Chapter 12 #2
“What? That’s a complete lie. I never slept with Enzo or dropped him for Dante. That’s not even how we made the decision for me to be the big act.” Madison pushed off the wall she had leaned against.
“I didn’t believe that, and I told them. I also know you haven’t sex with anyone because you’re still a virgin.”
“Yeah…”
“Wait, did you have sex?”
Madison’s face heated. She didn’t want to discuss this with Sabrina. Or anyone for that matter. What had happened and was happening between her and Dante was private.
“That’s why you’ve looked happier and why we haven’t seen each other as much.”
“We both have been busy with our fashion week projects. I don’t know how you’ve been feeling, but for me the pressure has been intense.”
“That’s true, but you haven’t been home the last couple of times I’d come by.”
“I do visit Henry.” Why had Sabrina been coming to her place so often? They were friends, but she didn’t and it hadn’t been typical for her to come by as much as she was seeming to suggest she had.
“How is he? I went to visit him a couple of times when I was looking for you. He seems to be improving.”
“He is. Treatment is going well and knock on wood, he hasn’t had any illness so we are going to find out when they will schedule the transplant.” This was weird. Why had she looked for her at Henry’s and he hadn’t told her? Was something going on between them?
“Are you and Henry…?”
“Oh no. I only went because I figured you were there. I told him it was no worry to tell you and that I’d catch up with you later.”
“Oh ok.” Madison had been calling Henry because she hadn’t had time with Dante and her fashion project. She had felt guilty and had told him so, but he had assured her that he was fine and to work on her project.
Of course she hadn’t mentioned that she was spending time with Dante. That was a private experience that would soon turn into memories that she would cherish. She doubted they would be together much longer. Dante wanted a wife and kids.
That was something she knew she didn’t want. At least she believed it was a definite deal breaker for her, but now she wasn’t so sure.
Madison looked at her watch. “Oh crap. I missed the bus. I’m going to be late.”
“No worries. I can drive us both. We’ll get there on time.”
“Thanks.” Madison meant it kind of. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to spend more time while Sabrina probed into her life. It made Madison uneasy.
****
Madison had just put down her dance duffle when out of nowhere Dante appeared.
“Can I see you in my office?” He sounded pissed.
The other women in the back snickered at her and whispered behind their hands. She couldn’t make out what they had said because she was focused on Dante’s retreating back. He didn’t even bother to wait to see if she could come. He left and expected her to follow.
She didn’t like how he was treating her. Madison decided she would go up to see him when it would be her normal time.
She dropped off her music with the DJ and let Zoe know she would be right back. She went up the stairs to Dante’s office. The door was cracked open and she knocked on it.
“Come in.” His voice sounded strained.
She pushed the door open and found him seated behind his desk.
“Close the door.”
She didn’t know why he told her that. She always closed and locked the door behind her when she came in for one of their “talks.” She did as he said and locked the door like usual.
“Come here.” His hands were in fists on the desk.
That was the final straw. She didn’t like his tone. It was an order or a harsh command. Not a statement or invitation.
“What’s wrong?”
“Come here.”
“No. I’m not a dog. Why are you talking to me like this?”
“Where the fuck were you?” His knuckles were white with how hard he was squeezing.
“First, I don’t like your tone and second, don’t cuss at me. I was at my place, why?”
“Why didn’t you answer your phone?”
“I didn’t hear it ring.” She looked down at her phone to see all the missed calls and texts from Dante along with the ones from Sabrina.
“Why did you go home? You were supposed to walk here from the bus stop.”
“Because I’m an adult.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“I can do what I want. You’re not my father.”
“I know I’m not, but I’m your man.” He slapped his hand down on his desk
“But you’re not, and you’re also being a dick.”
“I’m sorry, I was worried.”
“Why?”
“When you didn’t get here, I worried that something had happened to you.”
“Oh.”
“Come here, please.”
She walked over to him and he moved his chair from behind the desk to turn it to the side so that she could stand in the cradle of his thighs. He tugged her down onto his lap and wrapped one arm around her.
Madison was stiff in his arms. He cupped her face and looked into her eyes.
“I’m sorry. I was worried when you didn’t come and then you didn’t answer your phone. It drove me crazy. I was worried Enzo had confronted you again.”
A chill ran down her spine at the mention of Enzo, but she melted in his lap. He had been worried for her. That had to mean he cared, and that made her heart swell.
He moved to cup both sides of her face and rested his forehead on hers before he pulled her in for a tight hug.
“I know you need to go. We’ll do the same thing tonight. You leave with me at the end. You can come up here and wait. I’ll keep my door closed.”
“Ok.” She kissed him, and he deepened the kiss until she pulled away for air. “I’m sorry too. I didn’t mean to make you worry. I’ll see you tonight.”