Page 51 of The Secrets We Treasure

“What?” he protested.

She wrinkled her nose. “I’m headed over to Laci’s. I think she’s miffed at us for running out on her party. She hasn’t returned my call or text.”

“Surely Laci’s not upset. She had a whole house full of people—all those uppity folks Laci feels the need to impress. She didn’t need little ole’ us.”

“You were the star of the party,” Treasure chimed.

He let out a long breath. “Maybe you’re right.”

“Don’t sound so surprised.”

His mellow laughter flowed between them. “You’re always right, T. Even when you’re wrong,” he taunted.

“Uh, huh,” she drawled with a grin.

“Why don’t I call and talk to Laci? I can smooth things over.”

“I dunno,” she hedged.

“Trust me. Laci will listen to me. I guar-an-darn-tee it.”

A low chuckle rumbled in Treasure’s throat. “I know you think you could charm your way out of a den of lions, but I’d better handle this. Laci will forgive you—because you’re you—but it might take a little more persuasion for her to get over being ticked at me. It’s a female thing.”

“If you say so.” He paused. “I’m just disappointed that I won’t get to see you tonight.”

“We could spend the day together tomorrow.”

“I suppose that’ll have to do,” Greer sulked.

“Poor baby,” Treasure cooed.

“I know. You should feel sorry for me.” His voice lilted. “What would you like to do tomorrow?”

She thought for a minute. “If it’s okay with you, I’d really just like to relax on the beach. I know we just did that, but my life is so hectic that it’s nice to unwind as often as I can.”

“Sounds great to me.”

Treasure pulled into Laci’s driveway. “I’m here—at Laci’s.”

“Hey, before you go, there’s one more thing I wanted to talk to you about.”

“Sure.” Something in his voice set her on edge.

“This may sound like a strange question. Is everything okay between you and my mom?”

Her stomach clutched. “Yeah, why?” Her voice sounded unnaturally high in her own ears.

“I dunno. It’s just a feeling. When I saw y’all talking at the party, I got the feeling that I’d interrupted something. And then when we were on the boat, Mom asked me about you and me. When I told her we’re back together, she got this crestfallen look like I’d carved out her heart with a spoon. She then went on to inform me in no uncertain terms that you’re engaged to your manager.”

Treasure got the alarming sensation that a ruthless hand was holding her head under water. She gulped in a ragged breath. “Did you tell her the engagement was a publicity stunt?”

“I tried, but my explanation fell on deaf ears. I’m not sure what’s going on with Mom. Maybe she’s still dealing with Aimee’s death and worried about me entering another relationship. I was just thinking that if you could talk to Mom, it might help ease her concerns.”

An invisible noose encircled Treasure’s neck. She could no longer postpone the inevitable. She had to face the past before it gobbled her whole. “I can do that,” she heard herself say.

“Awesome. Thanks, T. We can talk more about it tomorrow.”

“Sounds good,” she squeaked. “I’d better go.”

“I love you.”

The tenderness in his voice caused tears to well in her eyes. “I love you too.”

No truer words had ever been spoken from her lips. She did love Greer—with all her heart and soul.

But would her love be enough?

---