Page 33 of Defending Madison

How is it that he’s saying all the right things? We pull into the parking garage, and I let him walk around to get my door. Heading up the elevator and into the lobby, I’m happy to let him lead. Dixon and the security guy at the desk talk in short-hand that reminds me of when I’m on the field with my teammates. Dixon hands me the clip-on badge and slips his hand behind my back to lead us into the elevator. “I’ll hang out in the outer lobby while you have your meeting.” He cocks his head. “I’m sure everything here is perfectly safe, but if you ever need me, just push the center jewel on the necklace.”

I have to admit I was pissed when he and Lily told me I had to wear the necklace. A panic necklace was the last thing I thought I’d be wearing around like a dog collar. I was out of line. I realize that now, but at the time I didn’t want Dixon having any control of my life. My mind grinds to a halt. Do I want him to have something now? My mind reflects through the past twenty-four hours where Dixon was the perfect gentleman and friend. It was the easiest flight I’ve ever taken.

Dixon pushes open the glass door and we move through. I step ahead as the receptionist looks up and smiles. He asks. “Madison Bennett?”

“Yeah.”

He beams. “The team is ready for you in Conference Room B.” He stands and motions to the next set of glass doors. “Follow me.”

Dixon’s beaming smile catches my attention. “I’ll be waiting, looking up options for a steak dinner to celebrate.”

I bob my head and stride to catch up with the man holding the door. We walk silently down a long hall with a dozen glass doors leading into small offices with people sitting in front of computers typing away. The next door he opens leads to a massive wood table with five people sitting around it. The room has wood paneling with posters of products they market. The plate-glass windows overlook other buildings in Manhattan.

A man stands, extending his hand. “Hi, Ms. Bennett. I’m Grayson Dubois.”

“Call me Madison.”

He extends his hand out and introduces the other people sitting around the table as I sit down in the seat across. Grayson starts to speak as the door opens with Lily jogging into the room. “I’m so sorry to be late.” She nods at Grayson and takes the seat to my right.

Grayson taps a button as the projector board comes to life with a screen size photo of me from the team website. “We’re very excited that you’re interested in doing our calendar.” He drones on about this being the fifth year, and I tune out thinking about Dixon and how well we’ve gotten along. Lily’s leg touches mine and I refocus. “This is a mockup of what we plan for your calendar photo.”

A photo of a woman sitting on a hay bale in my jersey with a puppy in her arms. There’s a soccer goal behind and a ball next to the model. My brows come together. “I’ve never seen a calendar like that.”

A woman raises her voice. “We want to be original.”

Grayson tightens his jaw. “Penelope Williams runs the largest no-kill shelter program on the east coast. This is her idea to increase awareness.”

I nod. “There are so many pets in need. Shelters are over full, people dump animals without a care about their safety, and the euthanasia rate is higher than it’s been in years.”

Ms. Williams beams at my explanation. “Exactly.”

“I’m happy to lend my support to this important cause.”

Lily clears her throat. “And now for the business side of this. Who’s got the contract?”

A different person slides a folder across the table, and Lily flips through the pages. I’ve seen so many contracts in the four years I’ve been working for Lily. She’s a phenomenal agent, leading athletes and superstars to find the best options for their careers. Lily closes the folder. “We’ll get back to you.”

Heads nod around the table as we all stand up. Lily leans in. “You haven’t killed Dixon.”

“Uh. No. He’s been… kind.”

We walk out and as we stroll, I note the difference in our heights in the glass as we walk by, reminding me that I’m so damn tall.

She looks up. “I can read you like a book. You look very professional in the suit.”

I scoff. “You should know, you helped me pick it out.”

She chuckles. “I have good taste, but you could wear anything and look like a supermodel. You’re so tall and lovely.”

I nod. I’ve been told that before, but it’s hard for me to believe it. Weight and body image have been ingrained in me. I’m heavier than the average woman and much taller. I inherited large breasts from my mother and have only recently been willing to not bind them, even when I go out. It’s one of the things Coach York bullied me about my freshman year. We step into the lobby with Dixon’s smile greeting me as he sees me. He nods at Lily. “Good afternoon, Lily. Are you joining us for dinner?”

She shakes her head. “I’ve gotta catch the next flight back to Dallas.” She flicks her head to me. “When are you back home?”

I shrug as Dixon answers. “We’re scheduled for a flight tomorrow afternoon, unless Madison wants to sightsee in the Big Apple.”

My heart skips a beat. I’d love to look around the Big Apple. “We can talk about that later.” I hug Lily, and she steps away to get into her car.

Dixon leads me to the car with his hand on my back. “Steak for dinner?”

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