“You could have so much more, and you know it.” This conversation was as old as time. Since meeting Danielle and her parents at the age of twelve, she had never understood why Danielle’s parents weren’t interested in being part of the Fielding Empire.

“Don’t I know it? It doesn’t matter how often I tell Aunt Eileen I’m not interested in working for Fielding Inc., she keeps asking. And a few weeks ago, Aunt Eileen tried it again with Dad. When will she learn that neither of us wants to join the Fielding business? Why would we? Dad’s happy working in his garage. And business has never been better. And as for myself”—she grinned sheepishly—“I’m exactly where I want to be.”

Grandmother Eileen had offered Danielle and Bill a position? Danielle made at least some sense, but Bill? Even he seemed more qualified to the witch than Madison? “But he’s a mechanic, for Christ’s sake.”

“That’s what he told her too. And not for the first time. In the past three years alone, she’s asked him five times to join the business. Can you imagine?” She shook her head. “That’s ridiculous.”

Madison pressed her lips together. Five times? She hasn’t asked me once.

Danielle’s lips closed around the straw once more, and she took a healthy sip.

In the past, Madison might have felt hot seeing that, but now the view left her strangely cold.

“God, this caramel milkshake is heavenly. You should order one too.”

Milkshakes were the last thing she wanted right now. “What kind of advice do you need? And what strange offer do you have for me?”

Danielle’s open expression became serious as if a switch had been flipped. “There’s nothing strange about my offer.” Her gaze drilled into Madison before it softened. “Don’t you want to tell me first what’s happened with you these past years?”

Why was Danielle dragging this out? If there was something she wanted, she should just say so. “I graduated from college.”

“And then?”

“Nothing.” Damn. She should mention Sherry. “Oh, I’ve got a girlfriend, um, a partner, I mean. Sherry. It’s still fresh.”

Danielle’s straw plopped out of her mouth. “Wow. Have you got a photo?”

“No. I told you, it’s all still new.”

“How new?”

“Just new.” The fewer details she mentioned, the lower the risk of getting caught in a lie.

Danielle tilted her head. “What does she do for a living?”

“Why the interrogation?” When Danielle flinched, Madison said quietly, “She’s a waitress, okay?”

Danielle’s head snapped up. “You fell in love with a waitress? You?”

Madison leaned back. “Why’s that so hard to believe?”

“Well, for one you treated all service people like slaves when we were younger. Same as Aunt Eileen.”

“You’re exaggerating.”

“Really? Even with Clarice, you—”