“Well, she gave me an earful last night,” Maddie said. “It seems I might have … misunderstood … some of the advice she gave me.”
“She expected you to tell me the truth a long time ago, didn’t she?”
“I don’t understand,” Maddie admitted. “She drilled it into my head over and over again: Don’t tell anyone your secret. When I told her what happened, she was angry because I never told you the truth.”
“I’m not just anyone, Maddie,” Nick said. “Olivia knew what you refused to see.”
“And what was that?”
“I would never just abandon you,” Nick said. “Even though that’s exactly what you did to me.”
Maddie’s face contorted as she dropped it into her hands. “I’m so sorry.”
“I know you’re sorry,” Nick said, fighting the urge to reach over and pull her to him. They weren’t there yet. He still needed more time – and there was more to talk about. “I think you’ve been sorry for a really long time. That doesn’t change the fact that you didn’t trust me. I have to wonder what I did to make you think I would turn away from you.”
“I … I just couldn’t bear the thought of you not being in my life.”
“So, instead, you cut me out of your life,” Nick said. “That makes a lot of sense.”
“I … .”
“I want us to be able to get past this, Mad,” Nick said. “I’m just not sure how we’re going to do it. You’re obviously feeling vulnerable, and I’m still feeling … .”
“Betrayed,” Maddie finished.
“Confused,” Nick corrected. “While we’re working our way through this, though, I need you to understand that I’m not scared by what you are. I spent hours last night thinking back … and I’m not sure how I missed it. I feel a little stupid now.”
“You didn’t want to see it,” Maddie said. “You wanted me to be normal, like you.”
“Yeah, that’s not it,” Nick said. “I never once thought you were normal. That’s why I liked you in the first place. I never could’ve been friends with a normal girl.”
Maddie faltered. “I’m not sure I understand.”
“A normal girl plays with dolls and hates bugs,” Nick said. “A normal girl cares about make up, hair spray, and clothes. You cared about playing in the woods, and watching action movies with me. You were never normal, Maddie. You were better than that.”
“So, you’re saying you would’ve been fine with all of this if I told you back then?” Maddie’s face was twisted with doubt.
“I would’ve been fine with it,” Nick said. “It might have even been fun.”
Maddie started crying again, and this time Nick couldn’t resist comforting her. He shuffled over and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her onto his lap as her shoulders heaved against his chest.
“Don’t cry, Mad,” Nick said, resting his forehead against the back of her head. “I can’t take it when you cry.”
“I ruined everything.”
“You didn’t ruin anything,” Nick said. “You just … screwed it up for a decade.”
Despite herself, Maddie laughed. The sound, although harsh, lifted some of the weight off Nick’s shoulders.
“It’s okay, Maddie,” he said. “We’re … going to figure this all out.”
“How?”
“Well, we’re going to start over,” Nick replied.
“And how do we do that?”
“We’re going to start from the beginning,” he said. “I want to know everything.”
“Everything?”
“Everything,” Nick confirmed, rubbing his hand over the back of her neck to soothe her. “You’re going to tell me everything, and I’m going to listen, and then we’re going to figure out how to move on from there. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, and I’m not saying everything is going to be figured out today.
“I’m not going to let you run away again, though,” Nick said. “I can’t take it, and I’m pretty sure it would destroy you. So, let’s take the first step. When did you first talk to a ghost?”
Maddie sucked in a deep and steadying breath. Nick was worried she was going to clam up again. He was terrified she would start lying to protect herself. Instead, she launched into her story – and she didn’t stop talking for hours. Nick took every step down memory lane with her, and things were … different … when she was done. He wasn’t sure things would ever be the same, but he was almost certain they would be better.
It was a start. Now he just had to figure out what the next step was.
Twenty
Nick walked Maddie back to Magicks once the sun started dipping in the west. He felt emotionally drained after their afternoon, but he also felt markedly better. Once Maddie started opening up, she didn’t stop. She looked as relieved to get it off her chest as he felt to hear it.
They continued to chat during the long walk home.
“When did you know nursing wouldn’t work out for you?”
“It wasn’t long,” Maddie said. “Hospitals are teeming with ghosts. I knew I couldn’t keep ignoring them.”
“And you couldn’t talk to them without putting yourself at risk,” Nick said, holding his hand out to help Maddie climb over a fallen tree. When she landed on the other side, he didn’t let go of her hand. “You didn’t think about that when you decided to be a nurse?”
“I just knew I wanted to help people,” Maddie said, gripping his fingers tightly. Nick recognized the gesture. She was anchoring herself through him. It was the first time she’d done it since she returned, even though she’d always done it before, and he didn’t realize how much he’d missed it until now.
“There are a lot of different ways to help people, Mad,” Nick said. “You can help them right from the store. Look what you’re trying to do for Jennifer.”
“Speaking of Jennifer, did you really make sure Dustin took her home the other night?”
“I did,” Nick said.
“That’s so … adult.”
“Dustin is a little pig,” Nick said. “Jennifer can do a lot better.”
“Oh, you’re so sweet,” Maddie teased, poking the index finger of her free hand into his cheek.
