Chapter Seven A Posh Evening #3
She was uncomfortable verbalizing her feelings, not just to Victor, but to herself, as well. She had to get over it. “Sorry, Victor. I’m just a little nervous. My first date in a long time.”
“Yes, but you’ve known each other for a few months.”
“And we’ve become good friends.”
“There’s no better way to start, dearie.” He crooked his arm. “Come on, gorgeous. Let’s get this show on the road, and out the door as soon as possible.”
“I’m with you.” Each entered the appropriate restroom and met a few minutes later.
Madison made sure she congratulated Leland on his “inspiring speech,” although she thought she might choke on the words. Then she approached Geoffrey Wilson.
“Mr. Wilson.”
“Please call me Geoffrey.” He held out his hand. Madison didn’t know if she was supposed to shake it or take it. She decided on a weak, fingertip shake. Something about the man gave her the willies. She swallowed the imaginary sour taste in her mouth and sat in the empty chair next to him.
“Tell me more about your latest project. It’s very impressive.” There. She spewed out the requisite disingenuous compliment.
Wilson went into his pitch as if Madison was an interested buyer.
Which she was not. For all he knew, she could be in the market for a luxury condo.
She had a big, important job—although not one that could pull down the small fortune it would take to buy a three-million-dollar apartment, or the monthly fees, which could run well over 10,000 dollars a month.
No, not for her, but let him talk. He appeared to enjoy the sound of his own voice.
After the sales pitch, he concluded with, “I would love to show you one of the units. The views are stunning.”
“I imagine they are. That would be lovely.” Madison had no intention of going anywhere near the guy, unless it was in a conference room with a large group of people.
She could tell by the way he looked her up and down that his thought balloons were popping.
Madison was getting grossed out thinking about what he was thinking about.
Madison stood. “It was nice meeting you, Geoffrey. I hope to see you soon.” Not really, unless you’re giving the magazine a big check, and even then, I’ll expect chaperones. She paused. “This might sound completely out of the blue, but are you any relation to President Woodrow Wilson?”
“Why do you ask?” Geoffrey was taken aback.
“I have a friend who has the same name as a president, and they believe they are related, quite distantly.”
“That’s quite interesting. I’m afraid I don’t have any US presidents in my lineage. You’re not related to anyone historical, are you?”
Madison was wondering if he was fishing for personal information. “No, not me,” she answered honestly. “I must be going. Enjoy the rest of the evening.”
Madison couldn’t move away fast enough without being obvious. She caught up with her clan and made a dash for the door, where the town car was waiting. She gave Victor and Joel hugs and air-kisses. “Let me know when you want to come down for a visit.”
“Will do. Toodle-oo!” Victor waved and walked toward the car that was waiting for him and Joel.
Steven opened the door for Madison, and Viggo jogged to the other side of the car and got in.
“Whew! I am glad that’s over.” Madison threw her head back against the seat.
“It wasn’t that bad, was it?” Viggo seemed disappointed in Madison’s initial response to the evening.
“No. It was rather fun, if I must say. It’s just those insufferable money-dudes that give me the creeps.
” She knew all too well about financial men, her father being one of the biggest money grubbers and scammers of all time.
Not all of them were creeps, but there was truth in the saying money corrupts.
She wondered if she should give Viggo a glimpse into her family history.
Perhaps it would help him understand her knee-jerk reaction to people like Geoffrey Wilson.
She turned to Viggo. “Thanks for humoring me. Your presence made all the difference. And you are a big hit with Victor, by the way.”
“He’s a hoot,” Viggo replied. “I really enjoyed myself. I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time.”
Madison tilted her head. “Me either.”
The car pulled in front of Madison’s building, and Steven waited for them to grab their things from Madison’s apartment.
Raul greeted them at the security desk. “How was your evening?”
“It was quite fun,” Madison said with a big grin.
Viggo nodded.
“Any more mysterious guests?” Madison asked. It was a bit unnerving for someone to ask for her and then disappear.
“Not tonight, Ms. Wainwright.”
Once at her apartment, Madison opened her door and scampered into her bedroom to change.
Viggo opted for the bathroom to switch back into his civvies.
He draped the shirt and suit on a hanger and zipped them into the garment bag that held his “old” suit.
He wondered if he would have the opportunity to wear his new suit again.
Maybe he would create one and invite Madison to a posh dinner. He smiled at the idea.
The were both ready at the same time and headed out the door, Viggo carrying his duffel bag in one hand while the other held the garment bag he’d slung over his shoulder. Madison had only a small tote with her laptop. All the clothes she needed were in Smuggler’s Cove.
They arranged themselves comfortably in the rear of the car. Madison slid over to Viggo’s side and rested her head on his shoulder. “You’re the best.”
“No, you are.” He rested his head gently against hers, and they fell into a blissful silence for the hourlong drive.
Too quickly, the car pulled into the driveway of the house on Portland Road.
Madison looked into Viggo’s deep blue eyes. “Nightcap? I think I owe you one.”
“Brilliant idea.” Viggo was glad the night wasn’t over yet.
The house was quiet. Lincoln and Olivia were at a local fundraiser for a women’s shelter, where Olivia had begun volunteering. Madison knew they wouldn’t be back for at least an hour or more.
Mario and Luigi were waiting patiently in the foyer.
“Hello, my babies!” Madison leaned over and gave each of them a big stroke.
Mario liked to cuddle but wasn’t a fan of being picked up, although he would cut Madison some slack if she were gone for more than a day.
But after one minute of smooching, he wiggled his way out of her arms. Luigi waited patiently for his bit of loving.
“I missed you guys so much.” She planted a big kiss on top of Luigi’s head and lowered him to the ground.
Viggo settled his belongings on a bench in the front entrance. “Hey, Maddie? How come you don’t ask people to take off their shoes here?”
“There are no New York sidewalks,” Madison replied, and headed toward the kitchen. Two furries followed her. It was time for their snack.
Viggo nodded to himself. Good point.
Madison gave her kitties a few treats and returned with a tumbler in each hand. “Care to join me on the patio?”
“It would be my pleasure.”