Heya! Sorry, it's taken so long to get this one out! Thank you everyone, for all of your support!
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"What did you come for?" he asked her gently.
She held her breath as her eyes turned up to the ceiling, searching for comfort and reassurance that she didn't find. Maddie fixed her gaze back upon Esteban as she whispered, "You."
"Me?" Esteban asked softly, afraid of her changing her answer if he spoke too loudly.
"You...I came back, all this way, to see you again. I've really missed you, Esteban."
His brow creased as he tore his gaze from her. Staring at the floor was much safer – and he needed something safe to cling to; he could feel himself slipping back into fearful territory rapidly.
Maddie watched him through his silence. She knew this was difficult for him and she began to question whether she made the right decision in coming back. She didn't want to hurt him any more than she already had and by the dark look on his face that's exactly what she was doing.
"I'm really sorry. I shouldn't have come..." her face fell when he remained quiet and she took the few steps to the door, head bowed down in defeat. She reached out and turned the knob, slowly walking out before shutting the door behind her. She was about to walk down the hall when she felt a large hand encircle hers.
"Don't go–" he whispered hoarsely as she gazed up at him through dewy eyes.
She mutely nodded her ascent and he led her back into the luxurious confines of the heiress' lodgings.
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London sat in the lobby, nervously jiggling her Jimmy Chus; she looked at her beloved heels and smiled – some things go out of style but Jimmy Chus were here to stay. The happy thought vanished as quickly as it came, when her anxious thoughts for her two friends filtered back to her.
She wrinkled her nose as she asked, "What do you think they're doing?"
"Hopefully, sorting out their problems," Mr. Moseby answered from behind the front desk. He was searching through papers and let out a small "A – ha!" when he found what he was looking for. Picking up the phone he quickly dialed.
London peered at him curiously, straining her ears to hear his conversation, but his voice was too low. The phone call was finished in a few short moments and she looked at him expectantly.
"Well? Who was that?"
"I thought it may be a good idea to call in the troops."
"How is the Army going to help Maddie and Esteban?"
Mr. Moseby groaned at her incomprehension. "Not military troops – I called on a much greater ally..."
"English, please?"
"The Martins."
London's face lit up. "Carey and the twins? That's perfect!"
"Glad you agree. Carey's always been very good at helping to sort things out, and the twins...well, they're always entertaining!" he broke off in a reminiscent grin. " I'm just thankful that they were all in town!"
"I think it's really cool that they all made sure to be here for Esteban's wedding!" London's smile fell. "What's gonna happen now?"
"I don't know," Moseby answered sadly. "Whatever comes out of this whole affair, I only hope it's all for the best."
"Do you think we should check on them?"
"I think they're two adults who can take care of themselves," he answered decidedly.
"But, what if they're killing each other? We all know Maddie's got quite the temper! Remember that time when she lied to that magazine about me?"
He laughed. "London, that was years ago! Don't you think that she's matured since then?"
"You mean like me?"
Moseby faltered. "Oh dear! On second thought, perhaps we should go check on them!"
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London Tipton and Marian Moseby rounded the corner and paused just outside her door.
"Maybe we shouldn't interfere?" he asked, his conscience taking over.
"Please – I just want to make sure that they're not throwing things at each other! If one of them touches my crystal...well! I don't care how long we've been friends!" she huffed at the very idea. She stormed over to the door, flinging it open, ignoring her surrogate father's protests. She froze suddenly, jaw dropping to her knees.
Moseby looked around her, eyebrows shooting up at the sight before them. "Well – I don't think you need to worry about them killing each other...unless they forget to come up for air," he remarked curtly.
Esteban and Maddie were locked in an embrace, sharing a moment that they certainly thought was private. The kiss ended as he brought his lips to her temple, brushing her skin and whispering something to her, inaudible to their still unknown intruders. Maddie blushed, a pleased smile tugging at her lips. She burrowed her head into the crook of his neck and he tightened his hold around her.
Moseby stood uncomfortably, trying to think of the best and most tactful way to make their presence known with such a delicate situation as they all now found themselves in; but he needn't have worried – London had it covered.
"Hey! Did I say that you two could make out in my room?" she blurted out with all of the grace of a bull in a china shop.
The couple snapped apart, disoriented at the abrupt interruption.
"London!" Maddie breathed.
"Mr. Moseby!" Esteban followed.
"It's not what it looks like...!" they both began simultaneously.
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Alright, this was more of a bridge chapter, I'm not really sure of it. Hopefully, you guys are still liking this...let me know what you think, as always!