The Heartbreak Cure

by Ashby, Amanda

  From there, the night was a blur of dancing. It wasn’t until the band stopped for a break that they retreated to the bar running along the back of the room. Like everything else, it was dripping with fake vines, gleaming in the dim lights.

  Alex’s hand tightened around hers. “Want something to drink?”

  “Sure,” she said as the lights suddenly brightened. She blinked to adjust as she glanced around.

  There was a commotion coming from the far end of the gymnasium as two deputies from the Sheriff’s Department walked in. They were closely followed by Mackenzie, who was deep in conversation with them. It lasted several seconds before Mackenzie pointed over to them.

  Cat blinked as the deputies walked toward them, the way clearing like an ebbing tide.

  “Alex Locke?” the first one said. “You’re wanted for questioning down at the station.”

  “What for?” Her gaze went from the deputy sheriff to Alex, but his face was a mask as he let go of her hand. “This makes no sense. He hasn’t done anything.”

  “If you’ll step aside, please,” the second deputy added. “We need to talk to Mr. Locke about his involvement in a robbery.”

  “A robbery? Alex, what’s going on?”

  “I’ve got no idea,” he finally spoke, but despite his calm voice, his face was ashen. “I guess I’m about to find out. Will your mom be able to come get you?”

  “I don’t care about getting home, I care about this,” Cat said, unable to hide the frantic panic from her voice. “You can’t go with them.”

  “I’m not sure I have a choice,” he said in a grim voice. It was the one he’d used when she’d tried to speak to him at school. When she tried to be his friend anywhere but her own backyard. It was his way of shutting off from the world.

  But I’m not the world.

  Then he shrugged and walked toward the exit, flanked by the two officers.

  “What? No.” Panic pounded through her chest as Nikki and Parker appeared. She turned to her friend. “Can’t you call your dad? Find out what’s going on? They can’t just go around taking innocent people to the station.”

  “Who said he’s innocent?” Bennet Miller called out from nearby, his mouth in a sneer.

  “Shut your face,” Nikki snapped, before focusing back on Cat. “Walt and Griff are good guys, and my dad’s working tonight. We can get to the bottom of this, but right now it’s probably best to let Alex go with them. It will draw less attention.”

  She opened her mouth, then shut again, suddenly aware all eyes were on Alex’s retreating figure. Including Mackenzie, who looked like she’d just swallowed something disagreeable.

  “Okay. But can we please go to the station and find out what’s going on?”

  “Sure,” Nikki said as she grabbed Cat’s hand, while Parker walked on the other side of her. All around people were talking in muted voices, and now that Alex was gone, she was the center of attention. Her legs started to shake. How had such a magical evening turned out to be something straight out of one of her stories?

  Chapter Twelve

  Nikki’s father, Sheriff Mathews, unlocked the holding cell where Alex had spent the night. “Clay Tait was arrested for robbery and drug possession last night and named you as his accomplice. Furthermore, the stolen goods were pawned, using your driver’s license for identification. However security footage confirms you weren’t involved, which means you’re free to go.”

  Alex rubbed his eyes and sat up. Cold concrete and steel surrounded him, along with the smell of despair and deceit.

  It was all too familiar.

  He hadn’t slept, but lying down with his eyes closed had been the easiest way to avoid talking to his cellmates. The tuxedo jacket he’d used as a pillow was rumpled and covered in dust. Then again, he doubted he’d need to wear it again. He snatched it up with one hand and walked to the door.

  “And I’m sorry for any inconvenience,” the sheriff added.

  Inconvenience?

  Being dragged out of ball in front of everyone. In front of Cat. That wasn’t an inconvenience. It was a reminder that forgetting about the past didn’t make it go away.

  A reminder I’m just like my mom.

  I hurt the ones I love.

  Not that he could blame the Sheriff’s Department for taking him down to the station the previous night. After all, when the son of a known drug addict and felon was linked to a robbery, it was kind of a no-brainer. He supposed he should be grateful that Clay—far from being a master criminal—was a junkie bum who’d left a trail brighter than a starry night after he’d stolen Alex’s ID the night before.

