Disclaimer: This story is mine, but the characters do not belong to me. I make no money from this, but I did have a ton of fun writing it.

A/N: This is the ninth story in my series of Season 5 background stories. It is the follow-up to "Dancing on Eggshells", and it is basically a story that gives greater depth to the Eine Kleine Nacht Murder episode. It begins two nights before Maddie witnesses a murder in the parking garage. The story ends with a mention of a song… a song that was recorded by Cybill Shepherd back in the late 1970's. I would like to credit Boink from MoonlightingStrangers with the idea to use this song. He mentioned it to me, and as soon as I listened to it, I thought the lyrics fit perfectly. The fact that Cybill sings it is just the cherry on top. Search for it and give it a listen when you get a chance. Oh, and I also would like to thank Sandra for letting me refer back to an event in her story, "Poolside Convo". Please leave a review after you're done reading. Thank you.


A little musing about… when Annie and Maddie had "Girl's Night"

Things took a strange turn on the Monday after Annie first slept with David. After not seeing a trace of her cousin for nearly a week, Maddie was shocked when she returned home from work that evening to find…

Annie!? Walking into the kitchen, Maddie could barely believe her eyes, but there she was alright... her cousin, Annie. And where was David? There was no sign of him being attached to her hip. No, it was definitely just Annie. She had an apron wrapped around her waist, oven mitts on her hands, and a dish towel draped over her shoulder. She was the picture of pure domesticity... completely immersed in making sure that nothing on the stovetop was boiling over or in the oven… burning to a crisp.

The clinking and clanking of pots and pans made it such that Annie didn't hear Maddie walk in, but when she looked up and saw her standing there, she was all smiles and warm greetings. There was no telltale sign that this woman had just spent the last week cheating on her husband with her cousin's ex-lover. She was acting as if none of it ever happened.

So, Maddie played along with Annie's charade, acting like nothing was the matter. She didn't know if their little affair was officially over, or if Annie was only there because David was working late on a case.

Feigning nonchalance, she questioned her, 'Hey Annie, what 'cha doing here?'

'Oh, Maddie, I feel so bad. I've been out here for a week now, and we've hardly seen each other, so I went and planned a girl's night just for us!' she gushed. 'I went to the grocery store, and got everything I needed to make us one of your favorites... Fettuccine Toscano.' She said it with her hands, like the Italians do. Fishing for bonus points, she said, 'I remember you used to order it all the time at that little Italian place down the street from our apartment in New York.'

As if that wasn't enough, Annie went on, barely taking a breath. 'I got us a couple bottles of wine and two enormous slices of Black Forest Cake! It's not a girl's night without chocolate, right? Then for later, I got us some Jiffy Pop, and I figured we'd watch a movie. I didn't know what you'd seen already or what you'd be in the mood for, so I picked out two totally different movies! We can either go the tearjerker route with "Beaches" or spend the evening ogling Tom Cruise in "Cocktail"... your choice!'

Maddie stood there... still a bit in shock, but also strangely enough, a little bit impressed. 'Well... Annie... looks like you thought of everything. The food smells delicious, and sure... I suppose I could be up for a movie tonight. Why not?'

Sometimes it frustrated Maddie to no end. Like David, Annie was just one of those people she could never stay mad at. She was younger, and adorable, and she was the closest thing to a sister that Maddie ever had. And, boy could she talk? For hours on end... it was almost hypnotizing. When Annie did something wrong, she would apologize profusely and was always willing to take the blame. One minute she could betray you by sleeping with your ex-lover, and the next minute she's throwing you a party. Maddie couldn't understand it, but she almost felt sorry for Annie. Poor thing got herself caught up in this thing between her and David, and it was only a matter of time before she got hurt.

As the movie ended and Monday night "Girl's Night" wound down, Annie leaned over to nudge Maddie, who'd fallen sound asleep on the couch.

'Oh, Annie, I'm sorry... I must've nodded off there for a while. I missed the end of the movie. Was it any good?'

