Brokenhearted Page 3

  Elizabeth tucked the locket under her blouse and out of sight. It had been months since she'd worn it. When she began dating Jeffrey, the locket was relegated to the bottom drawer of her little jewelry box with other items from the past. Why had she put it on this morning? Elizabeth wasn't sure. Nostalgia, she guessed.

  "Psst!" Elizabeth jumped at the noise. Jessica was sticking her head around the doorway. "Need some company? Maybe it'd be better if I waited with you. I'll distract you from being nervous. Then when Todd gets here, I promise I'll leave―"

  "Thanks, but no thanks!" Elizabeth wanted to be alone when she saw Todd, and she didn't trust Jessica to take off when there was a chance something exciting might happen. "Mom and Dad are out back by the pool. Why don't you leave now and join them?"

  "I get the hint. Two's company . . ." With a knowing grin, Jessica disappeared. A few minutes later, Elizabeth glimpsed a shiny black BMW pulling into their driveway. The car rolled to a stop, and a tall, familiar figure emerged from behind the wheel. With long strides, he hurried to the house. Then the door bell rang.

  Elizabeth paused for a second, her hand on the doorknob. But there was no point attempting to slow her racing heart. It couldn't be done.

  She opened the door. And there was Todd, not as suntanned as he was when he lived in California, but just as handsome.

  "Liz!"

  Elizabeth felt the blood rushing to her cheeks, but for the life of her she couldn't move her tongue to speak. "Come in!" she finally managed to breathe, stepping back into the hallway.

  Todd entered and for a second stood looking down at her. Then he pulled her into his arms for a long, close hug. "Liz. I've missed you so much!"

  "Todd," Elizabeth whispered. His embrace was wonderfully warm, strong, and familiar. Elizabeth nestled her face against his muscular chest just where she always had. She felt his chin brush her hair.

  Then the magical moment was over. Todd gently released her and stepped back. This time his smile was reserved, awkward.

  We can't take anything for granted, Elizabeth thought. Things aren't the same. There's so much I don't know about him and he doesn't know about me. Friendship or romance, we have to start at the beginning again.

  "Did you have a nice trip?" she asked.

  They walked over to the couch and sat down side by side, leaving a little space between them. "Oh, sure," Todd said, running a hand through his curly brown hair. "Nonstop from Boston, and we gained three hours along the way. Can't beat that!"

  Elizabeth nodded, fidgeting with a throw pillow. Another shy silence fell between them. Then they both started talking at once.

  Elizabeth laughed. "You first!"

  Todd shrugged his broad shoulders. "I was just going to say—" He paused to clear his throat. "You're as beautiful as ever, Elizabeth."

  "Oh. Thanks." She blushed. "You look great yourself! You're still—tall!"

  They both laughed at her observation. "I don't know what I'm saying," confessed Elizabeth, lowering her eyes. "It's been a long time. I'm so happy to see you, Todd! I can't seem to find the right words, though."

  "Me, either," Todd assured her. "But that's OK. We don't have to say everything today. We don't have to say anything. It's enough for me just to look at you. To be with you."

  He reached out his hand to give hers a gentle squeeze. Elizabeth squeezed back, grateful. Then she withdrew her hand, nervously putting it to her throat to toy with the gold chain. Without thinking, she pulled the locket out from under the collar of her blouse.

  Todd immediately recognized it. His eyes brightened. "My locket—you're wearing it," he said. "Elizabeth, does that mean . . . ?"

  Elizabeth released the necklace, her hand suddenly cold. Maybe it had been a mistake to wear it. Every word, glance, and gesture in this first meeting with Todd seemed to be loaded with significance.

  "It doesn't mean anything," she said lightly, struggling to keep her tone casual. "I only thought I'd wear it to welcome you back."

  If Todd was disappointed, he didn't show it. "Well, thanks." Then he laughed. "I'm sorry, Liz. Look at me, jumping to conclusions! I just got carried away, I guess. I know about . . . but I still wish—" He hesitated, his dark eyes growing serious. "All I want is to see you now and then, to spend some time with you."

  "Of course! I want that, too." Elizabeth put her hand on his arm. "Todd . . ."

