Trust Again

  Trust Again

  Christy Newton

  Copyright© 2014 Christy Newton

  All rights reserved.

  ISBN-13: 978-1499360028

  ISBN-10: 1499360029

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, corporations, institutions, organizations, events, or locales in this novel are either a product of the author’s imagination or, if real, used fictitiously. The resemblance of any character to actual persons (living or dead) is entirely coincidental.

  For my sweet mom ~ wishing you joy and the happily ever after you deserve. Thank you for believing in me.

  Acknowledgments

  I need to thank God. Also, my entire family for their support. My Scribbler sisters. Members of Christy’s Crew, especially Leslie. A special thank you to Tanya for her daily talks and encouragement.

  Chapter One

  “I’ll be back in a few hours.” Bryce gave a smug smile before closing the door.

  Heart hammering inside her chest, Ellie Oliver rushed through the apartment to the bedroom. She went to the window and held her breath as she watched Bryce Lindun, her boyfriend and worst nightmare, get into his parked car. She grabbed the sock filled with money out of the back of her dresser drawer. She had to hurry.

  Ellie’s hands shook as she shoved her clothes, still on hangers, into a large suitcase. She grabbed the raggedy doll she’d had as a child from under the bed and added it to the case. As she dashed through the apartment and passed a bookcase full of personal trinkets, she hesitated. No time. Those things could be replaced. Adrenaline surged through her as she closed the door and headed out of the building to hail a taxi without a backward glance.

  ***

  After she had crossed the state line, Ellie stopped to purchase a bargain car from a Buy Here Pay Here lot. Saving money from her father all those Christmases and birthdays had paid off. Giving her father her work address for correspondence had been one of her smarter moves.

  Finally, Ellie arrived at her destination… Pleasant Valley, Indiana. The old, faded sign she’d left seven years ago now had fresh green paint. With a deep breath she read the long forgotten words in bold, white letters, A Quiet Town. Unnecessary Loud Noises Prohibited. Experiencing her first wave of hope since leaving New York, she continued driving through the small town to the new apartment her father had set up for her.

  It wouldn’t be the same, not hearing police chases and car alarms going off in the middle of the night. Just what she needed, a quiet place to forget. Though forgetting what that monster had put her through would take a lot more than a safe haven and some law-enforced silence. Her shoulders relaxed when she pulled up to the brick apartment complex with clumps of white mums planted around huge birch and oak trees. She did it. She really left this time.

  Ellie climbed the stairs to the second floor, juggling her suitcase and sleeping bag. With clammy hands, she unlocked the door to her new home. Still in disbelief that she was actually there, she walked into the empty space. She tried to slow her breathing as she analyzed the apartment, twice the size of the one she’d just left. The icy, glossy white walls would have to go. Warmth was what she wanted, needed. Maybe she could have the contractor her dad hired start here. At least that tiresome task had been taken care of. Now she was on her own with the business.

  Starting something new on her own both terrified and excited her. She could be strong here. Stronger than she’d been in New York City. When her dad had called her a year and a half ago and asked her to take over his toy store so he could take an early retirement, she had to figure out how to escape control-freak Bryce and his beatings. When the opportunity had finally presented itself, she’d fled. If it weren’t for her dad’s offer, she may have never had the courage to come back home. And when he’d agreed to let her run the store her way that had sealed the deal. She still remembered the look on her father’s face the day she drove away, one of both terror and pride.

  She managed to keep in touch with him by emailing from her workplace once a week and phoning from a payphone on holidays. There was a lot she could hide with that type of communication and she knew how to hide. She’d become a pro at hiding bruises as well as covering for Bryce. As far as her dad was concerned, she’d been living alone and happy in New York. For his sake, she wanted to keep it that way.

  She slid off her shoes. The cream, frieze carpet looked freshly cleaned and she could still smell a slight chemical odor. Her feet sank into the softness as she walked through the large living room to the window to unlock and open it. The view of the courtyard below was pretty. Dozens of mature trees were embellished with reddish-orange leaves mixed with some still lazy green. A loud knock at the door made her heart jump up to her throat. Her body trembled until she heard a woman’s voice through the door.

