Sandwich, With a Side of Romance

by Krista Phillips

  She snorted. “He’d break you in two seconds flat.”

  “Probably. But I’d try.”

  As much as she wanted to hate Reuben right now, a small part of her thawed. He was joking, of course, but the thought was nice. “Thanks for that.”

  “What’d he do?”

  She added a layer of mortar around the collapsing bricks that surrounded her heart. “None of your business.”

  He stood and walked over to her, hands safely in his pockets. “You can trust me.”

  She shook her head and opened the door. “No, no I can’t.” God was the only one who knew everything. The only one she could trust with the whole story.

  And that was the way it would stay.

  Why did he have to push? Why couldn’t he have just left it alone as she’d asked?

  Maddie lay on her bed, unwanted memories invading her peace.

  It’d been four days, and she’d barely slept more than a couple hours total.

  She’d come home from the Emporium early at Reuben’s insistence. Said she’d been working too much and needed to rest.

  But a nap had proved impossible.

  She rubbed her bare arms as a shiver came across her body, despite the eighty degree heat outside. Memories of the men in her life overwhelmed her.

  Mark had been her first. She’d only been fourteen and he was sixteen with a car, but by then her mom was dead, her dad was drunk every night, and she’d have given anything to get out of the house. So she started arranging for Kyle to sleep over at a friend’s house and let Mark take her away for the evening. When she got home, her dad would be passed out on the sofa and, in the morning, didn’t remember coming home to an empty house.

  In her young mind, Mark was her savior. They’d go park someplace quiet, and he held her while she cried. Then he would kiss away her tears. Every time he’d go a little further with her, but when she asked him to stop, he did.

  That went on for about two weeks until he got tired of being told no. He said that all the other couples did it, and if she really loved him, she’d let him.

  And she did. The whole ordeal was awkward, painful, and humiliating. But Mark had said he loved her over and over. And she could deal with the pain as long as he loved her.

  The next day at school, he ignored her completely. When she tried to talk to him, he winked at her and walked away.

  Later, she heard some guys laughing and talking about it. Evidently someone had bet Mark to have sex with a stupid freshman, and Maddie had been the choice. The next week, she saw him walking down the hall with Tina, a tall, curvy blonde cheerleader, draped on his arm.

  Her humiliation was complete.

  But then again, Mark was only the first in a string of very bad men she would hook up with.

  A knock filled the air of the small guesthouse, and Maddie breathed a thanks to God for the diversion from her thoughts.

  She opened the door, and Reuben stood outside, looking as handsome as ever. She wanted to punch him.

  “It’s almost moving day.”

  Maddie forced a smile. “Yes, tomorrow.”

  Reuben’s brow wrinkled, his eyes probing. “I thought you were going to nap. You look awful.”

  “Now that makes me feel so much better.”

  “What’s going on, Maddie?”

  “Nothing.”

  His expression told her that he didn’t believe her a lick. Thankfully, he let the topic drop. “Allie, Stew, and the kids are going out for pizza, and I was going to join them. Thought you’d like to tag along?”

  She almost said no, but getting out and away from her memories sounded like heaven.

  “Sure, where and when?”

  He smiled, a slight dimple appearing on his cheek that she hadn’t noticed before. “Now, and we’re going to Gene’s.”

  “I’m not sure where that is. Will you give me directions?”

  Reuben shook his head. “No, but I’ll be glad to escort you there.”

  “I don’t want to impose.”

  The man looked decidedly agitated as he put his fingers through his hair. “Look, think of it as my ‘going green’ initiative. I have to come back by here after we’re through anyway. We’ll save gas and the environment all at the same time.”

  “I didn’t realize you were so altruistic.”

  The smile that came to his lips was a bit ornery. “There are many things about me you don’t realize yet.”

  And that right there was the reason she wanted to drive separately.

  27

  Reuben lied. Maddie forced a smile and clenched her fists so tight her nails cut into her palms.

  “Surprise!” The gathered crowd shouted, but all Maddie wanted to do was run.

