Two Bar Mitzvahs (No Weddings #3)(34)

Mom’s eyes widened. “That’s very generous of you, Madison.”

My loyal mother shook Madison’s hand, but made no move to go closer. They all knew bad shit had gone down between me and Madison, even though most of them had only sketchy details. But they had witnessed the self-centered angry mess I’d become in the wake of the breakup.

Only Hannah knew the entire painful story, including the memory trash pile loaded onto my driveway, the reason for the meaningless string of women, and the final bonfire ritual in Hannah’s backyard.

An awkward silence followed, no one making any further welcoming move. I sensed they all waited on me.

Vivienne turned, smiling. “I’ll see if I can find any more generous guests.”

“Thank you, Vivienne,” Mom replied.

Madison gave a single nod. “I didn’t mean to interrupt. Enjoy your evening. I’ll go mingle in the crowd and get a refill.” She shook her empty glass, clinking the ice cubes.

Mom sent me a pointed stare, and I inwardly groaned. Yeah, even kings granted mercy. And I would have to deal with Mom’s wrath if I didn’t show gratitude for Madison’s donation. It’s what those in high society did every day. Smile at your enemies and invite them in.

I sighed. “No, stay. Jillian can get you whatever you need. Thank you for the donation.” I lifted a finger to get our waitress’s attention.

Within seconds, Mom engaged Madison into an animated conversation.

But it hadn’t escaped my notice that Hannah had flinched when I’d spoken.

I crossed back to the couch, sat down, and pulled Hannah back onto my lap before whispering, “I’m doing this for Mom.”

She gave me an understanding nod and spoke low, “Plus Kristen made a good point while you were talking with them. Maybe they can find out if she’s involved in all the problems we’ve been having.”

“They?”

“Yeah.” She gave me a half smile. “I’ll let your sisters take care of that investigation. It would look bad at your anniversary party if Madison got a black eye from your girlfriend.”

I grinned. “Damn.”

Satisfied my sisters had this covered, I gave a quick glance around, aware of time ticking by. Ben, Dad, and I had holed ourselves up here, away from our guests. We had obligatory mingling to carry out.

I side-eyed Madison as she left my Mom and approached us. She settled herself onto the other end of the couch. Kiki sat on the edge of the cushion, leaning forward as she drew in the girls with one of her stories. Madison listened right alongside them.

I tightened my hand on Hannah’s hip. “You gonna be okay on your own for a while? I’ve got to play host with my partners for a bit, thank everyone in person.”

Trooper that she was, she nodded. “Of course, go.” She climbed carefully off my lap to find solid footing in her high heels. “I’m going to go down and see if Chloe and Daniel need help carving into the cake.”

I stood, lacing my fingers into hers, intent on walking her over there. And beyond relieved that she’d be nowhere near Madison. Madison’s claim that she wanted me still unsettled me. Especially with the too-coincidental timing and all the other shit going on. But with the way she continued inserting herself into my life at any opportunity, I worried about her true motive.

“Ready to make the rounds, partners?” I glanced at Dad, then Ben.

Ben nodded and joined us as we left the VIP section. Mom stood at Dad’s side (after all, the night benefited her charity foundation), then we filed down the steps together onto the main floor. Ben and my parents split apart, heading in opposite directions and immediately engaging guests in conversation.

Hannah leaned against my side as we veered off toward the cake. “Why do you think Madison’s here?”

Glancing down at Hannah, I arched my brows. “Honestly? To f*ck with me. To f*ck with you and me, more specifically.”

Brows drawn together, she shook her head. “But why? She wants you now? She thinks this is the way to get you? I don’t get it.”

I hugged her closer. “Stop trying. I don’t get it either, and it seems like a waste of mental horsepower. Sometimes there are no rational answers for things.” I took another swallow from my beer as we approached the end of the bar.

Hannah tilted her head. “Or she’s simply a Selfish Bitch.” She maintained a stoic expression.

Hannah knew how badly Madison had hurt me. Because even though Madison wanted to be friends, said she’d changed, and donated a large sum of money to charity, it still didn’t alter the fact that she’d hurt me. “Woman, you never cease to amaze me. Thank you for being you.”

She gave me a flirty smile. “Only way I know how to be. Now go, mingle.” She kissed my cheek, then shooed me away with waving hands. “I’ve got cake business to attend to.”

Unsatisfied with her cheek graze, I wrapped my arms around her and gave her a hard kiss. She gasped into my mouth before melting into my arms with a tiny groan.

On a low growl, I released her. “There. Now I can go mingle.”

I made my way through the crowd, periodically glancing back into the VIP section. Madison remained up there, this time seated on the end beside Kendall. They seemed to be discussing something funny, easy smiles lighting up their faces. I was fine with that. As long as Madison stayed far away from Hannah, I felt good leaving my well-behaving ex under the watchful eyes of my secret-agent sisters.