“I’m not proud of what I did, but I got close to one of my uncle’s security guards.”
“Close?”
Serena’s head bowed and she nodded. “Nothing happened, but I led him on. Let him think I cared for him. I think he was going to propose, so I knew I had to get out of there fast.” Her hands wrapped around the kitchen towel and she pulled it taut, nervous butterflies fluttering around in her belly. The last time she’d talked about any of this had been on the witness stand in one of the biggest trials in years.
“Sweetheart, if you want to stop—”
“No, Ms. Patti, you deserve the truth. You’ve been nothing but kind to me, and I’ve lied to you from the day we met. Let me get this out, so you know the truth. I’ve hated living a lie. You and Douglas, you’ve made me feel like a part of your family, a part of the community. I never had that before. My mother did whatever Uncle James asked, even if it meant leaving her child behind. She disappeared when I was little, running off and leaving me and my dad behind. My dad was a little better, but at least I saw him sometimes, when he wasn’t bowing and scraping at my uncle’s feet.”
“I never knew how bad your childhood must have been.”
“Don’t feel sorry for me. There are lots of kids who have it worse.” Serena smiled at Ms. Patti. “As you’d know firsthand, with all the boys who’ve made their way through the Big House over the years.”
“Not the same thing, but, let’s get back on track. You seduced the guard—”
“No! I didn’t seduce him. It was…I used him to get information. That doesn’t sound any better. I wasn’t honest, I let him think I felt something for him when I didn’t.” She rubbed at the bridge of her nose, wishing she’d never started this conversation, but knowing she couldn’t and wouldn’t hide the truth from Ms. Patti. If she was being honest, Ms. Patti was her best friend, and she’d hated lying to her. At least now, everything would be out in the open. It felt like a weight had been lifted off her chest, one she hadn’t even realized was there, and she felt freer.
“Pete was close to my uncle, which made it easier for me to be around when they talked. Uncle James never realized I was looking for evidence to bring his world crashing down around his ears. I think he got comfortable with my always being around, and sometimes forgot I was there. It’s not hard to become invisible when you’re in a room with a lot of people with big egos and even bigger mouths. Narcissists want and need to be the center of attention, and Uncle James is one of the biggest ones I’ve ever seen. It was like he fed off the attention.”
“Which I’m guessing made him complacent.”
“And careless.” Serena took a long drink of her sweet tea, and closed her eyes as the coolness of the drink coated her parched tongue. She’d been talking enough her throat was dry, but she couldn’t stop. Too close to all the truth being out there—finally.
“He never claimed responsibility for the bombings—any of them. As I said, he’s meticulously careful about keeping his hands clean. With his money, he’s never had trouble getting others to do his dirty work.”
“But he obviously made a mistake, or you wouldn’t be sitting here.” Ms. Patti reached across and gave her hand a squeeze. “And I’m glad you’re here, regardless of the circumstances. My family will take care of you.”
Warmth spread through Serena at Ms. Patti’s words. It started deep inside, and seemed to bubble up with her, a sensation she’d never felt before, strange and yet wonderful, because she realized what the feeling meant. She was loved.
“Thank you. You don’t know how much you mean to me. I know I’ve never said, but you are the mother I never had growing up. When I showed up in Shiloh Springs, looking to start my life over, you welcomed me. Gave me a job. A second chance to make something of my life. You trusted me without knowing the first thing about me. There’s no way I can ever repay your kindness.”
“Love doesn’t need to be repaid, honey. It’s to be shared, without strings, without expectations. That’s the thing about the heart. There is an amazing amount of love inside to be given, and the more you give, the more you get back in return.”
Ms. Patti looked past her as she spoke, her gaze focused on something or somebody. She spun around, and Antonio stood in the open doorway.
“How long have you been standing there, son?”
“Long enough, Momma.” He walked into the kitchen and put his hand on Serena’s shoulder, his firm yet gentle touch sending a tingle down her spine. “I need to talk to Serena.”
“Serena?” Ms. Patti’s unasked question was reflected in her gaze.
“It’s okay. Antonio’s right, we need to talk.” Serena rose and walked around the table, leaning in to hug Ms. Patti close, infusing all her love into the gesture. “Thank you again—for everything.”
“Momma, is it okay if I take Serena to the garden?”
Ms. Patti froze for a second before her lips turned up in a smirk. “Absolutely. Give me a holler if you need anything.”
Antonio held his hand out to Serena without a word. She slid hers into his grasp, and he led her from the kitchen. She swallowed nervously, feeling like a prisoner being led to the gallows. Great, she thought, now I’m doing gallows humor. Might as well quote we who are about to die salute you.
Antonio chuckled. “I promise, nobody’s going to die.”
She blushed, realizing she’d spoke her thoughts aloud. “Good. I’m too tired to defend myself.”
“We’re only going to talk. I think it’s past time for both of us to