Nick rolled his eyes. “I’m just saying that you can help people right here in town,” he said, trying to get the conversation back on topic. “You don’t need to be anything that you’re not to help people. You’re amazing just the way you are.”
“Thank you.” Maddie’s face flushed.
“Is that what happened with Detective Kincaid?”
When Maddie stilled, Nick realized his mistake. While she’d been filling him with nothing but truth for hours, he was still harboring a secret.
“How do you know about him?” Maddie’s voice was barely a whisper.
Nick licked his lips. “I talked to him.”
“What? Why?”
“Because I was concerned about you,” Nick said, cringing when Maddie snatched her hand back from his. “Maddie, you were acting strange. I caught you out in the meadow talking to yourself. I know now you were talking to Olivia, but that whole thing was odd.
“You knew Sarah’s name when it hadn’t been released. Then there was the thing with Sadie,” he continued. “You got physically ill, Mad. You led me to her, and your cheeks were bright red, and … I just knew something was up.”
“That doesn’t explain how you knew about Kincaid,” Maddie said, her face ashen.
Nick was terrified to tell her the truth. He’d known it was an invasion of privacy when he was doing it, but now it felt like he was the one who had betrayed her. He couldn’t do anything but tell her the truth now. “I ran your name through the system,” he said. “I found quite a few hits, and all of them were in Kincaid’s case files.”
Maddie’s hand flew to her mouth. “I … and you called him?”
“I did,” Nick said. “He’s a nice guy, Mad. He had glowing things to say about you. He was worried you were a suspect in Sarah’s death, a
nd he was already thinking of ways to clear his schedule so he could come up here and help you.”
“He’s a good man,” Maddie said finally. “I haven’t seen him in a few years. How did he sound?”
Her voice was distant, and Nick couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy at her words. Had they been involved? “He seemed busy. He was more concerned about you.”
“Well, that sounds just like him.”
Nick bit the bullet. “Did you two date?”
The incredulous look that flitted across Maddie’s face was almost comical. “He’s in his fifties.”
Nick’s smile was sheepish. “Oh. I … it was just the way you talked about him.”
“Trust me. There was nothing romantic going on with Kincaid,” Maddie said. “It was purely work.”
Nick was relieved. “And you helped him find missing people?”
“I did,” Maddie said, her jaw stiffening. “For almost two years.”
“Then what happened?”
“I … something bad.”
“If you don’t want to talk about it, you don’t have to,” Nick said quickly. “I invaded your privacy. You don’t owe me an explanation.”
Maddie shifted her eyes to the horizon, considering. “I’m not sure I’m ready to talk about it.”
“You don’t have to,” Nick said carefully. “Just know that I’m here when you’re ready.”
“I … it’s just too horrible.”
“Okay,” Nick said, holding his hand out to her again. “Let’s go back to the house and get Maude for some dinner. I’m starving, and I’m betting you haven’t eaten in almost twenty-four hours.”
“What makes you say that?”
She still hadn’t taken his hand, and Nick was worried he’d created a new chasm in their relationship. “Because I know you,” he said. “Whenever you’re upset, you stop eating. Most women bury themselves in ice cream and cookies. You bury yourself in working out and pouting.”
“I do not.”
“You do, too.” Nick kept his hand outstretched. Please, Maddie, he internally begged. Take it.
Maddie slipped her hand back in his. “I don’t bury myself in pouting.”
Nick was so relieved when she took his hand he missed her follow-up statement. “What do you want for dinner? We could order pizza.”
“That sounds fine.”
They emerged from the woods behind the house, and the figure standing on the side of the driveway took Nick by surprise. “Sonovabitch.”
Maddie followed his gaze. “Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me,” she grumbled. “I thought I scared him away.”
Nick’s gaze was hateful when it landed on Todd. “He’s still sniffing around you?”
“He showed up with a picnic the other day,” Maddie admitted. “I told him I wanted a bunch of kids because I thought that would freak him out. I didn’t expect to see him again. He’s obsessed with you, by the way. He doesn’t really want to date me. He just wants to poke you.”
“I’m going to poke him with my foot in his … .”
“Nicky,” Maddie warned.
Nick gripped Maddie’s hand tighter as they moved closer to the house. He was sending a message, too, and that message was: Stay away.
“Well, well, well,” Todd said when he caught sight of them. “I guess I should have expected this.”
“Expected what?” Nick asked, ushering Maddie in front of him with a hand on her narrow waist as he navigated her past Todd. He was determined to keep Todd from touching her.
“Well, Maddie swore up and down you two were just friends, and yet here you are … holding hands.” Todd’s face was murderous. “I knew she was lying.”
“We are just friends,” Nick said, refusing to rise to the bait. “That doesn’t mean we don’t touch one another.” He gave Maddie a little push toward the front door. “Go and order the pizza.”
Maddie’s face was conflicted. “What are you going to do?”
“I’m just going to have a short … discussion … with Winthrop,” Nick said, fighting to keep his voice even.
“But … .”
“It will be fine, Mad,” Nick said.
“Yes, it will be fine, Mad,” Todd said, sarcasm dripping from his tongue. “Winters here just wants to make sure I understand my boundaries.”