  Suddenly they weren't sitting a couple of feet apart on the sofa anymore. They were right beside each other. And Todd's face was very close to hers.

  Elizabeth jumped to her feet, not wanting to recognize how close she and Todd had just come to kissing. What had she been thinking of? Jeffrey, she reminded herself. Jeffrey is your boyfriend now.

  "Jessica is dying to say hello to you, Todd," Elizabeth stammered. "I know she's lurking around here somewhere, waiting to pounce—"

  As if on cue, Jessica popped into the living room. "Hey, Wilkins!" She grabbed Todd in a bear hug and he whirled her around, making her squeal with laughter.

  It was all Elizabeth could do to keep the cheerful smile on her face. There were so many emotions whirling around inside her that it hurt.

  And Todd had only been back in Sweet Valley for an hour!

  "Well, Todd, we're happy to officially welcome you, and of course your parents as well, back to the community," Mr. Wakefield said heartily at dinner Wednesday night. The handsome, dark-haired man raised his wineglass. "We only wish we were also welcoming you back to the Sweet Valley High basketball team! Cheers, everyone!"

  As Elizabeth lifted her glass of milk, she caught Todd's eye, and a private, amused glance passed between them. Before the meal Elizabeth had bet Todd her father would make a corny but sincere toast in his honor. Todd now owed her a double-dip cone at Casey's Ice Cream Parlor.

  "Any flavor you want," he promised Elizabeth in a low voice.

  "What was that?" Jessica asked.

  "Oh, nothing," Elizabeth said airily. "Please pass the bread, Jess."

  Todd and Elizabeth had talked on the phone a couple of times since his arrival, but this was the first time they had seen each other since their initial reunion. It wasn't easy to get together, since Todd attended a different school and often did not make it back to Sweet Valley until the evening.

  When Elizabeth's mother suggested that Todd join the family for dinner, Elizabeth had quickly agreed. She thought it would be a perfect opportunity to spend some time with him in a neutral situation. There was nothing romantic about eating dinner chaperoned by her parents.

  So, in an effort to be completely aboveboard, Elizabeth had told Jeffrey that Todd was coming over for dinner. She hadn't worried, because she figured there was no reason for Jeffrey to take offense or feel threatened.

  But Jeffrey knew her too well. She knew he had sensed the change in her. She couldn't hide it; she had been distracted and dreamy since Sunday. To Jeffrey "dinner with the family" probably made it sound as though Todd was being ushered back into his old position as her boyfriend. Elizabeth had spent the better part of lunch period assuring Jeffrey it meant nothing of the sort, but he had been very upset, and so now she was upset. It tore at her heart to know she was causing Jeffrey pain. She felt so guilty that she couldn't even eat. She managed to swallow a few forkfuls of salad, but the chicken divan on her plate remained untouched.

  Jessica's appetite was unaffected, however, and so was her curiosity. "I'm dying to hear all about Lovett Academy, Todd! What's the campus like? What are the students like?"

  Todd chuckled, and Elizabeth rolled her eyes. It was obvious to everybody that by "students" Jessica meant boys.

  "The campus is beautiful," he answered amiably. "It looks almost like a college campus. There are lots of old ivy-covered buildings, and there's a big quad in the middle where everyone hangs out."

  "And the students?" Jessica prompted.

  Todd shrugged. "The students are just like students anyplace else."

  Jessica's face fell. Mr. Wakefield laughed. "Looks like that was the wrong answer," he remarked.

  Todd winked at Elizabeth. "OK, Jess, I'll admit it. Lovett's a lot different from Sweet Valley High in every way!"

  Todd went on to describe some of his new acquaintances. Of course he was tactful, but Elizabeth could read between the lines. Lovett students, boys and girls, clearly were different. It sounded as if most of them were children of wealthy businessmen or famous movie directors. Needless to say, Jessica ate up every detail.

  Later, as Mrs. Wakefield served fresh-baked peach pie topped with homemade whipped cream, she asked Todd about his parents' plans to redecorate the new house. Todd obligingly gave her a quick room-by-room rundown, but after a minute or two Elizabeth lost count of the rooms! There was a parlor, a family room, a den, a library, and there seemed to be at least twelve bedrooms. The only thing the new house didn't have was a silly name like Fowler Crest! Maybe it was only a matter of time before it became known as Wilkins Estate.

