Chapter 122 Willow's Drunken Misadventure
Madison took a cab to the address sent by Willow Nelson. It led her to a barbecue joint in a lively food district. As soon as she stepped out of the cab, she spotted Willow alone, slumped over a table outside, surrounded by food and, most notably, a case of beer with five or six bottles already empty.
Madison hurried over and sat down beside her, gently patting her shoulder. "Willow, what's wrong? Why are you drinking so much by yourself?"
Hearing Madison's voice, Willow Nelson slowly lifted her head, her eyes red from recent tears, shimmering with the haziness of inebriation. "Hey, you're here."
"Yeah, what's with drinking alone?" Madison asked softly.
"I'm celebrating. I've been pulling overtime recently, and today I finally landed the project," Willow slurred, fumbling to open another bottle of beer and pour it into her glass.
"Look at the menu. Pick whatever you want. It's on me tonight." Willow gestured to the nearly untouched spread of food.
Madison didn't order more. Instead, she grabbed a skewer of grilled meat, munching quietly as she sat beside Willow. She knew something was up with Willow. Maybe all she needed was someone to listen to her, or perhaps not even that—maybe she just needed to vent.
She was relieved she'd received the call. After all, the thought of Willow out drinking alone, a young girl potentially in trouble, was unsettling.
After munching on a few skewers, Madison noticed Willow reaching for another beer and couldn't help but stop her from opening it. "Willow, eat something. Hold off on the beer, okay?"
"Madison." Willow whimpered, suddenly embracing Madison and bursting into tears.
Madison gently patted her back, cooing softly. Amidst Willow's disjointed confessions, she learned something—Willow had feelings for Mitchell. Shocked, Madison reflected on their group gatherings, where Willow had never hinted at such feelings. Did Matthew know? Mitchell always seemed to treat her more like he did with Daniel, without showing any romantic interest. This path for Willow would surely be tough.
Still trying to figure out how to console her, Madison understood that relationships could be tricky. Sometimes, just letting the tears flow was the best remedy.
Just as Willow had been soothed, Madison's phone rang. It was Matthew, her husband, and she realized she had forgotten to update him amidst the rush.
"Honey, where are you? I'm at your studio door." Matthew's voice came through.
"Matthew, I'm with Willow. I forgot to mention it."
"Where are you guys?"
"We're at a barbecue joint on the Food Alley."
"Send me the address. I'm coming over."
"Will do."
Matthew didn't press for details over the phone. As soon as Madison hung up, she texted him her location.
About half an hour later, Matthew rushed into the barbecue joint.
By that time, Willow Nelson had slumped over the table, fast asleep, with Madison keeping watch by her side.
"Honey," he called out softly.
"Matthew, you're here," Madison said, her face lighting up with unmistakable joy.
"What happened to Willow? Why did she drink so much, and how come you're with her?"
"I got a call from her this afternoon and came right over. By the time I arrived, she was plastered. Matthew—do you know that Willow has a crush on Mitchell?"
Matthew paused slightly, "Did she get drunk over him?"
Madison nodded gently.
"Just guessing—she never told me herself."
Madison considered it. Since Matthew was Willow's cousin, talking about certain things might feel awkward for a young girl because of gender differences.
"Does Mitchell know?"
"I'm not in the loop with their stuff, but I don't think so. Mitchell has always cared for Willow like a younger sister."
"So, does he like her back?"
"It's hard to tell." Matthew figured that Mitchell himself might not be sure about it.
Madison looked at Matthew, puzzled. Liking someone seemed straightforward to her. How could it be 'hard to tell'?
Catching his wife's gaze, Matthew said with a hint of mischief, "If you keep looking at me like that, honey, I can't promise I'll be able to wait until tonight."
Madison blushed from her cheeks to the tips of her ears after a few seconds of stunned silence, not accustomed to his teasing.
Holding Madison's hand firmly, Matthew added, "They're adults. They'll work it out. Did you eat dinner?"
"I had some skewers. Willow ordered a bunch. What do you want to eat? Should we go home, and I'll make some dumplings? I've got some frozen from the other day."
"Sounds good."
As they were speaking, Willow Nelson, who had been dozing on the table, suddenly stirred awake, bleary-eyed. She mumbled, "Bro…"
Without realizing it, Willow was somewhat scared of her brother. When Matthew suddenly showed up, it startled her awake. She quickly sat up straight, resembling a schoolgirl ready to be scolded.
"You do remember that I'm your brother."
Willow Nelson silently lowered her head.
Madison quickly grabbed her hand and, turning her head gently, said, "Willow, why don't you stay at our place tonight? We'd feel better not leaving you alone."
Seeing that her brother Matthew had not spoken, Willow hesitated.
Madison looked at Matthew, who stated, "I'll get the car."
He then helped Willow into the car, sitting in the back seat to look after her.
Once they got back to River Gardens, Madison set Willow up in Hannah's bed, changing the sheets and comforter to make sure everything was clean.
Willow visited the bathroom several times, which cleared her head somewhat.
Standing at the doorway of the room, she said, "Thanks."
"What for? I'll make you some honey water. Have some after breakfast and rest up. No showering now. Wait until you wake up tomorrow."
"Okay." Willow nodded emphatically.
After bringing Willow her honey water, Madison went to the kitchen to start boiling water for the dumplings.
Just out of the shower, Matthew came out of his room, drying his hair with a towel as he looked for his wife. When he saw Madison in the kitchen making dumplings, he stopped to admire her. She was wearing the same simple dress as before, which showed off her figure, and her black hair was casually pinned up, showing her slim, pale neck.
A sudden heat surged through him.
He walked up to her and hugged her from behind, "Babe, you work too hard."
Startled by his sudden closeness, Madison gasped, "You scared me! How come you walk so silently? Are you hungry? Dinner's almost ready."
"Actually, I'm craving something else," Matthew murmured into her shoulder, pressing closer.
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