'Yeah... well, I liked it, but then, I like anything with Tom Cruise in it. Of course, he got the girl in the end. Turns out she was having his kid... or kids, I should say. She was pregnant with twins.'

Maddie sat up on the couch. She felt the slightest twinge of sadness and regret about never having told her cousin that she had been pregnant with David's son... and that she lost the baby only six short months ago. She couldn't help but wonder if it would've made a difference.

'Why don't you head on up to bed, Maddie? You've got work in the morning. I'll clean up down here.'

'Okay, thanks, I had fun. Goodnight, Annie.'

'Goodnight, Maddie.'

Maddie made her way up the spiral staircase to her bedroom. A short time later, after getting changed and settling in under her covers, she could hear Annie in the guestroom talking on the phone. The sound was faint and she couldn't hear the words. But she hoped... really hoped… that it was her husband she was talking to, and not David.

While Annie's idea for them to have a girl's night seemed strange given the circumstances, what made it even stranger was that she did it again the very next night. Another delicious meal, another decadent dessert, wine, popcorn and a movie. And if that wasn't odd enough, David wasn't even working that night. Annie chose to spend that Tuesday night with her. The only thing Maddie could think of was that David must be out of the picture. It had to be. That was the only explanation that made any sense.


A little musing about… why Maddie is a terrible cook

Maddie stood there staring at the gravy… watching the bubbles rise to the surface. She leaned in to smell the aroma of the thick brown sauce, then, she grabbed a spoon and began stirring the pot.

Stirring the pot… Ha! What a phrase, she thought. I can't think of a better way to describe what Annie's done since landing in LA a week and a half ago. Annie slept with David… David slept with Annie. I have no idea who started it… but I'm willing to bet it was Annie. I hate to admit it, but she looked like a little tramp last Tuesday night… prancing around that sleazy Lovebirds Hotel in nothing more than a cheap zebra-print sheet. Ugh!

I let everything that night send me into a total tailspin. I push David away for months, and then in an instant, I panic and do a complete about face. It's no wonder he thinks I'm nuts. I came so close to welcoming him back into my open arms. But I just couldn't say it. Something stopped me at the last minute. Something always stops me at the last minute! Maybe I'm afraid… maybe I'm afraid that if I admit I was wrong and offer him my heart, that he'll turn me down. After all, turnabout is fair play in love and war. That's what they say, right? Why did I tell him I was only worried about Annie?

What does it all matter, though? Letting it gnaw at me isn't going to change a thing. It happened, and that's the plain and simple truth. Maybe they deserve each other. What they're doing is their problem, not mine. It's just so hard to believe. Why would David do this… to me? I can't make sense of it. But maybe I don't need to. I mean, Annie did spend the last two nights at my house. Maybe that means one of them grew a conscience and ended things. Maybe?

Just then, Maddie was pulled from her daydreaming by the woman standing next to her in class.

'Maddie? Maddie, you may want to turn off the burner. Your gravy looks like it's just about to boil over the sides of the pan.'

She felt so embarrassed. 'Oh my, where is my head? I can't believe I just did that!'

'Is everything alright?'

'Oh, yes, but it's probably for the best that class is over for tonight.'

A few minutes later, as Maddie stepped out of the elevator, she had one of those split-second moments a woman has when her intuition is telling her something. In this particular moment, it came in the form of David's voice, telling her, 'You can't be too careful in a parking garage.' But she paid no heed to his warning, spotted her car, and headed straight for it.


A little musing about… how David found out Maddie was attacked

Maddie sat in a chair next to the security guard's desk, watching the police officers talk amongst themselves. She was visibly upset, fidgety... shaking her leg and wringing her hands. All she wanted to do was go home, get ready for bed, and climb under the covers. But she couldn't. She needed to go down to the station and give her statement to the police. A cop offered to take her there when she said she felt too anxious to drive. She asked the security guard if she could use the phone; she needed to call David.

'Hello,' David answered.

Maddie let out a huge sigh of relief that he was home, but she still sounded stressed. 'David, it's me.'

'What's wrong, Maddie? Are you okay?'

