“What’s wrong?” Andrew stood.
She struggled from underneath the suffocating memories. “Nothing.”
“Did you do something to your ankle?”
“I just stood too quickly.” She hated lying. It had become second-nature. Jake had given her no choice.
Andrew chuckled. “I’m glad you came to work here.”
Mallory’s heart softened at his kind words. “Me too.”
“How do you like Rachel?”
“I like her a lot.” Mallory sat back down.
When her break ended, Mallory stood more slowly and turned to tell Andrew goodbye but he followed her inside. Mr. Chamberlain met them at the kitchen door. She had to stop herself from reaching out to hug him.
He put his arm around Mallory and walked along beside her. “How’s the tutoring going?”
Mallory hesitated, rubbing her finger along her thumb nail.
Andrew’s gaze shot between them. “My mother and Victoria put her tutoring on hold while you were away.”
Mr. Chamberlain’s smile fell into a crooked line. “Is that true?”
“Yes, sir.”
Mr. Chamberlain left them standing in the kitchen.
Andrew leaned against the counter with a silly grin. She turned and wandered away, her head down. He had only caused her more trouble.
Mallory trudged upstairs to clean Victoria’s bedroom and bathroom. She dreaded the work that would have to be redone.
She was scrubbing a layer of mud out of Victoria’s bathtub when a loud grunt startled her.
“What in the world happened in here?” Mr. Chamberlain’s sharp voice caused her to slip from her position at the tub.
Mallory didn’t speak, but stayed seated in the wet mess, while he assessed the situation.
He cleared his throat. “Go to the apartment to shower and change. I’ll meet you at the car in thirty minutes. Will that give you enough time?”
Did he expect her to leave the red mud smeared across the tub? She needed to finish, but wouldn’t dare disobey him.
“Don’t worry about this. It will be taken care of.” He turned leaving her sitting in the puddle stunned.
Mallory took the back staircase. As she turned the corner, she caught a glimpse of Eric standing in the hall. She hobbled as fast as she could to the back door. Victoria had to be somewhere close.
Andrew grabbed her arm. “What happened? Did you get in a mud fight with someone? Man, I hate I missed that. Was it with my sister?”
Mallory wished he would quit talking. She kept going, hoping to silence him—hoping to move from within Eric’s hearing range.
“Hey, I’m sorry.” He grabbed her hand. “I can’t stand to see Victoria treat you this way. You don’t deserve it.”
“It’s all right. I’m in a hurry.” Mallory gasped as another sharp pain shot through her ankle.
“Something’s wrong with your leg.” He turned her to face him.
“It’s nothing. I twisted it,” she mumbled.
She looked toward the main house and caught a glimpse of Eric standing at the back door watching her. Her stomach lurched. She turned quickly, but Andrew held her hand.
“Please, don’t be mad.”
“I’m not. I’ve got to hurry. Mr. Chamberlain’s waiting for me. I’ll see you tomorrow at lunch, okay?”
He released her. “All right.”
She took a quick shower and dressed in one of Rachel’s outfits. After pulling her damp hair into a ponytail, she left the apartment.
Her eyes were automatically drawn to the back door, but Eric no longer stood there. The stupid, wonderful dream had replayed in her mind a hundred times, Eric taking her hand, holding her in an embrace. She was glad to be leaving. She needed to get away from here.
Mr. Chamberlain didn’t mention the muddy mess as he drove her to Rachel’s. They rode in silence until he stopped in the driveway. “I’ll see you later.”
“Thank you so much, Mr. Chamberlain.” Her voice cracked with the last syllable of his name.
Rachel met her at the door. “Hey, I’m so glad you’re back. Is it all right if we study later? I need to practice this new hairstyle. I was hoping you would be my guinea pig?”
Following her upstairs, Mallory admired the framed photos lining the wall. “I feel like I’m so behind.”
“Please … you could take the test now and pass with flying colors.”
She took a seat on the vanity stool. “Really, you think so?”
