Work Text:
Autumn In New York
Glittering crowds and shimmering clouds, in canyons of steel
It’s autumn in New York, it’s good to live it again.
Maddie and David sat together on the aluminum bleachers at a high school football game, the glow of the Friday night lights filling the cool September evening sky. The marching band played the school fight song and the concession stand smelled like popcorn and cotton candy. David was enthusiastically wearing a navy blue sweatshirt with the word KNIGHTS appliqued across the chest in gold letters, a gold baseball cap with a navy knight emblem embroidered on it, and a navy and gold #! FAN foam hand. Maddie looked effortlessly chic in a pair of navy blue slacks, a white blouse, and gold jewelry.
David smiled as he watched their 14 year old daughter Abby on the sidelines. She was the tallest, prettiest, and youngest cheerleader on the varsity squad. Her long blonde hair was pulled back into a ponytail and tied with a white ribbon and she was wearing a navy blue, white, and gold varsity cheer uniform. She was a near clone of her mother, but with his personality, sense of rhythm and fun, and killer smile. It was a dangerous combination.
His eyes moved to their 15 year old son Alex, wearing a navy blue, white, and gold football uniform. He was the second string quarterback for the varsity team, standing on the sidelines, chatting with some of his teammates. Alex was the spitting image of David but with Maddie’s height, blond hair, and small upturned nose. Also a dangerous combination.
David put down his foam hand and picked up a pair of binoculars that now served double duty for stakeouts and watching the kids’ sporting events. He frowned as he watched an older football player walk over to Abby and start chatting with her. The more he watched, the angrier he got. Abby smiled shyly and laughed at something he was saying, looking down nervously at her feet. David imagined all the thoughts running through the boy’s head.
David: “Look at him. I just don’t like it.”
Maddie: “He’s just talking to her David.”
David continued to grumble. “Laughing. Leaning in. Trying to look down the front of her cheer uniform.”
Maddie: “David!”
David: “I know exactly what they want, Maddie. I used to be a teenage boy too and believe me, it’s the same thing I wanted when I was their age.”
Maddie laughed. “You have to accept the fact that she’s growing up.”
David groaned. “You gonna tell me you’re okay with this?”
Maddie: “David, she’ll be 15 in a couple of weeks. She’s got a good head on her shoulders.”
David: “She’s a knockout, Maddie. A perfect 10. Don’t tell me you don’t see that. God, she looks so much like you…”
Maddie smiled. “She’s prettier than I ever was.”
David: “Not sure about that, Blondie Blonde.” He leaned over and tucked a bit of her hair behind her ear.
Maddie: “She has your personality. And smile. And, I don’t know, sense of fun.” A pause. “I get it, David. You’re just being protective of her.”
David: “I see her out there, in that short cheer uniform, and I see all the men looking at her. Leering at her. Not just boys her age either. Teachers. Dads. Look at that assistant coach over there, checking her out. I don’t like it.”
Maddie: “What do you suggest we do about it?”
David: “Is it too late to send her to a convent?” Maddie sighed and rolled her eyes at him. “Did men leer at you like this when you were a high school sophomore?”
Maddie just stared at him. “I don’t know what to tell you, David. Yes. Men look at me like that now.”
David shook his head. “I don’t like that, either.” A pause. “Jesus, Maddie, look at her. The way she moves and carries herself. She has something that the rest of them don’t have, I don’t know what you’d call it. This confidence and charm.”
Maddie laughed. “I think she gets that from you.”
David: “Well, it’s terrifying.”
Maddie: “She’s a good kid, David. Honor roll. Cheerleading. Yearbook. Literary magazine. She’s well-rounded.”
David: “I guess you’re right, Goldilocks. It was just so much easier when she was little. Seems like yesterday, doesn’t it, when she was starting kindergarten? I remember how she’d crawl onto my lap with a stack of books and ask me to read to her, lean her little head against my chest.” A pause. “Now she wants me to drop her a block away from the mall because she’s embarrassed to be seen with me.”
Maddie: “It probably doesn’t help that you’re always telling jokes and singing Motown.”
David frowned. “Hey, I’m a cool dad...”
Maddie smiled. “She’s a young woman now, David. She still loves us. She’s just becoming her own person.” A pause. “And you’ve seen her slap her brother. I think she can take care of herself.”
David grabbed Maddie’s hand and squeezed it. “Just like her mom.” A pause. “Well, dear old Daddio has his eye on all of these guys.” He held out a pair of navy, gold, and white pom poms. “Hey, you want these pom poms I got at the Spirt Store? Since you refuse to wear a school sweatshirt, it’s the least you can do.”
Maddie: “I’m wearing the school colors!” She sighed and grabbed them out of his hand. “Where’s Alex?”
David: “Over there.”
Alex was standing in his football uniform, wearing the number 12, helmet in his hand, surrounded by an entourage of girls. They were all laughing at something he was saying. He ran a hand through his spiky blond hair as he flirted and told a story, moving his arms wildly as he talked. The girls started laughing. One of them put her hand on his chest and smiled at him.
Maddie: “Well, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” A pause. “I can’t believe he’ll be getting his driver’s license in a couple of months. Where does the time go?”
David nodded. “Gotta say, I’m thrilled. The Maddie and David school shuttle service can officially stop.”
Maddie: “So I suppose it’s okay with you that he’s leaning in and chatting with those girls and probably trying to look down their cheer uniforms.”
David: “That’s different, Maddie. He’s a guy.”
Maddie: “How is that different, exactly?”
David: “It just is. It’s how the world works.”
Maddie: “That’s very sexist of you, David.”
David: “It’s the truth.”
They watched as Alex leaned down and kissed one of the girls on the lips. She smiled at him and gave him a little wave as she walked back over to the cheerleading squad. Alex watched her walk away, grinned a big sideways smile, and walked back to join the rest of the football team.
Maddie: “David?”
David: “Yeah?”
Maddie: “You don’t think he’s sleeping with that girl, do you?”
David gave her a knowing look. “What do you think?”
Maddie: “Oh David, I don’t think I really want to know.”
David: “You’re the one who brought it up.”