'I'm fine. Now, don't panic when I tell you this.'

'Will you cut to the chase already!?'

'David, I witnessed a murder tonight. The killer saw me, and came after me, but I was able to defend myself and escape into the elevator.' She tried as best she could to downplay what happened.

'Maddie, are you hurt!? Did he touch you!? If he laid a finger on you, I swear, I'll come down there and kill him!'

'David, I'm fine, but even so, you wouldn't be able to do that because he got away.'

'Oh, Maddie...' he worried.

'David, listen to me, I need you to do me a favor. The police are going to drive me down to the station so I can give a statement. Can you take a cab over to the parking garage and get the car? I don't want to leave it there overnight. Could you do that for me... please?'

'Sure, but Maddie, can I take you to the Emergency Room? I'm concerned. I'd feel better if a doctor checked you out.'

'David, you don't have to worry about me. I'm fine. Just, please, can I count on you to get the car?'

'Yeah, I'll do it now.'

'Thank you. Well, I'll see you in the office tomorrow… I may be in a little late.'

After a pause that made her think he didn't want to let her go, he mumbled, 'Okay.'

On another day, in what felt like another lifetime, she might have played the damsel-in-distress to his Hercules… he might have offered to hold her, and under the cover of night, she might have wanted to be held… but things were different now. The days when she could take comfort in his arms were gone. But Maddie knew she was a strong woman; she could, and would, handle this on her own.


A little musing about… when Maddie finds out Annie is moving in with David

Later that night, Maddie was truly surprised when she saw Annie, luggage in hand, preparing to sneak out of her house to go stay with David. So much for having another "girls' night", she thought, though for obvious reasons, it wouldn't have worked out anyway. Considering that she'd just witnessed a violent crime, Maddie couldn't deny the fact that it was safer for Annie to stay with David.

Maddie stayed up until Annie left and her bodyguard arrived. Then she went upstairs and locked herself away in her bedroom. She was exhausted, and thought she would have no trouble falling asleep once she tucked herself in between her cool satin sheets and warm down comforter. But she had no such luck, for she found Annie's note.

Maddie had completely forgotten that Annie said she left a note, but when she sat down on her bed, there it was… propped up against one of her ceramic unicorns. She began to read…

Dear Maddie,

I know you're wondering where I am tonight. You're probably hoping that I'm on my way back to Connecticut and to Mark, but I'm not. I've decided to stay out here 'til I figure things out. David asked me to come stay with him at his apartment. That is where I will be by the time you are reading this letter.

I know you were surprised to see me this past Monday night. You probably thought David and I had ended things, but the truth is, he had to work and he thought it would be nice for you and I to spend some time together. I had fun those two nights, and I hope you did, too.

I'm sorry I didn't tell you all this sooner. I have to go, but let's get together and talk in a couple days.

Love,

Annie

Maddie laid back against her pillows, her eyes wide open, staring up at the ceiling. Her mind reeled with questions and rants.

What the hell is going on? David asked her to stay with him at his apartment? He wouldn't actually do that. Ask her to move in with him? He knows she's married! What the hell is he doing? It's not like him to do any of this.

It shocks me to think he's doing all of this is to make me jealous. He doesn't care about her… he couldn't.

And then what?

Annie thinks she's falling for David? Does she really think he's going to give her this fun, carefree life? She doesn't know him like I do. She doesn't know what she's in for. David's not serious about her. I know he's not. He's only doing this to get back at me. This is all about getting back at me.

He better not be falling for her.

She tossed and turned. She felt hot and agitated, so she grabbed her comforter and threw it to the floor. She settled on her side, facing the open window.

He seemed so genuinely concerned about me on the phone earlier tonight, but he never did say I could go stay with him at his place. Not that I would have. No way! I bet the entire time he was talking to me; he knew Annie was packing to go over there. He probably got annoyed even when I asked him to get my car. How serious is he about her? Why am I even thinking about any of this? You just saw a man murdered tonight, and this... THIS... David and Annie... this is what's got you all stirred up tonight!? Ugh!