“Of course. This is perfect. Your hair’s still wet.” Rachel plugged in a hair dryer and hot air blew through her long, black layers. With gentle strokes, she worked through the tangles. “How’s your ankle feeling today?”
“It’s a little sore, but not too bad. I just keep forgetting about it.” Her breathing eased into a slow, relaxing pace as Rachel brushed her hair.
“Your hair’s so beautiful and soft. This isn’t your natural color, is it?”
“No, I keep it dark.”A shadow of gloom spread through Mallory as she remembered why.
“I can tell. Your roots are starting to show.” Rachel pulled some strands of hair through her fingers. “Do you like it this dark?”
“Not really, it was … I don’t know, it was stupid.”
Haunting memories flooded through her every time she saw her reflection. Jake’s words rushed back in one quickened heartbeat. ‘Go black. It will look much better.’ Pushing the horrid thoughts away, she swallowed the bile rising in her throat and twisted in her seat.
“I can strip it and add a little color to bring it back to your natural color if you want. It would be great practice.”
A tiny squeal of laughter broke free. “You can do that?”
“Sure, I’ll buy the color, and do it this weekend if you want.”
Rachel turned her to face the mirror. Mallory’s long layers were full of waves. “Thank you, Rachel. It’s so pretty.”
“Thank you for letting me practice.” She turned and headed toward the door. “Come on. I guess we better get to work now.”
Paul stood at the bottom of the stairs. “There you are. Is this what you girls call studying?” He took Rachel’s hand as she stepped down, lifted her, and spun her around.
“I’m sorry, Mallory. Paul has no manners.”
At the sound of his familiar voice, Mallory stumbled to a halt.
Eleven
A jolt slammed through Mallory’s body as her gaze met Eric’s. Her tangled tongue slipped from her mouth and slid across her lips.
He stepped in her direction. “I didn’t get a chance to speak to you earlier. How’s your ankle?”
Mallory’s gaze fell. “It’s okay.”
Paul and Rachel had walked into the living room, leaving them alone. She didn’t want to be rude, but she shouldn’t be anywhere near him.
“Is it sore?”
Heat rose to her cheeks at the memory of her dream. “A little, but not too bad.” Mallory concentrated on his freshly shaven chin, avoiding his direct gaze.
“I feel bad. I’m so sorry,” his voice trailed off.
“It isn’t your fault. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.” She lifted her head as he brushed his finger against her chin. She stepped back. His touch triggered a vulnerable sensation, sucking the breath out of her lungs and she turned in an attempt to hide her pounding heart.
“You had a little smudge.”
“Oh.” She wiped a hand across her face, his touch lingering. “I was in a hurry.”
Eric leaned against the counter and his skin shimmered against the sunlight filtering through the kitchen window. “Your hair, it looks nice that way.”
“Break time’s over, guys.” Rachel moved toward the table. “We have to hit the books.”
Paul and Eric looked at each o
ther with a frown.
“Don’t pout.” Rachel took Paul’s hand. “Meet us back here at six and we’ll be ready to go for ice cream.”
Paul nodded. “We’ll be here.”
Mallory shifted and her stomach tensed as Eric searched her face.
“Bye, you guys.” Rachel pushed Paul through the kitchen entryway.
Eric followed behind him, glancing at Mallory before he disappeared around the corner.
The truck door closed, and Mallory grabbed Rachel’s arm. “I can’t do that.”
“Do what?”
“Eric, I mean … it’s not a good idea, going for ice cream.” She hoped Rachel would understand and she wouldn’t have to explain any further.
“He feels bad about last night and wanted to make it up to you.”
It was his idea? What was she supposed to tell Rachel now? “Mr. Chamberlain picks me up at six. I probably shouldn’t make him wait.” Though knowing him, he wouldn’t mind.
“I left a message I would bring you home today, so you don’t have to worry about that.”