  Jessica couldn't tolerate this conversation about wallpaper and carpeting for long. Soon she had Todd back on the subject of Lovett. And as Todd tossed off strange names—like Courtney, Sheffield, April—Elizabeth pictured him fitting in easily with this new, glamorous crowd.

  The situation was growing more complicated by the minute. With his new mansion and private school status, it wasn't just a question of how Todd would fit back into Elizabeth's world. How would she fit into his? she wondered.

  "I guess we'll have to skip the ice cream tonight." Todd patted his stomach. "There's no room in here even for one scoop of heavenly hash! By the way, Liz, thanks for having me over. It was great to hang out with you and your folks again."

  He and Elizabeth were sitting in the backyard by the pool. A balmy night breeze blew through Elizabeth's loose hair. Pushing a wisp out of her eyes, Elizabeth smiled. "You know you're welcome any time, Todd. Only I can't promise my dad will go to the trouble of making a toast again!"

  Todd laughed. "OK by me. It felt a little funny being the center of attention, anyway. But other than that it was just like the old days."

  Elizabeth didn't know how to respond to that. She couldn't help feeling that it wasn't like the old days—not at all. Back then she had never questioned her love for Todd.

  "Liz, look at me," Todd pleaded.

  Elizabeth turned her head to face him. "Hmm?"

  "You were awfully quiet during dinner. Is something on your mind?"

  There sure is, Elizabeth wanted to say. There are a thousand things on my mind.

  But she just smiled. "Was I quiet? I guess I was. But you're the one with all the exciting stories to tell, about Lovett and all."

  "You know, Liz, Lovett wasn't my idea." Todd sat forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "I'd give anything to be at Sweet Valley with you and the rest of the gang. But I can't let my parents down."

  "I understand," Elizabeth said softly.

  "I'm not sure you do," Todd told Elizabeth. "You've got to believe the only thing that'll make it bearable will be coming home at night—and having friends like you."

  "Friends like me," Elizabeth echoed.

  "Friends," Todd repeated. It was almost as if they both were trying to convince themselves that that was all they were to each other. "Elizabeth, I won't pretend with you. I'd like us to be more than friends. I understand, though. The time's just not right. But I'll wait for you. Just let me believe there's some hope for us."

  Elizabeth's feelings of guilt returned. Now she was making two boys wait for her to make up her mind! "But, Todd," she protested, "it's asking too much of you, when I can't—"

  "No, it's not," Todd insisted. "I can wait. It's worth it to me."

  "Thanks, Todd," Elizabeth practically whispered.

  Todd looked at his watch. "I should really be heading home," he said, rising to his feet. "I don't want to cheat you out of that ice-cream cone, though. How about Saturday, before the party at Winston's?"

  "Oh, I'm—I have—other plans," Elizabeth said awkwardly. She and Jeffrey already had a date to go to the party together.

  "All right. Another time, then," Todd promised her. He seemed to understand.

  They walked around the house to the BMW, Todd with one arm lightly around Elizabeth's shoulders. At the car he gave her a quick hug and then dropped his arm. "There will be another time, won't there, Liz?" he asked.

  Elizabeth nodded. "Yes, there will. Good night, Todd," she said warmly.

  "'Night, Liz." Todd got into the car, started the engine, and then backed down the driveway to the street.

  As Elizabeth watched him drive away she couldn't help wishing things were different between her and Todd, that they were more than friends, just as he'd said. It didn't seem natural not to kiss him good night.

  But she didn't know if that was just a passing impulse or the way she really felt. She was sure she felt just as strongly about Jeffrey, if not more so.

  How was she supposed to know what to do?

  Five

  "Oh, Jeffrey, they're beautiful!" Elizabeth exclaimed, reaching out to accept the bouquet of red long-stemmed roses Jeffrey handed her when she opened the door Friday evening.

  "Not half as beautiful as you, sweetheart," Jeffrey growled in a fairly good imitation of Humphrey Bogart.

  Elizabeth giggled. "Come on in a minute. I want to put these in water right away."

  Jeffrey followed her down the hall to the kitchen. "That's not the last surprise of the evening, either," he promised.

