“Well, even you can admit you’ve been giving a pretty good impression of a ticked off porcupine today.”
Madison takes such a deep long shuddering breath that I think she might start to cry. Instead, she acquiesces. “Part of me wants to take issue with that characterization of my behavior, but the more honest part of me knows that you pretty much nailed it. I don’t suppose it would do me any good to argue that I don’t usually act this way.”
“This is America, you’re free to tell me anything you want to.”
“I can read between the lines. What you’re saying is you may not necessarily believe me, right?”
“I don’t really have enough information to make that decision right now, but I’ll keep you posted.”
“Speaking of information, you never did share the rest of your story. How exactly does someone lose a girlfriend?”
Immediately, my expression sobers and my stomach crunches painfully as it does every time. I turn to look in Madison’s general direction. I choose to look at a spot on the wall right above her left ear. Experience has taught me that I can’t stare directly at people while I share my story because it just gets too intense. However, if I look away to avoid the onslaught of pity, people draw all sorts of negative conclusions, so this has become my coping mechanism.
Even though I’m trying not to specifically focus on the expression on Madison’s face, it’s impossible to miss the avid curiosity displayed there. I have a hunch that she’s sliding comfortably into investigative reporter mode as she looks at me with an expectant gaze.
Finally, I take a deep breath and swallow hard as I admit, “I lost my wife, Melinda Jo.”
“You’re married?” Madison asks incredulously.
“No ma’am—not anymore. Melinda Jo is most likely dead,” I answer, fighting the words. I still wince as the words leave my mouth.
Madison pales and sways slightly. “Oh no! What happened?” she asks, her tone hushed.
“The only girl I ever loved finally decided to listen to me when I told her to get the hell out of my life. She disappeared and is presumed dead. She disappeared while I was overseas, leaving only her car and her purse behind.”
“I don’t know if you can shoulder all the blame. There might be other factors involved you don’t even know about.” Madison tries to comfort me. I have to give her credit for trying. Most people don’t know what to say and can’t stand to even look at me after I tell them my story.
“We didn’t really have any secrets from each other,” I explain.
Madison shrugs and responds, “Everyone’s got secrets.”
“So, Madison, care to share a few of yours? You might be here for Heather’s wedding-for-show, but I’ve got a very real hunch that there is much more going on.”
“How can you tell?” she asks quietly, her voice barely above a whisper as she draws her hands and legs together and curls up into a little ball on the couch. Ethel tries to lick her hands to comfort her.
“Madison, you play the game well, I just play it better because secrets and lies are my job.”
Dedication?
Chapter 1: Jessica?
Chapter 2: Mitch?
Chapter 3: Jessica?
Chapter 4: Mitch?
Chapter 5: Jessica?
Chapter 6: Mitch?
Chapter 7: Jessica?
Chapter 8: Mitch?
Chapter 9: Jessica?
Chapter 10: Mitch?
Chapter 11: Jessica?
Chapter 12: Mitch?
Chapter 13: Jessica?
Chapter 14: Mitch?
Chapter 15: Jessica?
Chapter 16: Mitch?
Chapter 17: Jessica?
Chapter 18: Mitch?
Chapter 19: Jessica?
Chapter 20: Mitch?
Chapter 21: Jessica?
Chapter 22: Mitch?
Epilogue: Jessica?
Epilogue: Mitch?
Acknowledgements?
Resources?
About the Author?
A Final Note?
Preview of Current and Upcoming Releases?
Preview of Hearts of Jade?
Preview of Identity of the Heart (A Hidden Hearts Novel #1)?
Preview of Love Claimed?
Dedication?
Chapter 1: Donda?
Chapter 2: Jaxson?
Preview of Love Naturally (A Hidden Beauty Novel #4)?
Chapter 1: Madison?
Chapter 2: Trevor?
Sheltered Hearts (A Hidden Hearts Novel Book 2) Page 33
