Chapter One-hundred Eighty-Four: Jordi's Date Night

Chapter 184

Jordi’s Date Night

Jordi was at his computer desk that night after he took a shower. He was in his black silk pajamas with his name embroidered in gold on the left breast pocket. He had his glasses on as he sat at his computer. He folded his hands and leaned over as he thought of the events that unfolded at Madelyn’s house. I wanted more… I craved more, but every time I rush into something, it never ends well, he thought.

He heard a knock at the door. Jordi rolled his eyes. Who is knocking at this hour? He wondered and rose to get the door. His grandfather was asleep in his bedroom. Jordi answered the door and saw Gina standing there. She wore a long-sleeve purple wrap dress and heels. He raised his eyebrows.

Jordi: “Gina, what are you doing here?”

Gina: “I wanted to see you.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. Jordi wrenched himself away.

Jordi: “You said you were done with me.”

He sighed.

Gina: “I know, but I was upset! I thought you were cheating on me!”

She cried. Jordi rolled his eyes.

Jordi: “Rich coming from you…”

He said dryly.

Gina: “Are we still on for Lacy’s Thanksgiving Parade?”

She batted her eyelashes. Jordi drew a breath, thinking of Priscilla, not wanting to let her down. Then he recalled the many school pageants and plays he put on, where his mother never showed up.

Jordi: “I’ll be there for Priscilla.”

Gina: “WHAT ABOUT MEEEEEEE?!”

She whined and stomped her feet. Jordi winced and rubbed his temples.

Jordi: “What about you?!”

He asked sharply. Gina pounded on his chest.

Gina: “You’re going for ME, not HER! It’s YOURS AND MY TRIP!”

She cried and pounded his chest.

Jordi gently pushed her away.

Gina: “WHY DID YOU PUSH ME?!”

She screamed.

Jordi: “Because you’re hitting me?!”

He snapped back at her.

Gina: “It’s that fat girl, isn’t it?! First, your grandfather’s caretaker, then that weirdo fat girl who thinks she’s a cat, and now this one!”

She bawled. Jordi saw red.

Jordi: “YOU caused me to lose Hannah, and almost cost my grandfather his life! Stop mocking Ashley! I don’t have a thing for them, and I had more fun with Madelyn than I ever did with you! All you do is bitch, whine, and moan!”

He bellowed at her. Gina grew back and cupped her mouth.

Gina: “You cruel, evil man!”

She bawled. Jordi gaped at her.

Jordi: “Excuse me?! I saved you from Boris, from Stefano, and others! How dare you say that to me?! All I ever received from you is whining, threats to break up with me, and constantly pushing my boundaries! YOU cheated on ME! YOU almost had my friends and me killed!”

He snapped at her. Gina glared at him with angry tears and slapped his face so hard that his head turned and his glasses flew off.

Jordi turned his head to stare at her with hurt in his eyes.

Gina: “FORGET THE TRIP, JORDI! You’re a loser fat lover like Lazaros! I HATE YOU!”

She bawled and stormed out of his house.

Jordi wiped his eyes and went over to pick up his glasses. He heaved a deep sigh as his bottom lip trembled, and he went into his bedroom.

~

That morning, Jordi sat in his silk-gold robe at his computer after showering. His glasses hung over his nose as he went through the messages on his Bungle. Before that, he received a call from Alfie not to come into work since he and Minerva are going overseas to finalize the sale of Armando’s estates, or one of them. He leaned over, cupped his mouth, and rose to get dressed.

~

Jordi walked down the road wearing a black button-down shirt, a black sports jacket, gray jeans, black zip-up boots, and a black bomber jacket. He walked down the driveway of the Old Koks Manor and up the steps to knock on the door. Madelyn skipped to the door, dressed as a forest fairy with a lace green and yellow gradient dress and a flower crown perched on her head.

Madelyn: “Hello, Jordi! Back for more fun in Madelyn’s fun house?!”

She beamed. Jordi eyed her up and smiled.

Jordi: “Maybe? I got a day off work today. I was wondering if you… wanted me to show you around the city.”

He asked and reddened a bit. Madelyn's eyes lit up.

Madelyn: “Ooh! You wanna take lil ol’ me around town with you?!”

