by Kyra Jacobs
“That conniving little—”
“How’d you know that, Ruby?” said Kayla, cutting Maddie off before she said something in front of her boss she might regret.
The old innkeeper smiled. “I play bridge with half the town’s elders, dear. There’s not much that goes on around here I don’t know.”
“But it doesn’t make any sense.” Maddie ran a hand over her hair. “If he opened a successful shop, logic would have it that he’d eventually quit here. I’d think she would want to help him succeed, not harass him right out of business.”
“Yes, but you’re talking logic and Sarah in the same sentence. And from what you’ve said about her in the past,” said Miles, “never the two shall mix.”
Maddie shook her head. “I don’t know, Miles. I just have this feeling there’s something more. Something we’ve overlooked.”
He shrugged. “Maybe so, but this video still doesn’t help us get her off Cole’s back.”
“Actually,” said Brent. “Maybe it does. Madds, what kind of car does Sarah drive?”
“A black Dodge Dart. Why?”
“Bingo.” He and Kayla exchanged a fist bump. “Kay and I went into town yesterday, asking other shop owners in the vicinity if any of them had surveillance cameras. Her brother Tommy’s shop is near there, so we already knew of a few. Unfortunately for us, only one had video footage easily accessible. They were too far from Cole’s shop to see the actual vandalism, but someone in a dark hoodie stepped out of a parked car behind their shop, threw a backpack over their shoulder, then hopped a privacy fence in the direction of Granville Guitars. Same person came back a short while later, emptied something in the dumpster, then drove off in that car.”
“Let me guess,” Miles said. “It was a black Dodge Dart.”
“Yup.”
“What about the other shops?” Maddie looked to Kayla. “The ones that didn’t have instant access?”
“Brent and I are going back today to see if any were able to pull the footage from that night. Hopefully, we’ll have good news by dinnertime.”
Good news for them, but catching Sarah wouldn’t allay the fears and prejudice already triggered all over town toward Cole. If only there was a giant do-over button, something that could wipe the slate clean and bring him some peace in a matter of days not months or years. Plus, all this bad publicity had been brutal to his sales and lesson roster. With the inn set to close in a few short weeks, money was going to get really tight if something didn’t give.
In the midst of her worry, an idea sprang to mind. One that involved a certain former playboy accountant, who’d wooed Channel 10’s Miss Jensen not long ago. Once Stephanie Fitzpatrick arrived on the scene, it’d killed that fling before it’d even started. But that didn’t mean he’d lost that social connection…
“You still on decent terms with Amber, Miles?”
He grimaced. “Barely. Though, that interview I got her with Stephanie at our last event might have helped smooth things over a bit. Why?”
“Good. Because once we have proof that Sarah was our thief, you’re going to call in a favor for me. Penance for doubting my dishwasher, among other things.” Her gaze shifted to the front window, where sunshine was beginning to break through the clouds. “If it’s gossip this town wants, it’s gossip they’re going to get.”
…
You should have listened.
That was today’s message awaiting him at the shop. Thankfully, it was painted big as life on the alley side this time. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the only message intended to ostracize him further today. “I harbor criminals” had been painted on Granville Hardware’s storefront, and “We hire ex-cons” painted on the driveway side of the Checkerberry Inn.
And Cole. Was. Pissed.
He’d stormed down to the police station, demanded to speak to whoever was in charge. When they’d listened less-than-politely and told him there wasn’t much they could do, he threatened to get a lawyer. That’d made the desk sergeant sit up taller, but still no help came. By the time he’d returned to the shop, Channel 10’s van was parked out front, Amber Jensen knocking on his front door.
Apparently, the Closed sign didn’t mean much to her. Too bad, as that was the way he planned to leave it. Cole had no lessons lined up that day, or any for the rest of the week, all thanks to yesterday’s fiasco. And after today? Forget it, he was done.
It wasn’t giving up, he told himself as he crammed as much inventory into his car as he could manage, it was cutting his losses. Sparing those closest to him from having to endure the drama that’d swooped down this past week and swallowed him whole. His grandfather had been wrong—moving forward wasn’t about facing his past, it was about erasing it. And that’s exactly what he planned to do: move to a new town in another state, get his name changed, and start the hell over.
He hated to leave his grandfather, and the thought of losing Maddie bordered on devastating, but he refused to be someone who put themselves before their friends and family. He’d grown up with that kind of person and swore he’d never be her. This was his chance to prove it once and for all.
Cole just prayed Maddie would understand and one day learn to forgive him.
He headed to the bank, withdrew what little he had, and then slipped in the back stairway door at his grandfather’s place to grab his few belongings. All packed, he stood in the center of the room, struggling to keep his emotions in check. He wanted to punch something. Knock down walls and throw furniture. That, and curl into a fetal position all at the same time. Instead he rushed to the bathroom and threw up the breakfast Maddie had lovingly left for him on the counter next to Fido.
See? Even now he dishonored her. God, she deserved so much better. But was he strong enough to walk away from the only woman who’d ever seen beyond his past, who didn’t seem bothered about his crumby upbringing or bleak future?