  Reuben leaned over and whispered in her ear. “Don’t blame me. It was my mom’s idea.”

  Not what she wanted to hear. Reuben, she could take aside later, yell at, and punch in the arm. Betty, not so much.

  Everyone started talking at once, the noise of it all overwhelming her. Reuben led her to a seat at the head of the table and took the chair next to her.

  Most of the people around the table she knew, but a few faces were unfamiliar. There were a few waitresses from the restaurant who weren’t on duty tonight, Miss Agnes, Cyndi and Judy from the salon, Betty and Gary, Allie and Stew and the kids, the pastor and his wife, and a few women from church she recognized as having been introduced a few times.

  On a table off to the side sat a mound of wrapped gifts.

  Betty stood and tapped her spoon on the corner of her glass. “Attention everyone.” The room started to quiet down, and everyone’s eyes turned to Betty, who in turn looked at Maddie. “We wanted to get together to officially welcome you into our town and our hearts, and to give you a good start into your new home. Think of this as a housewarming shower.”

  Didn’t they only have showers for weddings and babies? Neither of which she would be having anytime ever.

  All eyes turned toward her and an uncomfortable silence followed. Realizing everyone expected her to say something, she scooted her chair out and stood. This was why she’d never become a politician. Being the center of attention wasn’t her cup of tea, and lying through her teeth to a bunch of people didn’t come naturally. “I appreciate everyone coming out tonight, for your kind thoughts and welcome. I’m—overwhelmed, I’m not sure what else to say.”

  A waitress approaching the table gave a much needed excuse for Maddie to sit down, and the chatter around the table started up again as the woman started passing out drinks. She gave a narrowed glance to Reuben. “You could have warned me, you know.”

  He looked affronted. “What? And ruin the surprise? More than that, I really don’t care to risk the wrath of my mother.”

  “Your mom wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

  Betty made her way to them. “Don’t underestimate me, Maddie. Reuben learned long ago by a good hard whoopin’ on his hind-end not to disobey his momma.” She bent down and kissed him on the forehead.

  Reuben put an arm around his mom’s waist and squeezed. “That’s right. I’ve been a perfect, obedient angel from then on.”

  She swatted his hand away. “Now, Reub, I also taught you not to lie, young man.”

  Maddie blinked away tears, memories of her own mom inching their way out of the box she’d hidden them in so long ago. As embarrassed as she was already tonight, no use top-ping it off with tears.

  The waitress approached and put a Coke down at Maddie’s spot. “They ordered this for you, but if you’d rather have something else, just let me know.”

  “It’s fine, thank you.”

  The waitress left, and Betty made her way around the table to talk with the pastor.

  Reuben put a hand to her shoulder. “You’re not really mad, right?”

  She shrugged, effectively removing his hand that was sending shivers down her back. “I’m not huge on being the center of attention, and I already feel like I’m mooching off you all too much, so presents jus
t add insult to injury.”

  “I tried to tell her that, but Mom’s persistent.”

  She smiled, a spot inside her pleased that he knew her well enough to plead her case. “I’m surprised you didn’t have it at the Emporium though.”

  Reuben shifted in his seat and cleared his throat. “We were going to but changed the plans.”

  Maddie could guess the reason but wanted to hear it from the frog’s lips. “Why?”

  He took a swig of his drink. “I was in the mood for pizza.”

  A hand on her other shoulder startled her, and she looked up to see the pastor.

  “I haven’t had a chance to say hello on Sunday morning but wanted to formally welcome you to town and to our church.”

  The fault was her own, as she dodged out of church every Sunday for fear of someone grilling her. Given the sins of her past, Maddie preferred to stay in the background. She stood and accepted the hand held out. The man had kind eyes and a firm handshake and wore blue jeans and a polo shirt. Weren’t pastors supposed to be in suits and ties?

  His wife stood next to him, wearing shorts and a modest tank top, and a little girl behind her, age two at the most, stood sucking her thumb. “I’m sorry we haven’t had a chance to meet yet. I’m Kathy, and this is our daughter, Rachel.” The little girl scooted farther behind her mom’s leg at the sound of her name.

