Page 120 of Conquering Oz

Chapter Twenty-Four

It was her last night at the apartment. It shouldn’t have been such a monumental event, yet somehow it was. Tomorrow she’d be moving into Oz’s house. The apartment would remain vacant. He didn’t like the idea of anyone living in her space and above the store.

What started out as a small dinner party with Oz, Sal, and Tom morphed into something bigger. Oz insisted on hiring a chef to come in and cook. The food was amazing and abundant. There was so much left over, it was enough to feed a small army. And so she did. Elodie insisted the security stationed in the parking lot come upstairs and make plates. Oz wasn’t overly thrilled with her offer but he allowed his men to grab some food and take it back to the trucks.

After dinner, they retreated to the living room. Sal and Tom shared the latest gossip from the retirement home. It was better entertainment than anything she’d seen on TV.

“And I told him.” Sal shook his head. “The woman isn’t interested, but he didn’t listen.”

Elodie chuckled and glanced at Oz, who grabbed his phone. His brows furrowed, and his gaze shifted, landing on her.

“You have a visitor.”

Elodie knitted her brows. “Who?”

His gaze narrowed, and he flipped his phone showing surveillance of her back entrance. “A very pregnant woman.”

Elodie gasped, immediately jumping up from the couch but keeping her eyes locked on the screen. The cameras were high tech and expensive. Even in poor lighting conditions, it was easyto make out the familiar face.I’ve been looking at that face since I was nine. What the hell was she doing there? Elodie didn’t bother politely excusing herself. She rushed out the door, grabbing the banister and double timing down the stairs. She grabbed the knob, twisted, and pulled open the door.

“What’s wrong? Are you okay?” Elodie blurted, looking over her best friend. Madalyn stood a foot away with her jacket unable to cover her belly. Seven months pregnant and not much fit anymore.

“No,” Madalyn snapped. “I’m not okay. Why can’t I meet him?”

What?It was on the tip of her tongue to ask, but Madalyn left no segue.

“I’m supposed to be your best friend. We’ve known each other since we were nine. I held back your hair when you puked from too much tequila, wiped your goddamn tears when Joey Trino dumped you for Meaghan Randle,andI showed you how to give a blowjob on a fucking banana. But I can’t meet him?”

What the fuck?

Madalyn was officially unhinged, though she did speak the truth. She’d done all those things. It still didn’t explain her tears, red nose, and meltdown.

Elodie wrapped her arms over Madalyn’s shoulders, taking her in for a hug.

“He doesn’t want to meet me?” Madalyn’s voice was muffled, but Elodie could make out every word. “We’re a package deal. Does he know that? Our kids are going to be best friends.”

Oh hell, girl, you’re breaking my heart.Elodie squeezed her friend harder.

“I’m sorry. I’m not hiding him from you, Madz. You’re not supposed to leave the house, but I was going to bring him over, Iswear.” It was a lie. She’d promised Chris. But sometimes, a little lie was necessary.

Elodie stepped back but didn’t let go. Madalyn wiped her eyes with her sleeves.

“Are you okay?” Elodie’s asked, totally unprepared for the response.

“No, Elle.” Madalyn sniffled. “I’m not okay! I’m hormonal.” She pointed to her belly. “I’m growing a fucking human in me.”

Elodie stifled her laugh. knowing this might be her in a few months.

“Come inside. Meet Oz.”

Madalyn, always stubborn, shook her head. “What? Now when I look like shit, with a nose like fucking Rudolph, and raccoon mascara? No!”

Elodie rubbed her arms. “Please, Madz. I’ve told him all about you. He really wants to meet you.”

Madalyn jerked her head, staring across the parking lot, looking indifferent. Elodie battened down her smile. They’d been friends for so long.I know that look.

“He does?” she muttered.

Elodie smiled, tugging her arm. “Yes. Come on.”

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