A Date with a Foodie (The Dating Series Book 7)

come back.”
I don’t pay them any mind and pull my phone out of my pocket and dial her number. Right to voicemail. “Maddy, please let me explain,” I say into the receiver. I hang up and send the same text, hoping she will at least give me a chance to defend myself.

Another night, another restaurant.
It’s rare that I’ll venture into a restaurant that hasn’t been open for longer than two years. I feel that after my own predetermined time, restaurants have worked their kinks out and are functioning at their best.
I made an exception when I visited Maddy’s Tavern. I had heard good things about this establishment and wanted to check it out for myself even though its barely over a year old.
I was greeted with professionalism as soon as I walked in and shown to my seat. My young waiter introduced himself and told me the day’s specials, from memory which is very impressive. He also told me he was studying to be a bartender and brought me an array of drinks he felt would go well with my dessert.
As I waited, I noticed how impeccable the restaurant was. Everything had a place. The tables weren’t crowded with unnecessary items. Each chair was pushed in. The staff all dressed as if they were working at the Plaza.
I had the special, which if offered again, you should order; the balsamic pork chop with the orange creamsicle cake for dessert. My reservation was late, and I fully expected a dry piece of pork. To say I was surprised by the tender juicy meat would be an understatement.
Now comes the time when I must give Maddy’s Tavern my grades.
Ambience – A+
Staff – A+
Food – A+
When you go in, and I know you will, be sure to tell chef and owner Madeline Metcalf that August Cahill highly recommends her place. You won’t be sorry.
Signing off for now,
AC


7
Madeline
I was sick with nerves before the pulled pork contest, but right now, I’m literally sick with anger. How could Adam do this? Adam is August. August is Adam. Why would he keep that secret from me? I feel like such an idiot.
My phone rings incessantly, but I can’t go back to my booth. The only place to go is home. I call Katy and she picks up on the first ring.
“Oh my God, Maddy, are you okay?”
Tears stream down my face. “No. I don’t know what’s going on. I think I’m in shock. Did I really just see Adam go on stage as August Cahill?”
I can feel the weight of her sigh through the phone. “You did. It was a shock to us all. When he came back to our booth, Noah made him leave. I’m sure he’s out trying to find you.”
So many people are staring at me as I rush past them. “Will you be okay if I don’t come back there? I don’t want to see him.”
“Maddy, it’s okay. Go home. The others and I will be there as soon as we can. Don’t worry about a thing.”
“Thanks, Katy.” I hang up and bolt out onto the street and as far away from the event as I can get. The restaurant is only a few blocks away. My phone rings again and again, over and over. Every time I see Adam’s name pop up, it makes me cry even more.
When I get home, I breathe a sigh of relief. Adam isn’t here. Luckily, I had a head start. I lock the restaurant doors and rush upstairs to my apartment. As soon as I walk inside, I can smell his cologne. Memories of last night flood through my mind. I don’t know what to think anymore. I love him, but I’m starting to think I don’t even know who he is.
My phone rings again and I shut it off. The second I sit on my couch, I close my eyes. My body feels like lead, too heavy to move. More tears come and I don’t even bother to wipe them away. The silence is deafening, at least, until a loud knock sounds on the door. I open my eyes and it’s dark outside. When I look at the clock, five hours have passed by.
“Maddy, it’s me. Open up,” Katy calls. My eyes feel like sandpaper. I open the door and her mouth gapes, but she doesn’t say anything.
“Yes, I know,” I grumble, “I look like shit. I can’t believe I passed out for five hours.”
Katy laughs, but there’s no humor in it. She knows I’m upset. “You look fine.”
I glare back at her. “Liar.”
She holds up her hands. “Okay, you look like hell. It’s understandable.”
I flop back down on the couch. “Are Noah and Camryn downstairs?”
Katy shakes her head. “Not anymore. We got everything ready for tomorrow. We didn’t want to bother you.”
Groaning, I run a hand over my face. “Katy, I’m so sorry. You know I would’ve helped you. I just wish I wasn’t a complete mess right now.”
She drapes an arm over my shoulder. “It’s okay. You got a really crazy surprise today. Who would’ve thought that Adam was August Cahill? Talk about a truth bomb.”
I scoff. “In front of thousands of people too. I feel like such an idiot. I went on and on about how nervous I was about August, and Adam didn’t say a damn word about it. He let me keep stressing.”
Katy frowns and half-heartedly shrugs. “Maybe he had a reason for not telling you?”
“No,” I snap. “He knows I love him. People who love each other don’t keep those kinds of secrets from one another. It’s as if I don’t even know him.”
“So you love him, huh? I never thought I’d see the day.”
Bringing my knees up, I wrap my arms around them and lower my head. “Me too. And just when I let my guard down, I get hurt. Just my luck.”
“Maddy!” My heart stops and I freeze. “Maddy!”
I look over at Katy and she’s just as shocked as I am.