A Heart Rearranged by Elizabeth Maddrey

Author:Elizabeth Maddrey [Maddrey, Elizabeth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: JoNaTiMa Books
Published: 2019-09-09T04:00:00+00:00

“You didn’t have to cook. I was thinking we’d go out.” Topher shifted in his seat at Vanessa’s kitchen table and glanced around. Her apartment was tidy. And sparsely decorated. What did it say about her that she had only one photo hanging on her wall? It was her brother—though it had to have been several years prior. The rest of the wall hangings were art prints and post cards, all framed.

“It’s relaxing. And after the crazy end of the day downstairs, dealing with the crowd at a restaurant didn’t appeal. You’re sure it’s okay?” She shook the pan on the stove before splashing in some soy sauce. “Stir-fry’s simple, but I like it.”

“Who doesn’t?”

Vanessa chuckled. “I could make you a list.”

“Takes all kinds, I guess. For me? It’s a weekday staple. Long day in the kitchen, there’s nothing I want more than a quick, filling meal. Vegetables are a bonus.”

She grinned and turned off the stove. In short order, she’d taken down two plates from one of the cabinets and dished up generous portions.

Topher waited while she filled two glasses with water and, finally, settled in the seat to his left. He offered her his hand. “Can I say grace?”

Vanessa eyed his hand like it might be carrying the plague but finally rested her fingers in his. “Thanks.”

He kept the prayer short and to the point, regardless of his desire to hold her hand longer. She was clearly uncomfortable. Topher gave her fingers a quick squeeze as he said, “Amen.”

“So.” Vanessa stabbed several snow peas and a thin strip of chicken.

Topher waited but she didn’t go on. “So, what?”

She laughed. “My brother used to do that.”

Topher speared a bite and watched her eat. “How’s he doing?”

“I wish I knew. Mom says he took a job with Dad’s company.”

“Is that a bad thing?”

“No. No, it’s probably a good one. His skills and interests mesh well enough with the contracts they’ve always sought. But he hasn’t been in touch, and that worries me. Last time he did that, he disappeared completely for years. I guess I was hoping that since I was his first stop we might be able to reclaim some of the friendship we had when we were younger.” Vanessa shrugged, but Topher caught a glimpse of hurt in her eyes before she looked away. “I’m sure he’s just busy.”

He reached out and covered her hand. When she didn’t immediately pull away, he curled his fingers around hers more tightly. “Have you called him? Texted? Emailed?”

“I don’t want to be a nag.”

Topher swallowed a chuckle. “Since your brother seems like a pretty typical guy, I’m going to let you in on a secret. He’d probably love it if you got in touch with him first.”

“I don’t know.” She tugged her hand away and reached for her water. “Why?”

“You said he disappeared? No contact, right? And he knows you were hurt and worried by that?”

She nodded.

“He’s probably embarrassed. And not quite sure how to fix things—or even if you really want things to be fixed.

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