Page 22 of Spades

“I guess we’ll just have to see.”

9

ALISSA

What isit with this place? I’m not usually this much of a brazen flirt this early on a first date.

Of course, I’ve never had a first date quite like this.

I’ve been in the Chicago dating scene for over ten years now. I’ve seen it all. Usually they take me out to a fancy dinner—or to deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s, my guilty pleasure—or occasionally we’ll frequent a bar. One time a guy drove me all the way out to the Medieval Times in Schaumburg, which was actually a lot of fun. Up to this point, that was my most unique first date.

Maddox just shattered that record, and we’re only ten minutes in.

But it’s not just this place, as bizarre as it is. It’s Maddox himself.

He’s not only easy on the eyes. He’s really easy to talk to.

I mean, we chatted quite some time in his haberdashery yesterday when I walked in on a whim. He has a sort of effortless charm about him, along with a slight edge. He changed the subject pretty quickly when I asked about his father. I didn’t pry. I of all people know what it’s like to have a complicated relationship with a parent.

But even beyond that, there’s an almost unhinged element to Maddox. Taking mehereon a first date, knowing full well how weird it must look to first-timers, is a bold move for sure. And there’s the way he dresses, the fact that he wears a hat anytime he’s outside. Not to mention his bloody Rolls-Royce and his cozy haberdashery only a few blocks away from where I live.

Maddox is a man who is completely comfortable with embracing his eccentric side. The side that is open to trying new things, to stepping out of his comfort zone.

A side I’ve recently discovered exists in myself as well.

“Another drink?” Maddox asks, eyeing my empty martini glass.

I usually limit myself to one drink. But I’m taking the train home, and I’m sure Maddox will escort me to the station. So what the hell?

“Sure, one more.” I turn to Dudley. “Can I try the elderflower gin and tonic this time?”

Dudley nods and begins preparing the drink.

I turn back to Maddox. “So tell me more about yourself, Maddox. How did you end up with that gorgeous little shop in Uptown?”

Maddox takes a sip of his gin and tonic, frowning slightly as he places the glass back on the bar. “The shop belonged to my great-uncle. When I finished high school, I had a choice. Join the…family business or strike out on my own and pursue my own interests.”

“And you chose the family business? The shop?”

He shakes his head. “The shop had fallen into disrepair at that point. The building belonged to my family, but we hadn’t done anything with it in years. I struck a deal with… I struck a deal to get the shop in my name.”

Dudley places my gin and tonic on the bar. I grab the small straw it was served with and stir it gently. “So what was the family business?”

Maddox points at my drink. “First try that and tell me it isn’t the best gin and tonic you’ve ever had.”

I take a sip. I’m not normally one for gin—I know, sacrilege for a woman from the UK—but Maddox was right. The elderflower liqueur really brings out the floral quality in the gin quite nicely. It’s like springtime in a glass. The slightly bitter edge of the tonic water rounds it out brilliantly.

“It’s marvelous, Maddox.”

He smiles. “I’ve been ruined forever by this place. Can’t get a gin and tonic anywhere else.” He points at the bartenders. “DeeDee and Dudley are masters at their craft. Rouge hired them herself, apparently searched all over the world looking for the perfect bartenders for her club.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Rouge? That’s a person’s name?”

Maddox nods. “She’s the owner. Rouge Montrose.”

“And the Monstroses built the club.”

“Exactly.” Maddox takes another sip of his drink. “Let’s grab one of those tables. That way I can actually look at you.” He offers his arm and escorts me to one of the small tables surrounding the bar. He pulls out the chair for me and I take a seat.

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