Trial And Error

Chapter Twenty-Four

Madison's POV

Lucas was finally home, all four of them had planned to have a night together to celebrate. Surprisingly they all had met at the airfield to greet him there but that meeting was brief due to the couple's dire need to be alone. Now it was later in the evening, where they could spend the next couple of hours catching up. For now, it was only the three of them, but with Lucas occupied with the grill, it was more like two.

The conversation the pair were having had dwindled as she watched an all-black motorcycle pull into the driveway. The rider matches its color with an all-black outfit and helmet with a dark visor covering the face of the mystery person. 

Madison glanced out the window as she heard a motorcycle engine. "Do you hear that? Someone just pulled up."

Olivia came over to look. 

Madison racked her brain trying to figure out who it could be. "Who is that, Liv?

Olivia peered closer before her eyes widened in realization.

"Oh, that's Kian!"

Confirming Olivia's statement, Kian removed her helmet, revealing messy hair and a chiseled face.

She spun around, all Madison could do was stare in disbelief "We barely talk for a couple of weeks and she gets a fucking motorcycle?" she finally mustered up.

Before they could continue their conversation it was  halted by the sound of knocking, followed by footsteps running through the house

"Kian is here!" Lucas cheered as he yanked open the door, hugging his friend.

The pair looked at each other shaking their heads at the man's excitement.

"Hurry I've got food on the grill and beer in the back."

The Marine laughed and followed her friend into the den, "Ladies." She waved awkwardly as she passed by the kitchen, not making eye contact with either of them.

Madison and Olivia just nodded in response both testing to see if she'd even look at them. Once she was gone they turned towards each other and almost telepathically communicated, knowing full well what they had just done.

"Bring the wine out, I have a feeling this is going to be a long night."

Before she could finish that sentence the blonde was already popping a bottle open.

...

The night progressed similar to how it started - Madison and Olivia were inside while Lucas and Kian remained outside. Olivia had left to attend to some managerial duties leaving Madison no choice but to sit here and watch her two friends outside.

Beers in hand, Lucas and Kian worked the grill looking happy. Madison observed their interaction through the window. The laughter and smile stretched out on Kian's face gave her some hope that maybe she was okay. That Madison was overreacting and overanalyzing Kian's behavior.

Lucas came back inside, and Madison quickly glanced away, subtly eyeing her wine glass trying to remain undetected. Once she glanced back up she caught the smile on Kian's face slowly vanishing. For a second, the happiness in her eyes vanished, replaced with anger, weariness, and emptiness.

The musician looked away again scolding herself, Give her time, Madison. She didn't know how much more she could give. The bruise on Kian's cheek, cut eyebrow and busted lip were signs her behavior had only escalated further. Madison's mind reeled of the many ways she could have sustained those injuries. All of which caused her stomach to turn.