Beyond Broken(22)

The thought of Peter, shy and distrustful, not wanting to go home at the end of the day made her chest ache. Maddie was blessed because she'd loved both of her parents-still loved them, even though one wasn't living-and she knew they'd always loved her.

"He copes. He's strong, even though he seems a little fragile. Don't worry your pretty little head about him, sweetie," Brian said, catching the look of dismay on her features. "He's a good kid."

She nodded and then turned to the stairs, thinking about his words as she climbed up towards Caleb's office. When she reached the top of the metal staircase, she peered inside the open blinds. She could see Caleb and he was on the phone with someone. The deep timber of his voice reached her ears, but she couldn't make out what he was saying through the door.

Their eyes connected and she took a deep breath, pushing open the door. She closed it quietly behind her, not wanting to disturb him.

"No, I'm not doing any restorations at the moment. I know. Yes. Not for some time. I'm still cleaning up here, but we can try to aim for after the New Year. What model is it?" He typed something into his computer, cradling the phone between his ear and shoulder. "The parts would be difficult to get."

While he was busy, Maddie crossed to the laptop he'd set up for her last night. She turned it on, the start-up noise drawing Caleb's brief attention before he looked away. Swallowing thickly, she sank into the chair, keeping her eyes fixed on the screen as the desktop loaded. The same background picture was there. Maddie had half expected him to change it after she'd left, given his reaction to it. Now, she looked at it at her leisure.



       
         
       
        

Maddie guessed it was taken sometime after high school, since his hair was a little longer than the buzz cut he'd sported then. His uncle was a robust man with crystal blue eyes and crow feet extending from the corners. They both looked happy in the photo, fresh from a fishing trip.

Her chest ached. Caleb must've really loved his uncle. No wonder he was still bitter and hurt from his passing. But what she said last night had been true. Time didn't heal. It only made the pain more manageable. She still cried whenever she thought of her own father.

"I'll be in touch, Greg. Yes, you too." The phone was set back in its cradle, the noise making Maddie tense. Without missing a beat, Caleb addressed her, "You're almost an hour late."

"Good evening to you too," Maddie mumbled under her breath. Caleb scowled at her from across the room, but she felt somewhat safer, hiding behind her own desk now. She sighed. "I'm sorry. But I told you yesterday that I had to meet with a professor. I got here as fast as I could. I can stay later, if you'd like."

Even he couldn't argue with that, surely. She returned her gaze to the computer, replaying his words last night in her mind. If he didn't want to be friendly, if he just wanted her to work, then that was fine. She would work.

Last night, she thought they were making progress. She thought that his eyes had softened towards her when she told him about her own loss. She thought that maybe-a stupid, foolish part of her-they could try to be friends. The look in his eyes when he'd apologized was so sincere and she saw a glimmer of the boy who sat with her that day in the courtyard, listening to her cry but not leaving, despite his discomfort.

Then he had to hurt her. The look in his eyes had changed, morphing into a knowing, bitter acceptance, like he wouldn't allow himself to get close to her. Like he didn't want anything in his life that could hurt him, ever. She wondered if he was lonely, living a life like that, where he kept everyone at arm's length. Maybe he didn't think about it that way. Maybe he did it because it wasn't a choice, but a necessity.

So, Maddie would help him push her away, if that was what he truly wanted. Who had she been kidding anyway, to think that this was her second chance with Caleb? And she had to ask herself, did she even want someone like him in her life? He was angry and bitter. He couldn't string a sentence together without insulting her. Sure, she was physically attracted to him. What women wouldn't be? But was he worth all the hurt?

She didn't know. And it looked like she wouldn't find out.

They worked silently. Caleb took a couple more calls, his voice filling the small office, coursing over her until her skin prickled. Every now and again, she thought he was looking at her, but she wouldn't look up for confirmation. She threw herself into the work, which was easy, considering the bookkeeping program installed on the laptop was severely out-of-date and gave her sufficient distraction.