David froze. She hadn't seen him yet. Her back was turned as she spoke with Jamie and Agnes. The rich tone of her voice pierced through him before he had a chance to put his defenses up. Maddie was ten feet away from him, standing in the lobby of Blue Moon as if she hadn't walked out of his life months ago. He found himself reeling from her presence. One long look at her soft curves, which were delectably hugged by a form fitting gray skirt and lavender silk top, threatened to hijack his every brain cell.

He was catapulted back to that all too brief flicker of time when it would've been the most natural thing in the world to scoop her up into his arms and he had the urge to do just that. But they were far away from that, if it ever actually existed at all. What was she doing here anyway? Did she get some cosmic signal that my life is finally coming together and she better come test out the scar tissue? He wasn't sure he could trust himself to face her right now. He carefully started stepping backwards towards his office. Maybe he could act like he was on the phone about a case and she would leave without seeing him.

Just as he was about to claim sanctuary, Maddie shifted ever so slightly, which brought David into her view. Her blue eyes flew to his like a magnet. Everything around them evaporated into the background. Maddie inhaled deeply, her breath hitching in her throat. She tried to cover it by speaking but the only sound that came out of her mouth was his name.

"So, that's why that name is stitched on all my underwear. Mystery solved." He said the words nonchalantly, but his treacherous eyes couldn't resist drinking in every angle of her face. And, Maddie absorbed every bit of intensity from his gaze. She had almost forgotten how he shifted every fiber of her being on its axis.

David discarded the flowers on a nearby desk and slowly made his way towards her. When he stood directly in front of her, Maddie shakily reached out her arms to him. She instantly picked up on his hesitation, but he relented quickly and pulled her into an embrace. Relief flowed through her body at the feel of the warmth radiating from his chest. She clung to him so tightly his heartbeat thudded against her. She never had found anything that came close to replicating the sensation of David in close proximity. The moment ended too soon when he broke away.

Her face blushed as she suddenly became aware that the eyes of all the office workers in the room were bouncing back and forth between her and David like ping pong balls. She cleared her throat, "I hope you don't mind that I came in to visit…say hi to everyone."

"Who would mind a visit from you? As long as you're not going to tell me our last check bounced and you're here to repo our pinball machine."

"No, no of course not. I was just saying how wonderful I've heard the agency is doing."

"Yeah, we've been making out pretty good, haven't missed a beat. I hear you haven't done too bad yourself."

"Me? Sure, I've been great. Picked up lots of designers in Milan. The consulting company's really taking off."

"Well, me a full fledged business owner, you a fancy fashion executive—I guess all is right as rain."

She felt a twinge of sadness at his statement but managed a slight smile. Her eyes trailed the surroundings. "You redecorated the office. It's very…eclectic."

"You don't like it?"

"I didn't say that. It just looks different, that's all."

"It is a whole lot less stuffy in here."

"Since when does professional equal stuffy?"

"We haven't scared away any of the clients yet."

"I didn't say you would."

"Yeah, but you were thinking it."

"I like it. It looks fine!"

"Liar"

"Excuse me?"

"I guess it would be more to your liking if it was designed by some Signore-Stick-Up-His-Ass."

Her nostrils flared, "Oh, and I suppose Color-Blind-Bubba at the corner flea market was the better choice?!"

David's blood sped through his veins at the sight of her gorgeous face flushed with indignation. He was at a loss to think of a more enjoyable past time than riling Maddie Hayes up to the point of combustion…scratch that, there was one that edged it out but this was definitely second.

"Ahh, so I was right, Ms. Hayes, you don't like it after all." He smirked contentedly at goading her into admitting her disdain for the artwork. Truthfully, he didn't give a crap about the deco prints. They had come as freebies with the new furniture. "Don't worry, we've got a system in where Agnes buzzes me three times for our more discerning clients, so I can lead them to a boring office in the back with pictures of those chubby little cherubs on the wall."

Maddie sighed with exasperation at the sight of his eyes twinkling in amusement. She walked right into it. Like riding a bike. Surprisingly, most of her anger dissipated at the sight of the lopsided grin stamped on his face…it had been too long since she'd seen it.

David could pinpoint the exact moment she gave up on being mad at him. That resigned smile behind her eyes tugged a little too close to his heart for his liking. He looked at the staff, who still seemed to be enthralled in the scene before them. "Well, now that we're done with the art review, I'll let you get back to catching up with the kids. They've really missed you, you know," he said sincerely.

