Chapter Twenty-Four
It was her last night at the apartment. It shouldn’t have been such a monumental event, yet somehow it was. Tomorrow she’d be moving into Oz’s house. The apartment would remain vacant. He didn’t like the idea of anyone living in her space and above the store.
What started out as a small dinner party with Oz, Sal, and Tom morphed into something bigger. Oz insisted on hiring a chef to come in and cook. The food was amazing and abundant. There was so much left over, it was enough to feed a small army. And so she did. Elodie insisted the security stationed in the parking lot come upstairs and make plates. Oz wasn’t overly thrilled with her offer but he allowed his men to grab some food and take it back to the trucks.
After dinner, they retreated to the living room. Sal and Tom shared the latest gossip from the retirement home. It was better entertainment than anything she’d seen on TV.
“And I told him.” Sal shook his head. “The woman isn’t interested, but he didn’t listen.”
Elodie chuckled and glanced at Oz, who grabbed his phone. His brows furrowed, and his gaze shifted, landing on her.
“You have a visitor.”
Elodie knitted her brows. “Who?”
His gaze narrowed, and he flipped his phone showing surveillance of her back entrance. “A very pregnant woman.”
Elodie gasped, immediately jumping up from the couch but keeping her eyes locked on the screen. The cameras were high tech and expensive. Even in poor lighting conditions, it was easy to make out the familiar face. I’ve been looking at that face since I was nine . What the hell was she doing there? Elodie didn’t bother politely excusing herself. She rushed out the door, grabbing the banister and double timing down the stairs. She grabbed the knob, twisted, and pulled open the door.
“What’s wrong? Are you okay?” Elodie blurted, looking over her best friend. Madalyn stood a foot away with her jacket unable to cover her belly. Seven months pregnant and not much fit anymore.
“No,” Madalyn snapped. “I’m not okay. Why can’t I meet him?”
What? It was on the tip of her tongue to ask, but Madalyn left no segue.
“I’m supposed to be your best friend. We’ve known each other since we were nine. I held back your hair when you puked from too much tequila, wiped your goddamn tears when Joey Trino dumped you for Meaghan Randle, and I showed you how to give a blowjob on a fucking banana. But I can’t meet him?”
What the fuck?
Madalyn was officially unhinged, though she did speak the truth. She’d done all those things. It still didn’t explain her tears, red nose, and meltdown.
Elodie wrapped her arms over Madalyn’s shoulders, taking her in for a hug.
“He doesn’t want to meet me?” Madalyn’s voice was muffled, but Elodie could make out every word. “We’re a package deal. Does he know that? Our kids are going to be best friends.”
Oh hell, girl, you’re breaking my heart. Elodie squeezed her friend harder.
“I’m sorry. I’m not hiding him from you, Madz. You’re not supposed to leave the house, but I was going to bring him over, I swear.” It was a lie. She’d promised Chris. But sometimes, a little lie was necessary.
Elodie stepped back but didn’t let go. Madalyn wiped her eyes with her sleeves.
“Are you okay?” Elodie’s asked, totally unprepared for the response.
“No, Elle.” Madalyn sniffled. “I’m not okay! I’m hormonal.” She pointed to her belly. “I’m growing a fucking human in me.”
Elodie stifled her laugh. knowing this might be her in a few months.
“Come inside. Meet Oz.”
Madalyn, always stubborn, shook her head. “What? Now when I look like shit, with a nose like fucking Rudolph, and raccoon mascara? No!”
Elodie rubbed her arms. “Please, Madz. I’ve told him all about you. He really wants to meet you.”
Madalyn jerked her head, staring across the parking lot, looking indifferent. Elodie battened down her smile. They’d been friends for so long. I know that look.
“He does?” she muttered.
Elodie smiled, tugging her arm. “Yes. Come on.”
She knew she was breaking her promise to Chris. But Oz, Sal, and especially Tom were no threat to Madalyn. Chris may not have seen it that way, but she knew these men. They’d never hurt her. If anything, they’d protect her at all costs.
Madalyn stepped inside the doorway, and Elodie looked over at the two blacked out SUVs parked a few feet away. They must’ve given Oz the heads up. This was her new life. Every movement would be accounted for. Maybe it should’ve scared her. It didn’t.
She clasped her hand with Madalyn’s as they walked up the stairs. When they reached the door, her friend tugged at her hand, and Elodie turned.
“I’m sorry, I’m just really…”
Elodie refused to let her finish. Pregnancy hormones were real, and so were all the emotions and feelings. It was no joke and shouldn’t be downplayed. Just because a body could do it didn’t mean it was easy. While Elodie wasn’t in the depths of pregnancy, she knew enough to respect the process. The sacrifice of putting another life before her own. The pressure of doing all that was expected. The responsibility, knowing there were things beyond her control. All that and her friend still found the beauty in carrying a child. A queen in every sense of the word.
Don’t you dare apologize for anything!
“Stop. Come meet Oz.”
“I’m a mess,” Madalyn whispered, dragging her sleeves under her eyes.
Elodie glanced back, smiling. “You’re perfect, Madz. So fucking perfect that I’m a little pissed. You’re setting the bar real high for seven months pregnant. Gah, you suck.”
