Page 19 of Almost True
“Hey, same.” She glanced at me from over Sarah’s shoulder, her face somehow strained and unsure. Did she not want me witnessing who her friends were? Or maybe she didn’t want Sarah to realize we had any connection?
“How do you know Aidan?” Sarah said, patting my shoulder in the friendly way she had.
Maddie smiled at Sarah and nodded to me. “Aidan is one of the first people I ever met in Silverton.”
“Really? I love that. You couldn’t find anyone better, I don’t think. How did you meet?”
Sarah beamed, like she really meant it. I didn’t know her all that well, so the idea that she’d recommend me so highly came as a bit of a shock, though her group of mutual friends were all at least friendly acquaintances with me, so perhaps that was why.
It didn’t make much sense, but the thought of Maddie telling Sarah we’d met at the lounge up at the resort made something in me chafe, so I quickly explained. “I’m doing the landscape design for her home.”
Sarah grinned. “I’m so glad you’re adding clients. I told Wilder we need to beg you to do some work for Saint Security. The curb appeal is not up to snuff for our clientele.” She winked at Maddie.
Of course. That was how these two knew each other. Sarah worked at Saint Security and Maddie was very likely a client.
“It didn’t scare me away,” Maddie said, confirming.
But then, something shifted. Both of them seemed to slip into another mood entirely.
“How are you feeling? After—”
“Fine. Um, do you have a minute? Aidan and I were just wrapping up, but I’d love to chat if you’re free?”
Maddie’s rushed shut down of Sarah’s question had me curious. Sarah stepped back, assuring her she could take her time with me.
“Sorry. I—she’s been so nice since I got to town and…”
I waved away her apology. “Say no more. I’ve taken enough of your time. I’ll be in touch with the plans. You can review them digitally, and we’ll correspond via e-mail while you get settled in. If you still want it completed next month, we’ll need to get started soon. Just… let me know if you have any questions.”
Maddie blinked and gave a tight nod. She stepped away, leaving more, then more space between us. And just like that, we were done. She knew the truth of me and wouldn’t be able to do anything more than see me as a project to fix, and I was so far out of her league, so far into another universe of existence, there was nothing for it. My life had enough complications and challenges. This wasn’t one I could navigate right now, even if I wanted to.
After more than a year and a half of pining for a woman I had never known, I put the walls back up around myself and headed home. I’d done what I’d promised myself—I’d come to hear her out, I’d been honest with her about my own situation, at least mostly, and that was all that needed to be done.
Now I just had to figure out how to oversee the project at her house without having to actually see her, because this spiraling cut of disappointment and regret was bound to improve if I had a little space.
I rubbed a hand over my chest above my heart and nodded, certain it would. Even the worst things improved with time, and this would, too.
It had to.
CHAPTERELEVEN
Maddie
“How are you doing, after everything?”
Sarah’s expression and tone were full of concern, but my heart jolted at her words. I glanced around, fully aware Aidan hadn’t turned the corner yet. Thankfully, no one else was nearby. I didn’t know her very well, but she’d been astute and thoughtful every time I’d interacted with her, and this time was no different.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be speaking so loudly. I’ve just been thinking about you but didn’t want to invade your privacy by calling.”
I gave her a smile. “Please don’t apologize. I appreciate your concern. Other than Anthony and Brad, I haven’t had a chance to talk with anyone in person. I told Juliet and my family via video call, which was not great.”
It wasn’t that I wanted to pretend it hadn’t happened. But something like shame rose up in me at the thought of Aidan knowing. I couldn’t explain that in any way other than thinking of receiving his pitynow, after he’d cracked the gavel and adjudicated our future so cleanly and without faltering, made me cringe.
She grimaced. “I’m sure they were so upset. Is Juliet still going to come visit?”
Warmth and hope and all good things flooded my mind at the mention of my closest friend. “Yes. She’ll be here in a week or so. She got delayed, but she’ll be here. And I’m so happy to have a familiar face coming to see me.”
Sarah clapped before folding her arms in what looked like an effort to quell the outward enthusiasm. She was endearing and I already liked her. Plus, being held at gunpoint with someone kind of bonded you to them for life.
