Love You Madly

by Ashlee Mallory

  The loud ticking from the clock perched on the mantel was the only sound in the room for a few long seconds after Allie left the room. He waited for it…

  “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me who you were,” she almost hissed.

  Meredith’s outrage, as if he’d somehow wronged her, was starting to piss him off. “I didn’t think a stroll down memory lane was going to get us any closer to finding out what happened to your daughter. I would have told you. Eventually. What difference does it make?”

  “All the difference. First, I don’t like to be the butt of anyone’s joke, which I get the distinct impression was why you didn’t tell me.”

  She had a point.

  “Second,” she continued, “the nature of our previous relationship gives me some pause as to whether you’d be an effective choice here, looking for my daughter. You obviously would have some…bias that could affect your judgment. Contacting your security agency was my father’s idea, but I’m not without my own connections. I know a few important media personalities, and I could take this to them directly. Maybe go national if that’s what’s necessary.”

  He crossed his legs in front of him, taking his time. He could just walk now. Say the hell with it. But he had to remember why he did this. To help people. Maybe not Meredith—God, no—but if there was an eighteen-year-old girl out there in trouble, he felt a duty, an obligation, to try and help her.

  “Yes. You could go that route,” he drawled. “But until you know for sure what you’re dealing with, I’d want to hold off on bringing that kind of scrutiny to the case. I know you’re dead set on the idea foul play is involved, but imagine for just a moment the impossible scenario that you’re wrong. That Darcy took off for the weekend of her own choice. She could be humiliated. A nationwide joke. Not the tone she’d want to set when she’s leaving for college, and I doubt it would endear you to her more than you already are. Also not the tone you want to take on the investigation until you know more of what and who you’re dealing with.” He paused for drama. “They might find the easiest solution to the media attention is to get rid of her entirely.”

  That definitely got her attention, as her eyes widened.

  “Let’s check this kid out, see what he knows. Maybe help us figure out what’s going on. If Darcy has taken off voluntarily, he could tell us. Then we can both go our separate ways.”

  This seemed to reach her. “Fine. In the meantime, perhaps you can better remember to share everything you might know. No more secrets.”

  He could humor her. “Okay. Let me start again. Hey, Meredith. Good to see you. What? You don’t remember me? I’m the guy who the varsity team pantsed at the homecoming pep rally. Twice. You were a total bitch to me back then and, frankly, I couldn’t care less about catching up, so let’s just cut to the chase and tell me about your daughter. Better?”

  She had the grace to look a little uneasy.

  Which she should, since the pantsing had been at her directive. Right after he’d found her alone and crying in the locker room before her crowning as homecoming queen. He’d actually felt bad for her and apologized for interrupting her, before leaving her to her privacy—thinking just maybe she had a heart after all.

  It had been a sorry lesson for him to learn.

  A leopard didn’t change its spots. Meredith was and always would be the mean girl whose only interests were her own.

  And anyone who believed differently, that people could change, was just fooling himself.

  Chapter Three

  He was being an ass and trying to prove a point. All the same, it didn’t sit particularly well with Meredith to realize that his point might be valid.

  She had been unnecessarily cruel to him.

  She made an effort to swallow back any distaste or remorse she might have for the humiliation he had suffered that day. It was over. In the past. He’d probably grown from the experience into the man he was now.

  “I found it,” Allie said, returning to the room. “The family’s home address and phone.”

  Travis stood and took the slip from her hands. “Thanks, Allie. And it was good seeing you. Still beautiful as always.”

  Meredith barely restrained the urge to gag.

  “Will you let me know the moment you hear anything?” Allie said as Meredith started to follow Travis out. “And if there’s anything more I can do, please, let me—”

  “Yes, we got it, Al,” Meredith said. “I’m sure everything will work out, and I will see you at the gala Saturday night.”

  She could hope.

  Unwilling to have this woman see her at her most vulnerable any longer, Meredith stepped out into the blinding sunshine to find Travis almost to his car door. Was he even going to wait for her?

  She picked up her pace and reached him just as he shut the door and strapped himself in. Standing outside the driver’s side, she waited for him to roll down the window.

  He stared at her through the glass, looking like the cat that ate the canary.

  Because he had the address. And she didn’t.

  There was no way in hell he was going without her. She glared at him and knocked on the window.

  He started the engine.

  That’s it.

  She grabbed the handle, ready to wrench the car door open if necessary, and he smiled as he reached over and pushed a button.

  Thank God he was only rolling down the window, because if he’d pressed the door lock she’d have throttled him with her own ha—

  “Can I help you with anything, Meredith?”

  She leaned in. “Just want to be clear that you’re going to wait for me to get to my car. And you’re not going to try and peel out of here and leave me behind the first chance you get. I’m going with you when you interview the kid.”

  “Oh?” He put his sunglasses on and looked over at her. “Are you an expert at questioning hostile witnesses? At getting detailed confessions in high-tension situations? What? Are you going to glare him into talking?” He actually chuckled.

  “That’s it. I’m riding with you.” She looked up to find Allie staring at them from the doorway. Was that a smug smile on her mouth, too?