  Elizabeth turned to face him. Jeffrey had asked her to go out to dinner and had told her to wear a dress, but he hadn't said anything about where they would be going for dinner. "Where are you taking me?" she asked, her eyes sparkling.

  "I was thinking maybe pizza," he teased.

  Elizabeth punched him playfully on the arm. "I didn't wear silk to eat pepperoni!"

  Jeffrey glanced at her appreciatively. "Don't worry," he said, his voice low and warm. "I wouldn't waste all that on Guido's Pizza Palace!"

  Elizabeth laughed. Then she turned and found a vase in a kitchen cabinet. After filling it with water, she arranged the roses, then put her face close and breathed in deeply. "These smell wonderful!" she exclaimed. "Thank you so much, Jeffrey."

  Jeffrey bent forward, and his lips brushed hers in a quick kiss. "You're welcome," he said. He took her hand. "Let's go. I don't want to be late." Hand in hand, they walked to his car.

  As he backed the car out of the Wakefield driveway, Jeffrey felt relaxed and happy—for the first time since Elizabeth had told him her former boyfriend was moving back to town. Elizabeth seemed to be feeling the same way, he thought. If only we could always be like this. Alone, just the two of us, driving away from Sweet Valley and everyone who lives here!

  But Jeffrey knew that a relationship could never exist in a vacuum. If he and Elizabeth were to remain together as a couple, then they both had to come to terms with Todd Wilkins.

  He headed north along the Valley Crest Highway. The breeze flowing through the car's open windows smelled of pine.

  "I know where we're going!" Elizabeth exclaimed just as Jeffrey flicked on his turn signal. "The Valley Inn!"

  "You guessed correctly, Miss Wakefield! You win a romantic dinner for two at the Valley Inn with the man of your choice—providing that's me!"

  Jeffrey parked the car in front of the charming old restaurant nestled in a grove of Douglas firs overlooking the ocean. An attendant took the keys, and Jeffrey offered his arm to Elizabeth. "Was this an OK choice?" he asked.

  "OK?" She squeezed his arm. "You bet it is! But, Jeffrey, we didn't have to come someplace this fancy."

  "I know, but I wanted to make this a special Friday night," he explained. "It's been a while since we did something out of the ordinary, just the two of us."

  "You're right." Elizabeth reached up to straighten Jeffrey's tie as they waited for the hostess to take them to their reserved table. "I'm glad you had this idea! This old inn is magical."

  That's what I'm hoping, thought Jeffrey as they followed the hostess to the back of the restaurant to a cozy table for two with a view of the water. He felt he was going to need all the help he could get to hold on to Elizabeth's love. A little magic couldn't hurt.

  Facing Elizabeth across the table, the last rays of the sunset sparkling like diamonds in her blond hair, it was easy for Jeffrey to almost forget the torture he'd gone through the past week. Almost. Elizabeth couldn't hide the effect Todd's return was having on her, and she hadn't denied she was still attracted to her old boyfriend. Of course, it went without saying that Todd would still want to date Elizabeth. How could anyone not love Elizabeth Wakefield?

  I can't lose you. Jeffrey dropped his eyes, pretending to study the menu. I won't lose you. I won't just step aside and watch you go.

  He hadn't realized until this moment just how deeply he had come to care for Elizabeth. Jeffrey raised his glass of water, a half-smile creasing his face. "Hey, Liz, how about a toast? To tonight. To you and me."

  Elizabeth echoed Jeffrey's toast. "To us," she said, taking a sip of her water. "To tonight!"

  After leaving the Valley Inn, Jeffrey drove north again on the oceanside highway. Now they were parked at the scenic overlook at Las Palmas Canyon. Far below, at the base of the breathtaking sheer cliffs, Whitewater River raced through the gorge to the sea.

  After a few moments spent silently admiring the view, washed in soft silver light by the full moon above, Jeffrey tipped Elizabeth's face to his.

  The kiss was long and tender, and Elizabeth thought she might melt in Jeffrey's arms. The moment was like a beautiful dream, one she wished would never end.

  With a quiet sigh, Elizabeth pulled away and rested her head against Jeffrey's shoulder.

  "That was nice," he murmured into her hair.

  "Umm-hmm," she agreed.