Chapter 40 #2
I looked at Maddox, still standing in the doorway. “You let her wake me up—you better have coffee ready.”
“I do, and they dropped off breakfast, so if you want it hot you better get your ass up.”
He turned and disappeared into the kitchen.
I reluctantly climbed out of the bed and went to the bathroom before I headed for the kitchen.
When I got to the table, I immediately poured myself coffee from the pot that was there.
I picked up the cloches and saw platters of eggs, sausage, bacon, waffles, potatoes, and toast. The three of us tore into the food as though we hadn’t eaten properly in weeks; which was entirely untrue.
I was beginning to think I would gain a hundred pounds if I lived here full time.
When we were finished, we sat there for a long time just letting our food digest and talking about Alexander.
“I am confident that Alexander will be a free man in a matter of hours. He won’t have this hanging over his head anymore, and then he can move about freely without hiding out.”
“He is going to be so happy. Thank you so much, Joslyn, for listening to him, more than anything.”
“I truly was happy to help. I want to fix what is broken and this was just a first step, I’m sure.” Charlotte got up from her chair and leapt toward me wrapping her arms around me.
“Thank you, I love you, Jos.”
“I love you too Char,” I said as I hugged her back. He really did make her happy; now if she could just stop getting in her own way. “So, do you want to go see your dress? Because I haven’t seen it yet either.”
“Yes, please,” she said, looking like a little kid about to receive a puppy.
I got up from the table and headed to the stairs that led to the second floor of the cabin. She followed close behind me; I could hear her practically squealing as we climbed the stairs and by the time we reached the door, she looked as though she was going to burst from suspense.
I opened the door and the dress form that was outfitted in her dress was positioned in front of the window.
It was a two-piece; the top was a vibrant royal blue lace, cropped, halter with a nude underlay.
There was silver beading worked into the lace.
The skirt was satin, floor length, full and the same color blue.
The shoes sitting on the floor in front of the dress weren’t what I would have initially expected with a formal dress.
Strappy heels wouldn’t do the dress justice; heeled ankle boots that were completely coated in glitter the exact same shade.
These shoes were made for her dress, and they were made to be noticed.
Charlotte stood there, gaping at the dress. Her hands were practically glued to her mouth. “Wow, they did a beautiful job. I’m jealous of your shoes.”
“I know, right! Those are the best part of the whole thing. Not that the dress doesn’t exceed expectations.
” Charlotte’s excitement was boiling over, and it was infectious.
There was a small table next to the dress that held a bracelet, earrings, and a small silver beaded clutch.
She ran her fingertips over the purse. “Everything is so beautiful.”
“There will be a couple of people coming later on to do our hair and makeup before the gala.”
“This is amazing; thank you so much Jos, for everything.”
“Stop thanking me. Now I am going to get dressed; I have a meeting to get to in a bit.”
I smiled at my cousin and left her to admire her outfit for the gala. I returned back downstairs, and Maddox was taking care of the breakfast dishes.
“What time is it? I haven’t looked at a clock since I got up.”
“It’s a little after one now. You got up a little after noon; I didn’t want to wake you. I figured you would be up late tonight.”
He wasn’t lying; the gala was at eight and then once that was done, there would be the after-party that Bonnie and Maddox had planned.
I should start getting ready for the meeting.
I wanted to make myself available in case anyone needed to speak with me before we met with Alexander.
Today was going to dictate the fate of two men.
We never discussed what the punishment would be, but from everyone’s admiration of Xavier I am going to assume it would be severe.
“I am going to get dressed. I want to get to the main building a little early; in case something comes up.”
“Alright, baby. Whenever you’re ready, we can get moving.”
I turned and walked into the bedroom. I gathered my clothes and headed to the bathroom to shower.
About forty minutes later I reappeared wearing a pair of white dress shorts with a three-quarters sleeve matching jacket and a sky-blue silk tank.
I had pulled my hair into a bun and applied very minimal makeup.
I was positive that my hair would get abused enough later on, and my face would have more makeup than I normally wore; all due to the gala.
Maddox was sitting at the table with Charlotte as I walked into the open expanse of the main part of the cabin.
“Are you ready to go? I showed Char around and let her know we would be back in a couple of hours—hopefully with good news.” I smiled at my cousin, truly.
“Will you be okay while we are gone? There’s a pool if you want to go swimming or anything. I am certain, if you go through my drawers, there is a suit in there.”
“I will probably forgo the pool for now. I’m sort of nervous and I want to be right here when you come to tell me one way or the other.”
“That’s understandable; we will see you in a bit.”
Maddox got up from the table and followed me to the door.
We walked out into the hot sun, and I removed my jacket and placed it over my arm.
Thankful for the outfit I had chosen; the breeze felt good against my skin.
Maddox steered the golf cart toward the large building in the front of the property.
All too soon we would be reaching our first decision together as equals.
I just hope we come to the correct conclusion.
It was a beautiful day and the woods that surrounded the complex were very thick.
The trees were massive, and some were no doubt hundreds of years old.
I did enjoy being here; it made me feel like I was doing something productive.
However, I also missed home and my mom; we were so close, and I felt like I had put her on the back burner.
I was hoping that she didn’t feel that way.
She was an understanding person; that didn’t mean her feelings didn’t get hurt.
When her feelings were hurt, she tried so hard to hide it.
I felt silly. I had just seen my mom and here I was worrying that she thought I was ignoring her.
We did tend to spend more time together than we had recently.
I would make sure that I spent some time with her before I went on vacation with Maddox anywhere.
My mom had never gotten married. I had no clue who my dad was, and after this many years I wasn’t sure I wanted to know.
He obviously either wasn’t aware that I existed, or he didn’t care.
I don’t know which one would be easier to handle so I never asked my mom any questions.
I had no clue what it was like to have an actual father, so I also had no clue what I was missing.
Before I even realized it, Maddox had put the cart in park in front of the building.
I needed to concentrate on the task at hand, not mine or my mother’s possible hurt feelings.
It was just short of two when we entered the lobby.
It was empty save for Sarah, who was manning the reception desk.
As I drew closer to the pleasant brunette her smile got wider.
“Joslyn, Mr. Hale. You look well this afternoon. How are you doing?”
“I am doing well, Sarah, thank you. How are you doing? Excited for tonight?”
“I am. My favorite part of functions like this is all the beautiful clothes. Between you and me, cryptids tend to be more fashion forward than humans, in a good way.” I laughed, Sarah was funny, and she had an interest in clothes.
That was something to take note of if I really wanted to know my staff and not just pretend.
“I love seeing beautiful dresses and beautifully dressed men. You’ll have to tell me who wore your favorites when we get a chance to chat.
” Maddox didn’t really speak. We sort of took over any opportunity he had.
“If anyone is looking for us, we are going to the conference room, the one we were in yesterday. You can send them there.”
She picked up a pen and made a note of what I had just told her. “Thank you, Joslyn, I will direct anyone seeking you in that direction. Have a good day.”
“You too, Sarah.”
Maddox and I made our way to the elevator and proceeded to the conference room from yesterday.
When we entered the room, it was empty. It had been cleaned since we vacated it the day before.
The tables that held snacks and beverages stood bare, and our dirty drinking vessels had been cleared and the tables wiped clean.
I sat down in the chair I had been sitting in the day prior. Maddox sat down next to me.
“How are you feeling? You looked pretty relaxed.”
“I am; I think today is going to go smoothly. I’m ready to get this over with so that I can start doing some research and learn more about the job I will be doing. I don’t want to be the girl that was given a job just because. I want to do the best that I can.”