Storm of Secrets by Loretta Marion

Author:Loretta Marion
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: CROOKED LANE BOOKS

23

Renée

New York ~ Six months ago

Renée took a leave of absence from work and began her cancer therapy without admitting the truth about her past to her husband. Halfway through treatment, she received a message from her sister. She was grateful Isabella had taken care to disguise their relationship in case someone else were to open the card. It would seem that an old acquaintance had recently learned about her diagnosis and was sending a note of well wishes. But Renée understood it was intended as a subtle reminder that her sister was only a train ride away should she be needed.

On one of her good days, Brandan came for a visit. Michael had arranged it since he had an important business meeting and wouldn’t be able to pop home to check on her.

“I’ve missed you,” she told her old friend when he arrived.

“And I, you,” he said, though unable to hide his surprise at the change in her appearance and hugging her tentatively.

“I’ve lost weight, but I won’t break, Brandan.”

“Of course you won’t. Love the wig!” He recovered quickly, reaching out to touch it. “Ooh, and it’s real. Nothing but the best for you.”

He’d brought takeout from their old favorite bistro where they’d first met all those years ago.

“A tuna melt and fries for the lady.”

“You remembered.” She batted her eyes coquettishly.

“How could I forget? It was all we could afford.” He laughed as he produced a second lunch. “Only today we don’t have to share.”

He kept her amused while bringing her up to speed on all the gossip at Brandan Kane Creations.

“How is Amber doing?” she asked of her assistant.

“You’ve trained her well.”

“She’ll make a good replacement.”

“Nonsense. Merely a placeholder until you come back.” He squeezed her hand. “She misses you. Everyone misses you.”

She held a hand to her heart. “Give them all my love.” Her work family had become an important part of her life.

After they’d finished lunch, Renée suggested a walk.

“Should you be out among the masses and all those germs?” Brandan was unsure.

“To the post office, just a few blocks away.” It was the perfect opportunity to send her response to Isabella.

“I can mail something for you,” he offered.

“I need some air,” she insisted. “Please?”

“You are queen for a day, and your wish is my command.” He bowed dramatically, making her laugh.

As they exited the apartment building, Renée breathed in deeply. “You can’t imagine what it’s like being cooped up inside all day.”

“You’re right. I can’t.” He tucked her hand through the crook of his arm. “And I wish you didn’t have to be. But it’s not forever.”

Brandan was right. It wouldn’t be forever, but likely not to a good end. For now, she would live in the present, breathe in real air, and walk with her best friend among the streets of Manhattan. It had become her city.

“Here we are,” Brandan said as they arrived at the local post office. “Can you handle all these steps?”

She’d never before given a second thought to the entrance steps, but today she was already a bit winded from the short stroll.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.