  “Hello?” the voice called again.

  Ellie took a deep breath and lowered her tensed shoulders. Would there ever be a day when she didn’t have regular panic attacks? She opened up the door to the most gorgeous woman she’d ever seen in person. Her flawless tanned skin and model thin figure made Ellie self conscious of her own curvier body and slightly dimpled chin. “Hello?”

  The young woman beamed with her extra-white teeth and raised a bottle of wine. “You must be Ellie.” She extended her manicured hand. “I’m Viola, your neighbor. You’re taking over your daddy’s shop, right?”

  Great, Malibu Barbie lived next door. Ellie smiled. “That’s right. I’d invite you in, but I haven’t bought any furniture yet.”

  The platinum blond looked around her as if she weren’t telling the truth, then shrugged. “That’s okay. You can come over to my place. Or if wine isn’t your thing, we could go to the diner and have a soda.”

  She would have to get reacquainted to people here being so involved. “I lived in Pleasant Valley about seven years ago. Does Ginger still own the diner?”

  Viola nodded and waved her free hand in the air. “She does. Ginger Snaps wouldn’t be the same without her.”

  “Ginger used to watch me when I was little. With my father’s shop being a few doors down, I’d go over to the diner for lunch and dinner five days a week. She has the best snickerdoodles on earth.” Ellie’s mouth watered just thinking about them.

  “I’ll take your word for it. I get my sugar from wine.” Viola giggled. “You should go say hello. I’m sure she’d be thrilled to see you.”

  Nervous, Ellie twirled the diamond stud earring in her ear, a habit she’d picked up after the first time Bryce slapped her. “I’ve only just arrived.”

  “More the reason to get out and mingle.”

  Ellie looked around the bare apartment. “I’m not really in the mood to go to the diner, but I guess I could have a glass of wine with you before I unpack.” She left the light on before closing and locking the door.

  Viola motioned for Ellie to follow her next door.

  “How did you know who I am?” Ellie asked, glancing at her new friend’s Barbie silhouette.

  Viola waved her hand in the air. “Small town. People talk. A lot.”

  “Oh yeah, it’s all coming back to me now.” Keeping secrets here was like mission impossible. She’d have to be careful.

  “I heard your daddy is having hip surgery and retiring. He’s really excited about you coming back home.” Viola pushed open the door to her apartment. It wasn’t even locked. This town would take some getting used to. Leave your door unlocked in New York and there was a good chance it’d be empty when you returned, or a homeless person eating out of your fridge. Ellie walked inside and was greeted by silver walls that held colorful modern art. The place was young, hip and cheerful, decorated a lot like some fancy lofts she’d seen on TV.

  Her new neighbor flipped on the lights and walked toward the kitche
n. “Make yourself at home. I’ll grab some glasses.”

  Ellie sat down on the red suede sofa. “Nice place.”

  “Thanks!” Viola called from the kitchen. It was the same open floor plan as her new apartment, so she could see Viola as she filled the wine glasses.

  Curious, Ellie looked around. A wedding picture caught her eye on the glass end table.

  Viola came into the room and handed Ellie a glass as she nodded to the picture. “That was two years ago. He’s been overseas ever since. That’s what I get for marrying a Marine.” She paused. “He might get to come home for Christmas.”

  Ellie took a sip of the wine. “He had to leave right after your wedding?”

  “Yep.” Viola drained half her glass.

  “Sorry, that must be hard.” Ellie cleared her throat.

  “It is. But I knew what I was getting into.” Viola paused. “How about you?”

  “Me?” She twisted her earring. “No, I’m not married. Never really met the right person.” A knight in shining armor riding a white horse was in short supply. And unless one ever showed up, she’d rather be alone.

  ***

  Jacob Jones sat across the booth from Mr. Oliver at Ginger Snaps Diner. The same diner his best friend, Ryan, had had his wedding reception. The decor was girly, with pink and gray tiled floors and giant paintings of cookies along the walls, but the food was good. The morning rush was over, so the place was almost deserted.