Maddie: “Our baby. I just can’t bear to think about it. It seems like yesterday we were taking him to the playground and teaching him how to ride a bike.”
David: “Face it, Maddie, they’re growing up. Three more years and they’ll be away at college. We’re gonna have an empty nest.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek, then brushed his lips against her ear. “And then we can have sex in every room in the house, any time of day, just like we used to.”
Maddie: “Addison!”
David: “Remember that time on the floor in front of the fireplace?”
Maddie smiled. “I’ll never forget it.”
David: “And all those times up against the spiral staircase?”
Maddie: “Yes.”
David: “And that time on the kitchen countertop?”
Maddie: “David…”
David: “And that time on the pool table. And all those times in the pool…”
Maddie: “David… You’re gonna get me all worked up.”
David smirked. “I love getting you all worked up, Blondie Blonde. Wanna sneak into the restroom and do it in a bathroom stall before the game starts?”
Maddie: “I absolutely do not. Besides, my parents will be here any minute…”
David: “I thought they were still in Chicago.”
Maddie: “Mom called. They came back this afternoon. Daddy didn’t want to miss the game.”
David raised an eyebrow. “Then tonight when we get home?” He leaned over and kissed her, opening his mouth and touching his tongue to hers, running his hand through her hair. Abby looked up at her parents and rolled her eyes. No one else’s parents made out like teenagers at the school football game. Just hers.
The game started and David was on the edge of his seat cheering them on. Maddie was too, although a little more quietly and discreetly. Alex and Ginny joined them in the stands.
David: “How was Chicago?”
Alex Hayes: “Cold.” A pause. “You and Alex still up for golf tomorrow?”
David: “Absolutely.”
Maddie: “How was your visit, mom?”
Ginny patted Maddie’s hand. “It was a nice time, Love Bug, but it’s good to be back. I saw Evelyn Crawford. She said to tell you hello.”
Maddie, sarcastically: “Great.”
Ginny: “Apparently Sam just got married again. Someone half his age.”
Maddie: “Why doesn’t that surprise me? How many is this now?”
Ginny: “Three. Let’s hope the third time’s the charm.”
Below them, Abby was halfway through a cheer, ponytail flying as she launched into a basket toss with perfect timing. She landed lightly and flashed her practiced smile toward the crowd.
David nudged Maddie. “She gets that from me, too.”
Maddie: “The athletic ability?”
David: “The charisma.”
Maddie laughed and held David’s hand. “Miss the days when our biggest Friday night problem was a stakeout or an infidelity case?”
David smiled without looking away from the field. “I wouldn’t trade this for the world.”
The four of them watched Alex do what he usually did on Friday nights, watching from the sideline, listening to the coaches, and waiting for a chance that rarely came.
David: “Kid deserves more snaps.”
Alex Hayes: “He’s a sophomore. He knows his time will come.” A pause. “Abby is quite an athlete too. Takes me back to when Maddie was a cheerleader.”
David: “Alex, how did you handle it?”
Alex Hayes: “What do you mean, David?”
David: “I mean when Maddie was a teenager.” A pause. “I’m having a tough time with it. Men falling over themselves over her. It seems like yesterday we were taking her to ballet lessons and soccer practice…”
Alex: “The truth? Well, son, the truth is I lost a lot of sleep over it. Always worried about her. Being a parent, well, I guess it never stops, the worrying. You want what’s best for them. But the truth is they have to find their own way in the world. You just have to know that you’ve raised them with a good head on their shoulders, to want to do the right thing.” A pause. “I learned real quick with Maddie that she could take care of herself. She slapped some young man hard for trying to get too far with her.” Alex laughed. “I was so proud!”
David shook his head and rubbed his jaw. “She’s clocked me, too. More than once. Not saying I didn’t deserve it.” A pause. “But not saying I always deserved it, either.”
Later in the fourth quarter, the Knights were trailing by four. The stadium suddenly went quiet when the starting quarterback rolled to his left, took a hard hit, and stayed down. The paramedics ran out. He wasn’t seriously injured, just a sprain, but he needed to sit out the rest of the game.
Maddie: “Oh no…”
The coaches waved frantically. Alex stood up, pulled on his helmet, and jogged onto the field, trying to look calm. David watched him with his binoculars, seeing his son desperately try not to let anyone know he was terrified. Maddie looked over at Ginny and they both exchanged nervous but excited glances.
David: “That’s our boy…”
The first play was a simple handoff. The second was a run that got them a first down.
Alex: Hayes: “The coach is settling him down. Giving him confidence.”
David: “Smart.”
There were no more time outs left so the clock kept moving. They watched the timer on the scoreboard. Thirty-eight seconds left in the game. Then twenty-five. The ball was sitting on the visiting team’s forty yard line and the crowd rose to its feet. Even from the stands, Maddie could recognize the expression on Alex’s face, a mixture of fear and determination. The center snapped the ball and Alex dropped back.
Alex Hayes: “Throw it!”
Alex rolled right and downfield, the wide receiver broke free along the sideline. Alex planted his back foot and threw the pass in a perfect spiral. For a couple of endless seconds, the entire stadium held its breath. The receiver caught the ball and ran a few yards for a touchdown.
The stands exploded. Abby screamed louder than anyone as she sprinted towards the end zone with the rest of the cheer squad.
David was already on his feet. “Yes!” He grabbed Maddie around the waist and lifted her completely off the bleachers. “Did you see that, Maddie? Our kid just won the game!”
Maddie laughed. “I noticed.”
David gave her a huge kiss as the scoreboard flashed the final score. Knights… 24 Visitors… 21.
The players poured onto the field and Alex disappeared beneath a mountain of teammates. Maddie watched him laughing in the middle of the celebration. The band started playing the school fight song again and friends and family began filing out of the stands toward the field. David couldn’t contain his joy, smiling a huge sideways grin as his eyes moved from Abby dancing with her cheer squad to Alex being carried toward midfield by teammates who suddenly thought he hung the moon. Maddie slipped her hand into his.
Maddie: “You know, David, I used to worry so much about them.”
David put his arm around her. “You still do.”
Maddie: “I know.” A pause. “But they keep becoming these incredible people.”
David nodded. “They’re kind of amazing.”