She smiled widely, taken by surprise that he wanted to be seen with her. Jordi smiled.

Jordi: “Well, this is a big city and I am sure you don’t want to be cooped up in this house forever! I’d love to show you around. I was born and raised here.”

He said genially.

Madelyn: “Really?! I'd love that! I'll grab my coat!”

She exclaimed, grabbing a moss-green knit sweater with red toadstools embroidered onto it. He cleared his throat and put it on her.

Jordi: “Nice coat.”

He grinned. Madeyn smiled and reddened, taken by surprise as he put it on her.

Madelyn: “Thanks! I made it!”

She beamed.

Jordi: “You’re very talented!”

He exclaimed and walked her to his house.

When they arrived at his house, she pointed to his Ferrari 328.

Madelyn: “Where are we going?! Ooh, are we going in that fancy car?!”

She gestured to his car. Jordi nodded.

Jordi: “Yes, that’s my car.”

He approached it and opened the passenger door for her. Madelyn’s eyes widened.

Madelyn: “WOW! Does it go really fast? Ooh, thank you!”

She beamed as he held the door for her and got in.

Jordi: “Yes, it goes fast!”

He beamed and closed the door. He then went to the driver’s side, climbed in, shut the door, and adjusted the rearview mirror. He reached into his coat pocket to get his car keys, slid them into the ignition, and started the engine. He put his gold-rimmed sunglasses over his eyes, shifted into reverse, and looked behind his shoulder as he backed out. He shifted into first gear and drove down the road.

Madelyn: “WOAH!”

She beamed and chuckled at the force, having never experienced a ride like this before.

Jordi: “You like this?”

He laughed and shifted into the second gear as he picked up the pace.

Madelyn: “Yes! It’s fun!”

She smiled at him.

Jordi: “So what do you want to see first? Anything in particular or whatever, go with the flow?”

He asked her as he kept his eyes on the road.

Madelyn: “I’m easy breezy! I go with the flow!”

She waved her hands in a waving motion.

Madelyn: “Surprise me!”

She exclaimed. Jordi nodded, making a mental note of it.

He drove by Jumbo Jones’ Grocery.

Jordi: “Well, the good news is the grocery store is close by, but if you ask them to deliver your groceries, they will. Trevor delivers mine. Yeah, I hate grocery shopping.”

He laughed bitterly.

Madelyn: “Ooh, they deliver groceries?”

She asked. Jordi nodded.

Madelyn: “Who is Trevor?”

Jordi: “Oh, he works at Jumbo Jones as a stock boy and a delivery boy. He teleports, so my friends and I also use him to get somewhere quickly.”

He replied.

Madelyn: “Ooh, a teleporter? That’s so cool!”

She exclaimed.

As he drove further down the road, he flicked his forefinger at Danny Donger’s.

Jordi: “I used to work there as a waiter.”

He laughed a bit.

Madelyn: “Oh, how nice! What’s Danny Donger’s?”

She asked. Jordi let out a peal of laughter.

Jordi: “It’s a restaurant where the men wear nothing but hot pants, knee socks, and sneakers. They use their sex appeal to entice you. Some of the waiters did risqué pin-ups. They sell calendars, pin-ups, and such in the gift shop. The main thing they sell is wings.”

He explained. Madelyn’s eyes widened.

Madelyn: “OOH! Can you serve me wings in hot pants?!”

She teased and laughed. Jordi’s face turned beet red.

Jordi: “Y-You want me to wear my old work uniform to serve you food?”

He stammered and raked his fingers through his hair.

Madelyn: “Ooh, I’d like that!”

She brightened. Jordi pursed his lips and inhaled sharply.

Jordi: “I think I still have it somewhere.”

He muttered.

He picked up the speed as he turned onto the exit to downtown Pink Top City. As he drove down the highway and entered the city, he pointed to Tristan’s law firm.

Jordi: “That’s Tristan’s law office right there. It’s a nice, quaint place with antiques in it.”

He chirped.

Madelyn: “Ohh, nice! Is he your best friend?”

She asked. Jordi nodded.

Jordi: “Yes, Tristan and I are very good friends.”

He drew a long breath.

Madelyn: “That’s very good!”

