Page 15 of A Promise For Tomorrow

“It started out as a prisoner situation. But the man who took me never once hurt me. He helped me. And then in return, I helped him.” I smile at the memories of Diego and me bickering over my desire to help him. I release a small chuckle thinking back to his cheerful Post-Its and motivational quotes.

“What the fuck are you smiling over?Madison…you can’t be serious,” she hisses appallingly. “Which floor is neuro on? We need to get your brain checked.STAT.”

“Liam and I reunited. It wasn’t so cut and dry or as bad as it sounds.”I’m downplaying it for her sake.“I was always safe withDiego. But to answer your question–no. I wasn’t in Mykonos with Killian. He was there eventually to handle business. I was with Diego, Selena’s brother.”

“Holy shit. You fell for your captor. Of courseBeauty and the Beastwas your favorite Disney movie. All makes sense now. Tell me the truth. You fell for him, didn’t you?”

The doors open to the surgical waiting room. I shoot my sister a look to zip it. In silent understanding, she nods.

“Yes,” I whisper in confirmation.

A woosh of air leaves Mik’s lips. “And now you’re with no one. All alone in Arizona.Madison…” she chastises.

“Yup,” I pop the p, all the emotions gathering thickly in the back of my throat.

My father’s girlfriend,Diane, joins us a little while later. She is such a sweet woman. Dad certainly adores her. We do too. She fits in perfectly with our crazy family dynamic.

“I’m so sorry it took me so long to get here. I was in Florida visiting my sister when I got the call.”

“No worries, Diane. We were all scattered around when we got the call too. He’s doing okay. The last time the nurse came out, she said the surgery was going well and that it should only be a little while longer before they close him up.”

“Thank God,” she lets out a sigh of relief, sagging back into her chair with her hand over her heart.

Just as we all fell back into our respective texts, emails, and music, the surgeon comes out. He spots me first, walking over to our little group.

“Mrs. De La Cruz?” he asks incredulously. “I didn’t realize I was performing your father’s surgery. It’s a surprise your husband didn’t give me a ring.”

My mouth must be hanging open like a fish because my sister steps forward before my mom gets the chance to overhear.

“She prefers to go by Madison.” She shoots the surgeon the ‘shut the fuck up’ eyes in her kindest voice.

Thankfully, understanding crosses his features. “My apologies, Madison.”

I nod gratefully as Mom, Diane, and Mel reach us.

“How is Vinny doing?” Diane asks with concerned eagerness.

“The surgery went well. He is extremely lucky. We expect that he will live a much healthier life moving forward. Of course, that comes with the responsibility of making sure he maintains a healthy diet, adding in low-strain exercise when fully recovered. He is in recovery now. I can let you see him briefly. Unfortunately, only one person may stay overnight. Hospital policy,” he states. His conflicted eyes flick to mine.

I turn towards Diane. “Diane should stay. We will part ways after and reconvene in the morning.”

“I agree,” Mom and Mik say in unison.

“Sir,Madison just arrived. She just got out of an Uber and is on her way up,” Colin whispers, pulling me aside.

The kaleidoscope of lights from the stage dance across his face. His eyes are lit with genuine excitement. All of us have missed her presence. I squeeze his shoulder before kissing my wife’s head beside me.

“I’ll be right back, love. I have to greet a guest of ours at the front entrance.” She tilts her head in concern. My hand comes up to smooth away the elevens between her pinched eyebrows before sweeping down her cheek. “Nothing to worry about. See you in a bit.”

Maneuvering my way through the drunk and lively crowd, I find my way to the door. Standing at the entrance is a beautifully tired Madison. As she spots me heading her way, a small smile creeps onto her face.

“Well, well, well. Look what we have here. You look good, Mad.”

“Thank you, Killian.” She looks around, admiring the entrance. “The place looks incredible as usual,” she beams, a smile gracing her face. “I wanted to call, but I didn’t want to chicken out. Grabbing an Uber and heading straight here wasthe only way I wouldn’t. So… would it be okay if I crash here for the night? I didn’t want to crowd my sisters and mom at the hotel.”

“Of course. You are always welcome here, Madison. You know that. Here, let me take that for you.” I grab her bag off her shoulder. “I’d say I’ll take you to a guest room but…”Fuck. This is uncomfortable. I need to clear the air with her. It shouldn’t be this way between us.

“Mad!” Lexi shouts from behind me, her heels clicking against the marble as she makes haste towards us.

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