Maddie: “They really are.”
Alex Hayes: “How about we take everybody out for pizza? Our treat.”
Ginny: “I was thinking burgers and fries.”
Alex Hayes grinned and kissed the top of her head. “Even better, dear.”
Three weeks after Alex’s game-winning touchdown, and one week after Abby’s 15th birthday, the Addison family was getting ready to trade warm and sunny Los Angeles for crisp and cool New York for the kids’ Fall Break week. It had been a busy week at Blue Moon, filled with cases and paperwork, and that Thursday afternoon was no exception. Maddie ducked her head into David’s office. David, Richie, and Viola were huddled around a computer monitor, zooming in on compromising digital photos taken during a stakeout for an infidelity case. Maddie rolled her eyes before clearing her throat.
Maddie: “David, can you pick Alex and Abby up from school? I’m gonna be here late tonight. I’ve got that late meeting with our accountant and want to balance our ledgers before we head out of town.”
David: “On it. I’ve got an errand or two to run and then I’ll get them after school.”
Three hours later, Maddie was at her desk, reading glasses on, looking through numbers in an Excel spreadsheet on her computer. She looked up as she heard a knock at her door.
Agnes: “Mrs. Hayes-Addison? There’s a call for you. It’s Abby.”
Maddie took off her earring and held the receiver to her ear. “Hi sweetheart, is everything okay?”
Abby: “Oh my god, mom! Did you get my text?”
Maddie: “No, I’m working through our finances.”
Abby groaned. “Mom! Where’s your phone?
Maddie looked around. “I think it’s in my purse.”
Abby: “You are the literal worst when it comes to texting. Daddy always answers me. We gotta work on that.” A pause. “Are you sitting down?”
Maddie: “Yes. But that’s never a good way for a conversation to start.”
Abby: “Have you seen him?”
Maddie: “I haven’t left the office all day, sweetheart. And I have that late meeting tonight with our accountant.” A pause, and a deep breath. “What has your brother done now?”
Abby: “Oh it’s not Alex, mom. It’s daddy!”
Maddie: “Your dad told me he was gonna run some errands and then pick you two up from school.”
Abby: “Oh, he picked us up. I’m in my room.” A pause. “Daddy ran some errands all right. He shaved his head!”
Maddie: “He did what?!”
Abby: “Alex and I are in shock. I mean we all knew he was losing his hair and he’s been threatening to shave it all off but talking about it and doing it are two different things. There he was, in the carpool line, singing along to Motown like he always does, but like, completely bald. It’s so weird to see him without hair.”
Maddie sighed and leaned back in her office chair. “And here we are leaving for New York this weekend…”
Abby: “Fall Break is gonna be interesting this year, that’s for sure.” A beat. “You’re still up for shopping, right, mom? I wanna use my birthday money to get some new clothes.”
Maddie laughed. “I’m always up for shopping. Your dad with a shaved head, well, I’m going to have to think about that.” A pause. “Thanks for the heads up, sweetheart. I’ll be home in a few hours…”
Maddie got home very late that evening, kicked her heels off at the front door, and plopped her briefcase onto the sofa. She noticed the kitchen lights were on and walked over, leaning against the door frame. David was standing in front of the open fridge, barefoot, wearing an old Stax Records tee and a pair of sweatpants, jar of peanut butter in his hand, eating straight out of the container with a spoon. He sat the jar down on the countertop, opened a gallon of chocolate milk, and took a long gulp out of it.
Maddie: “Addison! We’ve talked about eating out of the containers.”
David turned around, looked at her, and grinned before taking another sip of chocolate milk. He ran his hand over his bare head. “So, what do you think? You don’t look completely shocked so I’m guessing one of the kids must have told you.”
Maddie: “Abby called me at work.”
David: “How’d that meeting go?”
Maddie: “Really well. He agrees with us that we have the liquidity to open that second Blue Moon office in Palm Springs. Maybe even consider Vegas long term, as well.”
David: “It’s exciting, Maddie.”
Maddie: “It really is. The risks make me nervous but I think it’s the right move.” She walked over to him and ran her fingertips over his head and along his jawline, kissing him gently on the lips. “You’re very sexy, Addison, with or without hair.”
David: “I felt like it was all falling out anyway. Thought I’d change it up.” A pause, and a smirk. “Want some chocolate milk?”
Maddie rolled her eyes at him and leaned back against the countertop. He put the gallon of chocolate milk back in the fridge, pulled out a bottle of chardonnay, and poured a glass for Maddie.
Maddie took a sip and smiled. “Did I ever tell you about my first childhood crush?”
David: “No. Who was it? Lemme guess. Paul McCartney.”
Maddie: “No, Yul Brenner. When he was in The King and I. I always thought he was so handsome with that shaved head.”
David smiled. “Wanna act out some Rogers and Hammerstein fantasy?”
Maddie laughed. “Hadn’t thought about that...”
David: “You hungry? I made Linguine a la Dave for dinner. There’s leftovers if you want some…”
Maddie shook her head. “I’m good. Agnes ordered me a sandwich.”
David: “You’re looking awfully sexy tonight, Mrs. Addison.” He walked over to Maddie, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her deeply and passionately, running his fingers through her hair. “You feel so good…”
Maddie: “You taste like peanut butter and chocolate…”
David smiled. “You say that like it’s a bad thing…” He slipped his hand inside her blouse and under her bra, rubbing her nipple gently with his thumb. “I want you so bad. Go down on me.”
Maddie: “David! Not here…”
David: “It’s late. It’s a school night. They’re upstairs. Please, Maddie. You’re so good at it. I’m aching for you…”
Maddie: “Absolutely not! One of the kids will walk in on us…”
As if on cue, they heard Alex singing and dancing down the spiral staircase and immediately pulled apart.
David touched the side of her face with his hand. “To be continued…”
Alex walked in, headphones in his ears and iPod in his hand, eyes closed, dancing and singing along to 50 Cent’s In Da Club. “We gon’ party like it’s your birthday. We gon’ sip Bacardi like it’s your birthday. And you know we don’t give a fuck it’s not your birthday. You can find me in da club, bottle full of bub’. Look, mami, I got the X if you into takin’ drugs. I’m into havin’ sex, I ain’t into makin’ love. So come give me a hug if you into getting’ rubbed…”
Maddie: “Alex! Language! What on earth are you listening to?”