“Nicky, just … come and order the pizza with me,” Maddie pleaded.
“I’ll be inside in five minutes,” he said, refusing to move his gaze from Todd’s face. “I promise. Everything is going to be fine.”
“Yeah, it’s going to be great,” Todd said. “We’re going to toss a football and bond.”
Maddie resignedly moved in the direction of the house after shooting a pointed warning look in Todd’s direction. “Don’t you upset him.”
“I’m the one who just found his girl with another man,” Todd replied. “I’m the one who is upset.”
“Oh, please,” Maddie scoffed. “I was never your girl. You just wouldn’t take the hint.”
“Well, I get it now,” Todd shot back. “You’re a tease.”
Nick grabbed his arm roughly. “Don’t talk to her like that.”
Maddie paused on the porch. “Nick?”
Nick released Todd’s arm and sent her a reassuring smile. “It’s fine. Order the pizza. I promise things won’t get out of hand.”
Maddie didn’t look convinced, but she disappeared inside the house anyway. Once she was gone, both men let their facades slip.
“You just couldn’t let anyone else have her, could you?” Todd was angry.
“She’s better than you,” Nick said. “I’m just making sure you don’t take advantage of her.”
“Do you think she’s too stupid to make her own decisions?”
Nick made a face. “I think you’re too aggressive to give her much of a choice.”
“You’re just friends, though, right? Why do you care so much?”
“Because friends don’t let friends date jerks,” Nick replied. “She’s not interested in you.”
“That’s not what she said the other day,” Todd replied, smirking. “The other day she told me she wanted five kids and she thought I could provide for them very well. She wanted to get started making them right away.”
Nick snorted. “Maddie only wants one kid,” he replied. “She liked growing up as an only child.”
Todd’s smug smile slipped. “But … .”
“She was trying to scare you away,” Nick said. “She figured a ladies’ man like yourself would turn and run when she mentioned wanting a boatload of kids. Buy a clue.”
“You’re just so full of yourself,” Todd said. “I’m not even sure you realize what you’re doing.”
“And what’s that?” Nick asked, crossing his arms over his chest.
“You’re claiming her as your own,” Todd shot back. “You’re marking your territory.”
Todd’s words hit home. Nick knew he was doing exactly that. He just didn’t want Maddie to know it. Not yet, at least. “I’m making sure she’s protected,” Nick countered. “You’re not good enough for her.”
“And you are?”
“That’s not even a consideration right now,” Nick said, refusing to lose his temper. “Maddie is trying to settle back into her life here. Her mother just died. She’s taking over a business for the first time. You’re a distraction she doesn’t need.”
“Because you only want her to be distracted with you,” Todd supplied.
“I want Maddie happy,” Nick replied. “You’re not capable of making her happy. What she needs right now is peace. You’re not peaceful, Winthrop. You’re like a tornado. You just want to swoop in here and upend her life. I’m not going to let you do that.”
“You’re such a punk,” Todd seethed. “I have to ask, what does your girlfriend think about you and your friend spending so much time together?”
Nick hadn’t given much thought to Cassidy this afternoon. To be fair, he hadn’t give her much thought sin
ce … well … the day they started dating. It wasn’t lost on Nick that he was treating the amiable teacher the same way he was worried about Todd treating Maddie. He definitely needed to address that situation – and soon. “My relationship with Cassidy is none of your concern.”
“Is your relationship with Maddie any of her concern?” Todd challenged.
“Not really.”
“And how does Maddie feel about you fawning all over her while your girlfriend sits at home pining over you? Or does she get off on it?”
Nick frowned. “My relationship with Cassidy is none of your business,” he said. “My relationship with Maddie is none of your business. I’m sure there are a few women left in this town who are dumb enough to date you, but Maddie isn’t one of them. Move on.”
“And what if I don’t?” Todd pressed.
“Then I’m going to make you wish you’d never laid eyes on her.”
“Is that a threat?”
“It’s a promise,” Nick replied. “Stay away from Maddie. I’m not going to tell you again.”
Todd’s eyes narrowed. “You’re not her father.”
“I never said I was.”
“You’re not her boyfriend either.”
“Stay away from her,” Nick repeated. “You’re not welcome here. Don’t make me tell you again, because you’re not going to like it if I have to.”
The sound of the front door of the store opening again caught Nick’s attention. He shifted his gaze to the porch and found Maddie standing there, her hands clasped in front of her and worry furrowing between her eyebrows. “I ordered the pizza.”
Neither man spoke.
“How are things going out here?” She sounded like she was about to have a meltdown.
“They’re fine,” Todd said, squaring his shoulders. “We were just about to build a fort.”
“Yeah,” Nick replied. “I’ll go inside and get the pillows and you … leave.” He turned his full attention to Maddie. “Did you get mushrooms on it?”
Todd had been dismissed, and he knew it. He slunk back to his car and left, his eyes never leaving Nick’s back as he joined Maddie on the porch. They both seemed lost in their own little world, and Nick’s victory – however small – left a bad taste in Todd’s mouth.
Grave Homecoming (A Maddie Graves Mystery Book 1) Page 15
