Page 45 of If Tomorrow Never Comes

Amazing how this past New Year’s Eve he was proudly sporting Madison on his arm at the gala. This New Year’s Eve, he’ll be welcoming a baby with his ex fianceé. The way things work out is fucking bizarre. Another round of anxiety slithers its way through my veins.What does my life with Madison look like a year from now? Will I still have a place in her life? Or will Diego worm his way into her heart and replace me?

“Looks like you’ll need to reconsider hosting the Masquerade Gala this year.”

“Perhaps I’ll pass the baton over to you. You’ve always been cut out to lead.” His tone is light but I can tell he is seriously contemplating stepping down and letting me take over.

This is something we need to discuss after Geraldo becomes shark chum. Not just with each other, but the council too. It’s not a normal occurrence for one to step down in our line of work. Considering we are both Jack Kennedy’s sons, the council may agree to the switch in leadership.

“I’ll be in touch when we get settled in.” I disconnect the call and shake Conor’s hand, pulling him into a back-slapping embrace.

“Ya know Lexi and Maddy would have your balls if you shot me just now.” A half smile forms on his face as he squeezes my shoulder firmly. “You holding up okay, mate?”

“I’ve been fucking grand, Con.” I roll my eyes at him and reach into my shorts pocket for my pack of smokes. I offer him one as I always do. Normally, he would indulge. He shakes his head to decline and places both hands into his jeans pockets.

“Lexi and I are trying to quit.” He shrugs his shoulders in a nonchalant way. The kind of way that tells me Conor has itbadfor Maddy’s best friend.

I raise an eyebrow, pop the cigarette between my lips and light up. Conor takes a seat at the wicker table and I follow suit.

“So, when’s the wedding?” I smirk while taking a drag.

“Fuck off,” he quips while flipping me the bird.

Smoke swirls toward the star-filled sky on a laughing exhale. All jokes aside, I’m happy for him. He’s been smitten with her since the moment he met her at the gala. The both of them share a similar set of values. Collectively having a sense of humor and a bit of a spontaneous side. If you were to ask me, I think Lexi could drink Conor under the table—but I won’t ever tell him that.

Though, as adventurous and wild as the two of them can be, they still remain focused on their responsibilities and loyalty to their friends and family. She’ll fit right in.

Madison couldn’t have found a better best friend. I feel the same way about Conor. How poetic the two of them are getting serious.

“Has Lexi spoken to Madison?” I ask after taking another drag of my cigarette.

The smoke curls around each letter of her name.Please say she hasn’t. Please give me some hope that my woman hasn’t been avoiding me or putting distance between us.

“I’m not supposed to say anything…you know how women are. They tell you to keep their girl gossip a secret. I know you are concerned for your woman, as am I, so I’ll tell you the truth. Yes, they were on the phone for over an hour earlier this evening. From what I gathered, there were a lot of tears…” He hesitates a moment before continuing. “Something to do with your proposal.”

I stand abruptly, tossing the cigarette into the ashtray, and start to pace the balcony.

“Grab your things, Conor. We are leaving for the yacht.Right. This. Fucking. Second.”

On a frustrated growl, I slam open the sliding door to the bedroom, nearly knocking it off the track. My nerves are fucking shot. I’ve barely slept in weeks. And right now, Ineedto hear Madison’s voice.Does she not want to marry me?

I never really unpacked, which makes my life a hell of a lot easier. Conor is fresh on my heels as I make a quick circle of the suite, stopping every few paces to grab a few remaining belongings. I shove all of my toiletries into the front pouch of my luggage and rip the phone charger plug out of the wall in the kitchenette.

Conor follows me into the elevator with his suitcase and mine in tow. I jab my finger against the lobby button repetitively while retrieving my cell phone from my back pocket. Searching the contact list for Madison’s name, I scroll until I find her new number.

My thumb hovers over the call button.

Fuck it.She doesn’t need to know that I’m here yet. I just want to check on her.

The elevator doors open to a lively lobby, littered with people as I place the call. Conor and I enter like a dark cloud over Disney World. We receive a few concerned looks, some downright terrified.You know what they say, if looks can kill and all that... On the third ring, it goes to voicemail.Did she hit the F-U button or was it that snake Diego?

For the third time tonight, I feel like something is off. And I don’t mean Madison’s phone.

My phone chimes with a text notification:

Madison

Stop worrying. Little complication, that’s why I haven’t called sooner.

My heart feels like it's about to explode in my chest. From worry or relief, I can’t tell.

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