Then & Now
Page 1
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental
This book was prepared for publication by:
Wesley R. Wise
Cover Design by:
Ana Grigoriu
Copyright © 2018 by Karen A. Leppert
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without the written permission of the author.
Printed in the United States of America
ISBN-13: 978-1986184625
ISBN-10: 1986184625
Table of Contents
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
DEDICATION
EGGSPLOSION
BONFIRE
SCHOOL DAZE
LUNCH
CAKE
THE GAMES
DRAG RACING
ESCAPE & CAPTURE
FIRST DATE
SHOW AND TELL
NAUGHTY OR NICE
THE L WORD
SNOWFLAKE BALL
BIRTHDAY GIRL
SUMMER PARTY
WAKE-UP CALL
GOODBYE
DOING TIME
FROM BAD TO WORSE
FALL-OUT
RUMORS & REALITY
NEW LIFE
ONE YEAR
TWO YEARS
THREE YEARS
FOUR YEARS
FIVE YEARS
SIX YEARS
CLOSE CALL
KATHY AND JEFF SAY I DO…IN CANCUN
DISCOVERY
HIDE AND SEEK
NEWTON AND A NEW SHIRT
CRAVINGS
BEFORE AND AFTER
WHO’S BEEN SLEEPING IN SARAH’S BED?
ONCE UPON A TIME
PARTY
A FIRST STEP
THE HOST WITH THE MOST
DINNER AND A MOVIE…WITH A MOVIE STAR!
TODAY
LUNCH AND DINNER
OUTCAST
NO MORE RUNNING
REVELATION
THE LETTER
SURPRISE
TRADING PLACES
TRADING PLACES—PART TWO
WAITING
CLOSURE
ACTING LESSON
THAT’S A WRAP
DECLARATION
NEW YEAR, NEW LIFE
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
To my family and friends for their support over the years and for listening to me rattle on about my writing. Some of you have been the first readers of my books. I thank you for your willingness to help me along my journey as a writer.
To my editor, Stephanie Marshall, for helping me make tough decisions. A writer treasures every word. Stephanie gently edited my manuscript, keeping only those that truly shined.
To my cover artist, Ana Grigoriu. I’m not sure how long it usually takes to design a cover, but I think I might have broken a record at five months. Thanks for your showing me every possible option and for putting up with my endless questions. The cover is nothing like I imagined. It’s so much better.
To Beth Attwood. I questioned whether I needed a professional proofreader until I received Then & Now back from her. Thank goodness she has the ability to see what everyone else couldn’t.
To Wes Wise, who took my book from manuscript to print. Thanks to him, the dream of holding my book in my hands has come true.
To Andrew Carver, for designing my cover reveal banner on short notice. As his “second mother” (aka daycare provider), I always marveled at Andrew’s easy-going demeanor and can-do attitude, qualities he maintains in adulthood. It was a pleasure working with you.
To Zach and Mike, for helping me design my website and newsletter. You win the award for patience.
To Jess and Erick, who listened to me to go on about my books on their drive home from work too many evenings to count.
To Heather, our family photographer, who took the picture on the back cover. You made me look better than I really do.
And to my mother and father. I know they’re both cheering for me; Dad in heaven and Mom here on earth.
DEDICATION
To Ed,
my Then, Now, and Always
EGGSPLOSION
SARAH
Sarah pushed the broom across the floor of her parents’ grocery store and kept going through the door to the street outside. Flowers wilted in the pots that hung from the lampposts on Main Street this sizzling August day, and a long line snaked outside the ice cream store across the street.
“You know what I always say?” Mom lingered in the doorway of the store and squinted at her daughter as if she was trying to see inside Sarah’s brain. She liked to recite stupid sayings in an annoying singsong voice that sent shivers up and down her three daughters’ spines. And few were positive.
So, which one is Mom going to pull out of her parenting Bible today?
“People are watching, what are they seeing?”
“A very hot girl.”
“A job worth doing is worth doing well.”
Too tired to continue this showdown, Sarah stomped inside the store, found the dustpan behind the counter, and returned outside to pick up the trash, all the while contemplating fleeing even though she knew she wouldn’t get far. Someone would surely rat her out. Living in a small town, people made it their business to know everyone else’s business. Life was more exciting that way, unless you were the scandal de jour.
The store bustled with customers—more than usual for a Saturday. With the Fall Fair just a few weeks away, townspeople flocked to her parents’ store to buy ingredients for baking contests along with their weekly grocery shopping. Dad couldn’t compete with larger grocery chains, but he offered the freshest selection of local produce, which practically guaranteed a blue ribbon at the fair.
Mrs. Mathis came in around ten thirty burdened with an extra-long list. “Feeding three growing boys puts a dent in the grocery bill,” she said after loading the last of the groceries on the counter.
Sarah’s father nodded. “How’s the family?”
“Derrick’s working to save money for college. Keith’s excited to start high school. Seth…” Mrs. Mathis sighed. “Well, he and his friends got into a bit of trouble, so he’s spending the rest of the summer at home.”
Sarah’s father nodded again, having heard the gossip from other customers.
