Page 111 of Dirty Dix

When Madison cocks her brow, I laugh again. I order a scotch for myself and a water for Madison, and then it’s time to mingle with the hundred-plus guests. Madison introduces me to family members, friends of the family, distant relatives, neighbors, and her childhood doctor, but the guests of honor are nowhere to be seen. I’m not sure if she’s evading them on purpose, but as I look around this lavish affair, I see that most people are mingling among themselves, looking to be awaiting their arrival also.

“There she is,” gushes a male voice, and I turn to see an older, distinguished gentleman approach us.

“Sebastian,” Madison says, her smile lighting up the room.

Madison has told me about Sebastian and how he was more of a father to her than her biological father. I instantly like him, as I see nothing but love radiating from his gray eyes as he sees Madison.

“Hello, Button,” he cheerfully says, and she gives him a big hug.

I stand back, allowing her to reconnect with her stepfather, as the reunion looks to be a happy one.

“We’ve missed you,” Sebastian says, rubbing her back.

“Sorry I haven’t been around. I’ve just been busy,” she replies into his shoulder, and I hate that I know the reason she hasn’t visited them for so long.

“Never mind, you’re here now. You look lovely,” he says and pulls away, his eyes landing on me.

“Ah, is this the doctor your mother has been raving about?” he asks, while Madison nods.

“Yes,” she replies with a nervous grin. “Sebastian, this is Dixon Mathews.”

Sebastian smiles and extends his hand, which I happily accept.

“It’s a pleasure meeting you, Sebastian. I have heard so much about you,” I say, impressed by his strong handshake.

“The pleasure is all mine, Dr. Mathews.”

“Please,” I say, waving him off. “Call me Dixon.”

“Well, Dixon, we hope to see you around our place for dinner very soon. Anyone who can make my little Button smile this way is always welcome in our home.”

“Thank you very much. I would be honored,” I reply while Madison loops her arm through mine.

“Excellent. Maddy, you nut out the details with your mom, and I’ll let everybody know,” Sebastian says while Madison freezes up near me. “If you’ll excuse me,” he says, waving to somebody. “Save a dance for your old man,” he adds and walks away to shake hands with Madison’s neighbor.

The moment he’s gone, Madison sags into me, and I wrap my arms around her. “Are you okay?” I ask, kissing the top of her head.

“No,” she replies against my chest. “I was silly to think I could be normal for one night.”

“Shh,” I reply, pulling her out of my embrace. “You’re perfect, and don’t you forget it.”

She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes, which worries me, as I’m unsure how she’ll respond when she actually sees the cause of her self-doubt.

“Did you want to leave?” I ask, but Madison shakes her head.

“We can’t. I don’t want to upset my mom or Sebastian. I’ll be okay.”

“Just say the word, and we’ll split,” I reply, running my knuckle down her cheek.

“Thanks for being here,” she says, leaning into my embrace.

“There’s no place I would rather be.”

“Well, well, Mad Maddy has a boyfriend,” says a singsong voice to my left.

I turn quickly, instantly disliking this person, as her voice is dripping with sarcasm. I see a petite brunette in a black dresstwo sizes too small, but she doesn’t seem to care that she’s showing the entire room her pink bits.

“Hi, Mona,” Madison says, her voice wavering while I glare at the trashy bimbo in front of me.

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