Shattered Treasure

by Cindy Patterson

  Aunt Brenda’s grin filled her whole face. “You know, you could invite one of your girlfriends to spend the summer with you.” She leaned back. “Actually, the more I think about it, the more I like the idea of you having someone here with you.”

  Addison smiled against the tightening in her chest. “That’s a great idea. I’ll ask Taylor.”

  “That would make me feel much better.”

  “So, where exactly are you going?”

  “I’ll be traveling through California, but some of the properties are in Washington.”

  “Really? Wow, what a great experience for you! You have more guts than I do. I don’t know that I could travel across the country by myself.”

  “Sure, you could. You never know what you’ll do.”

  Addison shrugged her shoulders. “How long will you be gone?”

  “No more than a few months.” Aunt Brenda took a sip of her hot tea. “Have you talked to your mom lately?”

  “I invited her to graduation, but I don’t know if she’ll come.”

  Aunt Brenda shook her head. “Of course, she’ll be there for your graduation.”

  “I guess. I should visit more, but I feel like I’m in her way.” She never wanted to return home.

  “That’s their loss and my gain.” She wrapped both arms around Addison. “I have so enjoyed having you here with me.”

  “Me too.”

  Once alone in her room, magical moments of her night with Logan whirred through her memory. Addison glanced in the mirror, realizing suddenly that she still wore Logan’s suit jacket. She pulled her arms tight around her waist, inhaling the scent of Logan’s cologne. Another realization hit her at the same time. Aunt Brenda hadn’t said a word about it.

  Addison changed into her pajamas and climbed onto the bed tucking her feet beneath the blanket as One Night with the King played the opening credits.

  Addison had watched the movie more times than she could count, but it would never get old. Sporadic thoughts of Logan filled her mind as the love story between a king and a Jewish girl named Esther was made queen unfolded. It was after one before the movie ended.

  Addison lay back, still clinging to Logan’s jacket. She wanted to stay wrapped in its warmth, but she didn’t want to wrinkle it. Unable to part with it, she placed it carefully on the extra pillow.

  Addison’s cell phone beeped, and she froze. The ring tone meant she had a text message. The thudding of her heart roared in her ears. Philip saw her with Logan. She hadn’t thought about that once since Logan dropped her off. Had Philip stayed the whole time? Though she’d managed to detach from her anxiety over the encounter with Philip, it lingered just below the surface. She waited one full minute before she grabbed her phone. An unknown number appeared attached to a message.

  I know it’s late and you’re probably sleeping but I couldn’t wait another minute to tell you. I had a really good time tonight. And this is Logan, by the way.

  Within an instant, she was sitting straight up. Her stomach quivered in response as she read the message two more times.

  Should she reply? Should she wait? The questions filled her as she held her fingers above the keypad of her phone. There was no point trying to regulate her pulse, it had been skittering all over the place the entire evening.

  Me too. She erased it and started over. I did too.

  Ugh. How could it be so hard to reply to a text message?

  I had a good time too.

  Heart in her throat, Addison’s fingers sped across the keypad.

  It was a perfect night. I hope to see you again tomorrow and the next day.

  If only. She quickly erased her silly ramblings, before she made the mistake of hitting send. She would die of embarrassment.

  I did too. I have your jacket. Forgot I was wearing it.

  She pressed send and held the phone against her chest, anticipating his response. She should’ve offered to take it to him tomorrow.

  Then her phone beeped again.

  I didn’t forget. I’ll get it next time I see you. Hopefully that will be soon. Goodnight, beautiful.

  Collapsing against the pillow, she nestled into Logan’s jacket, no longer caring about wrinkles.

  She read his message twenty more times before placing her phone on the table. A smile filled her face as every gentle touch, every endearing word, every single memory of being in his arms left her staring at the ceiling in wonder.

  21

  The following Thursday morning, Addison headed to campus for one final meeting with her professor, the tenderness of her twisted ankle from her confrontation with Philip was now only a fading memory.

  “Congratulations on a successful year. I have been given nothing but good reports and look forward to seeing you at graduation.”

  “Thank you so much for everything.” She grabbed her purse and headed for the door. With only a half day left in the classroom, she’d be free to relax until the commencement services Friday afternoon. Walking through the double doors, Taylor met her on the walkway.

  “Hey, how’d it go?”

  “Great. Now I just have to find a job.” Addison scanned the surrounding area.

  “What about your student teaching school?”

  “They still have no openings this fall.”

  “Oh no. I’m sorry. Don’t worry, you’ll find something.”

  “It’s fine.” Addison sauntered forward, her head shifting from left to right.

  “Are you looking for somebody?”

  Taylor knew her better than anyone. “You don’t miss anything. I need to talk to you about something.”

  “Please tell me it isn’t about Philip.”

  Addison ignored the shudder rattling her at the mention of Philip’s name. “No, of course not. Do you think your mom would let you stay with me this summer? My aunt’s visiting the West Coast for a while. And she’s leaving Sunday.”

  At Taylor’s outright laughter, Addison joined her. “Are you kidding me? Yes, I would love to.”

  “Shouldn’t you ask first?”

  “She’ll say yes.”

