Love in the Heartland

by Diana Currie

  “Morons in their basement bedrooms who have nothing better to do than anonymously criticize famous people,” Maddie answered. “Now be quiet, I’m getting to the horribly embarrassing portion of the letter.”

  “Ooo, please proceed.”

  Maddie rolled her eyes. “Just so you know, I defend you incessantly. Anyone who says you’re ugly must be blind from birth! And people who say you ruined the Caleb Thomas character obviously didn’t read the book. I know this because I did read it and you bring him to life so beautifully that while I’m watching you on screen I forget Caleb isn’t a real person. It’s kinda sad when the movie ends and I must return to reality. I guess that is why I am so intrigued by you as an actor. I’m going back to watch every movie you ever appeared in because I can’t get enough “Caleb.”

  Don’t misunderstand, I do realize you are two separate people, but that role was so impactful for me that I will never be able to think of Caleb without seeing your face. Sorry, that sounds weird. How do I explain my strong, irrational feelings for you?

  N-is for Nice

  A-is for Arousing

  T - is for Treasured

  H - is for Hottie

  A - is for Adorable

  N - is for Necessity (like air to breath!)

  I am so sorry about that, I didn’t write that part! My best friend, Holly, did! You noticed the handwriting was different, right? She stole my letter and wrote that. She says Hi, by the way.

  Anyway, I hope you don’t think I’m just another crazy fan. I just feel oddly attracted to you. Not just in a sexual way (even though I find you very handsome of course). I mean I feel like we could be friends. That’s dumb, I probably sound like a nut-zo little fan girl even though I’m older than you! I just wish we could meet so I could finally reconcile the differences between Caleb and Nathan. For instance, do you lose your temper like Caleb? Do you run your fingers through your hair the way he does or is that a habit you picked up for the character? Are you as passionate as him? As dark and mysterious?

  These are things I need to get to the bottom of. Maybe someday that will happen. Until then, I will keep seeing you in my dreams.

  Holly also says that she wants to meet you too, and do things with you that I refuse to write down on paper. SHE is the nut-zo fan girl!!! Not me… I am just a steadfast admirer.

  Always yours,

  Maddie Sherratt

  Amarillo, Texas”

  Nathan didn’t have a comment ready when Maddie finished the letter. She bit her lip nervously as he continued to drive down the highway. After a minute she couldn’t stand the silence anymore.

  “You’re freaking me out. What are you thinking?” she asked.

  He turned to look at her briefly and then returned his eyes to the road. “I’m not like Caleb at all,” he finally said.

  “I know you’re not. I swear to you that I don’t love you for the fictional character who shares your face. I don’t see him when I look at you.”

  “I know that,” Nathan responded. “I meant I’m not dark and mysterious. I’m not intense or passionate like him. I don’t have a motorcycle or a dark side.”

  Maddie was confused. “You sound like that makes you less desirable or something. Are you worried that I don’t like your personality as much as Caleb Thomas’?” she asked stifling a giggle. The notion was absurd that she could prefer a fictional character to Nathan!

  “You sounded so hopeful in that letter, like you were wishing that you’d discover Caleb’s soul was alive inside me or something, because that would mean he wasn’t quite so fictional after all.”

  “Nathan, that’s crazy. I remember feeling like I didn’t know where Caleb ended and you began. It made me anxious to have a crush on a fictional character. It made me sad that I didn’t know anything real about you. I wanted to know who you really were because I did recognize that you were your own man, and I’d much rather have feelings for you than for him! The only pieces of the puzzle I got were from interviews and even then you weren’t really yourself in front of the cameras.”

  “So, was there any moment that you felt let down? A time when I didn’t live up to the image you’d created in your mind?”

  “Nathan! How could you ever ask that? You are everything I hoped you’d be and so much more. I was afraid you’d be neurotic or self-centered; that I’d find you’d let your fame go to your head. To find out that you were sweet, and thoughtful, and so down to Earth was such a relief. I was so worried about drugs or alcohol having a strong hold on you when we met, but again I was surprised to see how eager you were to overcome those temptations. You may not be the bad boy Caleb Thomas is, but I was never hoping you would be! I love that you care about your family and you have so much respect for everyone in your life. With you I’m living a love story so much more exciting that the one Eli Duncan wrote about.”

