EPISODE006
841 Words
NOAH’S POV
With waves of frustration washing over me, I pushed open the office door. Eli had better have a good reason for calling me in, Saturday or not.
I whispered, "This better be good," as I entered and the door closed behind me. "Why couldn't you wait until Monday?"
Eli didn't even recoil. Calm as ever, he sat at his desk and flipped through a pile of reports.
"I apologise, Mr Walker. "I had no idea that weekends were now considered sacred," he smirked.
I stopped. He was right. I rubbed the back of my neck and exhaled. Yes, all right. Apologies. Simply put, I'm not feeling my best.
After putting the papers down, he reclined in his chair and observed me. "Hard morning?"
"You could say that," I whispered.
The expression in his eyes suggested that he already had a theory, but he didn't press. "Let me guess... woman trouble?"
With a sigh, I sank into the chair across from him. "Not any woman, mind you. Madison.
He was interested in that. He raised his eyebrows. Madison? Is that your Madison? Madison, the one-night stand who vanished?"
I laughed without humour. "She did not vanish. Yes, I did. Yes, her. We met once more. She has a son.
Eli's eyebrows shot upwards. "Hold on... how old is this kid?"
"Five."
He gave a low whistle. "Gosh. That makes sense. Do you believe that he is yours?
Slowly, I shook my head. "I'm not sure. However, Eli resembles me. His speech is similar to mine. Something is just... I sense it.
He studied me for a moment while sitting quietly. "You want me to look into it. "Background check?"
"Only if she continues to sidestep the query. I just want to gain her trust for now. Tonight, I'm taking her out to dinner.
He smiled. "Romantic dinner?"
"The Ashford Terrace. Private table. Candlelight.
"Damn," he laughed. "You're not having fun."
"Not now. I will not allow her to elude me once more.
Eli's tone softened as he leaned forward. "Noah, everything changes if that child is truly yours."
"I know," I muttered. "I'm prepared for what's coming. I only hope Madison is as well.
After a brief discussion about logistics, I got up to go. I picked up my phone and texted her as soon as I left the office.
"I can't get you off my mind. I'm keeping track of the minutes until dinner.
I waited for her to respond while I gazed at the screen. Nothing. The message was not read.
Behind me, Eli said, "She'll answer."
I pivoted. "What if she had a change of heart? What if I've already made a mistake?
"After that, you arrive and remind her of the precise reason she initially said yes. Go get ready now.
I moved automatically back home. Take a shower. Shave. The suit. I went with a silver tie, white shirt, slate-grey blazer, and leather shoes. Not too ostentatious, but sharp.
I checked myself in the mirror, sprayed cologne once, and just stared. Was I now truly this person? Are you pursuing something genuine?
Yes, I was.
The Ashford had a dreamlike appearance. Soft music played as string lights twinkled above the terrace. A table near the edge had a candle flickering between two glasses of wine.
There she was.
Madison wore a raspberry-coloured dress that fit her perfectly, as she stood at the railing with her back to me. Her hair cascaded down her back in gentle waves.
I approached slowly.
"Madison."
When she turned, everything else vanished as soon as our eyes locked. Her smile was like a kick to the stomach.
"Wow," I exhaled.
She chuckled quietly. "City boy, you don't look so bad yourself."
I took her chair away. "Shall we?"
For a while, we just sat and chatted. There is no pressure. No walls. Carter kept drawing his ideal bedroom, she told me. Eli was the only friend I trusted completely, so I told her about him.
Then there was a long period of silence. It's heavy, but not awkward. She was slowly twisting her wine glass while gazing at it.
"Noah," she uttered softly. "Really, what are you doing here?"
I leaned closer. "I wish to re-enter your life. Carter's, too. If I may."
She avoided looking at me. "And if he's not yours?"
I didn't even recoil. "I'm not interested. I'd still like to be there.
When she did look up, her eyes were full of tears. "Why at this time?" After all this time?"
I gently took her hand as I reached across the table. "That's because I was a fool back then." However, that is no longer the case. Now I know what I want. And it's directly in front of me.
She took a deep breath. "I'm afraid."
"Me too," I said. "But together, we can be afraid."
For a heartbeat, neither of us moved as the candle flickered between us.
She then gave a slow nod. "All right. "One step at a time."
Suddenly, everything changed.
- Writer