Dad called from the counter, “Sarah, can you help Mrs. Mathis load her groceries in her car?”
“Sure, Dad.” Sarah grabbed two grocery bags from the counter and headed for the door.
“I appreciate this, Sarah,” Mrs. Mathis said with a warm smile.
“No problem. Where’s your car?”
Mrs. Mathis gestured down the street. “Just down the block.”
“Lead the way.”
“What year are you in, Sarah?”
“I’ll be a junior this year.”
“Oh, do you know my son Seth?”
Who doesn’t? Seth Mathis was one of the most popular boys at Madison High. While his older brother, Derrick, excelled in school and sports, Seth cut class and got into trouble, a lot. In spite of this lack of regard for authority, most teachers liked him. An easygoing personality coupled with striking good looks helped him get away with things most kids couldn’t. His disregard for anything “high school” included the female student body. Seth didn’t show any interest in them. He preferred older, more experienced girls.
Sarah placed the groceries in the back of Mrs. Mathis’s station wagon. “Everybody knows everybody, but I haven’t had any classes with Seth. I’ll get the other bags.”
“Thank you.
You’re a sweetheart.”
Upon Sarah’s return, Mrs. Mathis sat in the driver’s seat with the engine running.
“Just put the bags in the back with the rest. Thanks, dear. Let’s hope there’s someone to help me when I get home.”
With an understanding smile, Sarah offered a “have a nice day” and headed back to the store.
Dad nearly ran her over at the store’s entrance. “Oh, goodness. You forgot one of the grocery bags. Would you mind taking it to Mrs. Mathis?”
“Sure, Dad.”
“Be careful. There are a dozen eggs on top. Do you know where the Mathises live?”
“Yes, Dad.”
With the truck’s air conditioning on full blast, Sarah stabbed at the buttons on the radio until she found a song she liked—“This Love” by Maroon 5—cranked up the volume, and enjoyed a leisurely ride to the Mathis house.
She pressed her face against the screen door. “Hello, it’s Sarah Matthews. We left one of your bags on the counter.”
Mrs. Mathis bellowed from inside, “Come in!”
Before the screen door slammed behind her, Sarah tripped over something on the living room floor. Under different circumstances, she might have recovered, but she concentrated on keeping a firm grip on the grocery bag and couldn’t brace herself. She fell, belly first, on the floor. The eggs crackled, and egg slime saturated her shirt.
Mrs. Mathis rushed to her side. “Sarah, are you all right?”
“Yes, I’m sorry. I’m usually not such a klutz. I must have tripped on something.”
She glanced back to where she’d fallen. A pair of work boots lay in the middle of the floor. Mystery solved.
Mrs. Mathis looked down the hallway. “Seth, how many times have I told you to put your work boots away. You nearly killed poor Sarah.”
With that, a sleepy-eyed Seth came into the hallway, scratching his bare chest. “Sorry, Mom.” He caught a glimpse of Sarah’s egg-slimed T-shirt and stifled a laugh.
Mrs. Mathis helped Sarah stand. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”
“That’s okay,” she said, but thought, Just kill me now. “I’ll get cleaned up at the store and bring back another dozen eggs.”
“Nonsense.” She pushed Sarah toward the bathroom.
“Yeah,” Seth said with a wry grin. “If you go out in that heat, those eggs might fry right there on your chest.”
“Seth!” Mrs. Mathis said. “That’s enough. Get Sarah one of your shirts. You should put one on too.”
Seth headed toward the bedroom while Mrs. Mathis ushered Sarah to the bathroom, where she gave her a fresh towel and washcloth. Sarah shut the door and looked in the mirror. What a sight! Her T-shirt was a mosaic of raw eggs and eggshells. No wonder Seth had laughed so hard.
After removing her shirt and bra, she washed, all the while praying Mrs. Mathis would bring the new shirt and she could make a quick escape. Her prayers went unanswered.
A soft knock on the bathroom door was followed by Seth whispering, “Here’s a shirt.”
Sarah cracked the door open. “Thank you.”
“No problem.”
Sarah pulled the shirt over her head, wrapped the egg-soaked clothes in a ball, and placed the towel and washcloth on the hamper.
Please let him be gone. Another unanswered prayer. When she made a beeline for the front door, Mrs. Mathis called, “Well, I see Seth’s shirt is too big for you. At least it’s dry.” She jabbed at Seth’s ribs.
“Listen, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have been so careless. You didn’t hurt yourself, did you?”
“I’m fine. Accidents happen.” She turned to flee, but fate dealt her a cruel hand—another one of Mom’s famous quotes—when she slipped on more “egg slime” on her way to the front door.
Seth rushed to her side and offered his hand. “This just isn’t your day. Should you be driving?”
He smelled good and looked even better. Their eyes met for an instant, and an intense heat rushed to her cheeks.
“I do seem to be fighting a losing battle here.”
Seth guided her toward the door. “I’ll walk you to your truck.”
A current of exhilaration coursed up and down her spine from his touch. Seth didn’t seem to notice. He pushed the screen door open and waited for her to pass through.