  Nathan blushed as he turned to look at Maddie’s face. “You really feel that way?”

  “Yes,” she replied seriously. “You never cease to amaze me.”

  Nathan ran his hand through his hair in the same way he did in EVOL and Maddie bit her lip to keep from laughing. “I hope you’re ready to be amazed one more time,” he said as he exited Route 40 and drove the car closer and closer to Maddie’s house. He recognized the local roads and knew they were only five minutes away from their destination.

  “What do you mean ‘get ready to be amazed’?” she asked.

  “You’ll see,” Nathan replied with a huge grin on his face.

  He glanced over to see Maddie fold her arms over her chest in frustration. It was difficult to hold in his excitement as the car rolled to a stop in the driveway at Maddie’s house. There was a noticeable spring in his step as Nathan got out of the car and retrieved their luggage from the back seat. Maddie offered to take a bag but Nathan waved her off.

  “I got them. Go on ahead and open the front door,” he suggested.

  Maddie saw her parents’ cars were also in the driveway and knew the door would be unlocked. It was good to be home and she felt calm and content knowing that she was back in Texas. The flowers Sandy planted in May still lined the walkway and the familiar door mat and welcome sign hanging on the door greeted her warmly.

  Nathan hurried up behind Maddie lugging all the bags as she pushed the front door open. He saw all the balloons and streamers inside the house at the same time she did. “Surprise!” shouted a large crowd of people popping up from behind tables and sofas.

  Maddie screamed and jumped back, bumping into Nathan’s chest. “What the hell?”

  “Welcome home, Angel,” he whispered into her ear.

  And then she was surrounded. Sandy, Joe, Kyle, Holly, and many other people Nathan didn’t know rushed around her for hugs and greetings. He noticed the party guests were far more numerous than Sandy had told him over the phone and wondered who all the young women were because he knew Maddie didn’t have that many friends.

  “What is all this?” he heard Maddie ask after she’d hugged everyone surrounding her.

  “It’s a welcome home / birthday party for you, sweetheart!” Sandy explained excitedly. “It was all Nathan’s idea.”

  “You planned this?” she questioned, turning around to find Nathan standing behind her.

  He shrugged innocently. “Your birthday is in ten days. And I knew you’d tell me to go film that movie. You didn’t really think I’d let it pass without celebrating, did you?”

  Maddie was about to respond when Holly squeezed her way through the crowd of people and gave Maddie a big hug. “Welcome back! Happy birthday!” she cheered and then stepped back and set her attention on Nathan. “Hi again, Nathan.”

  “Hi there, Holly. How are you?” Nathan replied cordially. He was relieved to see that she didn’t look like she might pass out this time.

  “I’m so excited that you were able to come to town for a few days. We’re so happy to have you.”

  Nathan smiled and again noticed all the young women’s faces that were f
ocused on him. In fact, they were staring and it dawned on him that these women were more likely friends and acquaintances of Holly’s than of Maddie. He wasn’t going to make a big deal out of it because he didn’t want to take away from Maddie’s party, but he did wonder who allowed them all to come inside the house.

  Sandy took control of the party by announcing where everyone could find the food and alcohol. She asked Joe to turn on the music and dim the lights. There were pink and silver helium balloons covering the high ceilings and a disco ball hanging from the center of the room. Nathan watched with amusement as Sandy dragged Maddie by the hand until they were underneath it and both laughed happily. He had given Sandy a thousand dollars to throw the party and she did a fantastic job with decorating. As soon as the music started, the spotlight hit the disco ball and more people made their way over to the dance floor.

  Maddie’s nieces were fascinated with the way the lights were reflecting off the disco ball; they repeatedly reached out to try and grab flickers of light that bounced off the wooden flooring. Nathan laughed out loud thinking that the twins resembled kittens chasing a laser pen.

  Kyle walked over with two beers in his hands and stood beside Nathan. “Hey man. Want a beer?”

  Nathan took it and replied, “Thanks. This is actually my favorite beer.”

