Chapter 15
Denise took in the ambience of Murray’s as the host escorted her to the table she’d reserved earlier.
Maddox’s overall description had been accurate.
The dining spaces were illuminated by flickering lights in wall sconces that mimicked candlelight, and the tables had white cloth coverings and crystal glassware—all of which gave an understated elegance to the restaurant.
But it was also intimate and cozy, thanks to a fireplace with a cheery blaze and light instrumental jazz music playing through the speakers.
She’d taken longer than usual getting dressed for dinner.
Even though she hadn’t brought that many outfits with her, she’d still struggled with deciding what to wear.
Finally, she’d settled on the only actual dress she’d packed, a slate gray one with a fitted bodice and a skirt that flowed outward and hit her just below the knee.
But despite the delay, she’d managed to arrive several minutes early.
It was a trick she used to cope with anxiety in various social and business situations.
She’d often found that being the first to arrive allowed her time to center herself and prepare for the activity and conversations ahead.
However, those few minutes hadn’t been long enough to prepare Denise for seeing Maddox enter the restaurant in their dress slacks and a slick blazer instead of the more casual khakis and polo they normally wore for work.
They approached the table with a confident air and a healthy dose of that energy that had drawn her attention when she’d seen them at the pool.
When she greeted them, their gaze swept over her dress and seemed to linger for a few seconds before they flashed a polite smile and sat down.
The server came to take their drink orders, left, and quickly returned with their drinks.
Denise usually drank only in moderation, even when she was out with her friends, but tonight she opted to stay away from alcohol altogether.
She noted Maddox didn’t imbibe either. Were they even old enough?
Once again, she found herself guessing their age.
Thinking back on how young they were the first time she’d seen them, she knew they couldn’t be any older than twenty-four or twenty-five, but it was hard to say.
Maybe it was because of the responsibility they carried, but Maddox had a mature quality that made them seem older than that.
Acknowledging that maturity now made Denise want to wriggle in her seat.
Yesterday, when she’d approached Maddox with the plan of offering them money, her tone had been so condescending.
She’d swooped in, prying into Maddox’s personal life, making assumptions, and dangling dollar signs in front of them like you’d shake a shiny toy at a baby.
It was time to dive in and deal with the reason she’d asked Maddox here. The fingers of her left hand twisted in the skirt of her dress as she steadied herself.
“Maddox, I—”
“Ms. Farrington…”
They both spoke at the same time and then paused, watching each other. Maddox’s expression was wary and tense, but their face gradually relaxed as they chuckled. The sound was low and soothing.
“We can either flip a coin, or you can just go first,” they quipped with a good-natured smile.
Denise nodded and blew out a breath. “I owe you an apology, Maddox. A big one.”
Maddox’s eyes widened, but they didn’t interrupt.
“I…well, my behavior toward you has been pretty terrible. I’ve been rude and demanding and controlling, and I’m truly sorry. You didn’t deserve that.”
She stared down at the table between them, regret churning faster in her stomach as she spoke.
“You’re the last person who deserved it.
I know it’s no excuse, but it was a shock to see you.
It reminded me of a time in my life I don’t think about anymore.
That I’d rather not think about anymore. I handled it badly, and I’m sorry.”
When she finally looked up again, Maddox was studying her, their brown eyes grave and searching.
Inside, she squirmed under their regard, resisting the urge to fill the growing silence. It was entirely up to Maddox to accept her apology or not. At the absolute minimum, she owed them the time to take in what she was saying.
Finally, Maddox’s face relaxed into a smile.
The kindness she still remembered from years ago and had recognized when she’d first seen them again returned to their eyes.
She sank deeper into her chair with relief.
Maybe it was strange, given their short, fraught acquaintance, but she’d missed seeing that look.
“Thank you, Ms. Farrington.” They paused and played with their glass for a second. “I wasn’t expecting that.”
Denise huffed out a humorless laugh. “No, I’m sure you weren’t, considering the way I was acting. You probably thought I was an entitled bitch.”
Maddox’s brows furrowed, and they searched her face without answering. Her skin itched under their regard, but she didn’t look away. Finally, they said, “It seemed that way, yeah, but I don’t know. I guess part of me believed or wanted to believe there was more going on beneath the surface.”
They relaxed into their chair. “And now it makes sense. You had a lot to process running into me like this. After I found out who you were, I should have realized how hard this might be for you and not been so quick to get upset. I probably came off judgmental yesterday. So I’m sorry too, Ms. Farrington. ”
The sincerity in their voice and eyes warmed her.
“Please call me Denise.” She shook her head. “You have nothing to apologize for, Maddox. I’m glad you spoke up like you did yesterday. It stung, yes. But it woke me up too.”
She looked Maddox in the eye, hoping to convey how much she meant her words. Maddox returned the look. The air between them grew heavy, and everything seemed to go still for a moment as understanding passed between them.
The server returned to ask for their order and ended the moment.