  Kathy just laughed. “Sorry, she’s a little shy.”

  The little girl gave a grin, and raised her hand in a half-wave.

  Maddie’s heart constricted. Why did babies have to be so cute? It almost made her want one of her own. Almost. Maddie waved back and smiled. “Nice to meet you, Rachel.” Then she looked and mustered up a smile. “It’s nice to meet both of you. Pastor, I really enjoy your sermons.”

  He let out a pleasant laugh. “Glad to hear it. If you need anything at all, let us know, okay? And hopefully soon we can have you over for dinner.”

  She nodded. “I’d enjoy it.”

  The couple moved on, and Maddie sat back down to see Reuben staring at her. “What?”

  He raised his eyebrows. “I didn’t realize my feisty assistant suffered from social anxiety.”

  Had she been that apparent? “I don’t. What are you talking about?”

  “I’m not blind. You were about ready to pass out talking with them.”

  “Not true. I thought I did fine.” She sipped her drink, irritated that he’d mentioned anything. “Was it that noticeable?”

  “Only to me. You’re always so chipper dealing with people, and you’re different tonight. And you never hang around at church to talk to anyone either. How are you going to meet friends if you don’t socialize?”

  She straightened her spine. “I have friends.”

  “Like who?”

  You. “Your mom, Allie.”

  “Besides them.”

  The guy needsed to give it a rest. But still, she wracked her brain for someone else. Half the people at this table she barely knew, so they wouldn’t count. Desperate, she played her wild card. “Livy.”

  In any other situation, the exaggerated incredulous look on Reuben’s face would have been comical, but right now it just irritated her. “What? You don’t think we’re friends?”

  “If you both are friends, I’d sure hate to be one of your enemies.”

  Maddie opened her mouth to rebut, but the waitress bringing out the pizza interrupted them once again, saving her from telling a big fat lie that had a snowball’s chance in Mexico of flying.

  “Don’t worry about the gifts. I’ll get them.” Reuben plucked a box containing silverware from Maddie’s hands.

  The little spitfire put her hands on her hips. “What? Am I incapable of carrying a box now?”

  “No, I just—”

  She grabbed the box back. “I’m not disabled, pregnant, or a child. I’m perfectly able to carry stuff, Reuben.”

  Irritating female. He was just trying to help. “Fine. I’ll go get some more.”

  Why did women insist on being so headstrong? A courteous gesture only got a man yelled at these days. God forbid he open a door for one. He stomped back into the restaurant, the force of the action helping to relieve the tension he felt. It’d been a wild day, and he just needed a hot shower and a good night’s sleep.

  He stacked up the last of the presents and picking up the large pile turned and started out of the restaurant. Maddie met him halfway to the car.

  “Here, let me get a few of those.”

  He glared at her, then mimicked in a mockingly high voice. “I’m not disabled, pregnant, or a child. I’m perfectly able to carry boxes.”

  She rolled her eyes at his joke as he continued on. He was almost to the car when he tripped on the curb. Boxes shifted and started to fall, but after an awkward balancing act, everything stilled.

  Maddie chuckled behind him. “Should have let me help.”

  Were all females so impossible? Safely depositing the presents in his trunk, he slammed the lid, then grimaced. No use taking out his anger on his poor, expensive, stupid car.

  Maddie stood waiting for him, her arms crossed over her chest. “You ready?”

  “Yes. I should have thought to get the keys from Tim so we could take this stuff right over there tonight to unload instead of having to load and unload it twice.”

  Maddie raised her eyebrows. “Why not just keep it all in your trunk overnight and we can unload it at the house tomorrow?”

  First she insulted his manhood, now his intelligence. Why was he so attracted to her again? “You’re right.”

  She smiled. “It’s okay. I’m your assistant. It’s my job to be right.”

  And she did it so well too. Reuben got in the car, and as soon as Maddie was seated in the passenger seat, sped off.