"Just the kids, huh?"

David leaned in and softly brushed his lips against her cheek, "It was good to see you."

"Hey, wait a second. I thought we could maybe get dinner together tonight. You know, to make sure we're both on the same page with the next step in the agreement for the agency."

"No can do. I have plans. Maybe if you would've told me you were coming…"

"Maybe if you would pick up your phone once in a while you would've known."

He did feel a little guilty for ignoring her calls now that she was standing here in the flesh. "How 'bout breakfast tomorrow? We can meet at the café down the street. 8am?"

"Sure, 8am." She tucked her hair behind her ear and smiled up at him.

David started heading towards the door, his mind racing with possibilities.

"Oh, hey, Mr. Addison!" MacGilicuddy called after him. "Don't forget those flowers you got for your special lady. Boy, sure sounds like you guys are going to have a swell time tonight." Agnes growled in his direction.

It was too late though, the comment snapped David back to reality. He'd better keep his priorities straight or he was going to need another ten months to recover from this little encounter.

"Right you are, how could I forget."

Maddie eyed the beautiful bouquet of fresh roses that were now in David's hands. Her sweet smile had fallen to a plastic one.

David nodded at her, "See you for our business breakfast tomorrow."

"See ya," her shoulders slumped as he left out of the Blue Moon doors.

Agnes threw MacGilicuddy a death glare and he caught on to the carnage he caused. "Oh geez, I'm sorry, Ms. Hayes, I didn't mean to..."

"What? There's nothing to be sorry about, Mr. MacGilicuddy." Maddie suddenly felt suffocated by all the pathetic looks being thrown in her direction. "I said there's nothing to be sorry about!" Her snippiness caused most of the staff to throw themselves back into mundane office tasks to avoid getting caught in the crossfire.

Agnes held back though, studying Maddie carefully. "What, Agnes?! So, David has a date. I would be surprised if he didn't. I'm sure he's been busy entertaining a new woman every week with the delights of the Addison bar crawl."

"It hasn't been like that," Agnes didn't want to share David's business but she felt the need to defend him against the accusation. If Ms. Hayes really thought these months had been a cake walk for him she was sorely mistaken.

"Well, however it's been, I can assure you that it doesn't bother me at all. I'm perfectly fine if David's seeing someone."

"Ok," Agnes shrugged, not really wanting to spend her time arguing about something she knew was a losing battle. She had been trying to get those two to be honest about their feelings for years.

Maddie was relieved Agnes let it go so easily. "Let's talk about you? How has the new house been?"

"Oh, it's been good...in fact, turns out we picked up all that new space just in the knick of time." She stepped back and rubbed her slightly protruding belly.

"What?! Oh my goodness, congratulations, Agnes! What wonderful news!" Maddie hugged her friend warmly.

Agnes gave a wide smile. "Yeah, it really is. Say, why don't you come over to the house for dinner tonight? Bert will be on a stakeout and I would love the company."

"I'd like that."

"As long as we can order something that doesn't have broccoli in sight. Bert's been the vegetable police ever since I got this bun in the oven. I'm thinking pizza with extra cheese?!"

"Most of the pizzas I ate in Italy didn't even have cheese on them."

Agnes scrunched her face, "Wow, nothing beats a double cheese pizza. Wonder if they know they're missing out on the finer things in life?"

Maddie begrudgingly admitted to herself there was more than one guilty pleasure here in LA that just couldn't be duplicated. Five minutes of being in his vortex proved it again.

Maddie had a great time catching up with Agnes over greasy pizza. Although she had some fears about impending motherhood, Agnes was over the moon about the baby and Maddie couldn't have been happier for her. She also filled her in on lots of ridiculous cases that had rendered the services of Blue Moon since she had been gone. They laughed and talked about nearly everything except the one topic that was gnawing at Maddie the most. She had tried to casually ask how David had been, but Agnes stayed pretty tight lipped, other than sharing what a great boss he was to everyone and how he had really stepped up for the agency. It was clear where Agnes's loyalties were lying these days. Not that Maddie blamed her, David was the one who had stuck around after all—stuck around and kept living his life. Really, what else had she expected?

Even so, she couldn't help but wonder what this mystery woman of his was like. Agnes was quick to put her in her place about thinking that David was constantly on the prowl for a different bedmate. So who was this woman? What about her was interesting enough to graduate to 'multiple date' material? Were they serious? Planning a future together? The thought made her skin crawl. Seeing him earlier had stirred up all sorts of feelings she couldn't seem to stuff back down. They plagued her all night, those emerald eyes and mischievous smile invaded her every dream.