Maddox grinned and gestured at the menu. “I’ve never heard a complaint about anything on here. It’s all good. But whatever you order, be sure to get a side of steamed seasonal vegetables. They’re always the best our area farms have to offer.”
They discussed the options for a while longer before Denise settled on a steak with the vegetables, and Maddox ordered vegetable pasta.
While they waited for the food, Maddox discussed a few of the farms and ranches that supplied Murray’s and other restaurants and markets.
When their plates arrived, Denise found her meal was every bit as delicious as Maddox had promised. The meat was perfectly cooked and seasoned, and the vegetables were fresh and flavorful.
Maddox got quiet while they started eating, though.
Denise watched for signs they might still be upset even after clearing the air, but it was hard to say.
She knew she shouldn’t press, but she also had this overwhelming need to make sure things were okay between them now. She cleared her throat. “How—”
“Maddox!” a voice called out across the dining room. They both turned at the approach of a middle-aged black man in a felt porkpie hat and carrying an instrument case.
A grin spread over Maddox’s face. “Casey!”
They stood and held out a hand, and the man shook it before using it to pull them into a firm hug. “How ya’ doin’, kid?”
“I’m great, Case. Are you back now?”
“Yep. It’s time to get back on my feet here.
I’m working the usual jobs, but the band is doing local shows too.
We need some steady gigs, though.” Casey pointed his thumb toward the back of the restaurant.
“Murray agreed to give us a shot tonight and for the rest of the week. If people like it, he said he’ll make it a regular thing. ”
“That’s awesome, man. Good luck!”
“Thanks, kid.” Casey’s gaze traveled to Denise, and his smile widened. “Maybe you and the lady can talk us up to Murray, hm?”
Maddox looked at Denise. “Oh! I’m sorry. Casey, this is Ms. Denise Farrington.”
Casey tipped his hat and gave Denise’s hand a friendly shake. “I hope you’ll like the music.”
Denise sensed Maddox was watching her as she responded. She smiled at the man. “Live music with dinner is always a treat. What do you play?”
“Jazz, mostly.” He started to say more but got distracted as the rest of his band gestured him over. “Oh, excuse me, friends. It’s time to set up.”
When they took their seats again, Maddox nodded to Casey’s retreating back. “He stayed at the resort for a couple of weeks in the spring because his apartment burned down.”
“Oh, that’s awful.”
Maddox nodded. “It is, but he’s a hard guy to keep down. He and his band did the festival circuit over the summer, but now he’s back. I’m sure you heard that part. I hope this gig works out. He could really use a break.”
The concern and affection were clear on Maddox’s face, and Denise wondered if that was all born out of the short time Casey stayed at the resort. They seemed to be good at making friends.
A few minutes later, mellow music from horns and a piano drifted through the restaurant. Denise’s mood lifted as she listened. They were a good band.
Her attention shifted when Maddox abruptly got up from the table. They stepped closer and held out a hand. “Wanna dance?”
Denise’s head jerked up as she met Maddox’s eyes, which held a hint of mischief and amusement at catching her off guard once again. She thought of her earlier worry that Maddox wasn’t ready to fully accept her attempt to make amends yet. Why did this feel like a test?
“Dance?” Denise repeated.
“That’s right. If you don’t think it’s unseemly for a straight, successful businesswoman from a good family to be seen dancing in public with a queer resort worker.”
Hmm, maybe it is a test after all.
She hesitated a second longer. Why not? She didn’t have many safety concerns.
When the host had escorted her to the table earlier, she’d spotted a rainbow flag hanging over the bar.
And before coming to the resort, she’d done research and seen that this town was a quirky little oasis in the wider conservative state that was mostly welcoming to queer people.
Denise stood, sliding her hand into Maddox’s warm, firm one. “You’re making quite a few bold assumptions with that statement, Maddox Daniels. If they didn’t know better, people might think you’re a little on the judgmental side.”
Maddox’s eyebrows lifted, and the beginnings of a grin played on their lips. “I stand corrected.”
They gave Denise’s hand a light squeeze before leading her to an opening between the tables near the space where the band was set up.
The two of them pressed closer together, their arms and hands sliding into the proper places with unexpected ease as they swayed in time to the smooth music. Denise’s heart rate spiked at first but gradually slowed.
This was nice. Maddox’s hands were gentle as they held her near but not too near. Denise’s heels made her only an inch or so shorter than Maddox, and she looked in their eyes to find them giving her a soft, enigmatic look. “What?”
They leaned in the slightest bit, temporarily diverting her attention with the subtle woodsy scent of their cologne. “Can I ask you something, Ms. Farrington?”
“Denise.”
“Denise,” they repeated, then seemed to take her correction as agreement. “Will you tell me about the years since…we last met? I guess I’ve been wondering.”
They’d been wondering. They didn’t even know her.
That level of concern from this near stranger confused her, but she felt in her heart that it was genuine.
The why not? from a moment ago repeated itself in her brain.
Maddox had stumbled into her life at her lowest moment.
It might be nice to tell them about the better ones now.