The Deal We Never Made

an'

ng to zero in on what I had to do. Teaching her to blend into my scene, to glide through without any slip-ups when people gave her the onc

ick-clack of her heels hit my ears as she strolled down the corridor, I couldn't help b

r. Trust Madison to steal the spotlight just by showing up. Her inte

th her arms folded. She was being super sarcast

"We need to discuss your role in this our arrangement. P

le not to look away. "I thought I was already doing that. Didn't I nail the clum

e contact. "That little act means nothing where I come from. These folks are

g even with me towering over her. "Y

gentler than I aimed for. "But they'll think i

d a spot-on, no-nonsense vibe just like the etiquette stuff she was ready t

d out giving Madison's shoulders a good

t she was told tossing me a glance t

led trying to keep her voice d

ety, grace and sureness are a must. But at the mo

e a stern look. Her resistance was str

she shot back, her

ust. Go ahead, hate me for it, but you'll be thanking

ook. "I don't need yo

ut keeping you safe. It's about making it through. In t

subtle parts of giving a speech was tough. Not 'cause she lacked the skills – no way

of Madison. "Speak clearly, confidently.

ds she'd been handed. Though her tone wa

me," Elisabe

me, Madison muttered, "Do I r

and every word's gotta count, Maddie. Drop the ball on a phrase or let

ith unwavering resolve. She despised this

se's friends, dropped in without a heads-up. This woman was the exact type of

ject," the guest remarked scanning Ma

er fists tightened at her

ion surged quicker than I could hold it back. I moved in giving the woman a stern glare that made it cle

ew out a sorry that didn't sound like

she looked at me. "That wasn't nec

back, "

illed out and some other thing took over. I'm not gonna lie

her back straight even with all the tough stuff she's dealt with. She's

trade-off something simple. But catching a glimpse of her leaving,

d me out more th