  Damn it. She was in control here.

  “I’m going to get a ride with Travis,” she announced calmly. “Can I leave my car here for a couple of hours?”

  Allie nodded and gave a thumbs-up.

  Not waiting for Travis to gun the motor and leave her behind, she raced around to the passenger side, opened the door, and slid in. She smiled at him in victory as she pulled her seat belt on.

  “Hey, it was your idea to take separate cars, if you remember.” He gave her a sideways smile.

  For some reason, her victory seemed a little sour, and she wasn’t actually certain who’d won this round.

  Neither of them uttered another word for a few minutes as he maneuvered out of the neighborhood. Needing to take some control of the situation, she offered, “Do you want to give me the address? I’m sure I can help direct you to the house.”

  He waited ten long seconds before answering her. “No. I think I can remember how to get around.”

  She started to object, and he reached his hand out and flipped on the radio.

  Really?

  Rude. And his musical selection wasn’t any better. She didn’t think anyone listened to eighties music anymore. But rather than argue over his poor taste in music, she sat in silence, staring out the window. Because she had to face the truth that Allie’s comments had brought home.

  Darcy had a boyfriend. Someone she was spending all of her time with. Someone she might even love. And she hadn’t even told Meredith about it.

  Her daughter really was a stranger to her. How had that happened?

  She’d only been twenty-two when she first met Darcy. Ridiculously happy and in love with Jon, Meredith hadn’t cared that he was twice her age and had a half-grown daughter he was raising alone. She only cared that he was warm and funny and made her feel secure. That he was going t
o love and take care of her forever.

  It hadn’t been hard to feel a connection with Darcy. A girl who, like Meredith, had been abandoned by her own mother as a kid. Then Jon died only two years after they were married from a sudden coronary, and her heart had broken from the loss. Abandoned all over again, even as, at the ripe age of twenty-four, Meredith became a single mom to a sullen thirteen-year-old.

  She’d sworn then to toughen Darcy up. And herself.

  Five years later, what had Meredith really accomplished? Another failed marriage. A daughter who couldn’t wait to get away from her. Sad memories and a whole lot of regrets.

  Regrets that hit her hardest whenever she was around Allie McBride. An old friend who had always easily gained adoration and attention from those around her. Treating Allie like shit hadn’t made Meredith feel any better about herself. Quite the contrary. But she hadn’t been able to stop herself.

  “Do you know anything about this kid? Bryce?” Travis asked her as he stopped at a red light.

  Shame flooded her. Of course she didn’t.

  She kept her attention outside the window. “His family is very well respected in the community. His dad, Peter, is on a planning committee with me for the school’s big centennial gala that’s…Saturday night.” Only two days away. Amazing that something that she’d nearly been obsessed with the past few months now seemed so unimportant. “As to Bryce? I don’t know anything about him.”

  She sounded pathetic even to her ears. Fortunately he didn’t say anything more.

  The address brought them to a massive two-story house with an attached garage that spread across the whole corner of the block. Travis pulled up to the front curb and stared at the monstrosity, disdain evident from the sneer at the corner of his mouth. “What’d you say this guy does for a living?”

  “Peter’s family is in the food service business,” she said and stepped out of the car.

  She followed the walkway up to the house and was almost to the porch before she realized Travis wasn’t behind her. Instead, he’d strolled up the driveway, slowing to glance at the cars parked inside the garage.

  She shook her head. Men. Always checking out the newest and latest model—of cars and women.

  Satisfied, Travis met her at the front door and stood next to her. She pressed the doorbell and a loud pattern of bells sounded though the house. He snorted and shook his head as he muttered something under his breath.

  “I get the distinct impression you don’t think much of people with money?”

  He glanced at her. “I don’t have a problem with people with money. I have a problem with how some people spend their money. There’s a difference.”

  Any response she could give him was cut off when the door opened to a portly older woman Meredith didn’t know but assumed was a maid. “Yes?” she asked.

  Meredith quickly took the reins and mentioned her name and her connection with Peter, Bryce’s father, and the fact Bryce went to school with Darcy. “Is Bryce home? I’m looking for my daughter and was hoping he might know where she is.”

  The woman gave a brief nod and asked them to wait in the foyer before quietly slipping down the hall.

  “Wasteful.” This she distinctly heard Travis say as he looked around him.

  Footsteps from the hall brought her attention to the slightly balding man coming their way. In long walking shorts and a Ralph Lauren polo, Peter Bauer was like a cutout of what the rich should look like. Her ex-husband had the exact same shirt.

  In contrast, Travis was gauche in his worn jeans and plain black T-shirt that could have come from any discount rack at Walmart. But there was strength in not only his physique—particularly the strong biceps that seemed to flex even as he stood there—but the firmness of his jaw. His steely gaze. The way he looked at her like he knew her better than she knew herself.

  Hell. Let’s be honest here. Recognize him for what he was and move on.

  Travis was sex.

  How had that happened?

  “Meredith. What a surprise to see you.”

  “Evening, Peter,” she said. “Hope I’m not causing any inconvenience just stopping in like this.” She gave quick introductions and waited patiently as the men made the general niceties and shook hands.

