AllFreeNovel
Share Us
In the room extending from the dream kitchen, the table setting was casual by the Lamberts’ standard, but upscale for Madison’s taste—the glass table adorned with three greenHawaiian straw placemats, set with yellow china, silverware with yellow handles, and crystal glasses. An autumn floral arrangement inside a porcelain centerpiece adorned the table.
Although intimidated by the surrounding luxury, Madison asked, “Can I help?”
“Thank you, dear. Everything is ready.”
Standing next to the table, Madison surveyed the kitchen that should be featured in a best-homes’ magazine with its shiny gray cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a silvery countertop, and mirrored mosaic tiles on the wall.
“Have a seat, while Rick is pouring the wine,” her older friend suggested as she busied herself in the kitchen.
Rick placed three glasses of wine on the table and joined his mother. “Give me that, Mom.”
He took the heavy pan from his mother’s hands and set it on a trivet in the middle of the table, then returned for two more as she carried the salad bowl. When they both sat, Madison followed suit.
“So happy to have you join us for our first real dinner in Florida, dear.”
Rick raised his glass. “I hope you’ll be happy here, Mom.”
“Welcome to Fort Lauderdale.” Madison clinked her glass against Arlene’s, then Rick’s, and sipped the smooth, fruity wine.
“Thank you. After hearing Madison’s enthusiastic description, I can’t wait to discover the city.”
Arlene served the roast, rice with vermicelli, and cauliflower-broccoliau gratin. “I’ll let you help yourself to the salad.”
“This is absolutely delicious,” Madison exclaimed after sampling her food.
“I agree with Madison. Yourau gratinis out of this world, Mom.”
Under a veiled look, Madison observed her hosts. Rick wassuch a kind and deferential son, yet Arlene showed more reserve toward him. It was the opposite of what she’d seen in this type of exchange between grownup children and their mothers.
“Did you stay in Dubai long?” she asked, giving in to a curious need to learn more about her intriguing hosts.
Arlene’s glance flew to her son, as if urging him to answer.
“I worked in Dubai for the last six years.” An indefinable emotion flashed in his eyes before he averted his gaze. “Now, I’ve decided to settle in Fort Lauderdale to be closer to my mother.”
His face had become a cold mask, and Madison understood the silent order to bottle her curiosity and stop asking questions. Chatting with this man could be awkward. Baffled by his sudden stern attitude, Madison focused on her food. Let him direct the conversation or allow silence to hover awkwardly.
“Have you been traveling long?”
Rather than answer her, he’d opted to question her. Inwardly, she snorted at his unruffled arrogance and the way he put the ball back in her court. Fine, she would give him a full resume. She had nothing to hide.
“I started with American Airlines two weeks after my college graduation in communications. For the first three years, it was just local jaunts which allowed me to visit the country. Then, they upgraded me to include flights to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Recently, I got a big promotion and do trans-Atlantic treks as well.”
Arlene shook her head. “You certainly deserve a big promotion, but I don’t see how you consider standing on your feet for ten hours a day an advancement.”
“We know you fly to Dubai. Where else?” A glint of humor in his eyes, Rick seemed genuinely interested.
“I’ve covered many routes.” She counted on her fingers. “Paris, London, Geneva, Munich, Frankfurt, Vienna, Athens, Cairo, and Rome on several occasions, and I’ve flown once toeach of Honk Kong, Moscow, and Stockholm.”
“Fabulous.”
“Do you have time to visit the foreign cities?” Arlene asked as she stood and retrieved a scrumptious tiramisu from the fridge.
Madison nodded. “Oh yes. We usually have a two-day layover to rest, visit the area, or go shopping.”
“The way you talk about it, I bet you love your job,” Arlene exclaimed while serving them a generous portion of dessert.
“I do. Wow, this is way too much.”