Alex: “Oh hey, sorry, didn’t know you two were still up. 50 Cent. It’s just the lyrics, Momzer.” Alex pulled Maddie into his arms and danced around the kitchen with her, then kissed her on the top of her head. “Hey, is there any chocolate milk or did you drink it all, Daddio?” He pulled the container out of the fridge and poured himself a large glass. “Sweet.”
Maddie: “See David? He knows how to use a glass.”
Maddie and David watched as their son downed the glass of chocolate milk in one long gulp before grabbing a fork, the cold container of pasta, a package of Oreos, an apple, and two cans of Coke.
David: “A little midnight snack?”
Alex shrugged. “Guess so. Goodnight!” He balanced the stash of food in his hands before turning to head back upstairs.
Maddie: “He’s going to eat us out of house and home. He’s a bottomless pit, just like you are.”
David put his arms back around her waist and pulled her towards him. “Where were we? Think the coast is clear?”
Maddie: “Addison!”
He pushed her back against the fridge, leaning in and kissing her, gently at first, before opening his mouth and touching his tongue to hers. He brushed his lips along her jawline and down her throat to that spot that drove her crazy. She moaned quietly.
Abby walked into the kitchen, paperback book in hand, and sighed loudly. “Mom! Daddy! Would you stop?! Can’t a person grab a bottle of water in peace?” They moved away from the fridge. Abby pulled out a bottle of water and grabbed an apple. “Well, I’m headed upstairs to finish my homework and start packing for New York. And then going to bed. You can resume…” She waved her hand in the air. “Whatever it is you were doing.” She shot them a disgusted glance and went back upstairs.
David smiled at Maddie. “Three more years, Maddie. We’ll have the house to ourselves and we can do it anywhere we want, anytime we want…”
Maddie: “David! Upstairs. Bedroom. And for heaven’s sakes, lock the door.”
Two days later, David, Maddie, Alex, and Abby were in NYC. Their plane landed on time at LaGuardia and a yellow taxi dropped them at their hotel, steps away from Central Park and some of the best theaters and museums in the world.
David: “Ah, back in my old stomping grounds!”
Abby: “So you both used to live in New York, right?”
Maddie smiled. “We did.”
Alex: “At the same time?”
David: “Yep.”
Abby: “And you never met? Do you ever think about if you walked past each other sometime and just didn’t know?”
David: “Believe me, if I’d run into your mom, I’d never forget it.”
Alex grinned. “Is this where we’re gonna hear all the good stories? Momzer said you used to be a bartender and would tell jokes and roller skate around the bar.”
David: “Absolutely true.”
Abby: “Daddy said you used to have modeling gigs here and lived on the Upper East Side.”
Maddie: “Also true.”
They checked into their hotel rooms, took in some of the sights of the city, and grabbed dinner at a local diner. By the time they returned to the hotel, everyone was exhausted. Alex and Abby disappeared into their room with a couple of DVDs from the concierge. David closed and locked the adjoining door behind them and leaned against it. He raised his eyebrows and gave Maddie a slow, sideways grin.
David: “They’re occupied.”
Maddie kicked off her shoes, took off her earrings, and looked up at him. “I know that look…I’ve known that look for almost 20 years.”
David: “Does it still work?”
Maddie laughed softly. “Yes.”
David walked across the room to her and put his arms around her and kissed her, slowly and deeply. “There you are.”
Maddie rested her forehead against his and smiled. “Where else would I be?”
David: “We’ve barely had any time alone together lately.”
Maddie: “Alex and Abby have been monopolizing both of us, I suppose.”
David: “I know. They’re wonderful. But…”
Maddie: “I kept thinking all day… I wish I could steal ten minutes away with you, just the two of us.”
David: “Well, we’ve got more than ten minutes now. Let’s make the most of it.”
Maddie smiled, the smile she reserved only for him. “I was hoping you’d say that…”
She leaned in and kissed him, gently at first. Almost twenty years together hadn’t stolen the anticipation and excitement of being together. If anything, the years had taught them that they could trust each other and there was no reason to rush it. David’s hands moved to the small of her back, pulling her close to him. Maddie’s fingertips ran along the back of his neck.
David: “I’ve missed kissing you.”
Maddie: “We kissed this morning.”
David: “In LAX. In front of the kids.”
Maddie: “Abby rolled her eyes. Alex groaned.”
David: “Exactly. I couldn’t properly appreciate it.”
Maddie: “You’re impossible.”
David: “So you’ve said.” He leaned in and kissed her again, brushing his lips along her jawline to that spot on the back of her neck that drove her crazy. “I love you, Maddie."
Maddie smiled and pushed him backward towards their king size bed. She pulled off his sweater and leaned in and kissed his chest, breathing in his scent, running her fingers through the hair on his chest and belly before moving her hands lower, unbuttoning and unzipping his jeans. He stepped out of them and gave her a small, smirky smile before slipping off the dress she’d been wearing and pulling her back into his arms, kissing her deeply. She moved her hand lower and stroked his hardness gently with her hand.
Maddie: “Does this feel good?” He gasped and moaned quietly against her lips.
They moved to the bed, under the covers, face to face, skin against skin, devouring each other with their kisses and touches.
David: “God, I’ve been thinking all evening about being inside of you…”
Maddie: “David!”
He gave her his killer smile before climbing on top of her. He touched the side of her face and she wrapped her long legs around his waist. As they moved together, the mattress squeaked and the headboard hit the wall, over and over.
Both of them froze, looked at each other, and burst out laughing.
Maddie: “Oh, for heaven’s sakes. Did you hear that?”
David: “Yes, Maddie, I heard that. It’s the noisiest bed in the world. The question is, did they hear that?” He leaned in and kissed her gently and began moving again, slower and more tentatively.
Squeak. Squeak. Thump. Thump. Thump.
David paused again, glancing at the adjoining wall as if sheer optimism might somehow erase the laws of physics, before an idea popped into his head.
David: “Floor?”