  Addison stared as a few students started drifting from the building across the yard. “We’ll talk more later, but right now I’ve got to go. I still have half a day left.”

  “Wait! How was Saturday night?”

  “One of the best nights of my life.”

  “What happened?” Taylor stopped in her tracks. “I want to hear everything.”

  “I’ll tell you everything later. I really have to go.”

  “Addison?”

  Addison’s eyes widened at the sound of Logan’s voice calling her name. “It’s him,” Addison whispered. She turned away from Taylor’s thrilled smile and faced him.

  Taylor whispered near her ear, “I’ll catch up with you later.”

  Addison smiled, a shiver pitching her forward. “Okay, call me.”

  Logan came to a halt only inches from her. “This is my lucky day. I never expected to see you here.”

  “I had a meeting.” Addison’s smile widened, and biting her lower lip, she looked away from his steady gaze. The other night, she’d detected warmth, maybe even adoration in his eyes. But now, his expression was indecipherable. It left her feeling vulnerable, unsteady.

  “I found this in my truck,” he said, handing her the bracelet she had worn Saturday night.

  “Oh, I didn’t realize it had fallen off.”

  He chuckled. “I seem to keep ending up with your things. I wasn’t sure if I’d see you before Friday, but just in case, I brought it with me.”

  Desperate for something to do, she wriggled the bracelet onto her wrist. It was impossible to fasten with her hands trembling. She would never get it latched.

  He reached for the bracelet. “Here, allow me.”

  Taking the silver strand into the palm of his hand, Logan dropped it across her wrist, his fingers brushing against her skin, creating a wave of sensations.

  “You know it’s really too bad.” He s
till held to her arm, though he’d already snapped the lock into place.

  She glanced at him, her brows crinkled. “What?”

  “That I didn’t see you on campus until our last semester of college.” Her legs wobbled at the intense look in his eyes. “We’ve been in college together four years, and now we’re graduating.”

  “Maybe you just didn’t notice me.” On impulse, she looked away, unable to contain her deepening smile. “I probably walked by you every day.”

  “I would’ve noticed. Believe me.”

  A skeptical laugh wrenched her chest. Maybe it camouflaged her flaming cheeks.

  “Where are you headed now?”

  “To my kindergarten class. Half a day left, and I’m finished.”

  “Care if I walk with you to the parking lot?”

  “I would like that,” she admitted, even though it would be torture. His nearness made her blood race and her breathing irregular. “Your jacket’s in my car.”

  “Oh, okay.”

  “I wasn’t sure if it was rented and you needed to return it today.”

  “No—”

  “There’s my car. Let me get your jacket.” Her stride lengthened as she neared her car. She took her time with the door, needing a moment to catch her breath from all those untamed emotions swirling in her chest.

  “Do you mind keeping it? So, I’m not toting it around?”

  She turned, lifting unsteady eyes to him. “No, of course not. I wasn’t sure if you needed it.”

  “Not planning to attend a dance anytime soon.” The abrupt twist of his lips into a relaxed smile hinted at his confidence. “Not unless you’ll be there.”

  Heat flooded her cheeks. Her inability to control any of her emotions in his presence was daunting.

  “You ready for graduation?”

  She took a vital deep breath. “So ready.”

  “You finished your exams?”

  “Here on campus, yes. But I still have the state teachers’ exam.” Their conversation made standing this close easier. “What about you?”

  “Only one. French.”

  For no reason at all, she laughed. “You took French?”

  “There were no available spots in Spanish.” His smile hitched into a full grin. “Comment allez-vous?”

  From one breath to the next, she wanted him more. “J’vais tres bein.”

  “You’re fluent?”

  She moistened her lips. “Non.” Clearing her throat, she hoped her voice sounded as unaffected as his. “No.”

  “The words are like exotic poetry tumbling from your lips.” His gaze once again fell to her mouth, and she swallowed hard. “What time do you have to be there?”

  She exhaled, thankful for the sudden change in subject, and glanced at her watch. “Now.”

  “I’m holding you up.”

  She studied the ground beneath her feet and took a deep breath. “I wasn’t sure how long my meeting would last. It’s fine. The kids are having a fun day outside.”

  He reached behind her and opened her door. “Allow me, Mademoiselle.” He waited until she was settled inside before stretching an arm across her hood. “I hope to see you again very soon.”

  His gaze lowered to her lips and fire blazed through her veins.

  22

  The frame gave a low squeak as she sprawled across the mattress and tucked in the last corner of the sheet, still warm from the dryer. Addison positioned the last throw pillow and turned to find Aunt Brenda standing in the doorway.

  “Philip’s here.”

  “Philip?” Addison groaned. What was he doing here? Her attempt to ignore him at graduation this morning had been successful. And from her brief observation of Philip’s attention centered on the blonde, Addison was convinced he had moved on. The short distance to the living room wasn’t enough time to think of something civilized to say. For Aunt Brenda’s sake.

  No matter, she didn’t intend to give Philip even the slightest ounce of hope. Without looking in his direction, she hurried past him and headed straight for the front door.

  “Addison, wait.”

