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“Madox is a good man,” I start to say, looking Adrienne in her eyes, noting how she still holds herself prim and proper as I continue, “to his core. And it’s obvious you’ve set this entire reunion up.” I glance at Madox, gauging his expression. If he knew, I’ll be crushed. Truly crushed that he would set me up to think I landed my dream job on my own.
“I feel used,” I say and hate that the emotion comes through, “and I don’t know why you think it’s okay to lie.” Swallowing thickly, I feel the need to add, “Your son is the best thing that ever happened to me. He is genuine and kind, and he doesn’t deserve to be lied to. And neither do I.”
Putting my hands up in defense I add, “I know there’s a lot between you two, but if you were more sincere, Adrienne, I know things wouldn’t be as bad as they are. And I certainly don’t have to sit here and be a spectator to this.”
I don’t know how they got this way. I don’t know the details. But I do know I don’t deserve to sit here and feel this fucking uncomfortable.
“I have to go,” I announce. Taking a deep breath, I look Adrienne in the eyes and say, “I can’t work for you any longer. I’m sorry.” As soon as the words have left me, it stings.
Goodbye, dream job.
Goodbye, New York.
My gaze shifts to Madox, who still looks nothing but pissed. “Goodbye, Madox,” I whisper.
CHAPTER15
Madox
“Idon’t understand what the hell you did.” I say the words as calmly as I can manage to my mother, feeling a wave of betrayal but also something else. She brought Sophie here? She knew about her?
“Madox, please.” My mother’s voice is tinged with agony and it makes me pause after I stand up, ready to leave her.
“I promise you, if I did anything-”
“If?” The word comes out harder than I intend, and she flinches. She brought Sophie here. She brought her back to me. I can’t hold on to the anger, knowing my mother brought Sophie back to me. Regardless of what her reasoning was, so long as I can catch her and keep her from running off again.
My mother’s hesitant to reach out and take my hand. I can’t remember the last time she’s touched me other than the polite hugs we exchange in public when I agree to see her. “I just want a chance…”
“To what?” I ask her, the words pushed through my teeth. “To lie? To pretend like you did nothing?” My words turn harder, and the memories come flooding back. She didn’t even cry at his funeral. Behind closed doors she didn’t mind being real with my father. And the real version of her is a person I want nothing to do with.
“I have to go get her,” I tell her before I can go back to what used to be.
My mother doesn’t let go of my hand, although she still hasn’t stood up.
“I can explain, Madox.” My mother’s words are hushed as she leans across the table, her forehead marred with a deep crease while worry is etched into her eyes. “Please, I can make this right, I just need to speak with Sophie.”
I don’t even dignify her request with a response. I’ve already waited too long, knowing Sophie. If I wait any longer, I may never see her again.
Just the thought of her hiding away until she can leave sends a visceral response through my chest. My pace quickens, my body fighting the urge to run.
“Madox, please, I’m trying to help!” My mother’s cry carries through the restaurant as I leave the private room, doors swinging behind me.
By the time I’ve exited the front doors, I spot her by her car, and then I do run. I run as quickly as I can, stepping out in front of a car pulling in for valet parking. My palm hits the hood of their car, only a few feet away as they slam on the brakes.
Shit.
They stop in time, but I don’t bother waiting to apologize.
“Are you okay?” the doorman asks and calls out, “Sir!” but I don’t respond. They don’t matter. So long as I can run to her, that’s all that matters.
Two rows up, Sophie’s staring over her shoulder at me, the car door open and the breeze blowing her hair behind her.
Don’t run from me, Sophie, I pray as I stare straight ahead at her, moving even faster, ignoring another beep of a horn and a couple I brush past to get to her more quickly.
“Sophie!” I call out to her in the crisp night air. My lungs burn from the chill and exertion. Surprise flashes in her eyes and I can see her swallow; I can see the pain lingering in her bright blue eyes.
“Madox.” She says my name reverently as she closes her door, not getting in and turning to face me instead. Her arms wrap around herself and she takes two steps toward me by the time I stop in front of her.