Madalyn ducked her head, but Elodie caught her smile and heard her muffled chuckle. She threaded their fingers as they walked toward the living room. All the men stood.
“Gentlemen, I’d like to introduce you to my very best friend, Madalyn.” She squeezed Madalyn’s hand and pointed with the other. “This is Tom, Sal, and Oz.”
Not surprising, Sal was the first to advance with a warm, welcoming smile. “Madalyn, it’s so nice to meet you.” He offered his hand, which Madalyn immediately shook. Tom was next in line and just as eager. He mentioned her pregnancy and made simple talk with an overabundance of enthusiasm.
Madalyn turned eyeing Oz. “Hi. It’s nice to finally meet you.”
Oz’s features softened in a way usually reserved just for Elodie. Oz extended his hand, and Madalyn immediately grasped it.
“I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Madalyn furrowed her brows, looking at Elodie before turning back at Oz. “Well, she lies a lot. Can’t believe everything she says.”
Oz’s lips twitched. “She’s said only good things.”
Madalyn burst out laughing. “Well, then she’s definitely lying, or she’s just leaving out the really good parts.”
Elodie chuckled while Tom and Sal burst out laughing. Oz was more reserved, but she caught the soft muffled rumble of his laugh and endearing smile aimed at Madalyn.
“Sit, honey.” Sal waved to the couch.
This was good.
*
It had gone smoother than she’d expected. An hour later, and Madalyn was in the throes of a conversation with Sal and Tom as if they’d known each other for years. For the first few minutes, Elodie waited for her friend to piece together Sal being Sal Caruso. Madalyn never did. Someday she’d share. I think. Or maybe she wouldn’t.
Elodie was walking down the hall from the bathroom when Oz met her halfway. They were about twenty feet from the others when he smiled, leaned in, and brushed his lips against her ear.
“You have another visitor.”
Elodie pulled away slightly and cocked her head. “Now who?”
Oz straightened, and his jaw tightened. “ Her husband.”
Elodie’s panic was instant. Her heart rate spiked, and her blood raced through her veins at rapid speed.
“Chris is here?”
Oz gave a sharp nod.
This was a recipe for disaster.
“Shit,” Elodie muttered, dragging her hand through her hair. Madalyn showing up was one thing. She hadn’t come with suspicions and background. Chris, on the other hand, felt like Oz’s enemy showing up at her door.
“Would you like me to speak with him?” Oz whispered, and she immediately jerked her head, widening her eyes.
“That’s a horrible idea!”
His lips twitched.
She slowly walked to the door, eyeing Madalyn. She’d been so engrossed in conversation with Sal and Tom, her friend hadn’t even sensed the tension. She grabbed the door, and Oz stepped in front of her.
“I’ll give you five minutes. If it’s not resolved, then I’ll be joining you downstairs.”
“Oz,” she hushed, glancing into the living room. The others were oblivious, which was how she wanted it to remain. She looked up and scowled. “I will handle this.”
Oz lifted his arm, slid back his cuff, and glanced down at his watch. His gaze narrowed as he met her stare. “You have four minutes and forty-five seconds to handle it.”
Shit! Elodie gave a quick nod, rushed out of the apartment and down the stairs. She drew in a deep breath and opened the door. She’d only been semi-prepared for the anger rolling off Chris. His jaw was squared, holding so much tension she envisioned he was grinding his teeth. The vein at his temple protruded and pulsed. His silence only lasted five seconds.
“Imagine my goddam surprise when I get a note from my wife, which I know was intentional” —his scowl deepened “—saying she’s coming over here to meet your new boyfriend.”
Elodie flattened her lips, refusing to give in to her smile. Of course it was intentional. Had Madalyn mentioned leaving the house, he would’ve been livid.
Elodie held up her hand. “I had no idea. She showed up unannounced. And really upset, Chris. She thinks I’m trying to ice her out of my life. So while I know you’re upset” —she paused and narrowed her gaze— “don’t give me this bullshit right now, okay? I respect your position, understand your concerns, and acknowledge they’re valid. But I’m not going to let her think she means nothing to me. I’m not doing that. And I can say without any hesitation Oz would never, ever let anything happen to Madalyn. You can believe it or not, but I know it as fact.”
He clenched his jaw, the tension reeling through his body, and she could see it. He drove his hands through his hair and paced in a circle. From the other side of the lot, she saw two occupied SUVs. Security. Elodie silently prayed they wouldn’t get out. That was the last thing she needed to contend with at the moment.
Chris stopped a few feet in front of her and grabbed his hips, sending her a scathing glare.
“My wife is upstairs with the leader of the fucking Underground.”
“And she’s having a great time.” Elodie smiled in hopes of lightening the mood. It did the polar opposite. Chris’s nostrils flared, and his brows dipped in a severe scowl. She immediately held up her hands.
“And most importantly, completely safe.” Elodie inched closer. “Look, I’m sorry that this is fucked-up right now. But you know me, Chris. Do you really think I would ever put her or the baby or you in danger?”
Chris jerked his gaze to the ground. He knew the truth. For all his fears, he knew she’d never let anything bad happen to any of them. They were family.
