Page 118 of A Convenient Secret

Declan

You like them?

A shiver runs through me, and I smile at the camera.

It’s not my birthday.

Declan

I know.

Why the flowers, then?

Declan

Just because.

Just because.

I’m going to tell him everything tonight. It might break us—the obligations, the implications—but as I stared at the ceiling last night, unable to sleep, another scenario occurred to me.

One where Declan will accept the reality and help us navigate it together. Because as I confessed last night, I haven’t felt lonely since I moved in with Declan. And hopefully, that means I don’t have to carry the burden alone.

If Declan is trusting me with his family, welcoming me into it, I can trust him with the drama that comes with mine.

With that cautious determination, I make my way to the bistro.

Celeste waves at me. She is moving the stroller back and forth,smiling.

Cora comes from the back. “Here you are.”

“Is Saar coming?” I whisper, leaning over the sleeping baby.

“She’s late as always,” Celeste says.

“I’m here.” Saar rushes around the tables and sits down.

“Why does it feel like we haven’t seen each other for ages?” Cora sighs.

“You’re not joining us?” I sit beside Saar.

“I need to finish prepping for tomorrow.” She swipes loose hair from her glistening cheek.

“Where is the cook you hired?” Saar looks toward the kitchen.

“He quit this morning.” Cora plops down beside Celeste, a line of concern splitting her forehead.

“Shit. I’m sorry. Can I help?” I offer.

“Stay away from my kitchen.” Cora snorts.

I act indignant. “I will have you know that I can now make sunny-side-up eggs. Okay, I can get them into the pan perfectly. I’m still mastering the scooping out of the pan part.”

“So, really, what you’re serving is a mess of runny yolk with a potentially fried egg white?” Saar smirks.

“It tastes the same.” I fight a smile. “I can call my friend at Summit Solutions and see if they can source you a new one quickly.”

“I can’t afford to pay for a fancy conciergeservice. Or a chef from their database.” Cora waves at Sanjay, her server, circling her finger above our table. He nods and starts prepping our coffees, already familiar with our usuals.