She smiled at him.

Madelyn: “When you said you work in a tower, I thought you meant one of those princess/prince towers, or is that what you mean?”

She pointed up at a tall skyscraper. Jordi saw she was pointing at the Megalos Tower.

Jordi: “No, it’s not a tower for royalty, but yes, that is where I work. It’s one of the tallest towers in the city. The tallest tower is the Donati, Inc. tower.”

He replied evenly.

Madelyn: “Wow, so Blair lives in the tallest tower?!”

She asked. Jordi laughed.

Jordi: “No, he and his family live in Papamos. They live close to Tristan. His family owns the tower, though.”

He stated as his voice trailed off.

Madelyn: “What’s it like being in a tower?”

She asked him. Jordi hummed to himself.

Jordi: “Boring. The pay is good, but it’s mostly boring… Those are the good days, mind you. The bad days are… something else.”

He groaned.

Jordi: “But I don’t really have a choice.”

He sighed.

Jordi: “The tower does host other companies. They have restaurants, clubs, shops, and such, but everything is expensive. Oh, and they have condos, so some of the employees live there. I wouldn’t want to live there.”

He shuddered.

Madelyn: “Oh, what is something else, and why don’t you have a choice?”

She asked.

Madelyn: “Yeah, I wouldn’t want to live in a tower with Makayla either.”

She shuddered. Jordi shifted his eyes.

Jordi: “My grandfather needs to be on oxygen therapy at all times. I need to pay for the oxygen tanks, the machines he uses to breathe, medical care, and a live-in caregiver.”

He explained and sighed. Madelyn’s eyes widened.

Jordi: “Then the bank was going to foreclose on our home, so I had to take this… job to buy our house so we’re not homeless.”

He said with bitterness.

Madelyn: “Oh… I see, I’m sorry about that.”

She sighed and bowed her head. Jordi smiled at her.

Madelyn: “What about your other family? Aren’t they helping, too?”

She asked. Jordi let out a bitter laugh.

Jordi: “Hahahaha, my grandmother walked out on us when I was sixteen. The house was in shambles, and her leaving is what started this mess. Or maybe it was when my mom died of a drug overdose when I was eight.”

He sighed and tightened his grip on the steering wheel. Madelyn was taken aback by his life story and glanced down at his tightened grip on the steering wheel.

Jordi: “So it’s all on my shoulders… and my grandfather continues to treat me like shit.”

He said as he smiled sadly. Madelyn knit her eyebrows.

Madelyn: “Oh dear… I’m so sorry! Do you wanna pull over so I can hug you?”

She said softly, placing her hand on his. Jordi paused and turned to her. His cheeks flushed red.

Jordi: “...Let’s go to the mall, and you can hug me when I park there.”

He laughed a humorless laugh.

Madelyn: “Okay, and I can buy you an ice cream, too!”

She offered. Jordi smiled tightly and nodded.

He made the turn to the exit that led to the Pink Flamingo Mall’s parking lot. He drove around and parked in one of the spots in the back. Madelyn turned to him and pulled him into a hug. Jordi gasped a bit and then hugged her back, feeling warm all over. He smiled widely.

Madelyn: “I’m sorry that everything is on your shoulders!”

She placed her hand on his shoulder. Jordi shivered.

Madelyn: “Is there anything I can do to help?”

She asked.

Jordi: “This is helping, actually… Thank you.”

He said softly, putting his hand on hers. Madelyn reddened when she felt his hand on hers.

Madelyn: “Really? What did I do?”

She smiled. Jordi locked his byzantine eyes on her and smiled.

Jordi: “Just being you…”

He whispered. Madelyn’s eyes lit up with a smile.

Madelyn: “Hehe, aww, thank you! I’m glad you’re you, too!”

She locked her violet eyes on him.

Jordi smiled and stepped out of his car.

Jordi: “Come on in.”

He nodded to the mall. Madelyn smiled up at him and followed beside him. He led her up to the mall, and the two entered. A huge wishing fountain above a sky dome greeted them. Jordi saw billboards and stands with several deals on for Thanksgiving, and some employees decorating the store for Christmas. Madelyn twirled around the fountain, awed by the attractions and seasonal decorations surrounding it.