He closed his eyes and pictured her beautiful face. That peaches and cream skin he could make blush with just the right look or smile. Those curves that went on forever, her hair soft as silk. The set of her lips when there was fire in her eyes.
“Oh, Madds,” he whispered, head leaning back against the vanity’s pedestal. “You deserve so much more.”
Chapter Nineteen
Maddie paced the Checkerberry’s kitchen floors that night, making herself dizzy looking between the sauces simmering on the stove and the clock across the room. Dang it, where was he already? Cole had fallen off the radar before lunch, claiming his cell’s battery was about dead and he couldn’t find his charger. A piss poor excuse, but she’d taken the hint and backed off. That was before Kayla had returned with good news.
News that Cole would definitely want to hear, if he ever turned back up.
A millionth glance at the clock and Maddie felt worry snake around her chest. Five after four, and he was never late.
Ever.
“He show up yet?”
She spun around to see Kayla peeking through the double-doors, excitement lighting her pretty face. “No, and I’m about ready to send out a search party.”
“I’m on it.”
Kayla ducked back out of view, and Maddie returned her attention to her work. Which, admittedly, is where it should be. Too bad her heart was wrecking havoc on her concentration right now.
He is going to show, she told herself. Probably just got delayed at work or ran out of gas. Two very logical explanations out of a hundred logical reasons. But deep down, she wasn’t buying it. At ten after, her gut was telling a whole other tale, one that involved her, the kitchen, and no more Cole.
“He wouldn’t just leave,” she whispered, desperately wanting to believe it.
A knock sounded from the kitchen’s side door just as Maddie was finishing chopping greens for the salad. She bolted for the door, her elbow catching an empty metal mixing bowl. It fell to the ground as she dashed by, the resulting clang echoing through the space sure to draw diners’ attentions. But she didn’t care. In fact, in
that moment she didn’t care about anything except the man who’d finally arrived. She threw open the door and dove out into the cold October air, arms open wide—
And stopped.
“Tyson? W-what are you doing here?”
…
Cole headed down West Deerfield Road, trying to strengthen his resolve to leave without seeing Maddie and failing miserably. He’d longed for her all day like an addict needing a fix of comfort, of love. But she’d been at work and he’d been, well, a mess. That’s what vicious mobs, looming leases, and little income did to a guy, in love with an amazing woman or not.
So he’d packed his things and slid out the back door, leaving his grandfather a note and envelope with money for this month’s shop lease on the kitchen table. He’d send next month’s before it was due, the note promised, though he actually had other plans. Plans that would include another local musician who’d wanted that storefront. Then maybe both Granvilles could wash their hands of the place.
It sucked, watching his dreams go up in smoke and his first real relationship coming to an end before it technically got started. Him walking away from the only real family he had left. But it was the right thing to do, he told himself as the inn’s drive came into view. For everyone involved.
He slowed to make the turn, glanced up the drive for any oncoming traffic, and drew to a stop. There were two people standing just outside the kitchen’s side door, and even from this distance he knew by their shapes exactly who they were. Tyson stood before Maddie, a bouquet of flowers in his hands. He extended his arm toward her, and she took the flowers, bringing them to her face, then lowering them before her.
Cole’s gaze slid to the envelope atop the pile of his possessions on the passenger seat. He’d meant to leave it on her windshield, his final surprise for her. This one, he knew, wouldn’t bring a smile to her face like the others had. The entire ride over, he’d debated going through with his plan to leave town, to leave her. But seeing Tyson here, bringing her thoughtful gifts that went beyond silly scribbles on napkins and menus, only solidified in his mind what he already knew:
He had to set her free.
Maddie deserved more, so much more than he could possibly hope to give her. Even if his studio had taken off, the income would have been modest. Nowhere near enough to support a relationship, or a family…
No, he didn’t deserve to go down that line of thinking. And while the thought of never seeing her again absolutely crushed him, deep down he knew she would be fine. Over these past few weeks, she’d stopped hiding from the world, had started to be brave, adventurous. A man like Tyson would give her all she needed, and beat the tar out of anyone who threatened to take that confidence away again.
Swallowing hard, he gave the pair one last look. They had yet to move inside. Though, at this hour, he could only guess she was thanking him for the flowers but insisting she had to get back to work. And wondering where the heck Cole was.
Guilt and regret threatened to swallow him whole.
The fading sun shone off Maddie’s hair, making his fingers itch to run through its long waves one last time. But that time had passed, the memory of their night together one he would never forget. Rather than pull down the drive and deposit his letter as planned, he headed back into town to make one last stop.
Did that make him a coward? Maybe so. She’d never been an easy woman to persuade, especially on topics she felt strongly about. But this was the right thing to do, he knew in his heart. Hopefully someday she’d learn to forgive him, and would find an even stronger love with a better man. A man with a future, one who could offer her the world.
Unfortunately, Cole couldn’t be him. But as he slipped the envelop under her drafty, behemoth of a front door, he was able to find a glimmer of comfort knowing he had indeed been good to his word—Cole had promised to help Maddie snag Tyson, and it seemed that’s exactly what was happening. After all, Granvilles were always good to their word.