“Chris,” she said, and he looked up. So much stress marred his features.
She swallowed her breath and inched closer. “Long before you. And Oz. It was me and Madalyn. She has always been my solid. Our friendship has never wavered. It’s always been the two of us, all in. I don’t take chances with her, I wouldn’t risk her safety. I’d forgo my own to ensure hers. That’s what she means to me.” Elodie was overcome with emotion. Their friendship was felt but never explained. How was that even possible? She couldn’t find the words to describe a relationship that defined her, comforted her, saved her. “Madalyn will never be in danger. And I would never be with someone who allowed it. I know you don’t approve of Oz...”
Chris sighed, shaking his head.
“And you don’t trust him, and that’s okay. But trust me , Chris. Madalyn means everything to me” —she choked on her words as her eyes welled— “everything.
He shot out his hand and pointed at the building. “These guys are...”
“You said it yourself. The Underground handles their own. It’s a different world. Madalyn’s in mine , not his. And Oz makes it so mine is safe for me.” She placed her hand on her stomach. “Our child and everyone around us are in my world. Madalyn, you, and the baby are on the top of my list.”
“This is just great.” He cupped his mouth and peered across the lot. “Next thing you’re gonna tell me is she’s up there breaking fucking bread with Sal Caruso.”
Oh shit.
“Elle?” Chris growled.
She shrugged. “He’s actually a really nice guy when you get to know him.”
Chris’s face reddened, making his tension evident. Elodie didn’t discount his predicament. Chris was in a tight spot with little means of escape. But this was life. It was about choices, and not always the easy ones.
“Fuck,” he snapped, dragging his hands through his hair and staring across the parking lot. “Liked it better when you were banging the high schooler.”
For Christ’s sake! She groaned. “He was twenty-four!”
He snorted, but she caught the small semblance of a smile. This was a good thing. It may not have been common ground just yet, but they were making headway. This discussion wouldn’t end tonight, but they needed to find some type of momentary resolve. I only have thirty seconds before Oz comes down.
“How do you want to do this?” Elodie asked.
He shifted his gaze, glaring at her.
“Let’s just get through the night and her pregnancy. After that, you and I will sit down with her and explain everything, okay? But not now.” She said.
He remained silent and balled his fists. Then, finally. “Fine.”
Elodie widened the door, and he walked inside.
Wish us luck.
****
This wasn’t the first time Oz had been in police presence, but it was a first having to play nice with the enemy in front of an audience. For his part, aside from silently scolding his wife, Chris was cordial. And quiet. Oz noticed his gaze linger on Sal, especially when he engaged with Madalyn. At one point, Tom asked Chris what he did for a living. Madalyn jumped in bragging about him being a police officer.
“He’s one of the best Lawry has. He’s gotten three promotions in the last two years.” Madalyn was beaming, and she glanced over at Chris. He remained silent and seemed uncomfortable with the praise.
“That is an honorable profession,” Sal said, which earned him a harsh scowl from Chris, though again, he remained silent.
“Chris,” Elodie said. “You hungry? I’ve got plenty of leftovers.”
Chris waved his hand, “No, thanks.”
Madalyn leaned closer to her husband and muttered, “She didn’t make it.”
Oz cupped his mouth, concealing his smile. It seemed they were all familiar with Elodie’s cooking skills. Or lack of.
Elodie stomped forward with her hands on her hips. “I heard that.”
Chris stood, walking to the kitchen. “In that case, I’ll make a plate.”
Elodie snapped the towel at Chris’s leg as he passed then turned to Sal and Tom. “They think I’m a bad cook.”
Madalyn gasped. “I’ve never said you were a bad cook.”
Elodie arched her brow, and Madalyn blushed.
“Well, not to your face.”
The room erupted in laughter, and even Oz chuckled. That broke the underlying tension in the room. It would never be comfortable for him or Chris, but they’d both play their part for the sake of their women.
Thirty minutes later, Oz had stepped outside to take a call and lit his cigar. This night wasn’t ending anytime soon. Oz knew Chris wouldn’t leave without his wife, and Madalyn wasn’t showing any signs she was ready to go.
Oz heard the door click and creak as it opened. He glanced across the parking lot at his men stationed in the trucks. It was dark with the streetlamp giving minimal light into the cab. It was enough to see Caine straighten letting him know exactly who’d come outside.
Oz shoved his phone in his chest pocket, took a deep drag from his cigar, and stared across the lot, never turning around.
“Something I can help you with, Officer ?”
There was a long stretch of silence.
“I don’t want you around my wife.”
Oz slowly turned. “Then take it up with your wife.”
Chris glared. “I don’t trust you.”
Oz arched his brow. “You shouldn’t.”
Chris’s gaze darkened, and his jaw squared. “But Elle does.”
“Yes.”
Chris stepped back and cupped his mouth. Oz understood the man’s frustration, but it wasn’t his job to appease him. Putting distance between Elodie and Madalyn wasn’t an option.
“Anything happens to my family? I’m holding you solely fucking responsible.”
“Fair enough.”
What Chris didn’t realize was that his family’s connection to Elodie would forever ensure their safety.