Page 41 of Evidence of Secrets

Laura followed Sam into the house and out to the patio. “Is Alex at home?”

“No, she’s having an overnight with Axl. Pete is on a job, so Julie volunteered to keep Alex overnight.”

“Nice.”

“Laura!” Marlee came rushing over, looking a little disheveled and smiling way too much. Oh, dear. Marlee must have had more than one drink.

“Hey, sweetie. How’s it going?”

“Ducky.” Marlee started giggling.

“Why don’t you sit down? I’ll come to talk to you in a minute.”

“Ducky.”

Sam shook her head. “That’s all she’s been saying for the last half hour. All drinks going forward are nonalcoholic for her. I’m glad everyone is staying overnight. Can you?”

Oh, Laura would love to. But Saturday morning came early, and she had baking to do.

Laura shook her head.

If Sam was disappointed, she said nothing. “Come on then. Have a seat. I’ll get you something to drink.”

Laura pulled a chair by Marlee and greeted the other women. The outdoor table held an assortment of finger food and desserts. The sweet sound of the river lapping the shore calmed her. The patio was lit with twinkling lights, and Laura released the tension she’d been holding in. What would it be like to live by the water? Although the apartment she stayed at in Hank’s building was close to perfection too.

“Hey there.” Grace pulled up a chair on the other side of Laura. “So glad you made it.”

“Me too. It’s been a week. Or two.”

Grace reached over and rubbed her arm. “I heard about your pastry chef stealing. Disgusting.”

Light snores came from Laura’s other side. Marlee had fallen asleep.

“Oh, good. We were hoping she’d sleep it off. Ben goes crazy when she’s had too much to drink.” Grace laughed. “Although two drinks aren’t a lot for most. But she’s such a tiny thing.”

“That she is.” Laura settled into her chair. This felt normal, and normal was good. “The boys sleeping?”

“Finally. They were so excited to see everyone.” Grace took a sip of wine and looked at her with worried eyes. “I’ve been concerned about you. How are things at the bistro?”

How were things? Terrible. Horrendous. “They’re fine.”

“Liar. Is there anything we can do to help?”

What could her friends do? Nothing.

“Just be my friends.” She patted Grace’s knee. “Enough about me. How are you doing? Three boys? God bless you.”

Grace laughed. “We’re doing fine. Luke helps a lot, and we have a part-time nanny.”

Laura wondered what it would be like to have kids and a husband who helped. She sighed. That wasn’t in the cards for her for quite a while.

“Hey, there.” Hailey brought a chair over. “I’ve been thinking about you. How’s everything going with Hank?”

“Hank!” These women had antenna ears. How the heck had they heard that? Chairs were pulled up surrounding Laura.

Damn.

“Do tell,” said Anne.

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