Taste of Love - By Stephanie Nicole Page 0,26

this. If I want Cameron here, then he'll be here. End of subject." She rubbed her forehead. "How did business go tonight?"

After Cameron had gathered his things, he motioned to her that he was leaving. Madison held up her hand, stopping him, and told Austin to hold on for a moment. She covered the phone with her hand. "You're leaving?"

"Yeah, I have an early interview in the morning. Besides, I don't want to overstay my welcome. I remember what happened the last time." They smiled at each other. "I'll give you a call, though."

She put the phone down and crawled out of bed, then shyly walked over to him and put her hand on his cheek. She looked into his eyes before kissing him on the cheek. "Thank you, for everything tonight."

Cameron pulled her in for a tight hug, better than any other hug she had ever received. "My pleasure."

He kissed the top of her head before letting her go. Only when she heard the door to the apartment close did she go back and pick up the phone again.

A few days later, Madison felt better after the D&C, and she was ready to get back to work. She was tired of laying around in bed with nothing to do but think about her disappointment.

As she approached her restaurant, she was surprised to see none of her workers milling around in front, waiting for her to open the doors. She was sure that she had told Austin that she'd be back today.

The front door was still locked when she pulled on it, making her wonder if everyone was late. She dug her keys out, then opened the door, muttering to herself about slackers as she turned on the lights. To her surprise, her staff jumped out, laughing and cheering at her shocked expression. A big banner hung behind them, 'Welcome Back Boss' painted with chocolate syrup, made her smile.

"I knew you guys wouldn't let me down while I was gone."

"Not a chance boss. Austin kept us all in line," one of the waiters yelled, sparking even more cheers.

Madison looked around, past all the smiling faces coming to hug her. She took in the ambiance of her restaurant; the cream-colored walls with Tiger Lily orange trimmed wainscot, the Tiger Lily orange tablecloths, with brown cloth napkins, and the fresh Tiger Lily bouquet centerpieces at every table. Everything within these walls made her smile. This was where she needed to be; with her staff, with her customers, inside her restaurant - her source of inspiration and happiness. She could feel her zest for life returning.

Chapter Seven

Madison scanned the packed dining room as she made her way out of the kitchen to greet her customers. She sure had a full house, and what pleased her the most was that most of the faces were new to her. Most, except one very familiar table. Before she could turn around and seek refuge in the kitchen, she was spotted and waved over.

"Good evening, ladies. How is everyone tonight?" Madison donned a smile.

"We're doing well, but what about you? We heard you've been under the weather. Are you feeling better now?" Sasha asked, offering her the vacant seat next to her with the wave of her hand.

"I'm doing better. It's a slow recovery, but I'll live," she joked.

"What was wrong dear, anything major?" Bunny asked.

She doesn't know, Madison thought. What should I tell her?

"Oh Bunny, that's really none of our business," Sasha chided her friend.

Madison looked relieved. "Let's just call it girl problems and leave it at that."

"Well, I am so glad you're back. And perfect timing too," Sasha said, searching through her purse. She pulled out a small black envelope and handed it to Madison.

"What's this?" Madison asked, opening the envelope as she spoke. Inside was a black card with the words 'Your Presence is Requested' inscribed with gold lettering. She opened the card to find details regarding a charity ball that Sasha was hosting at her home that weekend.

"It's our annual Gold and Black Ball. When my husband was alive, he started a foundation to help rescue dogs from puppy mills and the abuse and mistreatment that they received. God rest his soul, he truly believed in 'Man's Best Friend', and he did all he could to save them." She wiped a tear from her eye.

"You really must come. I'm afraid I can't take no for an answer," she said with a warm smile.

"I'm honored that you would think to invite me, but I