It was settled then. As Mallory reviewed the material, she had a hard time concentrating. As six o’clock drew closer, she fidgeted as she glanced at her watch at least twenty times every few minutes.
The familiar crunch of gravel in the driveway startled her and she pressed her hands against the chair. There had to be a way out of this, though deep down she didn’t want to find one.
Ms. Adams spoke and a familiar voice answered, but it wasn’t Paul, and it definitely wasn’t Eric, the voice she’d memorized.
“Hello, Ms. Adams, I’m here to pick up Mallory.”
Rachel’s eyebrow rose. “Is that Andrew?”
“I thought you were taking me.” Relief mixed with disappointment filled her. She had an excuse to leave now.
Rachel searched the window. “Maybe he didn’t get the message.”
At the sound of Paul’s truck, Mallory stood quickly. “I better go. If Mr. Chamberlain sent Andrew, something must be wrong. I left a mess …”
Andrew peeked into the kitchen. “Hey, I’m here to pick you up, but I’m in no hurry if you girls need to finish up.”
His three simple words complicated her perfect escape plan.
“We’re finished. I’m ready whenever you are.” Mallory ignored the inner tugging urging her to tell Rachel the truth. She would have to explain this to her one day, but right now she had to go.
“Great.” He took the books from her.
She would still have to see Eric before they could leave, but at least she wouldn’t have to spend an hour trying to ignore the man from her dreams last night.
Rachel grabbed Mallory’s arm. “Can I talk to you for a minute? Alone please?” Her voice was low, her expression somber.
Mallory looked at Andrew.
“Go ahead. I’m in no hurry.” He set the books on the table and walked out the front door.
Mallory followed Rachel upstairs chewing her pinky nail. Rachel would expect some explanation. What could she tell her?
“Why are you in such a hurry to leave? Did I do something?” Rachel closed the door and plopped down on the bed.
Mallory had to be honest with her. “No, of course not. It isn’t a good idea for me to go with you. I mean with Eric coming too. What if Victoria finds out? I don’t want to upset her.”
“Victoria? Why would you be worried about her? She and Eric are only friends.”
“No, they’re engaged. I shouldn’t be seen with him. Victoria might get the wrong idea.”
Rachel stumbled backward, her eyes wide. Apparently they hadn’t told anyone yet. “I think it will be okay. Please don’t leave yet.”
She deliberated for a moment. Her plan had failed. “What about Andrew?”
“He can come too. We’re all friends. He’s so much fun he’ll definitely make things more interesting. I promise it’ll be okay. You have nothing to worry about.” Confidence trickled in Rachel’s tone, but Mallory’s stomach twisted with a swirl of quivers.
Rachel didn’t understand. If only Mallory could explain. But she couldn’t tell Rachel how horrible Victoria had treated her. Mallory had to go along with this. She had no choice. It wouldn’t last forever—it would only feel like it. If Mallory stayed near Andrew and away from Eric, maybe she would be okay.
“Did Eric tell you they’re engaged?”
Rachel’s question caught Mallory off guard. “No, Victoria told me.”
What did it matter who told her? The fact remained. They’re engaged and she couldn’t handle being around him … not the way Eric made her feel. A smug stretched across Rachel’s face, and Mallory breathed a sigh of short relief until they came downstairs and her pulse quickened. Eric stood on the other side of the front door. She wanted to see him, yet didn’t. When he opened the door, she allowed a shy smile without meeting his gaze and made a bee line for Andrew.
“Hey, we’re going for ice cream.” Rachel threw her arm around Andrew. “We’d love for you and Mallory to join us.”
Mallory offered a trembling smile.
“Well, all righty then,” Andrew nearly shouted.
She’d planned to stay near Andrew, but that wasn’t how it worked out. Rachel started a conversation with him about a community drama team. She leaned against the column, putting all her weight on her good leg, until Eric touched her shoulder. She spun to face him but avoided his eyes, the color of stormy waters. Instead she concentrated on his dark hair that curled out on the ends.