David was trying to focus on his lovely dinner date, he really was. But knowing those fiery baby blues were back in the same zip code proved to be a formidable distraction. What was she here for? Why had she made Blue Moon one of her first stops? It couldn't have possibly been because she missed him. The faint smell of her perfume still lingered on his skin, like she had branded him with that one damn hug. Shake it off, Dave, you already know how this ends if you're not careful…your guts on the floor and the click of size 7 pumps walking away.

The California sun shone through the blonde strands of Maddie's hair as she sipped her morning coffee. David peered at her through his Ray-Bans, wondering what her real agenda for this little get together was. She mentioned talking about the business deal, but there were no changes. They both understood the terms, and David was fulfilling them completely. In two months, Blue Moon would be all his. He didn't need a sit down over croissants to tell him that. Maddie confirmed everything before the waiter even took their order, which left them to sit in awkward silence, neither quite being sure of where the conversation should go after that.

Maddie broke the quiet with a loud sigh. "Sooo…"

"So?" David eyed her expectantly.

"How have you been, David? I mean, outside of the business, how have you been?"

"Fine, I've been fine. I mean, same as you, right? Haven't you been fine?"

"Me? Fine? Yes, you could say I've been fine. It's good to be back home though."

It caught him off guard to hear her call LA home. Chicago, maybe. But, he figured she'd be happy to torch most of the memories from her last few years here. "How long you planning on hanging around for?"

"I would hardly call it that. I still have my house here and there's plenty of work I can do for the consulting firm in LA." Is that why he was being so stand-offish? Is he worried I'm just passing through town on the way to leaving for good? "David, I told you I would be back after things got established in Milan."

"Is that what this is? You being 'back'?"

"I mean, I'm not sure if I would say things are fully established. I may still need to spend some more time over there or travel somewhere else. I'd say it's fluid."

"Fluid? Now that sounds about right. Gotta keep all those doors open." Especially the ones that provide a quick escape route away from me.

"You know, I get the feeling you mean that as some sort of a dig, although I can't imagine why."

"Yeah well, I didn't come here this morning to help with your lack of imagination, so if we're done talking business, I think I'll get going." Radiating with smugness, he kicked the chair back with his leg and stood up in one smooth move.

"Dammit, David, this is really how you're going to act?!" Maddie fumed. "I don't know why I should be surprised, you've ignored most of my calls the past ten months and for god knows what reason! I didn't drown your puppy or burn down your house. I took another job and sold you our business at a very fair price. Get over yourself!"

The edge in her voice shook him. She was really mad at him…unbelievable. "Over myself? Oh, that's real rich, coming from you. Well, I can tell you I am over this, honey, and it's long overdue." David raised his fingers to his forehead about to give a mock salute on his way out when he spotted the tears forming behind her eyes. He wasn't sure if they were formed from anger, frustration or sadness, but the thought that he put them there left a bad taste in his mouth either way.

He didn't want to hurt her, he wasn't trying to hurt her. Hadn't he moved past all of that? The thought of her popping in and out of his life on her every whim brought all of it back. He was afraid it would kill him to have her here one day and gone the next. So, she didn't feel the same way about him…it was no reason to be a dick.

"I can't believe I was looking forward to seeing you again, that I actually missed you, David Addison: King of the Neanderthals!"

"You missed me?"

"Clearly the size of your head has blocked your ears, I just called you a Neanderthal."

"I know, but before that…I could've sworn you said you missed me. Did you…miss me, I mean?"

His voice had dropped to a dangerously low level with that last question. If anything in the world could cause her to spill her deepest secrets, it was that tone.

She jutted her chin out. "Let's not do this, David. I believe you were on your way out, so what does it matter anyway? Don't let me stop you."

David sat back down and ran his hand over his head. "Can we rewind…please?"

"Up until when?"

"The part that I was a jackass."

"I don't think the tape rolls back that far."

He needed to suck up his pride. If she was back in Milan tomorrow and this was the last time he ever saw her, he would hate the words he left her with. David swallowed hard, "I'm sorry, I overreacted. I don't want to go, not like this. I was just…so surprised to see you yesterday, I still can't believe you're here sitting across from me. I guess I just didn't want to think you'd be leaving again so soon."