Maddie: “The last thing I need on this vacation is rug burn. To hell with it, David. Don’t stop. You feel so good.”
Next door, Alex and Abby were lying on their own queen-sized beds and half-heartedly watching an action movie on DVD. Abby was on her stomach, wearing a pair of pink cotton pajamas, ankles crossed and feet in the air, reading a book. Alex was lounging with every pillow on his bed behind his head, wearing a pair of sweats and a Lakers tee and looking at Sports Illustrated.
Alex: “Did you hear that?”
Abby didn’t even look up from her book. “Yeah, I heard it.”
The repetitive sound was unmistakable. Thump. Thump. Thump.
Alex slowly looked toward the shared wall and smirked. “I guess mom and dad found something to do tonight besides watch television.”
Abby: “Oh my God. Please don’t say that out loud!”
The thumping sound got louder and more frequent. Alex and Abby stared at each other for a few seconds before bursting into laughter.
Alex reached for the remote. “I’m turning this up.”
Abby laughed. “You think that’ll help?”
Alex: “It’ll help me!”
He turned the television volume from twelve… to twenty… to thirty. The room was filled with dramatic orchestra music and the sounds of machine guns and helicopters. But they could still hear it. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump thump thump thump thump.
Abby: “Do you think they just, like, haven’t noticed that thumping sound?”
Alex: “They have to have heard it.”
Abby: “Then why haven’t they stopped?”
Alex grinned. “Have you met our parents?”
Abby reached over, grabbed a pillow, and put it over her head. “Alex!”
Alex: “I mean, it’s been like this our whole lives.”
Abby: “True.” She sat back up. “You know what’s funny?”
Alex: “What?”
Abby: “A lot of my friends’ parents are divorced. Or, like, have separate bedrooms. Some of my friends talk about how their parents don’t even like each other anymore. Meanwhile…”
Alex: “Ours can’t keep their hands off each other.”
Abby was quiet for a few minutes. “I think that’s pretty amazing.”
Alex looked at her like she’d lost her mind. “They’re embarrassing.”
Abby: “They’re incredibly embarrassing.” A pause. “But they’re also still crazy in love, after all these years. I hope I find somebody who looks at me the way daddy looks at mom. Who makes me laugh the way he makes her laugh. Who still can’t wait to be alone with me after twenty years…”
Alex: “Me too, Abs.” He smiled. “I think you will. I think we both will.”
They heard a few more gentle thumps from next door. And then silence.
Alex: “You think they’re done?”
Abby grinned. “For now…” She got up and pulled her iPod out of her carry-on bag. She put her headphones on, turned on some music, and laid back down with her book.
Alex: “What are you doing?”
Abby: “Getting ready for round two.”
They looked at each other and howled with laughter before focusing back on reading and watching their movie.
On the other side of the thinner-than-expected hotel wall, Maddie lay with her head on David’s bare chest as he ran his fingers through her hair.
David: “I can hear every word of that movie.”
Maddie: “I don’t think we’re fooling anyone.”
David smiled and kissed the top of her hair. “Not even a little bit.” He shrugged. “What can I say? We’re in love.”
Maddie looked up at him. “That’s your defense?”
David: “It’s the only one I’ve got.”
Maddie: “Well, it’s still a pretty good one…” She rolled over on top of him and kissed him. “I can’t get enough of you, Addison…”
The next morning over breakfast, they talked about their plans for the day.
Maddie: “Alex, you and I are going shopping today. You need clothes that aren’t too short, worn out, or athletic wear.”
Alex: “Hey, I like what I like. But all right. As long as you and Daddio are paying!”
Maddie: “And what are you two doing?”
David looked at Abby. “I was thinking pastrami and black and white cookies.”
Abby smiled. “I knew I got my priorities from somebody.”
Maddie and Alex headed to Madison Avenue, which proved to be a battlefield. Alex hated trying things on and Maddie refused to let him leave until they’d assessed the cut, length, and fit of every item of clothing they were going to buy.
Maddie: “You have to get jeans and slacks. I think you’ve grown at least three inches since the spring. You’re taller than your father now.”
Alex: “I know.”
Maddie: “And here. Try these on.” She handed him a couple of dress shirts, a sweater, and a dark blazer.
Alex: “Mom! It’s LA. I doubt I’ll need a sweater. I’m good with like, t-shirts and shorts and jeans year round.”
Maddie: “Nonsense. What about school dances? Dates? Important events?”
Alex: “Can’t my school uniform do double duty for that?”
Maddie: “Absolutely not.”
Alex grudgingly grabbed the stack of clothes from her and went into the fitting room. He emerged moments later wearing an untucked white button down, charcoal gray sweater, blazer, and dark jeans. He looked at her, gave her a sideways smile, threw up his arms, and spun around slowly.
Maddie blinked. He looked, and acted, so much like a younger version of David that it took her breath away. “My goodness.”
Alex: “What?” He paused and looked in the mirror, frowning slightly and running his hand through his spiky blond hair. “Do I look weird?”
Maddie smiled. “No. You look great. I think we should get all of it.”
Alex: “This looks like something dad would wear.”
Maddie: “You say that like it’s a bad thing. I think your dad has a great sense of style.”
Alex: “Yeah, I guess Daddio’s pretty cool.” A pause. “But I think everything he owns is black, white, or gray. Think they have this sweater in another color?”
Maddie smiled. “There’s a whole stack of them over there. Pick out the color you like best.” A beat. “And Alex?”
Alex: “Yeah, mom?”
Maddie: “Let’s grab lunch after this. Anywhere you want to go.”
Alex: “What about hot dogs?”
Maddie smiled. “Sounds great to me.”
Meanwhile, on the Lower East Side, David took Abby to Katz’s Deli where they ordered sandwiches and egg creams.
David: “Ah, this is civilization. Nothing like this in LA.”
Abby: “Mom would definitely order a salad. But I gotta get a sandwich. When in New York…”
David: “Get the pastrami with mustard on rye. Trust me.”
Abby: “Isn’t this where they filmed When Harry Met Sally? The scene where Meg Ryan fakes it and the lady says ‘I’ll have what she’s having…’”
David: “Fakes it?” He frowned and shook his head. “I’m not sure you should be watching that movie…”
Abby: “Daddy! Please. I’m 15! Mom and I watched it together when you and Alex went on that fishing trip with Uncle Richie.”