“Tell your mother I’ll bring another dozen eggs.”
“I’ll get the eggs. It’s the least I can do. Anyway, I need an excuse to get out of the house. You go ahead. I’ll meet you at the store.”
Great. Let’s prolong this embarrassment further.
Sarah started the truck, eased out of the driveway, and headed for Main Street as fast as legally allowed.
“What took you so long?” Dad pointed to Seth’s T-shirt. “What happened? Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. I dropped the grocery bag, and the eggs broke all over my shirt. Seth Mathis is coming for another dozen. Will you get them while I finish cleaning up in the back?”
“Sure.”
Sarah dashed to the stockroom, where she watched Seth come into the store.
“Hello, Mr. Matthews.”
“Hello, Seth. I understand Sarah had a mishap with the groceries. She can be accident prone at times.”
Thanks, Dad.
“Well, this time it wasn’t her fault,” Seth said but conveniently failed to confess his work boots had led to her mishap.
“I guess your mother needs another dozen eggs.” Dad headed for the dairy section of the store. “Is there anything else you need?”
“Not that I know of. How much do I owe you?”
“Nothing. After all, it was Sarah’s fault. Tell your mother I’m sorry for the inconvenience, and I’ll see her next week.”
“Okay, then.”
Sarah looked down at Seth’s shirt. She couldn’t wait to tell her friends what had happened!
SETH
What a way to end the summer! First, the police had caught him drag racing and now this, practically injuring that girl from the grocery store.
Seth took the long way home, driving slowly enough to catch every light. His mother’s imposed “house arrest” had made him antsy. Preferring to be busy, he couldn’t fathom the thought of spending the last days of summer quarantined at home. Worse yet, a classroom would soon hold him captive.
Unlike his brothers, Seth loathed anything academic. Derrick and Keith were excellent students. They even liked to read. Seth preferred getting his hands dirty taking something apart and putting it back together again.
He shouted upon walking through the door, “I’m home! Do you need any help with the groceries?”
Mom appeared in the kitchen doorway with a look he’d seen too many times before. “No.”
He returned it with an impish grin and handed her the eggs. “I’m sorry, Mom. I’ll make an effort to pick up after myself.”
“Thank you. Was Sarah okay?”
“I don’t know. I didn’t see her. I guess she was in the back or something.”
“Poor girl. She was embarrassed. Do you know her?”
Seth had seen Sarah at school and knew she had an older sister, Kathy, but not much else. “I recognized her, but she isn’t in any of my classes. She’s in the accelerated program.”
“She seems like a nice girl, always helpful. I hope she’s okay.”
“I’m sure she’s fine, Mom.”
Seth didn’t give it another thought until his mother recounted the day’s events to his brothers at dinner.
“Sarah Matthews?” Derrick asked. “She’s Pat’s cousin. Seth, you know her. She’s been at Pat’s parties.”
Derrick had been dating Pat Hutchins for a while. Seth liked Pat and thought her a good influence on his brother. She knew how to have a good time—Seth’s idea of a good time.
“I don’t remember her.”
“Of course not.” He leaned back in his chair. “You usually can’t remember much after Pat’s parties.”
“Well, you should know.” If Derr
ick wanted to incriminate him, he would have to implicate himself as well. After all, the parties were at his girlfriend’s house.
Mom tapped her fork against her glass. “That’s enough, boys.”
After dinner, Seth strolled to the sofa to watch TV while Derrick gathered his keys and wallet for an evening out.
“Where are you headed?” Seth asked.
“The lake.”
Seth wiggled in his seat, already feeling antsy. “Have fun.”
“Oh, I will. Don’t wait up.”
With his brother’s departure, Seth sat alone, pondering why he either ran wild or endured house arrest. There didn’t seem to be an in between for him. He didn’t know how to be normal, being all about extremes. Why couldn’t he enjoy some of the simple things in life instead of always craving excitement?
He didn’t like to date, preferring to hook up with older girls he met at parties hosted by his friends from the rodeo. No commitment, no hassles. He was careful, of course. Derrick had lectured him on safe sex and given him condoms. Seth didn’t abuse his good fortune. At least he didn’t think so.
Still, Seth did envy his brother in one way. Derrick enjoyed having someone to call his own, and he didn’t seem to miss playing the field. While Seth didn’t desire it for himself, he wondered how it felt to be so in love with one person no one else held any interest for him. Maybe one day, he would find out. For now, he wanted to have fun.
Not tonight, though.
BONFIRE
SETH
The bonfire was ablaze when Seth arrived, its fiery tendrils waving like a bunch of kids beckoning to a playmate to join them. And he did. It had taken a lot of wrangling to come to the party, and Derrick’s presence had factored into his mother’s decision to give Seth a reprieve from his “house arrest.”
Seth sadly recognized only kids from school. No matter. Nothing could deter him from having a good time. Still, he grabbed a six-pack from the cab of his truck to guarantee it.
Further assurances came when he spied a couple of his friends hovering by the fire, each with a beer in hand. His cohorts in crime, as Mom called them. They weren’t a gang, per se, yet they did have a propensity for getting into trouble.