What Memories Are Made Of by Diana Jayne

Author:Diana Jayne
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance, lgbt, lesbian, gay romance, newzealand, slowburn

Chapter 22

Madeleine

They arrived at the restaurant, and Madeleine took it all in. The long tables covered with white table cloths, tall black chairs and silver candle holders with purple candles. A HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY sign dominated the far wall. Balloons tied to a nearby table bobbed in the air.

The lighting was dim, the atmosphere charged. Music was playing, and drinks were flowing.

A young woman glanced over her shoulder, did a doubletake, and sprinted their way. There was no mistaking her as Chelsea’s sister with her long, dark hair and expressive hazel eyes.

She skidded to a stop and flung her arms around Chelsea’s neck. “You made it.”

“We did.” Chelsea looped an arm through Madeleine’s. “This is my girlfriend, Madeleine. Madeline, meet Joanna.”

“Nice to meet you,” Madeleine said. “I’ve heard good things about you.”

Joanna waved her hand dismissively. “All lies.” She pulled Madeleine’s arm out of Chelsea’s. “Come meet everyone. Chels, get the lady a drink.”

Chelsea shook her head, grinning at Madeleine as she was dragged away. Madeleine couldn’t say she minded, though. Joanna had put her completely at ease. If the rest of the family was just as welcoming, she had nothing to worry about.

After saying a brief hello to a couple Madeleine was told had been family friends since before the girls could walk, Madeleine found herself face-to-face with an attractive woman, wearing a red badge with 60 stamped in the middle.

“You must be Mrs Evans.”

“Please, call me Sylvie. And you must be Madeleine.”

“I am. It’s nice to meet you.”

A drink was thrust in Madeleine’s hand, and she turned, pleased to have Chelsea back by her side.

“Can I have my girlfriend back now?” Chelsea asked.

“Don’t be like that.” Sylvie held her daughter at arm’s length, studying her for a moment before pulling her into a hug.

An older gent set his sights on them and headed their way. The term silver fox came to mind. If Madeleine thought Chelsea got her good looks from her mother, she’d been mistaken.

“Dad, this is Madeleine. Madeleine, this is my dad, Dean.”

Madeleine held out a hand. “Nice to meet you.” She felt like a broken record, but what else was she supposed to say when meeting the parents for the first time?

“Has my girl been behaving?” Dean asked.

“Of course.” Madeleine grinned at Chelsea.

“Chelsea!” A red-haired woman, who needed to ease up on the perfume, joined their circle. “How wonderful to see you. It must’ve been…what? Four years?”

“Something like that.” Chelsea scuffed her toe on the wooden floor, looking uncomfortable. “This is—”

The woman snapped her fingers, cutting Chelsea off. “Linda! You look so different out of your wedding dress. Your hair’s grown too, but it has been four years after all.” Her face fell. “I’m so sorry for your loss, both of you. Terrible, terrible thing.”

Well, this was awkward. Madeleine wanted the floor to open up and swallow her. She’d been prepared for questions about how they met, but not once had she’d considered she might be mistaken for Chelsea’s ex-wife.

Sylvie cleared her throat. “Heather. This is Madeleine.

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