Page 43 of Risk It All
“So, she put you on the right path?”
“Her and another kid there I became friends with. Springer. He was a few years older and had decided he was going to do something with his life. He worked hard in school, went to junior college and eventually went into law enforcement. I idolized him, and so I did what he did.”
“Are you still friends with him?”
I nod. “Yes. I think he's glad he's never had to arrest me.”
“That would be awkward.” She glances up at me with a coy smile. “Was that a real possibility?”
I wink, but don't answer.
We walk in silence for a few moments.
“How do you know Eleanor?” she finally asks.
“She was working on a foster care bill and interviewed me. I'm not sure she realized at first that I was a product of foster care. I think I came up on her radar because I support a lot of children's organizations, especially those involving foster care and adoption.”
“She's the one that suggested I write the article.”
I stop and look at Madeleine. “Really?”
“Yes. She said something about spending too much time out of the country worrying about four-legged souls and not enough time at home worrying about the two-legged ones.”
I smile. “That sounds like Eleanor.”
Madeleine bites her lower lip. “She even suggested I interview you.”
That got my attention. “I don't believe I ever got a request for an interview.”
She winces. “You didn't.”
I stare at her in amusement for a beat. “Because I'm a scoundrel.”
In typical Madeleine manner, she doesn't look away in chagrin. She owns her thoughts and feelings. “Yes.”
“Just as well.” I laugh.
She smirks. “Because I'm a shallow, vapid elitist?”
I lean forward and kiss her nose. “How about some food? I could use some bubble and squeak.”
It's her turn to laugh. “You've spent time in England.”
“I've got an office here.”
“So you could go back to work any time.”
“No. I'm off the clock until Monday.”
An expression washes across her features that I can't read. Is it disappointment at the reminder that our time is limited? Had I misread her and she'd be interested in continuing a relationship once our adventure is over after all? Before I have time to decide how to respond, she hooks her arm through mine again.
“Well then, let's get some bubble and squeak.”
We spendthe day together in London, but I don't really see the sights. We have lunch and then we just walk and talk, and the longer we do, the more I realize how much trouble I'm in. Madeleine is amazing. She's smart and talented. She's funny and adventurous. She's compassionate and brave. And I suppose, it doesn't hurt that she's beautiful and her body was made for me to touch, and taste, and love. She's everything I want.
At forty years old, I've waited a long time to meet her. The tragedy is that I can't have her. Not like I'd want to. Not in the way that lets me wake up with her in my arms every morning, and fall asleep by her side every night. Not in the way that allows me to travel with her, seeing and learning about the world through her eyes.
A part of me wants to ask her for more, but my admiration and respect for her prevent me from doing so. To ask for more would be asking her to give up a piece of herself, and I can't do it.