  She eyed him. “Easy, Roadrunner.”

  He eased off the gas a little, but not enough to make her think she was getting her way. “Did you enjoy your evening?”

  “Yes. Everyone was so sweet and thoughtful. I’m still in shock.”

  He did his best hillbilly impersonation. “We small-town folk stick together, ya know.”

  “Well, from where I come from, it’s more of a take-care-of-yourself attitude unless you’re in a gang, so this takes a little getting used to.”

  He realized just how little about her past he knew. “Were you ever in one?”

  She shook her head, and he breathed a sigh of relief. “No. Almost once. Really close actually, but something stopped me. More like someone.”

  “Who?”

  “One of my dad’s girlfriends. I still don’t know what she saw in him. Most of the girls he brought home were drunks or druggies just like him, but she was different. She was nice to us.”

  Reuben gradually slowed, hoping to make the trip home last as long as he could so she would keep talking. “How’d she keep you from joining?”

  A far off look came over Maddie’s face. “She loved me. Before she came, I was so lonely. I mean, I had Kyle, but I was like his momma almost, trying to keep Dad from hitting him, and keeping him from all the druggies that tried to get him to sell. He was only seven, and they still tried to get him to join their gangs.

  “Anyway, some of the girls told me there’d be protection in a gang. That they looked after each other, had one another’s back. It sounded nice to actually be around people who cared about you. But then Rachel came. She listened to me, hugged me, made me lunch, made sure I had breakfast in the morning. She loved Kyle and took care of him too. She told me those girls wouldn’t really have my back, that they were lying, and I believed her.”

  “She sounds like a great person.”

  Maddie was silent for a moment. “She was.”

  Reuben wished he had driven slower as he pulled up to his parents’ driveway and parked. The woman was like this puzzle of pain and hardships that came together to make an awe-inspiring picture. Yet there were still giant pieces missing.

  He turned to face Maddie, but she was alrea
dy opening the door and getting out.

  He followed her up to her door, and when she turned around, he noticed her eyes filled with unshed tears. The poor girl was probably used to holding them in for as long as she could.

  “What happened to her, Maddie?”

  She lowered her head and pressed her fists to her eyes as if summoning her inner superwoman. “I don’t know.”

  The tears rolled in earnest then, and nothing could stop Reuben from taking her into his arms. Not a romantic hug. Just a man comforting a hurting little girl.

  When her sobs subsided, he heard her sniffle against his shirt. “I’m sorry, Reuben.”

  “Don’t be.”

  “No, I shouldn’t be doing this to you. It’s not your problem. I know I sound like I’m not answering your question, but I really don’t know. I’m not sure why Rachel was ever there. She knew Jesus like Momma did, so why she lived with a guy like Dad, I’ll never know. But one day, I came home from school and she was gone. Dad didn’t say a word. He just sat in his recliner, and when I asked, he shrugged. Like he didn’t care. An hour later, child services came and took Kyle and me away.”

  “Do you think she reported him?”

  Maddie pushed away from him. “Yes.”

  “Where do you think she went?”

  She took a breath. “To be honest, I think he found out and killed her.”

  Reuben sucked in a breath. “Why do you think that?”

  “When I got home from school that day, there was blood on the kitchen floor.”

  28

  The moment the words slipped from her mouth, Maddie wanted to snatch them back. She’d told someone her secret. The one thing she vowed never to tell a soul.

  Reuben’s eyes were dark and serious as he looked down at her. “Did you report it?”

  “No, and I shouldn’t have told you. Promise me you won’t tell anyone, Reub. Promise me.”

  “I’m not sure I can do that, Maddie.”

  “I have no proof of anything. I just know when I got home that day, there were splatters of blood on the floor, and I could tell someone had tried to wipe some of it up. I didn’t talk about it to my dad, I was so afraid. But I didn’t want Kyle to see it either, so I mopped it up as quick as I could. Right after he got home, the cops pulled up. Nobody asked about her, and I didn’t say anything.”