiously and I smile. “We can talk after you make love to me.”
His eyes flash with need and he groans. The second we get inside the door, away from the prying eyes of people walking down the street, Adam presses me against the wall, his hands all over my body as he kisses me. “I thought I’d never get to feel you like this again.”
He nips the tender flesh behind my ear, and I moan. “Same.” My whole body tingles with desire. His lips are all over my neck, kissing and biting. “We need to get upstairs or I’m going to start taking my clothes off right here and I really don’t want to do that. People can see through the glass window.”
Adam jerks back and chuckles. “Okay, no live action porn. Got it.” Taking my hand, he pulls me up the stairs to my apartment. The second we’re behind closed doors, he rips off his clothes and I do the same. I push him over to the couch and straddle his waist, his cock hard and ready. The bedroom is only a few feet away, but I want him now.
I roll my hips against him, teasing him. He grips onto my waist and leans his head back. “You’re killing me. Guess this is what I deserve.”
Pressing my naked body to his, I nip his ear. “Exactly. The only problem is that it’s torturing me too.”
Lifting my hips, I sit down on him until I get a good rhythm—my clit rubbing against him in the most delicious way. My body clenches and it doesn’t take long before I feel the first taste of orgasm. I’m so close and I love it. “Oh my God, I’ve missed this. I’m gonna come.”
Adam growls deep in his chest. “Keep going, baby.”
I throw my head back as my insides tighten. Adam closes his lips over my nipple and bites down as my climax hits. His fingers dig into my hips and he holds me down on his cock as he takes over, pushing up into me at a furious pace. I brace my arms on the back of the couch as he chases his own release. Then he yells out, all hot and primal, his body jerking in spasms.
Laying my head on his shoulder, my heart beats out of control. “Now that’s what I call some amazing make up sex.”
Brushing my hair to the side, he gently kisses my neck and holds me tighter. “If you want, I can go back outside, and we can pretend to fight?”
Moaning, I pull my head back enough to come face to face, nipping his bottom lip between my teeth. “As fun as that sounds, I’m good here. Make up sex is awesome, but making love is even better.”
He winks. “You’re damn right. I’ll be happy to show you.”
Still connected, I can tell he’s ready for round two. “That’s what I was hoping for.”
Last night was a whirlwind of craziness. There was no talking for me and Adam, just love making all night long. It’s what we needed. However, now I’m exhausted, and the restaurant will be booming tonight. I plan on getting a head start, even though it is closing in on ten o’clock in the morning.
“What’s on the menu tonight?” Adam asks, walking into the kitchen fresh from the shower and dressed for the day. I pour us both a cup of coffee and he comes up behind me and kisses my neck.
I hand him his cup. “I just had a shipment of salmon come in, so I was thinking teriyaki salmon with sautéed green beans and twice baked potatoes.”
Adam’s eyes roll into the back of his head. “Damn, that sounds amazing.” He sets his coff
ee cup on the counter and pulls me close. “We should probably have our big talk we put off last night. It seems you’ve forgiven me, but I still need to explain.”
I nod. “You’re right.” Then I nod toward the door. “We can talk in the restaurant. I have to get in the kitchen earlier now because a certain foodie’s review has us booked out for months.”
Chuckling, he follows me out the door and down to the restaurant. “Yeah, about that. Nice touch with my assistant. It was kind of funny when you thought she was one of my aliases.”
Sheepishly, I turn to face him. “Please tell her I’m sorry. She must think I’m a major bitch.”
He bursts out laughing. “On the contrary, she had fun telling me how stupid I was for what I did.” We have a few minutes, so I walk over to the bar and sit down. Instead of sitting beside me, he swivels my chair around so that I have to face him. “Do you really want me to delete my review?”
With a heavy sigh, I glance around the place I call my home. It’s everything I could’ve hoped it would become. “Yes and no,” I reply honestly. “I want to know my success came from me, not you.”
“Maddy, it did come from you. Don’t get mad at me, but I saw your numbers beforehand.” My eyes widen and he holds up his hands. “I promise I didn’t snoop. Your spreadsheet was on the table and I saw it. Judging by my calculations, by the end of the year, you would’ve been just as slammed as you are now. That’s how good you are. My review just tipped you over the edge early.”
I want to believe he’s right. I’ve worked hard for what I have. “Just answer me one thing and I’ll let it go.”
He nods. “Anything.”
“Was your review a totally unbiased opinion? No sugarcoating? No lying, whatsoever?”
“It was all the truth,” he answers genuinely. He glances around the restaurant. “I love everything about this place. I can see you in it all.”