  “Please, come in,” Peter said and motioned toward the adjoining room. “Roni is out shopping with Lissa, so I’m afraid it’s just me. Tell me what brings you here. Everything’s in order for the gala, I trust?”

  Meredith restrained herself from rolling her eyes. Peter was on the committee, but it was more of a figurehead role. His only real involvement had been to show up for the publicity photos. She, however, was the chairwoman of the committee. If the event failed, it would all come back on her. Which was why she’d been obsessed with the planning for the past year. Some might compare her to a ruthless dictator of a small country. She considered herself efficient.

  She sat on the beige chaise while Travis took up a position by the window. “No, everything is on schedule.” She paused, realizing that she hadn’t made any of the daily calls to the florists, the caterers, or the hotel to confirm everything was on target. She would have to hope that all the months of planning and outsourcing up to this point would pull it through. It was no longer her priority. “Actually, I was wondering if Bryce might be home. I need to speak to him.”

  “Bryce? I’m afraid not. Not since this morning. What’s going on?”

  “It’s Darcy.” She wrapped her fingers together tightly, trying to remain calm, to not unravel. “She didn’t come home last night, and I haven’t heard from her, which isn’t like her at all. I understand, though, that Bryce and Darcy have been spending some time together. I was hoping he might be able to tell me where she is.”

  Peter turned his attention to his sleeve and an invisible piece of lint he needed to remove. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about yet, Meredith. You know kids. Have you tried her cell phone?”

  “Several times,” she said as patiently as she could. What, did he think she was an idiot? “But it’s going to voicemail. Um… Is it true, then?” She hated having to ask for the affirmation. She should already know. “About Darcy and Bryce? Are they seeing each other?”

  He looked surprised. “Quite a bit, I’d say. I wouldn’t be too alarmed, though. I had quite the talk with Bryce. You know, about being careful. Wouldn’t want either of them blowing their futures in the heat of the moment.”

  Wait. Was he talking about sex? Her daughter and Bryce having sexual intercourse? She gripped the armrest of the sofa. “They’re—they’re that close, then? I hadn’t realized.”

  “They’ve spent nearly every day together over the past few weeks. In fact, I bet they’re probably together now. Here—” He pulled out his cell. “Let me call Bryce and we can get to the bottom of this right now.” He cast a glance at Travis, who still hadn’t said a word, his gaze focused outside at the pool, and waited. “Hey, Bryce. It’s Dad. Give me a call as soon as you get this.” He ended the call. “Sorry, voicemail.”

  “Is there anywhere you can think of that Bryce might be?” Travis finally asked. “The sooner we speak to him, the sooner Meredith can put her fears at ease.”

  Peter stared at Travis for a moment, almost as if wondering his involvement. But he didn’t ask. “Lately he’s spent most of his time with Darcy. Out at the pool, at the movies, or around town. He did come home early last night—I’d say around midnight. Usually, he’s out until three or so and sleeps the day away. Mind you, I don’t normally approve of these hours, but with graduation and this being his last summer before going off to college, I’m giving him some freedom. The way he slammed his door when he got home, I figured he was in a foul mood. Maybe he and Darcy got into some fight, who knows.”

  “You did hear him come in then?” Travis asked.

  “That’s right,” Peter said, as if humoring them. “I don’t think you should worry yourself too much, Meredith. They’re kids. She’s bound to show up sooner
or later—probably took a last-minute trip with some girlfriends to Vegas or something.” He leaned forward, placing his hand on her knee. “I know that raising someone else’s kid had probably been hard on you, and I’m impressed that you’ve taken your responsibility this far. Give her another month and she’ll be off to college, and you’ll have filled any obligation you had to the girl. To her father.”

  He thought she felt relief that Darcy was leaving for college? That she was just an obligation? She almost choked on her anger. And something else. Guilt, maybe?

  God knew she hadn’t been the most nurturing parent. But did people really think she didn’t care? That Darcy was just—just a burden?

  Meredith stood. Yelling at him about the true depth of her emotions wasn’t going to help anything. “Thanks for your time, Peter. But you’ll let me know the minute you hear from Bryce?”

  “I’ll have him give you a call.” He walked them to the door, a slight smile on his face. “Don’t worry, Meredith. I’m sure everything will work out fine, and we’ll see you Saturday.”

  It was pretty much what she’d said to Allie, but Meredith hadn’t believed it then any more than she did now.

  The door shut behind them and she walked toward the car only to realize, once again, that Travis had taken another detour. This time he was following along the fence line that surrounded the property.

  “What are you doing?”

  Instead of answering her, he followed the fence until he found a latch and opened a gate, disappearing into the backyard. She sighed and headed over, trying to stay on her toes so her heels didn’t sink into the grass.

  “Isn’t this unlawful trespassing or something?” she hissed as she joined him, the gate closing behind them. “What are we doing? If you wanted to see the pool we could have just asked.”

  He didn’t respond, just continued traipsing through the property, past the tennis court and swimming pool, stopping when he reached the door to the pool house. She’d only reached his side when he grabbed the handle and pushed it open.