She squeezed her eyes shut, willing herself to go to sleep.

One sheep, two sheep… oh, I really hope he snores like a bear tonight… three sheep, four sheep...


A little musing about… what Maddie's really thinking when she's at home with Detective Donnigan

Maddie finished cleaning up the kitchen after she and Detective Donnigan ate the dinner she cooked. She knew it wasn't good. She had overcooked the chicken, but he was polite and appreciative, and he ate everything on his plate. He offered to help her in the kitchen, but she turned him down. It was all starting to feel like she was playing house with this man who she'd only just met less than 24 hours ago.

Once the last of the dishes was dried and put away, Maddie poured herself a glass of red wine. She grabbed a magazine off her end table and went outside to sit on her patio. She needed a little space and the fresh air could only do her good. The sun had set over an hour ago, so she lit a few candles... giving her just enough light to read by. If only she could concentrate on reading, and keep her racing thoughts at bay. If only.

David acted stranger than usual today. His embrace this morning… it was so warm and tight, like he was really relieved to see I was okay. But when we separated, he didn't hold my eye contact… didn't linger. It was like he couldn't wait to tell me that he'd cashed in his frequent flyer miles to get me on that plane to Chicago. Probably just wants me out of the way so he can carry on with Annie. It's all so pathetic. That he would do this to make me jealous. It makes me sick.

And his comment to my bodyguard about me having a "pretty good body". Ha! He thinks I have a great body! He's not foolin' me! I know he does! When I let him, he couldn't get enough of my body! He's just bothered that now someone else gets to guard my body!

And he was so condescending… talking as though he was my father and Donnigan was my date for the prom. It's none of his business! Why should he care if I have round-the-clock police protection? He stopped caring for me the moment he put his hands on Annie.

... put his hands on Annie. Why did he have to do that?

Maybe it was the wine that was making her so emotional, but Maddie couldn't stop the tears from coming. She looked at the pool and thought about that lazy Sunday she'd spent with David over a year ago. That time she'd tried to push him away, but ended up falling into the water with him, and they made love. She looked up at her bedroom window and remembered the first time he said, "I love you.'

Why did I have to make things so difficult for him... for us? He loved me better than any other man... no man ever wanted me more than he did...

David's desire for her... what at one time felt overwhelming... was now everything she wished she never took for granted. She felt sorry for herself and indulged in letting her tears flow freely.

Right now, I want him. And he... he wants her. Why do I do this to myself?

Detective Donnigan called out through the screen door. 'Maddie, I'm just checking on you... everything okay out here?'

Maddie quickly opened her magazine and made like she was reading. 'Oh yes, I'm fine. Everything's good.'


A little musing about… how Maddie's lunch date with Annie led to therapy

A phone call from Mark Charnock during dinner the night before was the final straw for Maddie. Albeit reluctantly, she covered for Annie, telling Mark that his wife was at the movies. Maddie was beginning to feel like she was unwittingly trapped in the middle of a huge adulterous mess, and she didn't like it. Refusing to let her feelings fester any longer, she set up a last-minute lunch date with Annie so they could talk.

But just as the two cousins started to talk, in walked David. Clearly, he'd gotten wind of their little meeting and he didn't like the smell of it one bit. He was rude and snide, accusing Maddie of setting the whole thing up to bash him… sort of like a David Addison character assassination. Despite his anger, he kept his temper under control, but he let her have it all the same.

'You know somethin', Maddie… you're startin' to sound desperate.'

David called her desperate, and then he walked away to go chase after her again. The nerve of him.

Whatever armor she put on when she saw him coming only slowed his attack from getting through, but get through it did, and she sat with that comment for a moment. Then it began to sink in and hurt. Maddie threw her napkin down on the table and shoved her seat back. She got up, and caught up with him by the door. She grabbed his shoulder, swung him around, and said, 'After everything we've been through, David, I don't know how you can be so cold.'