He just never imagined being good to his word would mean sacrificing his own heart along the way.
…
Maddie wasn’t surprised to find her windshield note-free after work. Wasn’t entirely surprised to see Cole’s rarely used clunker car missing from the lot behind his grandfather’s shop, either. But when she shouldered her apartment door open that evening and spied a single, plain white envelope waiting for her on the floor, well, it brought her to her knees.
Because she knew this was good-bye.
She reached for it with a shaking hand and held it close, tracing her name etched in Cole’s now-familiar handwriting across its smooth surface. A hint of his sandalwood cologne still clung to the paper, though the adhesive on its flap had long since dried.
How long ago had he left it? Before his shift? After?
She drew in a deep breath, memorizing his scent, picturing his smile. But stalling wouldn’t bring him back, and so with tear-filled eyes she tore the envelope open and withdrew the letter inside.
Dearest Maddie,
By now you’ve figured out that this won’t be one of my usual after work notes. I’m afraid those are done now, gone the way of the Dodo and Saber Toothed Jackrabbits. I can only hope they entertained you half as much as they cheered me writing them. And while I will miss leaving them for you more than you can know, I’m headed west, as far from this town as the cash in my pocket will take me. Because my past, as I knew deep down it would, has found and ruined my future once again. And despite my best efforts, it’s also on the verge of ruining the lives of those I love as well.
I couldn’t live with myself if I stayed, choosing my own selfish needs over the livelihoods of my grandfather, of Ruby, of you. And so I’ve spared you all the trouble of trying to make it work or wait out the storm. The storm’s over now, following me toward the Great Plains. I hope to bury it there, leave it behind along with my name and all the memories of my shitty childhood that came along with it.
Will it work? I don’t know. But I’m tired of trying to hide my past, or putting the burden of helping me hide from it on those closest to me.
Please don’t come looking for me. Leaving you once is killing me, and to leave you a second time would surely do me in. Because I’d have to leave you again, I’m sure of it, to protect you from the trouble I fear I’ll never fully escape. And you deserve far better than that.
Far better than me.
Though, that doesn’t mean I won’t spend the rest of my days missing you. Never in my life have I encountered anyone as selfless, determined, sassy, and beautiful as you. Our time together these past few weeks have been hands down the best of my life—wipe that look from your face, because I’m not blowing smoke. Without you, I never would have had the chance to attempt my dream studio, or the courage to leave and bother even trying to start over.
Because of you, I have hope.
Please keep an eye on my grandfather, he’s even more stubborn about not asking for help when he needs it than I am. You have every right to hate me right now, but I know out of anyone, you’ll understand. So I hope one day you’ll grow to forgive me, and that whenever you hear a Journey song you’ll think back to our times together. And if you feel moved to sing, well, just try not to sing it too loudly (the others don’t appreciate your voice nearly as much as I do).
All my love,
Your Scarecrow
His sketch of a scarecrow, doodled in the corner, was what kicked her tears into overdrive.
All their fun, all their laughter, all their commiserating.
Gone.
When at last the sobbing had faded to sniffles, and the finality of his departure began to truly set in, Maddie traded the floor for her couch. She curled up in the same corner she’d slept in last night, pulling the pillow that he’d laid on close to her chest.
“But Cole,” she whispered, her gaze shifting to the darkened skies outside. “Scarecrows aren’t supposed to move.”
Chapter Twenty
Cole slid into the booth across f
rom Gavin at Moe’s Tavern in Remus, Michigan Friday afternoon, looking left and right out of habit if nothing else. The chances of him running into anyone else he knew in a blip on the radar like this town was about one in a billion. And while he’d liked to have been farther than half an hour from Mount Pleasant by now, this was the soonest Gavin could meet with him.
Even though his grandfather would have likely found a way out of that lease on his own, Cole refused to be irresponsible and skirt his duties like Daisy Mae always had. Bailing on Maddie and the others had been brutal enough on his conscience as it was.
“So what’s the deal, Granville?” asked Gavin, twirling a fork in his right hand. “I heard you were turning the town upside down while I was out west.”
“Something like that,” Cole grumbled, eyeing the menu sticking cockeyed out of a cluster of condiments on the table’s wall side. No, he needed to conserve what money he had, at least until he got into Illinois. Maybe there he could start looking for odd jobs, help him pay for a motel room or two as he kept moving farther west. That, or find an old abandoned barn where he could throw down a sleeping bag. At this point, both options sounded a million times better than spending one more night wedged into his car.
“Ah, a modest guy.” Gavin shrugged. “Whatev, it’s cool. Did you know the chick behind it all?”
“Sorry?”
“That girl and her boyfriend who got busted for painting up you and your gramps’s shops. Sarah something. Guess she worked at the Checkerberry before starting this fall at her grandparents’ real estate company.”
Sonofagun. “Let me guess. Sheridan Realty.”
“That’s the one. Pa said your gramps was pissed. Trying to vote old Bob Sheridan out of the Elks club as we speak.”
“Huh.” I hope he does.
“Yeah, it’s not often we have so much drama going on in the old part of town.” Gavin grinned. “Usually, that crap stays over by the casino or on campus.”