  With his pure white hair and square glasses, Mr. Oliver really did resemble Geppetto, like Ryan had described him. When Ryan told Jacob about the job, he couldn’t pass up the opportunity. Just laid off from his construction job in Illinois a few weeks ago, he was happy to have found something so quickly. He’d been planning on a move to Indiana anyway. With his mom passing away last month, he had nothing to tie him to Illinois any longer.

  Especially not Kate.

  Mr. Oliver set down his mug of coffee and looked over the rim of his glasses. “So, Jacob, you have quite the recommendation from Ryan Tucker.”

  “Yes, sir. I’ve known Ryan most of my life.”

  The man folded his wrinkled hands on the table. “Your resume is also very impressive. Though you’re the first contractor that I’ve gotten a bid from, I respect Mr. and Mrs. Tucker’s opinions enough to offer you the job.”

  Jacob grinned. “I would love it.”

  “I won’t even ask you to cut that unruly hair of yours. I know kids these days wear what’s in style.” Mr. Oliver chuckled.

  It was Jacob’s turn to laugh. “I wish I were a kid. I’ll be twenty-six next month.” He paused to take a sip of his coffee. Where had the time gone? “And I’m glad, because the hair stays.”

  The old man’s eyes crinkled when he smiled. “I’m hiring you, but it will be my daughter, Ellie, that you’ll answer to. She’s taking over my store and it was her idea to purchase the empty shop next door, to expand.”

  “May I ask why Ellie didn’t meet me here today?” Probably too busy shopping.

  “She’s just arrived in town.” There was a light in his crystal-blue eyes. “It’ll be great to have my daughter back home.” He paused as if in thought. “Arrive at the store at eight a.m. tomorrow and you two can hash out the details.” Mr. Oliver gave him a key.

  Great. Stuck taking orders from a woman. Jacob held out his other hand. “It’ll be my pleasure. Thanks.”

  Mr. Oliver gave him a shake with a firm grip. “Thank you. You’re going to make my daughter a very happy lady.”

  ***

  Excited to get to the shop, Ellie hopped in her car. Working at the candy store was the only thing she’d miss about New York, so she’d sell candy at the toy store. There was just something so innocent and sweet about candy. And the way children’s eyes lit up like she was Willy Wonka himself. Scooping colorful candies into those white paper bags brought her the only happiness she’d experienced since she’d left home after high school to follow her dream of living in the big city.

  She pulled up to the shop and drove around back. Ellie looked around before getting out of her car. The small town was safe. No muggers were waiting around the corner here. No homeless people were going to beg her for money. Even after she reassured herself that the semi-dark, empty parking lot was harmless, she still quickened her pace to get to the door.

  ***

  The sun was just rising over the strip of small shops that lined Main Street, giving the rooftops a bright glow. Jacob went into the diner to grab some caffeine before he met his new employer. He stepped up to the counter behind a woman with long, strawberry blond hair that almost reached the middle of her back. He couldn’t help but notice the curves of her hips hugged by a pair of blue jeans.

  The woman lifted her cup of coffee and thanked the waitress. She held her head down as she walked by so he couldn’t see her face. Too bad.

  “Bet you want coffee?” Lola, the waitress, chomped on her pink gum and popped a bubble. Cute, but a college student and way too immature for his taste.

  “Yep. Large, two sugars.”

  She tightened her ponytail. “All I have is decaf. The customer in front of you just got the last cup. I can make a fresh pot if you can wait.”

  Damn. Strawberry Curves took his coffee. He sighed. “Can’t wait. I have an appointment. Guess I’m stuck with decaf.”

  Lola handed him his coffee and grinned. “It’s on the house. Come back next time and I’ll have regular.”

  Irritated his day was starting out the way it was, he pulled a dollar out of his pocket and handed it to her. “Thanks.” He took a drink and hoped for the best. Maybe he could trick his brain into thinking there was caffeine in it. He made a face at the fake coffee and walked out of the diner and down the sidewalk to the jobsite. He shook his head. From building condos to remodeling toy stores. After using the key Mr. Oliver had provided, he pushed open the glass door, which was frosted to block out curious passers-by. The lights were on, but the place was empty except for the shelving units. “Hello?”