"I didn't mean to imply that I was. David, I meant it when I said LA was still home. I may need to travel for business at times, but I don't intend on being gone for good. I don't want you to think that there aren't things that are important to me here."

He nodded, trying not to overthink her last comment. "Ok then, let's eat." He puffed his napkin back out over his lap and dug into his omelet.

Maddie gave a slight smile and settled back into her chair. "Ok." She noticed an almost imperceptible shift in David's body language, which betrayed what a relief it was to him that she stayed.

"Tell me about your favorite thing to do in Milan. You know, so if Dave The Great American Artiste makes a triumphant return to Europe I'll know what's good."

"I'm sure he's not up to your caliber but this guy DaVinci has quite a few works on display there," she quipped. "Really, all the art museums are fantastic, there's the cathedral, the opera houses, the food. There was this archway that was just outside my condominium. It made for the perfect view in the middle of the night when the streets were quiet and the rain reflected off the pavement. I would sit out on a bench and just watch the moonlight dance over it for hours."

"It sounds beautiful," he smiled up at her, mesmerized by the wonder in her voice until a sad realization crossed his mind. "Still having trouble sleeping, huh?"

Ever since she lost the baby, nighttime had been a struggle for her. He was the only person in the world who really knew that and understood. "I guess some nights are easier than others. You?"

"They've been okay," he lied. "Besides, you know I do my best work when the sun goes down." He grinned satisfactorily when he saw the blush creep across her neck. "I'm talking stakeouts of course, lots and lots of overnight stakeouts."

"Agnes was filling me in on some of the cases. Sounds crazy as ever."

"Crazy maybe but, I gotta tell you, somehow they're not as much fun as they used to be." Not much is without you, Blondie. "I bet your fashionistas give you plenty crazy to work with."

"Oh, the clients are great…a little eccentric maybe, but nothing I can't handle. In fact, I find it kind of endearing."

"So, what's the downside?"

"No downside."

"Uh-huh, then why'd the corner of your mouth just do that little tension twist."

"I don't know what you're talking about—"

"See! There it is again. Spill it, Maddie. Those lips don't lie."

"You think you know me pretty well, huh?"

"Orchestra to balcony, baby."

Maddie sighed in exasperation. "The clients are wonderful, but you could say the owners and I have bouts of creative differences. They have a very specific vision of how my role fits into the picture, which is basically to get the clients in the door and leave the rest to them. I guess I thought I'd be able to sink my teeth in more. Although, maybe that's for the best, I'm not sure my ideas match what they would consider to be cutting edge in the industry these days anyhow."

"You're Maddie Hayes, for crying out loud! You got more class and style in your little pinky than any of these wanna be bozos. And the kind that's timeless too, not some fleeting fad of the week. They should be watching and learning, not relegating you to cocktail duty."

"It's their company, David. They are 'relegating' me where they see most fit."

"Sounds like they are wasting your talents to me. I know you cocktail great, but you've got a hell of a lot more to offer than that. I hope you haven't forgotten that."

She already knew it was true, but it was still nice to hear him say it with such conviction. "I haven't."

"Good", he stated, satisfied with her answer. Maddie was tough as nails but he knew the fashion industry could be a special kind of brutal. He was relieved that she hadn't let it chip away at her. Even so, it was weird not being there in her corner day in and day out. He wondered if anyone else had taken on that role in her life.

"So, uh, you run into any old friends in Milan?"

"Some."

"Made any new ones?"

"A few."

"Married any travel companions?"

She huffed, "Hmm, nope, no marriages," lifting her left hand in the air for emphasis. "You run into any of my relatives you hit it off with?"

Ouch, touché. "Nope, no one from the Hayes family tree."

"Oh that's right, you're seeing someone. Anyone I know?" She tried hard to sound casual.

It took David a second to formulate an answer. The only woman on his mind at the moment was sitting right in front of him. "No, no I don't think so, although she is kind of in your industry."

Maddie's stomach dropped. A model—of course David would end up dating a model. The idea of some young, perky wishbone on his arm made her teeth grind. Maybe it really was all physical on his end if it was so easy for him to find a trade-up. "What, did you keep the call sheet for those bikini models from when we were looking for Benny Largo?"

That couldn't possibly be jealousy rearing its head, could it? "She's not a model, she's a magazine editor."

"Oh." Somehow that was even worse. "Popular publication?"

"Yeah, sure."

"And you two are…serious?"