Madelyn: “This is my favorite time of year!”

She beamed. Jordi marveled at her enthusiasm.

Jordi: “And why is that?”

He asked breathlessly.

Madelyn: “Because, look at all this beauty around you! Everyone is decorating things pretty and wearing more fun clothes!”

She exclaimed, gesturing to the shiny decorations and some employees wearing Santa hats and reindeer antlers. Jordi smiled tightly.

Jordi: “Yes, that’s right! So, where to first?”

He unzipped his jacket and hooked his thumbs in his jeans. Madelyn stroked her chin.

Madelyn: “Ooh, I’m gonna get you some ice cream!”

She took his hand and led him over to the food court, where the ice cream shop was. Jordi laughed and went with her.

Jordi: “Ice cream, huh?”

He chuckled.

Madelyn: “What flavor do you like?”

She smiled. Jordi rubbed the back of his neck.

Jordi: “Grape in a waffle cone.”

He said genially.

Madelyn: “Ooh, that sounds nice!”

She headed to the vendor and placed their order.

Madelyn: “Hello! Can I get two grape waffle cone ice creams, please?”

She asked, pulling out a tiny mushroom purse and handing over various quarters. Jordi cleared his throat and handed the vendor a five-dollar bill. Madelyn turned to Jordi.

Jordi: “Keep the change.”

He said gently. The girl at the counter smiled at him and scooped up the grape ice cream, placing it in the waffle cones and handing him each cone, wrapped in a napkin. Jordi gave the ice cream to Madelyn.

Madelyn: “Oh! You didn’t have to do that! Thank you, though!”

She said as she took the ice cream.

Jordi: “Hey, it was no trouble at all.”

He said to her and licked his ice cream.

Madleyn: “Thank you!”

She said softly, licking her ice cream.

Jordi: “Where to after this?”

He asked her. He nodded toward the Luscious Curves store, a plus-size lingerie shop.

Jordi: “There?”

He teased. Madelyn reddened and chuckled.

Madelyn: “Ohh, you want to see me in THAT?!”

She teased, gesturing to the lingerie in the window. Jordi’s smile spread.

Jordi: “Why wouldn’t I?”

He grinned.

Madelyn: “R-Really? For serious?”

She smiled and reddened. Jordi finished his ice cream and nodded soberly.

Jordi: “Yes.”

He said breathlessly. Madelyn finished her ice cream and smiled.

Madelyn: “Okay, let's do this!”

She nodded.

He rose and led her into the store. It was a lingerie store specifically for plus-size people. They had bras, panties, lingerie, nightgowns, corsets, and other intimate apparel. Madelyn reddened all over and chuckled, surprised he wasn't joking and wanted to come here with her.

Jordi: “Whatever you want, get it. I’ll pay.”

He spread his arms out.

Madelyn: “Really?! Are you sure?”

She reddened. Jordi put his hands on her shoulders. Madelyn shivered at his touch and smiled.

Jordi: “Absolutely…”

He said softly. Madelyn stroked her chin as she examined the store, searching for the shiniest things to grab her eye. Her violet eyes sparkled, and she took his hand, leading him down to the sexy costume section. Jordi looked behind him briefly and then went with her.

Jordi: “So you want a costume? I was thinking… something a little more intimate.”

He whispered. Madelyn’s eyebrows rose, and her cheeks flushed a rosy red.

Madelyn: “Ooh, intimate, huh? Like what?”

She teased. Jordi pursed his lips and flicked his gaze to the bras and panties.

Jordi: “Like those.”

He nodded to them. Madelyn’s eyes widened.

Madelyn: “Oh! You wanna see me in those?”

She said softly, gesturing to herself. Jordi nodded.

Jordi: “Of course.”

He smiled tightly and looked over his shoulder. She scanned the aisle, observing the various bras and panties. A purple leopard-print set caught her eye, along with a purple lace set with a gold-chain bralette featuring tiny golden stars dangling from the hems. It resembled something an exotic belly dancer would wear. Jordi smiled at the garment.

Jordi: “You want that?”

He asked her. Madelyn smiled widely and nodded.

Madelyn: “Maaaaaybeeee!”

