CHAPTER 7

Caleb's POV 

Madeline Grant was right on time. Not a minute late, or a second earlier.

She strutted into the restaurant with practiced grace and approached my table with a tight smile.

Her pink tweed suit complimented her pale skin and her neck was adorned with three layers of pearls that matched her earrings. Her bleached blonde hair was packed into a tight bun that made me flinch at the little at the type of pain she could be enduring. 

She had high cheekbones, a slender nose and the faintest eyebrows I have ever seen. Her dentition was perfect and her eyes were the faintest shade of grey.

Frankly speaking, nothing about her physical appearance sparked my interest or attention.

“Hello,” her voice was even as she stretched her arm for a handshake. “My name is Madeline Grant.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Madeline. I’m Caleb.” I willed a polite smile on my face as I accepted her handshake.

“Caleb Bancroft,” her voice carried awe. “Your mother is a lovely person.”

I smiled in appreciation and beckoned on a waiter. “So, tell me about yourself,” I said, after we placed our orders. “That is the essence of the date, is that not so?”

Madeline cleared her throat. “My name is Madeline Grant, I’m twenty three, and I’m currently a student at DCadet fashion academy. I speak and read three languages fluently- Latin, Spanish and French. I’m good at playing golf and I’m an expert pianist.”

I closed my eyes briefly. She recited everything as if she had practiced multiple times prior to our date. 

“Okay, so what do you in your free time?”

She stared at me as if I had grown another head and waited for the waiter to drop our foods before responding. “I don’t have free times.”

“Oh?” I raised an eyebrow in question. “I don’t quite understand.” I took a sip of white wine.

“I have classes three times a week, and the rest of my days are always occupied,” she explained. “I go the gym and attend yoga classes every Saturday. On Fridays, I read stories to the children at the orphanage home and every Thursday, mother and I have business we attend to.”

Wow. I stared at Madeline and wondered if she did them willingly or if her parents had an influence in her busy schedule. Families with new-money normally acted that way. They pushed their children, sometimes to the extreme just so they can retain, expand their wealth and promote their reputation.

Good press equals good reputation. Busy kids equal family growth.

“I’m used to it, you see,” she chewed slowly on a little portion of her food. “But I am interested in you, Caleb Bancroft. Your mother mentioned a lot of admirable things about you.”

“Oh really?” my lips twitched in amusement. “Like what?”

Madeline swallowed and took a sip of her wine. “You’re ready to settle down.” She held my gaze before speaking her next words. “I may be only twenty three but I would also love to settle down early and have children on time. As you can see, Caleb Bancroft, our interest on this subject aligns.”

I narrowed my eyes at her as I fiddled with my cutlery. It was too easy, and she was too eager. 

“Marriage is a touchy subject for me,” I lied, observing her reaction. “Moreover, this is just our first date. I would love us to get to know to each other.”

While Madeline looked innocent, I had to tread carefully. I won’t be dragged into something I can’t handle in the future.

“Marriage projects strength,” she said with that monotone voice of hers, and then she smiled. “Tell me about yourself, Caleb Bancroft. I must say, I’m interested in you and little to no information about your personal life can be found on the internet.”

The date lasted for an hour. Sixty minutes of boring conversation with Madeline Grant that put me on edge. She acted and behaved too perfect. With her words, her facial expressions, how little she ate and drank and her eyes that felt too cold. 

As I drove home, I wondered what my mum saw in her. She was boring to a fault and played the part of being a perfect daughter so well. 

Her ambition; to start her fashion line as an extension of her family’s brand. Her hobbies; none. Her favorite food; none.

It made my skin fucking crawl and I had to wash her away from my thoughts. Quickly, I dialed Jordan’s number.

As soon as he accepted the call, I didn’t wait for him to say hello. “We’re going out tonight by 8pm. I’ll pick you up.”

Shanice had given me the address of the bar she usually performed, and I was going to be there tonight.

