Page 34 of Seduced in Ink
“No, I’m sorry. She’s doing great. I meant what happened the first time I met her,” Bristol said quickly, her hands raised as she set the pitcher of lemonade down on the counter. “I didn’t mean to worry you.”
“Don’t do that.” Madison let out a breath, nervous for so many reasons.
“I’m sorry,” Bristol said again.
“Arden is great,” Annabelle said into the silence. “We had dinner when she came to visit my side of the family up in Fort Collins.”
“I forgot about that,” Bristol said. “I’m glad you met her.”
“I’m sure we’ll meet up again. We’re all trying to do better about seeing each other,” Annabelle said. There was something in her tone that made Bristol meet her gaze and share a look that Madison didn’t understand.
Something was going on with those Montgomerys. She had always thought they got along great, all sets of the cousins. But maybe she was wrong. Or perhaps she was trying to see too much into it. Shewasnervous about her date—or rather, her fake date—with Aaron.
“What did you do with Arden?” Annabelle asked.
“I went over to her house even though I had never met her before to help her get ready for her first date with Liam. I didn’t illegally get her address, but it was close.”
Annabelle threw back her head and laughed again, a happy sound that reminded Madison of angels and bells. She just shook her head.
“I heard about that. I’m shocked that Arden didn’t slam and lock the door, never to see a Montgomery again.”
“Well, we are tenacious,” Bristol said. “In retrospect, as soon as I knocked on the door, I realized I had made a terrible mistake. Not everybody finds me as sweet and kind and caring as I think in my head. We were fortunate that Arden let me into her life after I surprised her.”
“Yes, you are fortunate. Because I think Liam murdering you would have put a damper on the whole family thing.”
“You’re right. But alas, their romance persisted, and they’re doing fantastic. Speaking of romance, are you ready for tonight?”
Madison shook her head. “It’s not real.” She turned to Annabelle. “I mean...”
Crap. She sucked at this lying thing.
Unless she was lying to herself.
Annabelle held up her hands. “We know. At least Benjamin and I know.”
Madison relaxed. “Thank you. And I appreciate you guys coming over, but I’m okay. I’m only going out to dinner and probably for a walk with Aaron. We’re just hanging out.”
“As an engaged couple,” Annabelle said softly.
“Fake engaged couple,” Madison corrected.
“That’s fine. Whatever,” Bristol said, holding up her hands. “First off, this lemonade is amazing. I’m jealous that I can’t make this. The next time we have a family barbecue or something, you need to bring this over. Marcus loves lemonade.”
That made Madison smile. “Okay, I can make that happen.”
“Good. Second, have fun tonight. You look wonderful. We came to give you a pep talk, but you look ready to go.”
“But I finally got to meet you,” Annabelle said, grinning.
“I’m glad that we got to meet, as well,” Madison said. “So, if I remember right, you have four other siblings?”
“Yes, I have a twin named Archer, another set of twins named Beckett and Benjamin, and a little sister named Paige.”
Madison’s eyes widened. “I’m never going to be able to remember all of that.”
“There’s no reason you should.” Annabelle laughed. “Unless youdomarry Aaron, and then there will be a quiz once you’re indoctrinated into the Montgomerys.”
That made Madison’s eyes widen. “There’s a quiz?”