David didn't know how to answer that question, certainly not to Maddie. In fact, he didn't want to talk about Olivia at all. He glared down at his watch, "Look, sorry to eat and run but I gotta get to the office. Client meeting."

She tried to hide the flash of disappointment that ran through her. "Ok, sure. Thanks for coming."

David stood in place, wavering for a moment. He was suddenly finding it difficult to walk away not knowing when he was going to see her again. God, she was so damn beautiful, gazing up at him with the sun shining behind her. Even his most vivid memories couldn't compare to her being right in front of him. He mentally kicked himself and turned to leave.

"David," the vulnerable crack in her voice pierced through him. "I did. — Miss you, I mean. I sort of missed you a lot."

On the lonely walk to Blue Moon two thoughts ran over and over in David's mind: Maddie Hayes was still the most infuriating woman on the planet…and he wasn't anywhere close to being over her, not by a long shot.

Maddie was having second thoughts as she pushed through the gold frame glass doors of the high-end office building in downtown LA.

"Hello," she greeted the receptionist with a perfectly poised confidence that hid the fact her insides were twisted up like a pretzel. "I'm Maddie Hayes. I have a 2pm appointment with Olivia Spencer."

"Yes, Ms. Hayes. Please have a seat and I'll let Ms. Spencer know you are here."

"Thank you." Maddie settled onto the plush designer couch and placed her briefcase on the table. She eyed the skyline view through the floor length windows.

"Can I get you a sparkling water or anything while you wait?"

"Oh, no thank you. I'm fine." Truthfully, her mouth was a bit dry. She shouldn't be here. The office was impeccable, not a thing out of place. Then again it was exactly what she would have expected from the offices of an upscale, respectable, modern fashion magazine. She had been in dozens of places like this throughout her career. It wasn't the business itself that had her so unnerved.

It had been 8 days since she and David had breakfast together and she couldn't get him off her mind. She thought he would have tried to see her or at least call, but it was radio silence. Hadn't he missed her like she missed him? Or maybe this new "special lady" took up all his thoughts. Maddie nearly drove herself crazy, wondering what she was like. Who was it that managed to get under David's skin? Was she someone he saw himself with for the long haul? Was she good for him? Was he actually good for her? And why the hell was she spending so much time obsessing about it? Maybe if she saw this woman it would somehow all make sense.

It wasn't one of her finer moments, but Maddie put her detective skills back to good use. It didn't take long to ascertain that Olivia Spencer, editor of Vision Magazine, was the woman who had been occupying David's time. As fate would have it, Maddie had a particular client who could benefit from some exposure in a high-end American fashion publication. A couple of phone calls later and here she was, client portfolio in her hand and a giant knot in her stomach.

"Maddie Hayes? Olivia Spencer." Maddie turned to find a stunning brunette reaching out to shake her hand. "It is such a pleasure to meet you. Please, follow me into my office."

"Thank you, I really appreciate you taking the time to meet with me on short notice." Maddie took note of Olivia's perfectly put together ensemble and chic office. Not surprising for an editor, but for David's girlfriend? She seemed like a woman who enjoyed everything in its place and David was a wrecking ball waiting to happen. Maddie couldn't possibly imagine how they were compatible. "I heard you were about to print your Fall edition and was hoping there was still room for a featured designer."

"Your timing couldn't have been better. I've been wanting to diversify our segments a bit and your client embodies that 'back to classics' trend we've been looking to feature. May I?" Olivia gestured to the portfolio.

"Absolutely, this should give you a good idea of the brand and the feel of their next line." While Olivia flipped through the pages, Maddie studied her. She was quite pretty, younger than David but not considerably so, gorgeous olive skin and dark hair. She carried herself professionally but wasn't snobby. Maddie had the feeling she was good at putting people at ease.

"These are incredible," Olivia enthused, shooting a warm smile. "I think they would be perfect for our issue, but tell me about what your client is hoping to achieve so we can align."

Maddie filled her in on all the details while Olivia listened intently, her hazel eyes full of interest. They easily negotiated the timing and content.

"I'm going to step out to get my assistant. She's a life saver! I couldn't keep my schedule straight without her. I'll be right back."

Maddie sighed in relief when Olivia left. She had managed to focus on their professional conversation as best she could, but her mind was swirling. This woman definitely wasn't a wishbone.

The corner of her eye had caught a cluster of framed pictures on the desk. One particular smirk stood out to her from all the way across the room. She peered out the door. Satisfied that it would take Olivia a few minutes to return, Maddie made a beeline over to the photo.

