The Girl Who Came Back

“I’d like that. I’m here because of Maddie, so I’m not sure exactly what my plans are. It depends on her.”

Betsy’s smile faded. “That’s a downright shame, isn’t it? How is she?”

“Still in a coma.”

“I hope she recovers.” Betsy glanced at her pad. “It was awful what happened to you all back then.” Looking at Eliza again, she shook her head.

Although this wasn’t the time or place to discuss it, Eliza hated to let the adults who’d been in charge all those years ago get off scot-free. They’d had the power and they’d abused it. If nothing else, maybe she could set the record straight while she was in town.

“Maddie was never the same,” Betsy said. “It was months before she started going out in public again. I remember my folks talking about it. And now this. Just when I thought she was getting excited about life again.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because of the new center for pregnant teens.”

Eliza frowned. “What center?”

“The one Maddie and Cade talked about building at the house on Poppin Hill.” Betsy seemed surprised that Eliza had to ask. “Cade’s here now,” she said, tilting her head to the left.

Eliza turned around and looked right into Cade’s dark gaze. He was seated at a table behind her with two other men.

“I don’t know about the project,” Eliza said, turning quickly away and sitting back down in her chair. Great, now the man probably thought they were talking about him. Which they were. “I thought the bank was about to foreclose.”

“I don’t know about that. But I know Cade and Maddie discussed a home for unwed pregnant teens. Even brought it before the planning commission for approval. Which it got, provisionally. Maddie was most determined. You remember what she was like when she made up her mind about something.”

Eliza nodded. So Cade and Maddie were partners in this scheme. Then why was he planning to buy her property if the bank sold it? To cut her out of the loop?

“I can fill you in, but not now,” Betsy said, keeping a practiced eye on the rest of her area. “It’s hopping tonight. Do you know what you want to eat yet?”

Eliza ordered and Betsy hurried off to the kitchen. She wanted to know everything, but for the moment would have to be patient.

Having Cade right behind her made Eliza feel self-conscious. His scathing comments after his sister’s death still had the power to hurt. She pushed the memories from her mind. Their relationship had ended years ago. She wouldn’t let his presence disturb her like this.

While Eliza was eating, another former classmate stopped by to greet her. That surprised her. Had she been close to other girls, not just April and Jo? Were her memories warped because of the way she was removed from Maraville?

Bemused, she left the café once she’d paid her bill, and headed for the hospital. The evening had cooled slightly and the walk would be pleasant. Eliza drew a breath of the soft southern air. It felt good to be back. In a surreal way, it seemed almost as if she had never left.

“Going to the hospital?” a familiar voice asked.

She glanced over at Cade as he fell into step with her.

“Yes.” She thought he had left the café before her.

“I’ll go with you.”

“I know the way.”

“What are you really doing here, Eliza?”

“I told you, I came to see Maddie.”

“You’ve ignored her for years, why now?”

“I haven’t ignored her. We’ve written, spoken on the phone a few times. Not that it’s any of your business.”

“Did she tell you about the plans she and I talked about for the house?”

Eliza shook her head, wondering why Maddie hadn’t mentioned that. Of course, the last time Eliza had heard from her had been Christmas. She had written twice since then, but hadn’t received a letter in return. She wasn’t going to share that information with Cade. She’d find out what she could from Betsy when they got together for lunch the next day.

“If you and Maddie made plans together, why are you siding with the banker?” she asked.

“I’m hardly siding with Allen.”

“Seemed like it to me. He wants to sell, you want to buy.”

“He and I don’t see eye to eye on most things. But if the property goes up for sale, I’ll do my best to buy it. Keep it in the family so to speak.”

“Or cut Maddie out of the loop. It’s not going to come to that,” Eliza said.

“Oh no? Why not?”

“Never mind.” She could see the hospital now. Only a few more minutes and they’d be there.

He walked in silence as they approached the brick building. Eliza wished he’d leave, but he followed her in to the lobby. She wondered if he planned to accompany her all the way to Maddie’s room, and when he stepped into the elevator beside her, she figured she had her answer.

She looked at him. “Visiting as well?”

“I need to know if Maddie’s awake yet or not. Time’s running out.”

Eliza stared at the closed elevator doors. She wished he was a thousand miles away. Feeling edgy, she willed the elevator to rise quickly. At last the doors opened and she stepped out into the hall of the intensive care unit.

Cade went a couple of steps before he realized she wasn’t with him. Turning, he looked at her, one eyebrow raised.

“Cold feet?”

“I’m not going with you. You don’t need or want me around. You made that clear years ago, Cade. Visit Maddie all you want. When you leave, I’ll go in.”

“If she’s still in ICU, they won’t let me see her,” he said, ignoring her accusation.

She shrugged and leaned against the wall, prepared to wait forever if necessary, but she was not going with him.

Her cell phone rang.

“You can’t have that in here,” he said.

“I know the rules.” She fished the phone from her purse and checked the caller before switching it off.

It was Stephen. She turned and punched the button for the elevator. “I’ll go back outside to call,” she said as the doors slid open.