“You should be sitting as much as possible. Until your ankle’s feeling better.”
Satisfaction in Andrew’s gaze grew as he moved closer. “We should get Mallory to join our team.”
“That’s a wonderful idea. Why didn’t I think of that?” Rachel winked. “But we can talk about it later.”
Paul jiggled his keys. “We need to go before it gets too late.”
Mallory moved off the porch with slow strides. Yeah, let’s get this over with.
Rachel stood by the passenger door. Mallory hadn’t thought about the possibility of having to sit beside Eric, and a thousand rushes of butterflies flowed through her.
Andrew opened the door. “You get in the middle, Mallory.”
She scooted in, trying to force her mind to safer thoughts. It was impossible. Andrew climbed in on one side of her and Eric on the other. The ten minute ride into Paradise seemed like hours. Eric’s legs brushed against hers with each bump and curve, sending electric chills through her every vein. Every few minutes she glanced at his cheeks. His dimple deepened slightly with each smile.
Eric turned once, making eye contact. She held her breath. Though everyone conversed the entire drive, she heard nothing but her quickened pulse.
When they reached the ice cream shop, Paul parked and everyone spilled out of the car. Eric lingered until she hobbled past him.
The large window was painted with pink and green letters surrounded by snowflakes. Round tables filled the seating section, each holding a vase filled with yellow and pink daisies. Mallory followed Rachel and took the seat next to her. Andrew sat on her other side leaving Eric directly across from her. Mallory concentrated on the menu. Everyone else had ordered and it was her turn. The waiter waited for her to choose, but she still hadn’t made up her mind.
Rachel ordered a cookie dough blizzard and Mallory zoned in on the printed line item.
“I’ll have a frozen coffee coolatta. Blueberry, please?”
With an unwilling glance at Eric, she caught him watching her, his expression torn. The compulsion she had to smile succeeded, especially after ordering blueberry. Can I add blue teeth and lips to that?
Heat rose to her cheeks as the corners of his lips lifted into a charming smile directed at her. Mallory averted her gaze. “Can I change that coolata to a vanilla?”
Had Eric noticed her uneasiness? She read the menu over and over, trying to ignore the butterflies swarming her stomach.
The waiter finally came with their order. Sipping a mouthful of frozen coffee onto her tongue, she stared across the restaurant at other young couples. I don’t belong here.
When the waiter passed out the tickets, Eric asked for hers. Why would he do that? And then the question that mattered even more settled with heaviness in the pit of her stomach.
What if Andrew told Victoria?
“What’s up girl? It’s all right here.” Andrew held his arms out.
Everyone laughed—except her. Even Eric’s seemed strained, or maybe it was her imagination.
And not until she lay in bed did she allow herself to remember the deep pools of blue, and how every time their glance collided, a warm blaze expanded throughout her body.
The next few days, Mallory found Ms. Chamberlain and Victoria’s extra chores were no longer on her list.
“Mallory, you work for me and are never to answer to anyone else other than Nancy, even if I leave on business, again. I apologize for not making this clear before, and I’m sorry if you were made uncomfortable.”
“Thank you, Mr. Chamberlain. I’m happy working here and tutoring with Rachel. I like her a lot.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
At the end of the day, Mallory walked through the flower garden toward the apartment.Andrew ran up beside her. “Hey, are you in a hurry?”
Mallory startled and turned. “No, I was enjoying the cool evening breeze.
“Good, I wanted to talk to you.”
They sat on the bench facing the mansion. As the sun descended, the solar lights brightened and cast soft shadows along the sidewalk.
Her muscles stiffened, and she leaned against the wooden back, forcing her limbs to relax. “Will you do me a favor?”
“Of course. I’ll do anything for you.”
Her shoulders slackened. “Your sister doesn’t like me much.”
Andrew’s unruly laughter echoed against the darkening sky. “Really? I would’ve never guessed.”
Mallory jabbed him lightly with her elbow. “I’m being serious.”
Broken Butterfly Page 8
