Page 24 of Back To Our Beginning

“Is there anything I can do?”

I frowned. “Huh?”

“I know I can’t kick the door in for you. But is there something I can do? Somebody I can pressure. Someone I can call?”

Words stuck in my throat. I’ve told my sisters and some of my friends about what goes on with my job, but nobody had ever asked if they could do something to help.

“I really appreciate that.” I paused. Then swallowed. “You don’t know how much. But there isn’t anything anyone can do but wait.”

“And buy groceries, and maybe something a little healthier than MacDonald’s.”

“Ding Dongs? Oh, I’m sorry, three cherry pies?”

“Brat.”

He used to always call me that. And he used to always want to help me with whatever problem I had. It didn’t matter if it was a school problem or something going on at home. He always wanted to help. Sometimes when he couldn’t or shouldn’t. That’s why I got in the habit of not telling him things. At least this situation wasn’t nearly as bad as what went on when I was a kid and Dad lived at home.

“I am not a brat. You’re a bully.”

I turned back to the pile of Hostess products and picked up the package of Twinkies. He yanked them out of my hand.

“Hey, those are mine.”

“If you have any more sugar before bedtime, you’ll never sleep.”

I sighed. He was right. But I didn’t want to admit it.

“Don’t you stick that bottom lip out at me.”

“Why? Will it work? Will you give me back my Twinkies?”

“Nope.”

I watched in horror as he scooped up all the treats back into the white bag. “What are you doing with those?”

“I’m taking these with me. I’ll bring you a treat in the morning.”

The morning? I perked up.

“What kind of treat?”

“Depends on how rested you look. If you get to the door all bleary-eyed, you’ll get nothing. Now, if you come to the door like Little Maddie Sunshine, you’ll get something really special.”

Damn. It was like I was eleven years old again. I was practically bouncing on my toes.

“Promise?”

“Cross my heart. Now come lock up behind me, then go blow-dry your hair so you don’t catch a cold.”

“When in the hell did you get so pushy?”

“It comes with the job.”

I followed him to the door, where he stopped and looked down at me. He tilted up my chin, then traced along my cheekbone with his thumb. “Remember, Maddie, I’ll be looking you over. I want to see you rested,” he whispered.

“Yes, Beau.” I breathed out, wondering if he would kiss me. He let me go and then left.

I shuddered as I locked the door behind him and fell against it.