Page 9 of Open Secrets (Infidelity #5)

The counter. Of all places. She knows damn well how much it grates on me, outside clothes on my kitchen counters. Sofa? Fine. Chairs? Fine. But the spot where I cook my family’s meals? Absolutely not.

I just stare at her, silent, until she rolls her eyes and hops down with a muttered, “Jeez.” I’m raising four kids, two of them teenagers—I’m not scared to smack someone down. Not that I hit my own kids. They’ve actually got manners.

I ignore her and shift my gaze to the other unwanted guest: Bethany. Anna’s high school bestie, perpetual thorn in my side, and Lyle’s one-time mistake back when we were broken up. A mistake she wants repeated, judging by the way her hand is draped over his forearm now.

She doesn’t notice my glare, but Lyle does. He steps away from her touch, running a hand over his head like he can wipe the guilt clean. “Anna and Bethany showed up ten minutes ago,” he explains quickly, “with some cookies.”

I drop my bag on the counter, the thud deliberate. “And that required two people, huh?”

Bethany finally deigns to turn toward me, her smile bright and fake as ever. “Oh my God, Maria, you look so good.” She flips her hair, casual cruelty sliding right in. “I wish I’ll look that good when I’m old and have kids.”

I bare my teeth in a smile. Bitch, you’re two years younger than me. Out loud, I say, “Well, judging by your single status, you don’t have to worry about the last part.”

Her smile falters. Mine turns genuine.

“Come on, guys,” Anna cuts in, laying a hand on my shoulder like she’s the peacekeeper. “Let’s be civil.”

“Sure,” I say sweetly, stepping away from her touch like it burns. I turn to Lyle instead. “Where are the kids?”

“They’re in the backyard,” answers the bug I didn’t ask.

“Playing?” I ask Lyle, not her.

He hands me a glass of water, stepping between us like he knows I’m close to losing it. “Yeah. We stopped at the grocery store, and they had these glow-in-the-dark lightsabres. I bought a bunch.”

I blink, caught off guard. “And they’re actually playing. Together?”

Lyle’s smile is tired but real. “I was as shocked as you.”

Anna jumps in, too loud, too eager. “Lyle and I had our own rare truces too.”

He turns to her, smirking despite himself. “Which you always broke.”

Before they can head down memory lane, I cut in. “I’m gonna check on them.”

I don’t wait for an answer. Just head for the back door, glass in hand, and step out into the cool evening air.

The sight stops me for a second.

Remi, fourteen and too cool for most things these days, is lying flat in the grass, clutching his chest like Rain’s glowing plastic sabre has run him clean through. Taylor, twelve, collapses dramatically at her little brother’s feet, rolling her eyes before sticking her tongue out in mock death.

Rain—nine years old, fierce as ever—twirls her sabre like it’s Excalibur. She crows in victory, wild curls bouncing, while August, seven, races around her in circles, chanting her name like she’s the hero of the galaxy.

My kids. My chaos.

Don’t get me wrong, they usually get along, but not like this. Not without someone sulking, someone storming off, or a fight breaking out over who gets the last juice box. Tonight, though? They’ve all agreed to let the youngest win.

I stand there smiling, heart tugging tight, watching my teenagers bend just enough to let their little siblings shine.

And for a fleeting second, the noises inside don’t matter.

That is, until the door opens. I don’t even have to look back to know it won’t be fun.

“Hey,” Anna says, stepping out beside me. She stops shoulder to shoulder, watching as the kids split into boys versus girls. Taylor hoists Rain onto her back and takes off toward the far end of the yard, both of them squealing.

Anna laughs, genuine. “You know, I always wanted a sister.”

I don’t look away from the kids. “And you got Bethany.”

She sighs, almost fond. “Don’t get me wrong, I love her. But if history’s anything to go by… she’s not maid-of-honour material.”

That makes me turn. “Excuse me?”

Anna flashes her left hand, a diamond catching the light. “Clay proposed.”

I blink, caught off guard. “Wow. Congrats.”

“Thanks.” Her smile softens, nervous, then she meets my eyes. “The reason I’m here… I was hoping—you’d be my maid of honour.”

My mouth opens, closes. “Why?” The word comes out blubbery, confused.

She looks just as confused. “You’re my sister-in-law. You’re family.”

I laugh without humour, glance away. “You don’t even like me.”

“What?” she blurts, startled. “Maria… you’re my hero. You got the guy, the career, the kids. You’re like—the strongest person I know.”

My gaze snaps back to her, sharp enough to cut. “And you know what I gave up for it.”

Her brow furrows. “What are you talking about?”

Either she’s a damn good actress, or she really has no idea. My chest tightens, but the words tear out anyway.

“I had an abortion when I was nineteen. With your brother.”

Anna’s mouth falls open. She stares at me like I just slapped her. Then she looks away, struggling. “Oh. Wow. I mean… it was your choice, right?”

I narrow my eyes, fury rising hot. “Are you really gonna pretend you weren’t the one who told your mom?”

Her head jerks back. “What?”

I take a step closer, voice low and scathing. “After your idiot brother got drunk and told you.”

Her eyes widen, still blank with shock. “Maria, I… I didn’t know.”

I narrow my eyes. “Are you actually pretending your brother didn’t tell you—after I had to leave early at your cousin Tate’s wedding?”

Anna frowns, thinking. “I… remember that. I left right after you did, because of a client.”

I shake my head, not buying it. “So, who drove his drunk ass home?”

She hesitates, then shrugs. “I don’t know. Even if I did, I’d never tell my mom.”

I shake my head. “Who else could he have told?”

Anna’s face twists in confusion—then she freezes, eyes cutting sideways.

I follow her gaze to the back door. But it’s not something she’s looking at. It’s something she’s hearing. The sound of loud laughter spilling out from inside.

And just like that, I know.

The air rushes out of my chest. I go still. My voice is barely a whisper. “Bethany.”

We both stay frozen, the truth hanging sharp and ugly between us.

Finally, I find my voice, low and shaking with fury. “Anna, if you don’t want me to break her face, I suggest you take her and leave. Now.”

Anna nods quickly, guilt spilling over her features. “I’m so sorry.” She doesn’t wait for me to answer, just hurries inside.

I stay out there, rooted to the spot, until I hear the slam of doors, the rumble of engines, two cars pulling away.

Only then do I exhale, force my shoulders to loosen. I turn back, and call out, voice steady again.

“Kids—dinner!”

Their laughter spills toward me, feet pounding across the grass, glow sticks clattering to the patio.

Lyle’s gonna need shields, all four of them.