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“What? Right now?”
“Yes.”
I hear her phone beeping away and then a gasp. “Dixon, this is amazing. Thank you.”
“The pleasure is all mine. You deserve some R&R, and what better place for that to happen than the Hamptons?” I state, referring to the spa and hotel package I purchased for her.
“The ticket is valid for two people,” she says, reading over the details.
“Yes. I thought you may want to take Rachel along,” I reply, knowing damn well she won’t take her stepmother.
She pauses before asking, “Would you mind if I took Dylan instead?”
I fake sigh. “I suppose not. Do whatever makes you happy.”
“Thank you, Dixon. This is exactly what we need. Seven days away from Manhattan and everybody who lives in it.”
“You’re welcome.” Little does she know, this is exactly whatIneed.
It’s Madison’s birthday in three days, and I meant it when I said I was taking her to Rome. However, I didn’t want Juliet to know. I have been playing off my relationship with Madison as just a casual thing, but taking her to Italy for her birthday doesn’t really support that claim, so I needed Juliet busy, and the only way I can do that is by sending her away to some retreatand occupying her time with foot massages, yoga, and whatever else they do at those places.
I also needed Dylan to be gone, as I have no doubt he’s secretly been watching Maddy’s door, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. Although the majority of her time has been spent with me, she still drops by her apartment every couple of days to pack clean clothes. If he didn’t see her, he’d start asking questions, questions that Rachel knows the answers to. I can’t risk him accidentally spilling the beans to Juliet. I know I’m being extra cautious, but I won’t have anything ruining my time away with Maddy.
As much as I hate to admit it, this double life is growing old, just like Hunter and Finch said it would. But I have a plan.
I can see a change in Madison. It may be small, but it’s a change nonetheless. She never divulges what she discusses at therapy, but I know that sooner or later, she’ll be ready to tell Rachel and Sebastian her secret. And when she does, I’ll be free.
I’ll no longer have to continue with this charade, as I have no doubt Dylan will want to get as far away from Rachel and Sebastian as he can get. So will Juliet. She’s just as guilty as he is, and I know he’ll take the coward’s way out and run. I also know Juliet will go with him. She’ll move heaven and hell to be with him, so I’m hoping he runs far, far away and never comes back.
This is the only thing keeping me going, and as much as I want this reality to be now, I won’t push Madison in any way because this is something she can’t rush.
“I just got to the airport. Enjoy your time away,” I say, pulling up at the curb.
“Thank you. You too. I’ll speak to you when you get back.”
I can’t help but smirk. “Yes, you will.”
I end the call and wave to an excited Madison who is waiting for me in front of her workplace. She runs over to the car andyanks the door open. “Please tell me you remembered to bring my luggage?” she says as she jumps into the passenger seat.
I look over my shoulder to answer her question—my back seat and trunk are filled with suitcases.
She chuckles and leans across the seat to give my cheek a quick kiss. “Well, that’s what happens when you don’t tell a girl where you’re taking her. We could be going to Alaska for all I know. I needed to pack for all seasons,” she explains while I playfully shake my head.
“So you’re really not telling me where we’re going?” she asks as I pull into traffic.
“Nope. It’s a surprise. But I can assure you, it’s not Alaska.”
She slumps low in her seat and dramatically crosses her arms over her chest. “Okay, I suppose I’ve waited this long. A few more minutes won’t hurt…too much,” she adds with a smile.
Her excitement is palpable, and honestly, so is mine. I can’t wait to spend ten whole days with her. And ten whole days without the she-devil. I’m quite certain Madison has no idea, and a small part of me is concerned that I’m getting better at lying to her. But being away from Manhattan allows me to forget all about that and focus on what’s important—her.
“How was work?” I ask, taking the turn for JFK. Maddy couldn’t get out of her morning shift but was able to leave at ten thirty so we could catch our one thirty flight.
“It was boring. I was able to cram in a ton of homework, though. Hey, are we going to the airport?” she questions, sitting up tall and practically pressing her nose against the windshield.
“Maybe,” I reply, unable to hide my smile.
“Oh my God! I thought we were going on a road trip.”