  Whirling around to face him as soon as she exited the house, she ignored his tear-streaked face. She wouldn’t give in to him. “What do you want?” She walked toward him, seeing more clearly how his eyes were swollen. “What’s wrong with you?”

  “I miss you. I’m so messed up.” He tousled the loose strands of hair dangling around his face. “I need to quit drinking, but I can’t. I need us.”

  Us? There is no us. But the unspoken words hidden in his tears softened her heart. Every grieving emotion from her own past materialized, nearly taking her breath. Memories of Philip by her side during years of neglect from her parents, every tear she’d shed, and even the darkest moments before she’d finally moved out choked out the resentment from only moments before. How could she turn her back on him completely?

  “Just stop. Don’t do it anymore.”

  “I tried, but I’m hurting so bad. I feel like I’ve lost you. I don’t know what to do.”

  “I’m sorry, Philip, I’ll always be here for you as a friend, but I don’t know what else I can do.”

  “You don’t have to do anything. I just need to know we’re okay. I never meant to hurt you. I’m sorry. I know I’ve done some things, but you are the one who has my heart. I love you.”

  Her stomach tensed. This was getting out of control fast.

  There had to be a gentle way to explain that she didn’t feel that way for him and never would again. “Philip—”

  “I don’t deserve you. Or another chance, but I can’t do this without you.”

  Aunt Brenda stepped outside onto the porch. “Philip, I’m going to need you to keep an eye on Addison for me. I’ll be gone this summer. I’ve decided to head to the West Coast for a while.”

  “Aunt Brenda!” She had to stop her. She hadn’t explained about Philip and knew instantly that had been a grave mistake.

  Addison didn’t miss the change in Philip’s expression. It scared her the way the light in his eyes brightened then darkened so suddenly. She had to set this straight. Now.

  “Taylor’s staying with me. There’s no need to worry about it, or to check on me.”

  “I’ll feel better having Philip check on you occasionally. You’ll be seeing each other anyway, so it’ll be natural for him to come by.”

  “Of course, I will. I’ll be more than happy to check in on her.”

  Addison stepped between him and Aunt Brenda. “No, Philip, you shouldn’t, we—” It wasn’t okay for him to just come by. Not anymore. Addison cringed. They continued to talk as if she wasn’t there.

  Philip finally left but so did Aunt Brenda. She couldn’t let Philip believe that she was giving in to him. Or that anything had changed. And she needed to tell her aunt about their break-up.

  She couldn’t believe Aunt Brenda had told him she would be alone.

  A few minutes later, after her aunt and Philip had both left, Addison stepped outside onto the back porch, still fuming over Philip’s audacity to pretend nothing had changed.

  Leaning against the railing, Addison looked across the yard just as a sea gull landed in the grassy area at the edge of her aunt’s property. The bird walked toward something—or was it someone? Dark hair fluttered in the wind just barely above the tall grass. Inhaling a shaky breath, she grabbed the railing.

  She’d almost missed seeing Logan sitting there. Only a few days had passed since she’d spent time alone with Logan, but it felt like weeks. With the graduation commencement services this morning and her obligation to spend time with Aunt Brenda before her trip, there hadn’t been time to be alone with him.

  What was he doing here? She tried to restrain the hope welling within her. If it wasn’t him, her disappointment would be crushing.

  Taking several deep breaths, she walked across the porch and took the narrow path leading to the ocean.

  Logan stood when she took a few steps across the wooden planks l
eading to the stairs. “I should’ve called first.” His assured pose, his steady gaze left her breathless and she had to focus before she tumbled down the stairs. “I would’ve knocked, but Philip—”

  “I didn’t see your truck.” Addison slipped off her shoes. “Where did you park?”

  “Across the street.” Logan lifted his hand to indicate the direction, then stepped forward, distress deepening the already dark brown of his eyes. “I didn’t want to intrude. If you want me to leave—”

  “No.” How was she supposed to explain Philip’s presence? Eluding the question, she stepped closer. “I’m glad you came.”

  Exposing a quirked brow, he didn’t press but took her hand as she reached the last step.

  With an exhale, she absorbed snippets of the young man standing before her. Hardened muscles beneath soft flesh. Heavy breaths, deep and even. “Thank you,” she whispered.

  Up to now, her day had treaded along on rocky terrain. She endured the unexpected visit from Philip. Aunt Brenda blurted about her move, and Philip jumped at the opportunity to check in on her.

  But now, the day was slowly correcting onto even ground. Logan Tant walked by her side toward the water. The wind skimmed the tips of the swells and a trace of moisture drizzled over her bare arms. They stood facing the lapping waves crashing against the shore, the cool water rushing over their bare feet. Neither of them spoke.

  The sun slowly dropped and reddish orange slashed across the water.

  “Can I—” He rubbed the back of his neck, his expression thoughtful. “Can I ask a personal question?”

  Oh no. “Okay.”

  The last rays of sunlight warmed her face from their glow while she stared ahead motionless, waiting.

  “Are you and Philip still involved?”

  She stiffened as the sudden desire to spill her heart engulfed her. With a quick shift, she met his gaze. He watched her, uncertainty filling his expression. “No!” she exclaimed, shaking her head all at the same time.