'Really, Maddie?' He took her by the elbow and pulled her to the side. 'Lemme tell you somethin' honey. You were the first to be cold. You were!' he pointed his finger directly at her face. 'You remember what you said to me? Do you!? Damn near stopped my heart. You said, "If this is love, it's too hard. If this is love, I'll live without it." Well, you know what? Right back at 'cha, babe!'

He turned and shoved the restaurant door open, storming off to meet up with Annie. Maddie stood there like she had the wind blown out of her, like she always did when he put her in her place. She felt embarrassed that people witnessed their altercation, and she was in no mood to go back to the office.

In her car on the way back to her house, Maddie mentioned to Detective Donnigan that she'd recently spent hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, on talking to her shrink about her relationship with David Addison, aka her "bad habit". When she got home and found herself unable to relax, she realized it was time to shell out another $125 for some mental health. Luckily, her therapist was able to squeeze her in at the last minute.


A little musing about… how Maddie's therapy led to an apology

Mrs. Rubin acknowledged Maddie with the subtlest of smirks when she walked into her office. Maddie couldn't help but to feel a bit awkward. The last time she was there, she threw herself a little going away party. She truly believed she was done with therapy for good. But here she was again, and not even two weeks had passed.

'How are you doing, Maddie?'

'Oh, well, if you can imagine… I've been better. Thank you so much for fitting me in today.'

'What did you want to talk about?'

'David.'

'Ah, yes, David. I think the last time you were here, you mentioned that the two of you had finally achieved a manageable working relationship.'

'That sounds like something I said… yes.'

'But… something's changed?'

'You could say that.'

'Maddie, what happened?'

'Annie. Annie happened.'

Maddie went on to tell Mrs. Rubin her version of events that happened since that fateful Monday morning when her cousin surprised her in her office. She told her that she didn't know if it was Annie who swept David off his feet, or if it was David who did the sweeping, but either way it didn't matter since, chances are, neither one of them was likely to be on their feet at the moment.

'How does all this make you feel, Maddie?'

'My initial reaction when I walked in on them was shock. I was angry, and then that anger turned into panic. I was the one… I told him to date other people, but actually seeing him there… with my cousin of all people… I panicked and it made me feel like I wanted him back. And I came so close to telling him that.'

'Do you want him back?'

'I don't know… I don't know. I do know that seeing him with Annie, and the thought of them together makes me incredibly jealous. I even accused him of doing all this for the sole purpose of making me jealous, which he denies. The truth is… I think after everything we've been through… losing the baby… and all the pain I caused him… I think he genuinely likes Annie. We're related, but she's so different from me, so lighthearted and fun. She's easy to be with and she doesn't create obstacles and put up walls like I do. She's probably like a breath of fresh air to him. But… did I happen to mention Annie is married?

'No, you did not.'

'Annie is married... to a wonderful, successful, caring, nice, safe man. And I think she is absolutely bored to death with him. David is exciting to her, carefree and fun. I am not surprised to know my cousin is capable of cheating, but it saddens me to see David doing something I know he thinks is wrong. He was cheated on once a long time ago by a woman who was his wife at the time. He knows how that feels. I can't imagine him putting another man through that. Sleeping with a married woman goes against his morals... his faith. I know it does, and I can't help but feel like I drove him to do this.'

'You can't blame yourself, Maddie. David made his own choice to do what he did.' Mrs. Rubin checked her wristwatch. 'Now, we are running a little short on time. Did something happen today? You seemed upset on the phone when you called earlier.'

'Yes, I met up with Annie for lunch, and David showed up. We had some… heated words... he thought I was badmouthing him to Annie.'

'Were you?'

'No! Of course, not. Not really... I mean, I wouldn't say that I was badmouthing him. I wasn't there to put him down, just to be honest. I wanted Annie to know what she was getting into with David. That's all. I don't want her to get hurt.'

'Can you understand why David thought you were badmouthing him?'

'Yes, and I just feel so bad about all of it... everything. I care about both of these people; I don't want them to get hurt. It's my fault that we're all in this difficult situation to begin with.'

Maddie looked upset. Mrs. Rubin handed her a tissue.

