Page 60 of Smuggler's Cove
“And what kind of money are they looking for?”
“Fifteen thousand for the summer.”
“Geez!”
“There’s one house that’s on the water, but there’s no beach.”
Madison sighed. “We will talk this over with Lincoln. I have a little cash I can spare, but I was hoping to use it for a trip to London.”
“We can look further when we get to your place. I bookmarked the most interesting places.”
Madison put her arm around Olivia. “You are the best.”
It took them a little over twenty minutes to make it to Madison’s apartment. As usual, Mario and Luigi were sitting on the long mission-style bench that ran along the wall next to the front door. “I don’t know how they know I’m in the building,” Madison said to Olivia, “but here they are.” She leaned over and kissed them both on the head and scrunched their fur.
She tossed her tote near the cats, who were patiently waiting for more attention. “Come on, guys. Chow time.” She kicked off her skimmers, left them by the front door, and slipped on a pair of Oofos. Olivia followed suit with her own pair of ballet slippers that she carried in her bag.
After the kitties were fed, Madison excused herself and changed into a flannel track suit.
“I see you are becoming a fan of this fabric.” Olivia ran her hand down Madison’s sleeve.
“I am. I think it is going to be a big trend for fall.”
“It better be, considering it’s the main story!” Olivia chuckled.
Madison cocked her head. “Interesting, isn’t it?”
“What, flannel?”
“Yes, flannel. I had not given it much thought and really did not make the connection when Hannah loaned me her shirt. Ha. Hannah is fashion-forward. Who’da thunk it?” She flopped down on the sofa. “Wine or beer?” She looked up at Olivia.
“Why don’t I fix us a Manhattan, and then we can decide when Lincoln gets here.”
“Why did I ever let you marry my brother?” Madison laughed. “I should have kept you for myself.”
“But we don’t play on that team.”
“Yes, but I could have hired you as my personal assistant.”
“You already have.” Olivia went into the kitchen and pulled out two large stainless-steel cubes from the freezer, then over to the sideboard and mixed two drinks.
Madison readjusted her position when Olivia handed her the cocktail glass. “Thank you. I did not mean to imply you were my servant.”
Olivia curtsied. “I shall always be your servant.”
“I prefer best friend.” They clinked glasses.
The door attendant rang Madison’s intercom to alert her that her brother was on the way, “With something that smells delicious!”
“Thanks, Marvin. I would be happy to share leftovers, but I doubt there will be any.”
“I can understand. Have a good evening.”
“Hey Marvin? Can you send the food up, and send my brother away?”
“Excuse me?” He was not sure if she was joking. Madison had a very dry sense of humor, and sometimes it was hard to know if she was kidding or not.
“Just kidding, Marvin. You have a good evening, too.”