Yep, it was David, with his arms firmly wrapped around Olivia. A sickening emptiness radiated its way through her. He really isn't mine anymore. Her hand clenched at her stomach as if she could temper the pain of being on the outside looking in at his life without her. Although she hated the sight, she couldn't look away from the image.

It was clearly taken at some fancy event, one where they probably danced the night away in each other's arms. David was such a great dancer and he always looked criminally handsome in a tux, the picture was no exception. Olivia was laughing into his chest as if he had just said the funniest thing she had ever heard. She looked so incredibly happy in his arms, her hands tugging at his shirt with a comfortableness that made Maddie want to claw her eyes out. David looked totally relaxed, like he had just been laughing as well, although Maddie had trouble finding the twinkle in his eyes. His hands were sprawled across Olivia's lower back as if he was pulling her closer to him. Maddie couldn't help but imagine herself in her place, David pulling her towards him, the heat coming off his hard chest in waves. Those hands running over her body on a mission to drive her over the edge like only he could.

The clicking of heels jolted her out of the fantasy. Her face was burning as she bolted back to the other side of the room just before Olivia arrived.

"Everything is all set. I gave Jessica the specifics and she'll be reaching out to confirm the interview dates."

"Fabulous," Maddie said a bit breathless. The walls were starting to close in on her. She was relieved to be getting out of here.

"Oh, Maddie," Olivia called after her "by the way, it such a small world. You used to work with my boyfriend."

"What?"

"David Addison. 'Blue Moon', 'Blue Moon Shampoo', that's clever!"

"Oh, right…David."

Olivia picked up on her discomfort. "Did you know he and I were together before you came here?"

Maddie hated lying. "Yes, I think I may have heard something like that."

"Hmm. Any particular reason you didn't mention it? His picture is right over there after all. I'm sure you noticed it."

"I didn't think it was relative to our conversation."

"Does David know you're back?"

"I ran into him when I went to visit Blue Moon, yes."

Olivia's friendly demeanor deteriorated. "You know, when I met David a few months ago he kind of seemed like a guy who had gotten a bit stomped on. Of course, he covered it well with his charm but I can assure you he's a lot happier now."

"Well, if that's true then I'm happy for him."

"I hope he doesn't get sucked back into whatever was dragging him down. We are so fortunate to have found each other. He really is a wonderful guy, funny, kind—"

"He was my partner for five years. I don't need you to tell me what kind of a guy he is."

"I guess you don't…thanks for the meeting, Maddie. It really helped me put some pieces together. We'll be in touch tomorrow with an interview date for your client." She frostily waived her out.

Maddie gladly took the reprieve. She straightened into a model stance and walked out with her head held high. No way was she going to let this woman see how stupid she felt. The sting of confirming she had finally driven the best thing in her life away dealt more than enough of a blow to her ego for one day.

After the debacle at Olivia's office, Maddie laid low. She had been in town three weeks and David hadn't called or tried to see her at all since their breakfast. It was time to face the fact that she just wasn't all that important to him anymore. As much as they meant to each other once, they weren't made for forever.

Even as the thought crossed her mind, a part of her protested it. Maybe they could have lasted…if her doubts weren't always getting in the way. That was probably what she hated about Olivia the most. She was a sophisticated, successful woman who somehow managed to fit spontaneous, carefree David Addison into her life—and she seemed so damn happy about it too. Why couldn't I ever let go enough to really give it a chance? Maybe she and David could have been happy together. God knows she was struggling without him.

She needed to put on a good show though. Her parents didn't raise her to crumble, especially not due to a man. She focused on turning things around for herself at work, demanding more input with the clients, and proving she was more than capable of delivering on the task. At least there was one area of her life she could exert some control over, even if the rest of it was falling apart.

Maddie kicked her feet up on the couch after a long day brainstorming strategies at the office. She sorted through the mail on her lap, expecting to find the usual, but instead was met with a small envelope with the familiar Blue Moon Investigations logo on it. Her heart tugged at the sight, so many memories wrapped up in three little words.

She opened it carefully:

We've been through some lean times, we've been through some fat. But throughout it all, for our loyal clients we've gone to bat. We've called out cheating scallywags and interloper relatives too. And now the time has come to party with you! For we've solved our thousandth case, and at this celebratory shindig we'd like to see your face.

-Your Blue Moon Family

Maddie smiled. Gee, I wonder who wrote the invitations?

Thanks for reading! To be continued in Chapter 3...