Page 140 of Secrets (The Sins Trilogy 2)
“Did he now? How generous. And how nice of you to finally remember what my father did for you.” Suddenly, his face crumbles, and he envelops me in a tight hug before Tony can stop him.
Tony bristles, but I push him back with a hand. Marty just lost his father. When I lost my parents, it was the worst. I’m willing to comfort him for a bit.
He buries his nose in my unbound hair, his breath gross against my skin. “I know about the blue dress and the real reason Dad kept shit from you,” he whispers. “If you want to know more, meet me in the women’s bathroom in the hall in five minutes.”
He tightens the hug, then pulls away. I stare at him, wondering if I misheard. But no. His eyes are too shrewd…too scrutinizing.
I want to ignore what he said and leave with Tony. Marty can’t possibly know anything about the blue dress…or can he? Or why Sam lied to me all these years and told everyone I died?
But…
Marty is leaving the reception line after announcing a bit loudly that he needs a private moment to regroup. He makes a left turn at the main entrance to the parlor.
Sudden urgency thrums in my veins. Other than Sam, he’s the only one who might possibly know something about my past. And he has no real reason to lie about it, does he? If he starts spewing garbage to drive a wedge between me and Tony, it’s not going to work. Sam already used that tactic. I’m not falling for it again.
My mind made up, I turn to Tony. “Do you mind asking TJ to bring the car out? I need to use the ladies’ room, but I’m ready to go.”
“Sure.”
“I won’t be long.” I go out into the hall, Bobbi following. I spot the bathroom. “You don’t have to come in,” I tell her. “But if I’m not out in three, come get me.”
She squints at me. “What’s going on?”
“Just a quick talk with Marty.”
“He’s a weasel. I’m coming with you.”
“If you’re with me, he may not talk. If he tries anything, I’ll scream loud enough that you can hear it.”
Bobbi nods, then leans next to the door, checking her watch.
I go inside, my palms slightly sweaty. Marty’s already there, standing by the sink.
“Couldn’t resist, could you?”
The sneer on his face makes me wonder if I’m wasting my time. “You have three minutes. Get to the point.”
“Your real name is Ivy Smith.”
I snort. Seriously? “Then why don’t I remember ever answering to Ivy?”
“Because your head is fucked up.”
“You’re lying.” I’m starting to get disgusted with myself for ever thinking he knew about me or my past. “I can’t believe I thought you might have some genuine information.”
Suddenly, he grows serious and his eyes narrow. “Iris was a distant cousin on my grandma’s side of the family. You fit her well. Do you remember your name, or did you assume Iris has to be your name because everyone called you that when you woke up?”
“Of course I remember my name!” I say. Of course I remember…
When I first opened my eyes…I saw Sam, whom I didn’t recognize back then.
“Iris, you’re awake,” he said. “Finally! Doctor! We have to call your doctor…”
Tremors run through me like the start of an earthquake, small but growing more powerful. “I’m from Almond Valley,” I say, more for myself than Marty.
He shoots me a superior smirk. “You’re from Tempérane, Louisiana. Just like Anthony. Oh, right. Your fiancé didn’t tell you, did he? You guys used to date…snuck around a bit. He’s known all along, including the story behind the blue dress Dad showed you. You dumb whore. You were supposed to make Anthony back off, not break off with him and then run back.” Marty’s practically spitting at me.
Tony and I knew each other before? Preposterous! Blood roars in my head, drowning out whatever else comes out of Marty’s mouth. Shaking my head, I back away from him, so he can’t taint me with any more of his lies.