Deep down, I hoped I was going to see Amber.

~~~

The bar was surprisingly a good spot and in full swing by the time we arrived. We sat on a table by the extreme right very close to the stage. Since I was driving, I paid attention to my alcohol intake and settled for something light.

Jordan looked like he would rather be at home writing and translating his book, but I needed him here with me. Besides, it would do him some good too. Once in a while, it was good to loosen up.

“This is perfect,” Jordan almost clapped after I finished telling him about my date. “So, when do you plan to propose to her?”

I groaned and took a gulp of my drink. “You’re sounding like her, man.”

“Look,” Jordan placed his elbow on the table and eyed me with calculative eyes. “Let’s look at facts here, Caleb. You’re running out of time and you need to get married ASAP. Madeline is willing to settle down with you, which is a bit rare for a twenty three year old. She seems like a contented young lady who will stay put anywhere you place her. You think she’s boring because you’re not interested or attracted to her, which is normal. But, you don’t have time for that.”

I leaned into my seat and pounder over his words. What he said made scary sense. Fuck you, Jordan, and you too Madeline.

Madeline was obviously an obedient little pup who was scared to disobey or break the rules.

“But she’s fucking creepy, man,” I told Jordan the truth. “She was unbelievably perfect and it didn’t make me feel good.”

“I understand, man,” Jordan nodded. “But you either put up with her, or you lose the CEO position.”

I frowned and shook my head firmly. “No fucking way.”

A microphone screech cut through the bar and everyone’s attention-including ours, turned to the stage.

A black man, wearing a hat over a vintage shirt and free pants, grinned at the audience. “Y’all already know what time it is.”

He was answered by few whooos and claps from the audience.

“Allow me to introduce and call up to the stage tonight, the beautiful, talented, and lovely Shanice.”

Cheers erupted and people stood up to clap and shout with anticipation. The sight had made me smile. Shanice has always sung since high school, but Amber and I were her only audience back then. 

Shanice looked radiant in her black shimmery dress that complimented her dark chocolate skin. I had stalked her account several years back with a fake account. Amber didn’t have an I* account but once in a while, she would appear on Shan’s story.

When I texted her with my official I* account, I was skeptical that she would reply me. After all, I had left both her and Amber.

Listening to Shanice sing made me feel euphoric and I relaxed to the melody of her voice. I glanced at Jordan to see him staring at Shan like a peasant who had seen the glory of a goddess. 

Shan had that effect on people, and I let him be. 

“You know you deserve this drink spilled on your face?” Shanice said to me with a frown on her face. Her performance had ended and she had changed into a casual outfit of crop top and jeans. 

I got up and stretched my arms into a hug. “I know, Shan. I have no excuse, but I’m deeply sorry.”

I waited. This was the moment. It was either a hug or my drink spilled on my face. 

Shan picked the former and I leaned into the embrace of my friend. I had missed her.

“By the way,” I gestured to Jordan who sat stiffly on his chair. “This is Jordan.” We both settled into our seats.

“Hi, I’m Shanice Jones.” Shan stretched for a handshake, assessing my friend.

Jordan blinked out his daze and accepted her handshake mechanically without saying a word.

“You look good, Shan,” I grinned and then folded my hands across my chest. “Who’s the mystery man behind this glow?”

“Cut the bullshit, Caleb,” she rolled her eyes. “I’m hopelessly single.”

From my peripheral vision, I felt Jordan’s shift on his seat.

“I am happy to see you,” I told her sincerely. “How’s Amber? Is she here today?” I hoped my voice sounded neutral, in contrast to desperate I felt.

Shan didn’t say anything, and her eyes watched me like a hawk.

“Amber’s fine,” her tone was careful. “Is there a problem?”

I opened my mouth to respond when my eyes landed on someone familiar at the far end of the bar. Warmth blossomed in my chest but when I blinked, she had disappeared.