  Kyle laughed, “Yeah, that’s what Holly said when she made me bring it over to you.”

  “Oh, that’s kinda creepy,” Nathan replied chuckling. “Thanks for throwing this party for Maddie. You guys did a great job; she was totally surprised, wasn’t she?”

  Kyle nodded. “Yeah, her face was priceless! She looks happy out there.”

  Maddie was now dancing with Addison and Rebecca, picking them up and twirling them around in circles. Nathan watched her smileand kiss her nieces on their cheeks. She really did look happy.

  “I’m not dancing to this shitty music though,” Kyle added.

  Nathan smirked. “Not a Gaga fan?”

  “Not at all.”

  “Just dance, Kyle. It’s gonna be okay,” Nathan quoted the song that was playing on the dance floor.

  Kyle shot Nathan a look and said, “Dude…” then just shook his head dumbfounded.

  “Your girls seem to like it,” Nathan commented. Holly had moved to the dance floor and was holding Addison while Rebecca was still in Maddie’s arms.

  Kyle smiled as he watched them. “Can I ask you something? About Maddie.”

  “Sure,” Nathan replied warily.

  They walked away from the party to a quieter spot down the hall. Kyle looked like he had something to get off his chest and Nathan worried about what it was. Kyle leaned against the wall and took a long swig from the beer bottle in his hand.

  “You and my sister are getting pretty serious, right?”

  Nathan nodded. “Very serious.”

  “But she’s staying here for school.”

  “She graduates in May,” Nathan pointed out.

  “So, what’s going to happen then? Is she planning to move to Los Angeles?”

  Shaking his head Nathan replied, “Honestly, I don’t know. To me, that makes the most sense, but I know it’s not what she wants. We haven’t made any decisions about what to do after her graduation.”

  “I know it’s selfish for me to want her to stay in Amarillo,” Kyle said. “But I don’t just want her here for me. It’s the babies I’m thinking about. They didn’t understand why Mads was gone for two months. Every time we came over here they’d run around the house looking for her. They don’t have much family, you know? Maddie’s my only sibling and we don’t have any cousins. I know Leanna’s not coming back, but I try to see her parents as much as I can stand for the girls’ sake. Leanna’s mom babysat them a bunch of times over the summer, but they still love Maddie so much.”

  “I don’t want to take Maddie away from her family, Kyle. And she doesn’t want to leave you guys either. I’ve been thinking about this all summer and it’s an issue we’ll need to work out, but I don’t want to upset her these last few days we have together.”

  “Speaking of upsetting her,” Kyle said wincing, “I need to tell her something that might really piss her off.”

  “What is it?” Nathan asked.

  “Oh, man. I’ve sort of… kinda been… while she was gone…”

  “Yeah…”

  “Fudhin Hllee ull shumnher.”

  “Say that again,” Nathan requested.

  Kyle prepared himself and took a cleansing breath. “I’ve been fucking Holly all summer.”

  “What! Why? How did that happen?” Nathan wondered.

  “I was desperate for babysitters when Maddie left! I’m not blaming her at all, I’m just saying she was my go-to sitter and my mom and Leanna’s mom can only handle the twins’ double trouble for so long before they get exhausted. So, I started paying Holly to watch them while I went to work. She was at my apartment a lot… she was bored with Maddie gone. I dunno, it just happened.”

  “Are you dating her? Or just fucking her?”

  “I want to date her, but I have this sinking feeling she’s only with me to get closer to you.”

  “That’s crazy. She already has a connection; she’s best friends with my girlfriend. How much closer does she need to get?”

  “This is Holly we’re talking about. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’d agree to marry me just to someday be your in-law. I’ve had a thing for Holly since Maddie first met her, but I know she’s really in love with you. Holly was way more excited about Maddie’s homecoming than even Sandy was.”

  “I don’t know what to say, Kyle, except to promise you that I will never, ever, be interested in Holly. It’s not that she isn’t attractive or anything, but your sister has me so very much in love with her that I’ve even considered moving here if that’s what it took to keep her in my life.”

  “Really?”