'None of this would've ever happened if I hadn't lost my baby... if I hadn't pushed away the only man in my life who ever loved me so unconditionally. I still feel love for him, but what can I do?'

'Maddie, unfortunately I think you have to let this affair between David and your cousin play out. The more you interfere, the more upset with you David will become. Perhaps you could apologize to the two of them for what happened today at lunch.'

This was not the advice Maddie was looking for, but she understood. She knew she couldn't control what David and Annie did. Maybe it would be best to sit back and try to remain neutral… be the sane person in all of this.

'Yes, that's a good idea. I suppose I can do that.'

'You know the old phrase, Maddie, "If you love someone, set them free; if they come back to you...'

'... it was meant to be." Yes, I know.'


A little musing about… why Maddie would suggest David take Annie on vacation

An hour later, Maddie sat at her kitchen table flipping through the yellow pages in her phone book. Her fingers skimmed the pages until she finally found the number she was looking for.

'Oh, hello... is this Fancy's Floral Shop?

'Yes, I'd like to order a floral arrangement to be delivered this evening, if that's possible.

'Yes, I'm aware that will cost me extra.

'The address is 9 Broad Street, Apartment 304.

'I would like the card to say, "Wouldn't blame you for wanting to prune the family tree. Sorry about today. I'm a jerk. Maddie."

'Okay, thank you.'

With that, she hung up the phone. Apology done. She could cross that off the list and forget about it.

Reluctantly, Maddie then glanced over at the stove, and asked herself, Ugh, do I really need to cook tonight? It was quickly becoming clear to her that taking cooking classes does not necessarily make you a world-class chef. And if it was any indication, the nervous look on Detective Donnigan's face when she told him she was making pasta for dinner, meant it doesn't necessarily make you good at boiling water, either.

Shortly after dinner, the detective had to step out for a few hours to go see his niece in a play. During that time, David stopped by to drop off some paperwork. Heeding Mrs. Rubin's advice, Maddie tried very hard to stay calm and collected. She knew better than to let him in the door. There was no point, and besides, it would have been awkward talking to David with her bodyguard, a mere stranger, sitting right in the other room.

Watching him turn and walk back towards the car elicited an impulsive response from her.

'David, maybe we should take a little vacation from each other.'

She didn't know where the words came from or why she said them.

'Well, I still have those tickets... the ones to Chicago, if you want to go see your folks,' he replied.

'Cash 'em in. Take Annie somewhere.' She couldn't believe what she was suggesting.

'You want me to take off from work, and take Annie somewhere?' He couldn't believe it either.

'Desperate women do desperate things. Goodnight.'

She got him with that. She could see the wheels spinning in his head as she moved to close the door. She couldn't help but smile slightly. As hurtful and upsetting as his actions had been lately, she could still sense the pull between them... the hot electric current... the raw physical attraction... the deeply intimate love. He didn't want to take Annie away on vacation any more than she wanted him to. She just needed to let David and Annie's affair run its course. If you love someone, set them free; If they come back, it was meant to be. If she was desperate at all, she was desperate for this to be true.


A little musing about… what happened after the bust went down at Maddie's house

Maddie sat on the back of her couch, surveying the damage. She was touched that David cared enough to drop his plans for the night when he thought she was in danger. She was touched that he took a physical beating just to try and protect her. But while it all sounded very romantic on the surface, the truth was, he probably would've done those things for just about anyone. It was in his nature to help the little guy... the innocent client… or sometimes, the damsel in distress. And it's been twice now in one week that she played that part.

When she thanked him, he responded as she thought he might. 'That's what partners are supposed to do, right?'

'Partners, eh?' That's not all we are, and you know it, she thought to herself. When he leaned down to kiss her cheek, she couldn't help, but to lean into it… the slightest tinge of disappointment on her face when the kiss didn't lead to… well, something more. I see you, David Addison, the man I fell in love with… I see you. I see the door is wide open. I see you've left the light on. I know what you want… you want me to be vulnerable… to say that I love you… that I need you… that I want to be with you for the rest of my life. Well, I do… but, the stubborn part of me needs something from you, too. Maybe I need you to feel bad about being with Annie... to admit you made a mistake. And now you're turning to walk away!? How can you give up now!? I see you, and you're walking away! Don't give up on me… not now. Words… words… where are my words?

