I know I should be happy at this moment, the summer pop-up storm drenching my crops and flowers with much-needed rain. Instead, I wallow in my feelings, the hot sting of tears mixing with raindrops and rolling down my face.
Miss Jenny was right. Madison is in town for one reason only, and it’s not for me. She’s trying to buy our farm for the company she works for. A company called Global Dynamics.
It’s April Fools' Day all over again.
Pressing my eyes shut, I choke back tears when I realize I must be the butt of the biggest joke in Heartsboro. If Miss Jenny knows why Madison is in town, my grandfather has to know too.
And who else?
Smug Kip and his gremlins? Mr. Garcia? Miss Simpkins from the bank? She surely knows, because that’s where my grandfather keeps the land deed in a safe deposit box.
Sniffling, I can’t fathom Pop keeping something like this from me. For allowing me to fall head over heels for the pretty city girl, who spent the last week with us on the farm. But I know my only father figure, my forever hero, is dying. The man is doing his best to ensure I’m cared for in his absence.
Flashbacks of my Grandma Rosie’s death come to mind, my grief immediately stabbing me in the heart. Pop helped me through my feelings back then. But who will be there to help me when his time comes to an end?
I shiver at the thought of losing him. But losing the farm? Where would I go? What would I do? This is the only home I’ve ever had.
My mind spirals, and I bring my knees up to my chest, wrapping my arms around my saturated legs, head pressed against my jeans.
Lightning cracks overhead, my shivering turning into shaking from fear. I’m downright scared out of my mind.
“George?”
I jerk my head to see Madison standing in the makeshift doorway of the fort, her beautiful face wet from the elements, errant strands of dark hair sticking against her forehead and cheek. She’s wearing a bright yellow rain poncho with a hood tied under her chin and my grandfather’s wader boots.
“Go away,” I mutter, clumsily rising from the stump.
“No. Something’s wrong. Tell me what’s wrong.” She takes a tentative step inside the four walls.
I run my hand underneath my nose and stare. I want to scream at her. Cry out. Shake her by the shoulders and ask her why. Instead, I continue to gape at her like she’s no one. Like she’s a complete stranger. And isn’t that what she is?
I really don’t know her at all.
I choose my words carefully, my voice flat with indifference. “Global. Dynamics.”
She exhales a pitiful sigh and starts toward me. “George, I can explain.”
“No!”I put my hand up into a stop position, and she freezes in her tracks. Her heated brown eyes watch me.
“You… youliedto me.”
“No, I didn’t.”
“Stop it!”I hiss, my face twisting with agony.
Her lower lip quivers as if she’s trying to hold back tears.
I pace back and forth across the muddy terrain and sodden vegetation, trying to find the words. Finally, I stop, my stormy eyes drilling into hers.
“I’m not—” my voice cuts out, my throat closingaround my words.
“You’re not, what?” She’s unabashedly crying now, her whimpers and tearful eyes cutting me in half.
“I’m notstupid.”
“I never said you were.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “You once asked me what makes me happy.” I drop my hands to my sides, suddenly feeling very tired. “But here’s the real question: What makes you happy, Madison? Does Global Dynamics make you happy? Are you following your heart and doing what makes you truly happy? That’s all I want to know.”