David watched as Abby sat in the booth across from him, happily sipping her drink with a straw, playing with her hair, long legs tucked under her. He also watched as men of all ages looked at her. Young ones. Old ones. It made him feel proud, protective, and a bit annoyed.
Abby: “Can we go to a bookstore after this, daddy? Mom gave me a list of them to check out. The Strand. St. Mark’s Bookshop. Shakespeare & Company.”
David smiled. “Sure, Buttercup. Looking for something in particular?”
Abby: “Honestly, I want to browse more than anything. I just love the way a bookstore smells. There’s a new book called The Devil Wears Prada that I want to get. And maybe a copy of Middlemarch. I’ve never read it and mom doesn’t have it.”
The waitress walked over and set down two enormous sandwiches in between them. Abby just stared.
Abby: “These sandwiches are huge! We’re supposed to finish these?”
David grinned. “No.”
Abby raised an eyebrow. “Then why are they so big?”
David: “I dunno. It’s just tradition.”
Abby took a bite and sighed.
Abby: “Oh my god, this is delicious!”
David smiled. “Told you.”
Halfway through lunch, a beautiful, stylish woman wearing oversized glasses and a Calvin Klein suit approached their table. “I’m so sorry to interrupt.” David looked up and the woman smiled. “My name is Laurie Schultz. I’m a talent agent for Ford Models.”
Abby immediately looked at her father and David raised an eyebrow.
Laurie smiled at Abby. “You have a wonderful look.”
Abby finished swallowing a large bite of pastrami sandwich. Her eyes widened. “Me?”
David sat back and tried not to smile.
Laurie handed each of them one of her business cards. She looked at David. “Are you her dad?”
David took the card and looked at it before putting it in his shirt pocket. It was from one of the best modeling agencies in the world. “Guilty as charged.”
Laurie: “We’re always on the lookout for fresh new faces. When I saw you two sitting here, I had to come over. She looks just like a young Maddie Hayes. It’s absolutely uncanny.”
David laughed. “Well, there’s a reason for that. Maddie Hayes is my wife.”
Laurie smiled. “What a small world! Do you live here in New York?”
David: “LA. We’re here on vacation.” He stood up and shook her hand. “My name is David Addison. And this is Abby.”
Abby shook her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms Schultz.”
Laurie: “Well Abby, if you’re ever interested in modeling, call us. No pressure. My office number and cell are both on my card. Nice to meet you both.” She smiled and disappeared as quickly as she arrived.
Abby just sat there, staring at the card. “Wow. Daddy, what just happened?”
David sat there for a moment, then grinned and shook his head before taking another bite of his sandwich. “I think New York just flirted with your future.”
Abby: “This is weird. Wait until we tell mom.”
David: “Ever thought about it? Modeling?”
Abby shrugged. “I dunno. Not really. I mean I know mom was a model…” A pause. “I guess I’ve always thought about going to college, studying English or journalism, maybe being a writer…”
David: “You can do anything you want to, Buttercup. You’re so smart and so beautiful. So much like your mom. We’re both really proud of you.”
Abby smiled shyly. “Hey, daddy?”
David: “Yeah?”
Abby: “Can we go to the bookstore now? And then maybe go get one of those frozen hot chocolates at Serendipity? We can call mom’s cell and she and Alex can meet us.”
David looked at his down-to-earth daughter and something tugged at his heartstrings. “I’d love that.”
The next day, Maddie and Abby went shopping on Fifth Avenue and David and Alex met David’s friends Bill, Rick and Fish for lunch.
David and Alex stepped into an old neighborhood pub near the Theater district. Bill, Rick, and Fish looked up from their booth and broke into wide smiles.
Rick: “Well, I’ll be damned. If it isn’t TC in the flesh!” He got up and gave David a big hug. “It’s been too long since you guys were in the city.”
Bill: “Where’d your hair go?”
David ran his hand over his head. “Shaved it. Going for a new look.”
Fish: “Hair’s gone and you’re still always running late.” He clapped David on the back and pulled Alex into a hug. “Do you remember me? You must’ve been 10 or 11 the last time we saw you. You remind me so much of your dad when I first met him. What year was that, TC?”
David: “Ages ago. 1974, I think?”
They orders burgers and fries, which arrived along with stories about David.
Alex: “Remind me again how you guys know each other?”
David: “Bill managed the bar where I worked. Rick cooked every burger that came out of the kitchen. And Fish was a bouncer and played piano on the weekends for tips. I’d pull out my harmonica and play with him sometimes.”
Bill: “Your dad could work a Saturday night bar better than anybody I’ve ever seen. He’d remember 50 drink orders without writing down a thing.”
Rick: “Funniest guy in the room. Your old man ever tell you he used to juggle liquor bottles? Never dropped one.”
Alex laughed. “No!”
Fish: “He was cocky as hell. But a hard worker. Every chick in the place thought she was his favorite customer.” A beat. “He could flirt every woman in Manhattan into ordering another round. Went home with more than his fair share of ‘em.”
David: “Guys, guys, not in front of the kid!” He looked at Alex and shrugged. “Occupational hazard.”
Alex grinned. “Does mom know about this?”
David: “Your mom knows everything…”
Bill was suddenly serious and quieter. “Your dad, he took care of everybody. A natural leader. Everyone listened to him, looked up to him. If we needed help closing up, he stayed. If somebody needed someone to talk to, he listened.”
Rick: “But TC always talked about getting out. He’d stand behind the bar polishing glasses and say that one day, he was gonna do something bigger with his life. And he did.”
David: “Yeah. I remember.”
Fish: “We all thought you were crazy!”
David laughed. “I was. I probably still am.”
Fish: “No. You just believed in yourself.” He clapped David on the back. “But how’d a guy like you end up with a supermodel, TC?”