  “Don’t say anything to Maddie or anyone else, please. Like I said, I need to have a serious discussion with her at some point.”

  “Don’t say anything to Maddie about Holly and we have a deal. Holly doesn’t want to tell her at all.”

  Nathan frowned. “You should tell her.”

  “I know,” Kyle sighed. “Soon.”

  They walked back into the party and Maddie’s searching eyes found Nathan immediately. She waved him over to the dance floor. Nathan finished his beer and told Kyle he was going to go dance with the birthday girl. He crossed the room and wrapped an arm around Maddie’s waist.

  “Are you having a good time, Angel?”

  “Yes! I can’t believe you did this. Thank you.”

  Nathan smiled wide. “I’d do anything for you,” he said.

  Maddie wrapped her arms around his neck and began swaying with the music, encouraging Nathan to dance with her. He knew an awful lot of young women were watching him but he tried not to let it bother him.

  “Holly confiscated their cell phones at the door,” Maddie said, somehow knowing from Nathan’s expression what he was thinking.

  “Did she invite every girl on campus?” he asked trying not to sound annoyed. He really wasn’t, as long as they all behaved themselves. If he was dealing with twenty more Holly’s, surely he would have seen someone faint by now.

  “Not just on campus. Holly admitted it was also the girls in her Zumba class, and she might have Tweeted something about it too.” Maddie wasn’t angry with her friend; she understood how Holly’s mind worked. She honestly couldn’t help herself.

  “Do you want me to indulge them? I wanted this party to be just about you,” Nathan said.

  “You know I hate being the center of attention. I don’t mind at all if you say hello to them and sign some autographs. I know I’d want you too if I was in their shoes.”

  They continued dancing close together and Maddie closed her eyes, listening to the beat of the music. Dancing with Nathan always turned her on, and as much as she loved her surprise party she was already looking forward to curling up
next to him in her bed. Her own bed! She couldn’t wait to go upstairs and get reacquainted with her comfy bed.

  After a few more songs Maddie and Nathan were both surprised when the music died down and Sandy tapped her fingers on a live microphone. “Attention. Attention everyone!” Sandy said into the mic.

  “I just wanted to say welcome home to my beautiful baby girl, Madeline! We’ve missed you so much sweetheart, and we’re so happy to have you home. And I also want to wish you a very happy birthday. Twenty-six years ago, you made me the happiest woman in the world. I love you, baby!”

  Everyone clapped and Maddie hid her face in her hands. So much for avoiding being the center of attention. “Okay, back to the music. I’m going to start cutting the cake in the kitchen. And there’s plenty more food and drinks, so everybody eat up!” Sandy said and then switched off the mic and cranked the music up again.

  “I’m going to go help Mom with the cake,” Maddie said reaching up to peck Nathan on the cheek.

  Nathan nodded and followed her off the dance floor. As soon as he found himself alone, a swarm of females surrounded him, Holly leading the pack. “Nathan, would you mind signing some autographs for Maddie’s friends?”

  He knew that most of them probably couldn’t pick Maddie out of a lineup, but he agreed nonetheless and took the pen Holly had in her hand. Nathan spent forty minutes chatting with the girls and signing everything from movie ticket stubs to magazine covers to a girl’s bra. He hoped Maddie hadn’t noticed that one. When Holly and the rest of his harem were finally satisfied, Nathan excused himself to go use the bathroom.

  As he washed his hands, Nathan looked at his reflection in the mirror and couldn’t wipe the grin off his face. He knew it was because Maddie made him happier than he’d ever been in his life. He was relieved they managed to pull off the surprise party for her and wanted to make sure the next three days were just as special. Nathan knew after he left Texas it would be another two months before he’d see his girlfriend again.

  Later that evening, when the last party guest had left, Maddie took Nathan by the hand and towed him up the stairs to her bedroom. Her comfy, familiar bed looked very small after spending two months in Nathan’s California king. Nathan slipped off his shoes and wondered if Joe was going to take issue with him sleeping in Maddie’s room. He was fairly certainJoe had already gone to bed so he decided not to worry about it unless Maddie told him to go sleep in Kyle’s old room. He really hoped that wouldn’t happen.