Applewild Read Free Page B

against the cab, facing the tree line. Monroe took a deep breath, trying to rid herself of the last threads of irritation and absently massaging an old scar beneath her collarbone. She tried to remember he was going through a very public break up, and he had to treat this vacation like he was in the witness protection program. It couldn’t be easy. She should try to be more understanding.
    Alton got back in the pickup, smelling like the cigarette he’d just smoked, and Monroe guided the vehicle back into the flow of traffic. They drove for another ten minutes before she broke the silence, again, in a small effort to make peace.
    “I’m not against smoking, exactly, I just—”
    “Want to spite me?”
    His words were tired, but one corner of Alton’s mouth lifted in a brief grin, and she caught a glimpse of that charismatic, late-twenties actor that made all the girls swoon.
    “No,” she answered. “I had a collapsed lung once, and I’ve just never thought the two would mix well.”
    “Really?” His seemed half-interested, and Monroe could feel his gaze on her, examining her, trying to figure out how a healthy twenty-five year old could end up with that sort of health issue. She kept her eyes on the road. She’d been vague on purpose; she didn’t like talking about it. “How does something like that happen?”
    She shrugged. Alton raised an eyebrow but took the hint and turned back to his phone.
    The whitewashed fences of Applewild Acres came into view before the swinging sign. She’d spent the last ten years of her life here. It was home—as much of a home as she could ask for since losing her parents.
    Monroe punched the code for the front gate and turned the truck onto a long, paved driveway. It was another quarter mile to the Georgian-style farmhouse. A brick chimney stuck out at either end of the grey-shingled roof, and working black shutters contrasted the white stucco siding.
    She parked the truck by the front door and stepped down to meet Alton at the tailgate. He already had his suitcase and carry-on in his hands.
    “Do you need help?” she asked.
    “No. I carry my own bags.”
    “Well, then, enjoy your stay. Maybe I’ll see you around.”
    He nodded, but his eyes lingered on hers just a moment too long.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

III
     
                  Alton watched Monroe drive away. The ride to Madison’s ranch had been an interesting one, almost taking his mind off Sophie for a few blissful moments. He was used to people either paying him far too much attention or acting absurdly casual. Monroe had almost made him feel like a person rather than a personality.
    He had known the gorgeous, giggling girls who swore up and down they’d keep his private life private. As soon as their interactions ended, and sometimes before, he’d find his words and daily habits posted on Twitter. He’d had friends who just couldn’t turn down a thousand dollars for giving gossip blogs the inside scoop. A cousin of his had sold one of his old photos to Wonder Wall .
    With Sophie, he thought he’d found a kindred spirit. Even she’d fooled him. Honest people like Madison were a rarity in Hollywood, impossible to find outside of the life. He’d felt utterly alone and empty since Sophie’s deception, and maybe even before. He wanted to believe in the idea that maybe all people weren’t backstabbing pieces of shite. Maybe Monroe wasn’t. Maybe she really was different. But he just wasn’t there yet. He might never be.
    “I’m Samantha Hutter.” The housekeeper introduced herself, drawing his attention back where it belonged. She greeted him with a friendly smile, but her attitude was more business than maternal. That suited Alton just fine. She was in her mid-forties, wore a blazer and jeans, and had a key ring attached to her hip. “Did you have a good trip?”
    “It was fine, thanks.”
    “Great. I’ll take your bags up and give