  “Don’t mention it.” Alex shrugged as he walked past the sheriff and over to the desk to fill in the paperwork and retrieve his car keys, phone, and wallet, including the missing license. He scanned his phone. Numerous missed calls and texts from Cat, none of which he could bring himself to open. But the next one he did read.

  An email from the Summerset Trust withdrawing their scholarship interest.

  Seemed Clay wasn’t the only one leaving a bright trail behind him.

  Resignation hit him.

  He might be free, but he was still screwed.

  He deleted the email and walked through the waiting room. He only stopped when someone coughed, and Joe got to his feet.

  “What are you doing here?” Alex scowled.

  “Well, let’s see. Between the deputy sheriff who wanted to search your apartment for stolen goods, and Maggie calling because her kid is freaked out that you were hauled away in the middle of a school dance, I figured I’d better see what was going on. Why didn’t you call me?”

  “What would have been the point?” Alex thrust his keys into his pocket and walked outside. Crap. It was bright. “There’s nothing you could’ve done.”

  “I could’ve told you not to let Clay Tait get within a mile of you, son,” Joe said. Alex hadn’t told his boss much about his past life, which meant he must’ve heard about Clay via Birdie. “You, out of everyone, should’ve known the guy’s bad news.”

  “It’s not like I sent him an invitation to visit,” Alex retorted before letting out his breath. “Look, he turned up. I got rid of him. I guess that’s when he swiped my ID. But I’m sorry this has blown back to you. I’ll move out of the apartment first thing tomorrow.”

  “You think that’s why I’m here?” Joe growled.

  “Isn’t it?” Alex kept walking.

  “I’m here because I figured you’d rather see my ugly mug than Cat or Maggie waiting for you. Which, for the record, is exactly what Cat wanted to do,” Joe snapped, and Alex came to a halt.

  “Shit.” Alex ran a hand through his short hair. “You stopped her?”

  “Only by promising you’d call her as soon as you could. If your phone’s dead, you can use mine.”

  Alex stared at the phone in Joe’s hand then shook his head. “I can’t speak to her yet. I need to get some air.”

  “Okay, but if you want my advice, talk to her soon. Alex, you’re not guilty of anything. No one’s going to judge you for this.”

  Bitterness welled up in his stomach, dark and oily.

  He fought back a laugh. People were always going to judge him. People like Bennet Miller. Mackenzie. The Summerset Trust…

  Me.

  Somehow, he’d managed to push the truth to the back of his mind in the hope it would go away. But, like Clay had just proved, things didn’t just go away.

  I’m still the same guy, which means I’ll still hurt people.

  It also meant he had to do the one thing he didn’t want to do—end it with Cat. Because if last night had taught him anything, it was that she deserved better than him. She deserved someone who could take her out without her worrying he’d be dragged off by the Sheriff’s Department.

  “You’re right.” He thrust his hands into his pockets. “And thanks for turning up, but I think I’ll walk to get my car. It’s not far.”

  Joe rubbed his chin, his gaze unflinchin
g. Then he shrugged. “Sure. I’ll see you later.”

  “Yeah.” He nodded. After all, his scholarship was blown. His reputation had sunk yet another notch, which meant his chances of getting into a decent school and away from Franklin were gone. He was drowning, but it didn’t mean he had to take Cat down with him.

  …

  “What do you mean he hasn’t called?” Nikki said as Cat paced her bedroom floor. Pale yellow beams of afternoon sun flooded in, but she ignored it. Just like she’d been ignoring everything that wasn’t Alex. “My dad said he was released this morning, and it was all a case of identity theft.”

  “I know. Joe called my mom.” She came to a halt. “But I’ve got no idea where he is. It’s driving me crazy.”

  “He probably just needs to cool off.” Nikki grabbed her hand and dragged her down onto the bed. “As an only child, you’ll need to bow to my superior wisdom from having two hot-headed brothers.”

