CHAPTER 202: BEYOND THE CITY LIMITS

Madison was catching hell from a very pregnant Benjamin, who was worried that they would not make it back in time before the festivities started to get their seats. He had things that he could still fit into—they might be a little tight, but they would be okay. He didn’t need a new set of clothes; his hair didn’t need trimmed or anything.

"Keep on, just keep it up. You look beautiful, but when she’s through with you and you’re dressed up, everyone’s gonna want to dance with you no matter how big you are," Madison just smiled and told Benjamin.

Madison was waiting out by the speeder in front of Miss Sonia’s as Benjamin was being made over to look beautiful when he noticed a human female, smaller in stature, walking down the sidewalk looking around as if she was lost. She had a nice little hat, starched white blouse, knee-length skirt, gloves, carrying a larger black bag, and wearing sensible shoes. The lady was in the wrong spot.

As she walked his way, Madison walked up to the sidewalk and introduced himself. "Madam, may I ask—are you lost here in our little township? Did you get off the transit system by mistake, or has someone not shown up? My name is Madison, and I will help you any way I can."

Celeste Pirillo was beside herself; here was this very nice, well-mannered young man offering to help her in her time of need, so she decided to take a chance. She had her mace, her switchblade, and her brass knuckles in her purse, so she wasn’t scared of anybody.

"Thank you very kindly, young man. I came from the city to see my son who is working here. He and his friend were not at the hotel even though he told me he had the weekend off, and when I find my Vinny, I am going to pull his ears off."

Madison perked up. "Did you say Vinny or Vincent?"

Celeste was taken back by the young man and his polite nature. "His name is Vincent Pirillo, but he goes by Vinny because it makes him sound cool. Do you know him by chance, and where I can find him?"

"Yes ma’am. He and his friend took the early transport to the ranch for the weekend festivities. As soon as my mate is through here at Miss Sonja’s, I would gladly drive you out there with us. I just need to make one phone call first to arrange proper accommodations for yourself since there’s nothing here in town during the event. Let’s step inside out of this heat—a nice young lady like yourself should not expose yourself to too much discomfort."

Celeste really was head over heels for this young man. If she wasn’t so old and decrepit, she might take him on, but he was a big boy. As she walked into the shop, she couldn’t believe how beautiful the place was. It was as if Central City was right here in one of the finest places there ever was.

"Miss Sonja, I have a guest here with me that might need to take a little bit of your air-conditioning. She’s had a long trip from the city to see her wayward son Vincent. Would it be okay if she sat here while you finish with Benjamin? I’ll make sure she has a place to stay at the main house for the weekend," Madison let it be known that they had come in.

Sonja smiled and winked at Madison. "For Vinny’s mom, no problem. I’m sorry—I made a mistake. He likes to be called Vincent nowadays. He is quite a young gentleman that you raised, Miss Pirillo."

Celeste looked at Madison and Sonja and wondered if she had stepped into Oz or what. Vincent, a gentleman? Had she forgotten to take her meds this morning, or what was in that cup of coffee she’d had at that diner? It sure tasted good, but something wasn’t right. Vincent—6-foot, dark hair, nice olive skin tone, deep blue eyes—my Vincent?

As Sonja was moving some merchandise around, she responded, "Sounds like him. I had the privilege of getting him some new clothes that fit, trimmed him up a little, wax job on the neck, and now he is beautiful. And the other one, Jeremiah—gone is the unibrow, not one stripe like a caveman, but two perfectly formed eyebrows. When that Jeremiah gets ready to settle down, he’s going to make somebody a very nice husband."

Madison had been outside with Tim at the Z1 ranch and decided they needed to rush things up so that he could get Benjamin back in time, along with their new visitor who was to go directly to the main house and see Tim in his father’s office. Madison walked inside only to hear the chattering of voices and compliments galore.

When he rounded the corner, he saw his future wearing tan linen pants, smart shoes, and a beautiful flowing, very shiny emerald blue tunic. Benjamin was his future, and the baby that he carried was perfect.

Celeste looked at him and frowned. "I knew you were too good to be true. No human boy acts the way you do. I should’ve suspected you were one of the special ones, but when this beautiful creature walks out all dressed up, I had no doubt. And the fact that he is big with child—you are truly blessed to have such a magnificent person in your life."

It was Madison’s turn to blush. "Thank you very much, Ms. Pirillo, but if we’re going to make the festivities, we need to leave and get back to the ranch so that you can meet up with Tim. He will make sure you’re settled in, then carry you to your son. If you ask him, he might be able to fill in a few blanks about some of your son’s recent activities. And please don’t ask me any more—that’s all I am allowed to say. If I say anything more, it could cost me my job."

"Nothing else will be said, young man. You have been a wonderful host, and I will make sure that your boss knows this. Not too many people impress Mama Celeste, young man—you do an old woman’s heart good."

"Yes, ma’am. I will drop you off at the front door of the main house, and Jarvis will be waiting on you to take your bags and show you where your room will be, then take you to the office." With that, everyone said their goodbyes until later, and they headed out to the speeder and left for the ranch.

As they turned off the main highway, Celeste couldn’t help but admire the scenery. It was beautiful—the roadways were clean, and she realized this was the entrance into the Z1. There were rosebushes, beautiful plants, lush fountains leading up to the front entrance gates.

Madison pulled into the main gates, turned left, then went straight to the main house to the circle drive and parked in front. Jarvis was right there waiting and removed Mrs. Pirillo’s bags and showed her into the main house. She almost lost her breath looking at the exquisite marble floors shining like glass, towering columns, and the most beautiful staircase and chandelier she had ever seen outside of a Royal Villa back on old Earth.