She teased and winked at him. Jordi grinned and held it up.

Jordi: “Get it, I insist.”

He said with a gleam in his eyes.

Madelyn: “Really?! Are you sure?”

She smiled and blushed. Jordi beamed and bit his bottom lip.

Jordi: “Of course, I’ve never been more certain.”

He said earnestly.

Madelyn: “Thank you, you’re such a sweet and generous gentleman!”

She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a hug. Jordi was pleasantly surprised and hugged her back.

Jordi: “Thank you! Anything for you!”

He whispered in her ear. Madelyn shivered and giggled at his whisper brushing against her ear.

Madelyn: “Thank you!”

She said softly.

Jordi patted her back and looked over his shoulder. He then turned to her with a smile. Madelyn smiled back at him, gazing up at him.

Madelyn: “Is everything okay?”

She asked. Jordi smiled tightly at her and patted her head.

Jordi: “Everything is wonderful. Why do you ask?”

He asked her.

Madelyn: “That’s good!”

She smiled at him and skipped over towards the cash register with him.

Jordi went over with her and helped place her stuff on the desk, where the girl at the checkout rang up the purchases. Jordi picked up a box containing a bottle of perfume shaped like a light purple cat with diamond eyes and a jeweled collar. He placed that amongst the items for purchase and reached into his wallet for his credit card. Madelyn’s violet eyes sparkled with a gasp.

Madelyn: “Oh wow, it’s a little kitty cat! You’re spoiling me!”

She beamed and hugged him. Jordi chuckled and hugged her back.

Jordi: “It’s my pleasure.”

Cashier: “The total for this will be two hundred and ninety dollars.”

Madelyn’s jaw dropped. Jordi handed her his credit card. She swiped it. The machine printed the receipt, and she handed it to him to sign. He signed the receipt and gave it to her. She bagged up the purchases with light purple tissue paper and handed them to Madelyn.

Cashier: “Have a nice day.”

Jordi smiled and led her out.

Madelyn: “Wow… you spent two hundred and ninety dollars on me?!”

She gasped.

Jordi: “Yes, I did!”

He beamed. Madelyn was taken aback by how nonchalant and insistent he was.

Madelyn: “What can I do to repay your kindness, Jordi?!”

She exclaimed, pulling him into another hug. Jordi hugged her back and patted her.

Jordi: “You don’t have to do anything for me… I did this because I like you and like being with you.”

He replied.

Madelyn: “AWW! I like you and like being with you, too!”

She blushed and smiled at him. Jordi reddened and bit his bottom lip.

Jordi: “Where to next?”

He asked her.

He glanced at the movie posters for the theater in the mall.

Jordi: “Do you want to go to a movie?”

Madelyn: “Ooh, I’d love to see a movie! If we see a horror movie, will you hold me for the scary bits?”

She teased. Jordi put his arm over her. Madelyn shivered and beamed.

Jordi: “Of course, if that’s what you want.”

He said softly and led her to the theaters. He looked over his shoulder again and raised an eyebrow.

Madelyn: “All right!”

She eagerly nodded and leaned into him.

~

Jordi and Madelyn entered the theater and took a seat in front of the railings. Jordi slipped off his coat, sat down, and rested his feet up on the railing. Madelyn had a large popcorn for the two to share, as well as a soda for herself and a sweet tea for Jordi.

Jordi: “So ‘Clown Funhouse Massacre.’ I didn’t peg you to pick that.”

He snickered. Madelyn chuckled.

Madelyn: “It seemed super spooky!”

She chuckled. He heard something and turned around to see a woman in a black trench coat with a black scarf around her head enter the theater and take a seat at the back. Madelyn smiled up at him as she offered him some popcorn. Jordi ate some and smiled at her.

Jordi: “I got you what you liked: butter in the middle and butter on top.”

He laughed. Madelyn smiled at him.

Madelyn: “Thank you! It’s perfect!”

Jordi: “I figured you’d want to see ‘The Brave Microwave’.”

He smiled.

Madelyn: “Haha, maaaaaybe!”

She teased.

Madelyn: “Damn, you’re too smart for my trickery!”

Jordi let out a peal of laughter.

Jordi: “Thanks, I try.”

