Deception (Absent Shadows Trilogy Book 3) Read Free Page A

forever. Remember how much fun we had last time?’
    ‘Bowling? Uh … yeah, okay. I mean, if that’s what you want to do,’ I answered, relieved that she’d changed the topic and taken me off the hook.
    And so we went bowling. And we had a great time, even when we were laughing at how bad we were. And in the car on the way back afterwards I told her about seeing David at the shops, and she sympathised with how awful it would have been. But she did have this cheeky grin the whole time, possibly remembering similar experiences of her own.
    ~~***~~
    Ceylona’s first birthday party was a challenge that Raye couldn’t resist. She was hoping to become an event planner, and according to her, a first birthday was definitely an event. So even though she had finals and the Senior Ball coming up, she insisted on organising it. There would only be three other little girls there, Susan’s twin nieces and the grand-daughter of one of Mom’s work colleagues, but even so Raye was determined the party would be memorable.
    Mother Nature came through for us on the morning of the party, and we had perfect spring weather for our backyard circus. And I do mean circus. There was a petting zoo that included two miniature ponies, a goat, three little piglets, half a dozen ducklings, a calf and several chickens. And of course there was a clown—no circus was complete without a clown. The party was a huge success—everyone enjoyed themselves, but none more than the party girl herself. And indeed, Ceylona looked like a little princess in her pink party dress—and it still fit perfectly.
    I’d taken something like a hundred photos, so late that night, after Ceylona had gone to asleep, I settled myself down to send a long email to Sam and Crystal telling them all about the party, and attaching a selection of the best photos. And afterwards, I cried myself to sleep, cursing fate once again, and wishing our lives didn’t have to be this way.
    ~~***~~
    Toward the end of June we got a surprise call from Debs. She and Ian were finally leaving Paris, and Debs had insisted they fly back via California so they could stop to see us.
    Having them stay with us proved to be no problem as Raye kindly gave up her room to them. She was more than happy to go stay at a friend’s house. But Ian was restless from the moment they arrived. And although he tried to smile and made brief attempts at being sociable, it was obvious to all of us that he wasn’t really enjoying all this female company. So, after a few days of him dragging around looking miserable, Debs suggested he go on home without her, and he jumped at the idea.
    And that left Ceylona, Mom, Debs and me alone together in the house for the first time.
    ‘So, you and Sam are taking a break from each other,’ Debs said while we sat at the kitchen table having a coffee. ‘Well, you know that Ian is my third husband, so I do know a bit about breakups, but I have to admit I’m surprised. I’d never have thought you two would find anything to fight about—certainly not enough to cause a breakup. I’m sure whatever it is, it can be sorted out. Do you want to talk about it?’
    Mom and I looked at each other, and then we both turned to Debs at the same time. Mom was the one that spoke first.
    ‘She knows, Debs. I told her everything … about Caroline … and Francis.’
    Debs opened her eyes wide for a moment, but then she smiled. ‘Well, this makes things much easier now doesn’t it? I must say, there have been times when I wanted to say something, but I didn’t feel it was my place. After all, she’s your daughter, Anita. And if you hadn’t seen a need to tell her, well, I didn’t think I should be the one to do so. But I’m glad you know, Lili.’
    She reached across the table, and put her hand over mine for just a moment, squeezing it slightly. Then she picked up her coffee and took a sip before continuing.
    ‘You know, when we were planning your wedding … and what a lovely wedding it