Alex looked at David and started seeing him in a different light. He’d always known him as the fun dad. The guy who danced and sang Motown while making pancakes. The guy who wore crazy spirit wear at his football games and cheered him on louder than anyone else. The man who could fix almost anything that went wrong in the house. The man who seemed to make friends with everyone, from the neighbors to the checkout lady at the grocery store to the caddies at the golf club. He’d never really pictured him before Los Angeles and Blue Moon and his mom.
Their quick lunch turned into a three hour visit, with David swapping stories about the good old days and catching up on what had been going on with his friends. By the time they stepped out onto the sidewalk, the sun had started to set.
David hugged all three of them. “No waiting another 5 years next time. And come visit us in LA, anytime.”
Alex and David started walking back to their hotel without saying much.
Alex: “They really love you.”
David: “Yeah, I guess they do. Guess I feel the same way about them. Lots of history together.”
Alex: “It’s kind of cool, hearing about when you lived here. You’re a good guy, dad. I hope I can be like you when I grow up. Maybe I can even take over Blue Moon when you and mom retire.”
David smiled, leaned over, and draped his arm around Alex’s shoulders as they continued walking toward their hotel.
Alex: “Think mom and Abs are still out shopping?”
David smirked. “I’d bet money on it.”
Meanwhile, Maddie and Abby spent the day walking up and down Fifth Avenue, shopping bags swinging from their hands, ducking in and out of boutiques before making their way to Bloomingdale’s. Abby had inherited her mother’s love of shopping and eye for fashion and had no trouble spending her birthday money on a few new outfits.
As they were wandering through the cosmetics department, an older blonde woman behind the counter walked over to them. “Oh my goodness! You’re Maddie Hayes, aren’t you? The Blue Moon Shampoo Girl!”
Maddie laughed, a little embarrassed after all these years. “Well, I was. That was a long time ago.”
The lady continued to gush. “I used to have your Blue Moon ad taped on my bathroom mirror. I tried to style my hair and do my makeup just like yours.” A pause. “You’re even prettier in person. Could I get your autograph?” She handed Maddie a piece of paper and a pen. Maddie smiled warmly, signed her name, and chatted with her for a few minutes. Abby watched the exchange quietly. After a few minutes, Maddie and Abby left the store and stepped out onto Lexington Avenue.
Abby: “I forget you were, like, really famous. Does it happen a lot?” A pause. “No one’s ever asked for your autograph at Gelson’s. Or The Beverly Center.”
Maddie laughed and shrugged. “It used to. Not as much anymore. Every now and then.”
Abby: “Do you ever miss it?”
Maddie thought for a moment. “Parts of it. Wearing beautiful clothes? Traveling? Sure.” A long pause. “But modeling can be hard. I’m pretty introverted and I think that kind of life is easier for someone extroverted, like you and your dad are. People think they know you from seeing your picture. But they don’t. It can be hard to find people who see you as more than a pretty face, who care about you for who you really are. And if you do, when you do, it’s important to hold onto them.”
Abby smiled. “Like daddy…”
Maddie smiled. “Your father is something else all right…”
Abby reached over and slipped her hand through Maddie’s arm. “You know that business card that lady gave daddy and me the other day? I wonder if I should try modeling?”
Maddie smiled. “You’d be wonderful at it. Just promise me one thing…”
Abby: “What’s that?”
Maddie: “Never let your beauty overshadow who you are inside. The way you look may open a door but it’s the person you are after you walk through it that really matters.”
On their last night in NYC, the October air was cool enough for jackets as the Addison family wandered through Greenwich Village. David gave them a tour of his old neighborhood, where he’d lived back in the 1970s.
David: “See that building over there, that apartment on the 5th floor, on the corner, with the light on? That was my place when I first moved to New York.” A pause. “And over there. That’s where we’re going for dinner. My favorite pizza joint in the city.”
Alex: “Show us the place where you used to be a bartender. That your friends were talking about.”
David: “That was on the Upper West Side, on Amsterdam. Sorry to say it’s not still there.”
Abby: “What was it called again?”
David: “Café Central.”
Alex: “Momzer, did you ever go there?”
Maddie nodded. “Yes, a couple of times. I mean, it was THE place to go back then. That and Studio 54. But I never met your dad. I’d definitely remember if I had…”
Abby: “Oh my God, you went to Studio 54?”
Maddie: “A couple of times. It wasn’t really my scene. You know I’m more of a homebody. I’d much rather be at home with a good book and a bubble bath than go to a club.”
David stopped walking for a moment and stood dead in his tracks. There was a pretty woman with short blonde hair sitting at an outdoor café table with another woman with long, dark hair. She looked up and her face broke into a nervous, surprised smile.
Tess: “David?”
David: “Tess…”
Tess: “David… It’s been a really long time.” A pause. “You look great. Wow, you shaved your head!”
David ran his hand over his head. “Yeah, trying out a new look.”
Abby looked from her father to the stranger. “You two know each other?”
David stood there for a moment, stunned. “Yes. Tess. Wow. Um, let me introduce you to my family. This is my wife, Maddie, and our two kids, Alex and Abby. Tess is my, um, we, well, we grew up together in South Philly.”
Tess: “I’m overwhelmed to see you. Do you live in New York now?”
David: “No, still in LA. Just here visiting for the week for the kids’ Fall Break.” A pause. “I was showing them the old neighborhood and taking them to dinner at my favorite pizza place in the city.”
Tess: “It’s still the best pizza around.” A long pause as she looked at him. “It’s really great to see you, David. You look so well.” Another pause. “This is my partner, Josephine. You’ve, um, met, but I’m not sure if you remember. It was a lifetime ago.”
David raised his eyebrows and smiled his best fake smile. “How could I ever forget? Josephine, it’s nice to see you again.”
Josephine stood up and shook his hand. “Well, if it isn’t the elusive David Addison…”
There was a long, awkward silence. Tess and Maddie exchanged nervous glances.
Maddie shook both of their hands. “Hi, I’m Maddie. Do you live in this neighborhood?”
Tess: “Yes, well, a few blocks away. I’ve lived in The Village ever since I moved to New York. It’s a great area and Josephine’s law firm is nearby. We come to this little bistro pretty often.” A pause. “So David, what are you up to these days? Still a detective?”
David wished he could run away or disappear. “Yeah, Maddie and I, we have our own agency. Blue Moon. What about you? Still acting?”
