Chapter Six A New Suit #2
Madison took her time getting ready. There really wasn’t anything else she could do.
She was too nervous to sit still, yet she had to appear cool and calm.
Not a false face, but a composed one. She was feeling more comfortable around Viggo now.
At the very least, they had become friends, but she admitted she wouldn’t mind if it became something more.
And she suspected he wouldn’t mind, either.
But who knew? She wasn’t going to force anything.
She was just going to try to have fun tonight.
Having a handsome man by her side would certainly help.
Plus, Victor and Joel would provide entertainment while they “evaluated” everyone’s outfits.
And shoes. Especially the shoes. They were like Joan and Melissa Rivers on the red carpet—her very own Fashion Police.
Even though she rather enjoyed Victor and Joel’s repartee, she always felt compelled to playfully chide them.
Truthfully, it was all in good fun. And the boys always made sure to keep their comments just among the three of them so no one could get their feelings hurt.
Would they hold back with Viggo there? If not, what would he think?
Would he think them catty? Judgmental? Madison decided she wasn’t going to worry about it.
She would be herself, enjoy the evening, and hopefully her date would enjoy himself, too.
She caught herself smiling as she continued to get ready.
Yes, tonight was going to be a party, and she was going to get that party started with a bottle of champagne when Viggo arrived.
It’s the least she could do, considering how thoughtful he had been.
Plus, it would help take the edge off—for both of them.
She had to believe he could also be a little nervous.
After all, he was allowing someone to choose his ensemble without conferring with him.
That was either a whole lot of trust or indifference.
She picked trust. Trust had become the operative word of late.
Trust herself. Trust her close friends. Trust her instincts.
Trust a man with whom she was about to go to a professional event.
Which one of them was the most daring? She surmised it might be a draw.
Perhaps that was one of the attractions.
They were both inquisitive and appreciated new experiences.
She finished applying her makeup and checked it from all angles.
Good to go. She untied the short ponytail holding her hair away from her face and combed it into her usual style.
One side behind the ear, exposing a round, silver, hammered earring.
Her chunky cuff bracelet matched the pattern, with a matching short necklace and medallion completing the look.
She examined herself in the mirror. Polished, chic, contemporary.
It was also a concept she had for a new segment of the magazine, except it would be DIY posh.
A “how-to” article to show the reader how to achieve a posh look without the posh prices.
Maybe she would find a friendly ear at the dinner party and pitch her idea.
She thought about Viggo. She didn’t want to be rude if she engaged in too many long-winded conversations, but it was a business affair. He had to understand. She hoped. Seconds later, she convinced herself he would.
It was time to choose the shoes. Madison decided she was not going to torture her feet.
Lately, canvas skimmers were her go-to footwear.
Tonight, she had to up her “tootsie game,” and selected a pair of white and silver saddle shoes.
She placed them by her front door, ready to be slipped on when it was time to go.
Shoes were a no-no in her loft unless they were new.
She was squeamish about shoes that spent time on the sidewalks of New York.
She wasn’t always that way. It started when she noticed someone urinating near a building.
In the middle of the day. In a decent neighborhood.
She knew landlords were required to hose down the sidewalk every day.
As if. She chuckled, thinking how grossed out she was during her first visit to the marina. All that slime. Cringe factors.
Would she make Viggo remove his shoes? She had the shoes he left for her.
They were brand spankin’ clean. But he would most likely be wearing boat shoes.
And yes, she would ask him to remove them.
As much as she liked Viggo, she didn’t have to like the bottom of his shoes.
It was a quirk. It was part of who she was.
Promptly at five, her intercom phone rang. “Good evening,” she answered in a melodic voice.
“Good evening, Ms. Wainwright. Mr. Viggo Eriksson is here to see you.”
“He’s a captain, Raul.” She could hear Raul speaking to Viggo.
“Sorry, sir. Captain.”
Then she heard Viggo let out a guffaw. “It’s quite alright.”
“Shall I send him up?” Raul asked.
“Yes, please,” Madison replied, taking a deep breath. She walked over to the door, opened it, and waited for the elevator to arrive. She was on the third floor. It didn’t take long.
“Good evening, Ms. Wainwright,” Viggo said with a dazzling smile.
“Good evening, Captain Eriksson.” Madison was smiling from ear to ear. “Before I ask you to come in, you should know that I will require you to remove your shoes. I have spa slippers.” She looked at him with a tight grin.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Viggo smiled.
Madison gestured to the bench next to the door. “Please.”
“Thank you.” Viggo graciously complied.
Madison handed him a new pair of spa slippers. “Thank you again. I consider myself a little eccentric.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Viggo repeated. He wiggled his toes inside the slippers, then stood. “These are rather comfy.”
“You may keep them.” Madison turned toward the kitchen area. “Please, have a seat.”
Viggo padded over to the sectional sofa positioned in the middle of the large kitchen/dining/living space. He noticed that he and Madison had similar taste in furniture. Light wood, neutral cushions. It contrasted well against the exposed brick walls. And the open floor plan.
Again, the words in his head came out of her mouth. “We have similar taste.” She handed over the champagne bottle. “If you don’t mind.”
Viggo easily popped open the bubbly. Madison had a flashback to the week before, when they were sitting on a bench near the bulkhead. It was a sweet moment. Then, and now. Just the two of them.