  “Jacob?” a soft voice called from the back.

  He glanced at the wall that would be coming down to expand the shop. “Yes?”

  “I’m in the back.”

  Jacob shrugged and took a swig of his decaf before heading back. He almost dropped the cup when he saw the same strawberry hair he’d just seen at the diner. The same hair that stole his damn coffee. He looked over at a large box that held the cup of caffeine he so desperately needed. Before he could stop himself he blabbed, “You took my coffee.”

  His new client raised her head up from the book she was looking at and her blue eyes widened. “What?” She studied his face.

  Right away he noticed her cute nose, high cheek bones and slightly dimpled chin. A foxy face like hers was usually one of an anorexic model, but she had the curves he preferred. Boney woman weren’t soft and he could almost imagine his hands on her lush hips. He swallowed and tried to say something that wouldn’t make him even more of an idiot than he already felt. He tried a grin. “I’m Jacob Jones, your contractor.” He held out his hand, hoping she wouldn’t laugh at him.

  She narrowed her eyes and her hand went up to her ear. “Yes, I know. I called your name when you walked in.” She eyed him as if he were from another planet. “Did I hear you say something about coffee?”

  Nervous about screwing up the job he hadn’t even begun, he flung over his choppy bangs, which were starting to fall over his eyes. “Nothing. So you have an idea where you want to go with the remodel?”

  ***

  Really? They’d just met and he accused her of stealing his coffee? Who did her dad hire? Ellie twirled her earring around and around as she showed him sample pictures in the scrapbook she’d put together. “And this is how I want the counter. See how the whole front is glass so it can showcase the candies?”

  Jacob rubbed the dark blond stubble on his face. It looked soft over his square chin peeking through. “Uh, so this is going to be a candy shop?”

 
“It’s a candy and a toy shop.”

  He ran his fingers through his messy, windblown-styled hair. “Okay. I think everything you’ve shown me is doable. It may take a little longer than I thought.”

  She frowned. “Is that a problem? Because this isn’t the only job I had in mind for you.”

  He set down his coffee and looked at her with pale green eyes. His eyes reminded her of her own. Not the color, but the pain hidden underneath. “It isn’t?”

  She shook her head. “I need my apartment painted before anything gets done here. It’s cold.”

  Jacob snickered. “What does the temperature have to do with the paint?”

  She wished she could just do this herself. “Everything. I want a warm color like caramel.”

  His eyes widened. “Caramel walls, sounds tasty.”

  Ellie raised an eyebrow and closed her book. “Not unless you plan on eating the paint.”

  Jacob shoved his hand in his jean pocket. “Give me an hour. I’ll go get some paint and supplies and start at your place. What’s your address?”

  “7 Beacon Avenue apartment C.”

  ***

  Feeling aggravated and curious at the same time, she watched Jacob turn and walk out of the shop. He was attractive, but look where that had gotten her last time. Monsters came in all shapes and sizes. Bryce’s midnight black hair and charming smile were a great cover for the man he was inside. She would never be fooled again.

  Tomorrow she’d visit her dad. At least all the visible bruises had healed. One reason she avoided her dad was because once he put his comforting arms around her she might fall apart and she couldn’t. Her dad had been through enough pain from her mom leaving them when she was little. No, this burden would be all her own.

  Pushing back the tears that choked her throat, she closed her eyes and envisioned her shop. A place where she’d always felt safe and happy would now not only be hers, it would carry on the family name. A name that she was more proud of than ever. Why had she thought that she needed more when she was eighteen? She remembered all the wonderful days she’d spent growing up in the toy shop. The toys were her family. Each new shipment was like welcoming a new member. Eventually they were all sold and replaced with new ones, but if she got really attached to one, her dad would let her keep it. She’d had quite the collection of dolls, stuffed animals and even action figures. When she started high school, the toys lost their magical pull for her and she developed dreams of trying life in a big city.