Tess: “I do some acting and improv in the evenings and on weekends. My day job is at an art gallery.” Tess stood up and gave David an awkward hug. “It’s so nice to see you, David. You have such a beautiful family.” She smiled at Alex. “You look so much like your dad when he was in high school…”
David, awkwardly. “Well, we won’t keep you from your dinner. Nice to see you both again.”
Tess: “Good to see you again, David, after all these years. And nice to meet you all…”
David felt nervous and sweaty, despite the cool evening air. He quickly crossed the street and took Maddie and the kids to his favorite pizza place. They ducked into a booth and ordered a large pepperoni pizza. Maddie and the kids ordered sodas. David ordered a boilermaker.
David downed his drink and ordered another before taking a deep breath. “Jesus. Okay. Look, I never expected to run into her like that. I know we’ve never talked about this, and, well, I guess I should have told you, it just never came up.”
Alex: “What are you saying? Dad, you’re not making any sense.”
Abby: “Daddy, you’re really upset. You can tell us. Was that blonde woman your girlfriend or something?”
Maddie looked at David. “More than his girlfriend.”
Abby: “Mom, what does that even mean?”
David: “We were married. A long time ago. Tess is my ex-wife.”
Alex: “Wait, what? You were married before you and mom? How come you never told us?”
Abby: “But daddy, she was holding that woman’s hand. I assumed that the two of them are, like, a couple?”
David smiled and nodded. “You’re so observant, Buttercup.” A long pause. “You know how I’m always harping on you both about being careful and safe if you decide to, you know, be intimate with someone…”
Abby: “Daddy!”
David: “Well, I have a really good reason for that. It was a long time ago but she and I, in high school, well, one thing led to another and… well, we had to get married. Right after we graduated. 1973.”
Alex: “Wait a minute, Daddio! Are you telling us you knocked some girl up and we have some long lost brother or sister?”
David: “She lost the baby, right after we got married. And after that, we tried to make it work. We moved to New York, she took acting classes, went to auditions. I went to school part time and tended bar. And then, well, it just didn’t work out.”
Abby: “Why not?”
David: “The truth, well, the truth is we never really loved each other. And one day, I came home and found her with someone else.”
Abby: “I bet it wasn’t a guy, was it, daddy? Was it that lady we just saw her with?”
David nodded before looking at Maddie. “I’m sorry, Maddie, I know you didn’t know that. I wasn’t 100% honest when I told you what happened with Tess.” A pause. “I don’t know why not. I guess it made me feel like less of a man, somehow, that it wasn’t another guy…”
Maddie squeezed his hand and leaned against him. “Well, I wasn’t 100% honest with you, either, David. I went to the reception, after Jimmy’s funeral. I was worried about you and went looking for you. I met Tess. And we talked. She told me everything…”
David: “Jesus, Maddie, you’ve known all of that all this time and we’ve never talked about it?”
Maddie: “I know I should’ve told you. You’d been gone all day and I hadn’t heard from you. It was late. I thought you might be there.”
David: “Maddie…”
Maddie: “I was just so shocked that you’d been married before. After you left for New York, Agnes and I went into your office and combed through it looking for wedding photos.”
David laughed. “Why would I have wedding photos in the office?”
Maddie: “I don’t know, David.” A pause. “I went home and had this crazy dream about you and Tess. There was music playing and there was a bar and dancing and at the end, I walked in and we danced together and I started kissing you…”
David: “Wait! You never told me any of this!” A beat. “Was it a good kiss?”
Maddie smiled. “It was a great kiss. I woke up and in that moment I knew. I knew I was in love with you.”
David smiled and softened, tucking a piece of her hair behind her ear. “I still can’t believe you flew to New York. Why?”
Maddie: “I don’t know. I think maybe I was jealous. That you’d had this life with another woman that I knew nothing about. Afraid that you’d, I don’t know, get back together? And I wanted to meet her, to see what she was like. It’s why I was so upset when you didn’t want me to go to the funeral with you.”
David: “Well, I didn’t go to that funeral.”
Maddie: “Yeah, I know, Tess told me.”
Abby and Alex just sat there, dumbfounded, and looked at each other.
Alex: “Well, this is some next-level soap opera shit right here.”
Maddie: “Alex Addison! Language!”
David laughed. “He’s right, Maddie. It really is.” A pause. “Guy, it was a long time ago. Another lifetime. I’m sorry I never told you. It just never came up and I never in a million years thought we’d all run into her. And, well, I’m not always great about talking about stuff. But you three, you’re my whole world. You know that, right?”
After dinner, they walked down the sidewalk together, disappearing into the glow of New York City at night, trading stories and teasing each other, laughing so hard that more than one passerby turned to look. After a few minutes, David hailed a cab and they all piled inside. On the way back to their hotel, David thought about what a great trip it had been and how thankful he was for his life with Maddie and the kids in LA.
Epilogue:
The cabin lights were dimmed and somewhere over the Midwest the excitement of New York gave way to a mix of reflection and exhaustion. Maddie rested her head on David’s shoulder, looked across the aisle, and smiled. Alex was asleep with his headphones on. Abby was leaning her head against the window and reading Middlemarch. David reached for her hand without looking, their fingers intertwining as naturally as breathing.
David: “It was a great trip but I’m glad to be heading home. Gotta say, it’s never a dull day in the Addison family.”
Maddie: “They’re growing up.”
David: “Yeah, they are.”
Maddie: They’re good kids, David.”
David: “They’re great kids, Maddie. I think they got the best parts of both of us.”
Maddie squeezed his hand. “Ever wish they were little again?”
David: “Nah. I like getting to know the people they’re becoming.”
Maddie closed her eyes and fell asleep, leaning against David’s shoulder. He kissed the top of her head and smiled, thinking that everything that mattered most in the world was sitting right there with him, 30,000 feet in the air, on the way home to Los Angeles.
Moonlighting: A Cookbook and Culinary History - Recipes, Restaurants, Clubs, and Cocktails Featured in the Iconic 1980s Series now available in all formats (hardcover, paperback, and e-book) thru Amazon, Simon & Schuster, and Tucker DS Press! It’s great great!