  “You really think so?”

  “I do. He’s probably pissed off right now, and I doubt he wants to vent to you. Just give him some time.” The alarm on Nikki’s phone went. “Crap. I’ve got to go. Family lunch with my cousins. Will you be okay?”

  “Sure.” She walked Nikki down to the front door. Music was blaring from her mom’s studio, and Cat winced.

  Last night, her mom hadn’t said a word about Alex being dragged away. She’d just called Joe, and they’d decided it was best if he went down to the station. And this morning her mom had silently fussed over breakfast, refusing to make eye contact.

  Which could only mean one thing.

  A lecture was coming.

  One I don’t want to hear.

  Cat grabbed her purse and coat, and sent her mom a text as she hurried out the door. Because if she wasn’t in the house, she couldn’t hear whatever her mom wanted to say. She climbed into Martha and drove the short distance to Alex’s apartment.

  There was no answer, which didn’t really surprise her. She walked back down the stairs, her mind once again sifting for information. Even before the deputies had arrived at the ball, something had been bothering Alex.

  He’d been stiff and distracted. And yet the night before, everything had been fine, shopping for his tuxedo, eating pizza.

  Her spine straightened with a snap. Pizza.

  Ten minutes later as she pulled into the parking lot of the Shack, she caught his hunched silhouette in the window.

  Thank god.

  Relief flooded her as she locked Martha and hurried inside. On Friday night, she’d noticed everything about the place. The vintage decorations, the heat from the ovens, and the comforting aroma of yeast and tangy spices, but now she was oblivious to it all as she walked to his table, her boots tapping against the polished floorboards.

  All she could see was Alex.

  He looked up just as she reached him.

  “What are you doing here?” It was more of a growl than a question. There were dark shadows under his eyes, and he was still wearing the same clothes. For the first time since he’d been marched out of the ball, doubt nibbled at her.

  “Looking for you.” She sat down and reached for his hand, but he snatched it away like he’d been hit with a jolt of electricity. Cat flinched. “Alex, what’s going on? Why didn’t you call me, or text? I’ve been freaking out.”

  “I needed to think.” He leaned back in the booth and rubbed a hand through his short hair. It was like he was drawing a line between them. Ice crept under her skin, leaving her numb.

  “Think about what? Joe told us it had all been a mistake. Clay stole your license. You were cleared of everything.”

  He bowed his head.

  She’d seen him do it numerous times over the years. When he was at school. When he was trying to be invisible. When he was sticking to his plan. The icy sensation spread through her body. She clenched her fingers, hoping that they would spark some warmth.

  “Why do you keep trying to punish yourself like this?”

  He finally looked up, his blue eyes almost black. “God, Cat. Stop it. Stop being naive. I’m not punishing myself. I’m just accepting the truth. Everyone else has. You should, too.”

  “If you’re talking about everyone at the ball, then I’m sure they already know it was bullshit. It might take them a couple of days, but they’ll forget about it,” she said, not quite sure if it was true.

  “Like they did with you and Bennet?” he said before a flicker of pain crossed his face. “Sorry, I didn’t mean that.”

  “Alex, what’s going on? Why are you being like this?” She hugged her arms to her chest, her mind searching for clues as to what had happened. Yes, it was terrible that he’d been taken away last night. Humiliating. But surely he didn’t feel like that with her? He knows I’m not like the other people who’ve hurt him. “Are you worried that I’ll judge you? Because you know that would never happen.”

  “You’re alone in that thinking,” he said in a flat voice. “I heard from the Summerset Trust. They’ve withdrawn their interest. Who knew that they worked Saturday nights?”

  “That’s not fair. They can’t condemn you for something you didn’t do.” She leaned forward, willing him to look at her. To smile. To touch her hand with his. Instead, he clenched his jaw. Her panic increased. Why wasn’t he fighting? “You need to show them who you really are. Tell them. I’ll go with you.”

  His eyes flashed. “That’s the whole problem. You have no idea who I am. What I’ve done.”