As the theater dimmed, the movie started. Jordi leaned back and ate some popcorn. He watched the film, and there was a scene where the clown jumped out and slaughtered someone with an ax. Madelyn stumbled over a laugh at the subpar practical effects.

Madelyn: “OH NO! So scary!”

She feigned fear, clutching onto Jordi’s chest. Jordi put his arms over her and held her close.

Jordi: “Pretty scary, huh?”

He teased.

Madelyn: “Oh, yes, sooooo scary!”

She tried not to laugh. Jordi laughed with her.

Jordi: “Of course, it is.”

He gazed down at her and held her head to his chest. Madelyn redenned and listened to his heartbeat against his chest. Jordi inhaled sharply and raked his fingers through her hair. Madelyn shivered at his touch as he ran his fingers through her hair, and she gazed up at him. Jordi locked his gaze on her, and he smiled at her.

Madelyn: “What are you smiling at?”

She smiled and teased him.

Jordi: “You.”

He said sincerely.

Madelyn: “What for?”

She chuckled and teased.

Jordi: “I like you and your company.”

He said softly and pursed his lips.

Madelyn: “Aww, I like you and your company, too.”

She hummed softly and locked her violet eyes on him.

~

After the movie ended, he was driving her home.

Jordi: “How did you like that outing?”

He asked her as he kept his eyes on the road. It was already pitch dark out.

Madelyn: “It was AMAZING! You took me out on a really fun day, and I enjoyed our time together!”

She beamed earnestly. Jordi smiled and drank in her enthusiasm.

Jordi: “I did, too! I’m glad I had the day off!”

He said to her, flashing her a smile. Madelyn brightened.

Madelyn: “It’s nice to see you smiling and happy!”

Jordi: “Because I am.”

As he drove through the neighborhood and down her driveway, he put on the high beams. He then parked his car and heaved a deep sigh.

Jordi: “I’ll walk you to your door.”

He turned to her and smiled. He got out of his car and went to the passenger’s door to open it for her. Madelyn thanked him as she got out of the vehicle.

Madelyn: “Wow… ice cream, gifts, a movie, and walking me to my door? Today must be my special day!”

She beamed. He picked up her purchases.

Jordi: “And there shall be many more.”

He bowed as he walked up the steps. Madelyn’s eyes widened.

Madelyn: “Aww, for realises?”

She gasped and walked with him to her door. Jordi bobbed his head.

Jordi: “Yeah! Whenever I get time off or the weekends! I don’t work on the weekends.”

He smiled.

Madelyn: “Ooh, well, I look forward to spending another weekend with you, Jordi!”

She smiled up at him.

Madelyn: “Thanks for a majiquel evening!”

She stood up on her tiptoes, kissing him on the cheek. Jordi reddened to her kiss. His breathing hitched, and he smiled at her.

Jordi: “Always my pleasure…”

He said breathlessly.

Jordi: “Have a good night.”

He whispered, went down the steps, and went back to his car.

Madelyn: “Good night, sweet prince!”

She smiled and waved him goodnight. Jordi turned to her as his cheeks flushed red. He grinned and got into his car. He looked behind him as he reversed and then drove onto the road.

~

When Jordi arrived home, Abraham was on the couch watching old game show reruns from the 1960s. Jordi took off his bomber jacket and hung it up. He was about to kneel and remove his boots when he saw a white 1985 Chevrolet Cavalier drive by and recognized Pamela behind the wheel. He sneered, stormed out, and marched up to her.

When she saw him approaching, she started to drive away. Jordi extended his hand, and a bolt of purple lightning struck in front of the car, creating a crater in the road. Pamela slammed on the brakes. Jordi hurried to her car, opened the door, and she screamed.

Pamela: “GET AWAY FROM ME!”

Jordi: “You were following me! GIVE ME THAT OR I WILL SMITE YOU!”

He rasped as he grabbed the camera from her hands and shoved her off.

Pamela sat there panting. Electricity coursed through him, warning her not to come near him. She froze in her seat and clutched the steering wheel.

Jordi: “I’m going to keep this. Give Ichiro my regards.”

He hissed as he raised her camera.

He marched away and left her there as she gasped for air in fear of being confronted by Jordi.