Domestic Secrets by Rosalind Noonan

Author:Rosalind Noonan [Noonan, Rosalind]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Kensington
Published: 2016-01-10T16:00:00+00:00

That large dose of early-morning caffeine was kicking Rachel’s run up a few notches. She was on her second lap past the elementary school when Ariel’s BMW slowed at the curb.

“Hey, girl!” Ariel called through the open window. “Climb aboard! I’m going your way.”

Rachel slid into the seat and closed the door.

Ariel punched the gas pedal in that annoying manner of a reckless driver. “Did I see you sprinting past the field there?”

“Yeah, girl.” Rachel was actually sorry to end the run. The skies were clear and the sun had already warded off the morning chill. It was going to be a green grass, fresh air day, and Rachel would have to spend most of it inside at the salon. “I was really kicking it this morning.”

“Looks like it.” Ariel fished in the console, coming up with a pair of sunglasses. Despite her chipper tone, Ariel was a little off her game. Her frosted-rose lipstick made her skin seem yellow, and her eyes were bloodshot.

“You look a little tired,” Rachel said. “Did Craig keep you up late?” Last night Rachel had been a little annoyed that Ariel had made Craig a conquest after Rachel had mentioned a casual interest in him. Not that it mattered now. She’d already gotten over it. Way over it.

“Craig kept me up, all right, but no fun was had. Apparently, my gaydar has been malfunctioning. Craig wants a career in show business. Other than that, he’s not interested in anything you or I can give him.”

“I suspected as much. Whenever Craig’s around, there’s a certain awkwardness in the air. I thought it was me, being so rusty with dating and all. I’m glad he’s gay.” Rachel folded her arms, feeling vindicated. “Wow. If you couldn’t turn him, the guy must be devout.”

“I’m flattered, but honestly, I wasn’t that interested. Craig is a little too by-the-book for me.” Ariel pressed a finger to one temple as she slowed to turn into the parking lot. “My head is pounding.”

“You need some aspirin.”

“More aspirin. More caffeine.” Ariel sighed. “It was a wasted night, and now I’m ruined for the day. I’m going to need a nap.”

“If it’s any consolation, I didn’t sleep, either,” Rachel said reassuringly. “I was so worried about Remy.” Not so much anymore. With Jared by her side, Remy no longer seemed so vulnerable and alone. “How’s she doing?”

“She’s fine. You know Remy; she bounces back quickly. She’s already on to another guy.”

The image of her son leaving the Alexander house brought Rachel a flicker of pride as she followed her friend into the coffee shop. She was bursting to celebrate the news, but she sensed that Ariel wasn’t in on it yet, and Rachel would not break a promise to her son. “Do you know who he is?”

“Nope. And I don’t probe about those things. I give my kids privacy, and in turn I expect them to respect mine.”

Rachel stepped up to the counter to order a decaf cap, glad for the conversation stopper. Ariel’s claims of privacy didn’t jibe with the way Rachel saw motherhood.

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