Maddie felt strangely numb as she watched David walk away. Numb, and incredibly frustrated. She somehow managed to will her legs to move, and she stood up just as David sat down in the car. She took a few steps forward, but she was too late. The car drove away. There was nothing more she could do tonight, but pull herself together, pack up some of her things and find a comfortable place to sleep.


A little musing about… what Maddie did her first night at the hotel

With key in hand, Maddie stepped off the elevator at the 10th floor, and walked down the hallway to her room. She let herself in and placed her bags neatly by the closet door. Leaving the lights off, she walked over to look out the window at the city below.

The way the curtains fell gave way to a sliver of moonlight that cut through the room like a spotlight. And just like the swimming pool the night before, the moonlight struck up a fond memory. A memory of the night it took her and David nearly 20 minutes to climb the three flights of stairs to his apartment because they just couldn't keep their hands off each other. She stood behind him while he unlocked the door, wrapping her arms around his waist and sliding her hands up under his sweater. She remembered how badly she wanted him that night, and how he knew it, but that man... oh, that man... he just had to make her wait. She remembered how he took her by the hand until he had her right where he wanted her... standing in that sliver of moonlight that shone into his room. Then he sat on the edge of his bed. 'Take your clothes off,' he said. It felt erotic, like nothing she'd ever done before, but like everything she wanted to do in that moment... for him. She started with her blouse, and then slowly took everything off… piece by piece, while he watched and waited.

Stop it, Maddie! She scolded herself. Stop doing this to yourself!

If David was ever going to make his way back around to her, she was just going to have to be patient.

Looking for a much-needed distraction, Maddie headed downstairs to the bar. She ordered herself a nice, big glass of wine to take the edge off after the upsetting and chaotic day she'd had. She brought her glass with her and took a leisurely stroll over to the hotel lobby. Standing in front of the fireplace, she lost herself for a moment... enchanted by the yellow, orange and blue flames as they danced about. She chuckled warmly when she thought about Detective Donnigan... offering to bring a cord of hickory for her to use in her own fireplace. He's such a sweet man, she thought. Maybe it'll be fun to have a simple, relaxing dinner with a nice, safe man like that. She took a deep breath and sighed. Try as she might, she couldn't help that she felt less than enthused.

She was so engrossed in her thoughts that she didn't even notice the piano music playing in the background until it stopped. She looked up to see a magnificent black lacquer grand piano set up on a mini stage on the opposite side of the room. The piano player was taking a break... talking to some of the guests as they passed by. An attractive young blonde woman, dressed in an elegant black shimmering evening gown walked up to him. She was holding some papers... sheet music, maybe. It looked to Maddie as though the two were discussing which songs they were about to perform. She was intrigued enough to take a seat on one of the nearby sofas and watch them.

While the man began to tickle the ivories, the woman stood at the mic, adjusting the height and turning it on. In her sultry, sexy voice, she introduced the first song.

'Some of you may remember a nightclub singer named Rita Adams. She was locally famous, or infamous, to some... depending on your point of view. In the 40's, she used to perform right across the street in what used to be the Flamingo Cove nightclub. Tonight, I'll be singing some of the songs she was known to perform during her heyday. This first one is for when you just can't find the words to let that special someone know just how much they really mean to you. I hope you like it... it's called, "More Than You Know".'

It was a song that resonated greatly with what Maddie was feeling about David at the time.

It also made her reminisce… about a certain black-and-white dream she'd once had…


A/N: "More Than You Know", the song mentioned at the end of this story, is from Cybill Shepherd's 1979 album, Vanilla. If you get a chance to listen to it, you may find that the lyrics could be what Maddie might have been thinking about that night when she was sitting in the hotel lobby. The song was suggested to me by Boink from MoonlightingStrangers.