  “That’s not true. I know you, Alex. I see you. Why are you so scared of letting the world see how amazing you are?” she said, wishing she could press a button and take down the wall he’d put up between them.

  “You want to know how amazing I am?” He stiffened his shoulders. “The night of the accident, the reason my sisters were in the car with my mom was because I couldn’t babysit. I said I was too busy.”

  She didn’t move as raw pain flashed in his eyes while color leached from his face, leaving him gray and waxen.

  He never talked to her about that night.

  Not once. The closest she’d ever seen him react was when Birdie had insisted they visit the cemetery each season to change flowers. Cat had often watched him from her window as he’d grudgingly walked behind his grandmother, holding flowers for the three people he’d lost.

  Roses. He’d always taken roses.

  Pale yellow with thin trails of pink staining the edge of each petal. She’d seen him cut them from the ancient rose bush at the back of Birdie’s yard. Sometimes the thorns would jab his skin, but he’d never even flinch. Sometimes he’d even looked pleased, like it was part of his penance, to lessen his guilt. Or remind him of it.

  So, why’s he talking about it now?

  “You had no idea what would happen,” she said, but he didn’t seem to hear. It was like he was lost in a memory that had played around in his head for the last four years. Shards of ice broke off, jabbing at her stomach.

  “I was busy because I went out with Clay and his junkie misfits to help them break into a house over in Parkridge Heights. I thought it would be a way to finally have some money. To stop having to take my sisters to the soup kitchen because they were hungry.” His eyes were cast down and his knuckles white.

  Angry flashes of pain hummed in the air, so real that Cat could reach out and touch them.

  “I don’t believe you.” She shook her head as she thought of the few times he’d spoken about his mother’s boyfriend. Not just a junkie, but also violent. He’d beaten Alex up on one more than one occasion. “You hated Clay. You wouldn’t have anything to do with him.”

  “Doesn’t make it less true.” His voice was flat and his eyes filled with resignation. “That egg in Birdie’s apartment? That was my payment for that last job. I looked it up, and it’s worth a lot of money, but after that night I couldn’t bring myself to even touch it. Birdie found it, and it’s been mocking me ever since.”

  “Which is a good thing.” She willed him to let do
wn his guard so that he could hear what she was saying.

  “Stop saying that.” His voice was flat. “A good thing would be returning it to them. It would be going to the police about what happened. It would be not selling out my family for an egg. There’s nothing about what I did that was a good thing.” The words were raw, ripped from his throat.

  “Alex,” her voice sounded desperate even to her own ears. “You can’t blame yourself. You were thirteen, hungry, scared. You’re not like that now.”

  “There was someone in the house. A guy who tried to stop us. Idiot came at Clay with a baseball bat, but Clay beat him up. The guy ended up in the hospital, and do you know what I did? I stood by and let him do it.”

  Blood pounded in her temples as she tried to picture his terror. He wasn’t as big back then as he was now, and he’d been rightly scared of his mother’s boyfriend. Stopping him would’ve been impossible.

  “You need to stop blaming yourself. Clay took advantage of you,” she whispered, longing to comfort him, but he just stared ahead. Like an actor getting ready for a new role, the beautiful lines and shadows of his face were reassembling in front of her, morphing into the same mask he’d always worn at school, the one he used for other people.

  But I’m not other people.

  He had to know that. She had to tell him. Make him understand that it wasn’t his fault. She tried to imagine that they were in her backyard, just the two of them, her mom’s music blasting from the studio as they leaned against the tree, lazy beams of sunshine flickering around them.

  The place where they’d always been friends.

  “Enough. How many excuses can you make for me?” His voice was a growl as he finally looked up at her, the mask fully in place. “My mom never blamed herself, either. Everything that went wrong in her life was because of someone else. Blaming other people doesn’t get me anywhere. All I can do is accept the truth and move on.”

  “Except you’re not moving on. You’re running away. Running from the world.” Running from me.

  Panic smashed into her chest, leaving her winded.