Page 40 of The Secrets We Treasure
Treasure’s brain scrambled to catch up. “Are you suggesting that Laci has feelings for Greer?” Incredulous laughter gurgled in her throat. “No offense, but you’re way off-base. Laci loves Greer like a brother.”
Madeline arched an eyebrow. “Are you sure about that?” She made a point of looking in their direction.
“Of course,” Treasure countered. “The three of us are best friends. Actually, we’re more like siblings. We’re all an only child, so we’ve bonded together.” No sooner had the words left her mouth than she realized what she’d said. Her discomfort was compounded when Madeline looked at her strangely. “What I mean to say is that Laci and I are both an only child. Greer is now.” His older brother, Jordan, drowned when Greer was eleven. Treasure couldn’t begin to imagine the agony that Greer’s parents had experienced. She didn’t know how she would go on if anything were to ever happen to Tray.
“Open your eyes, and you’ll see that I’m right. Laci is sweet on Greer.” Madeline’s words weren’t unkind. They were a simple statement of fact.
Treasure went stone cold inside. She watched the birthday scene unfold. An attractive blonde with her hair in a ponytail was lighting the candles. She was wearing a black shirt and matching slacks. Treasure guessed her to be the caterer. Meanwhile, Greer had lowered himself to Laci’s height to hear something that she was saying. Their heads were close together. A second later, both Greer and Laci laughed. “You’re wrong,” she told Madeline. “Greer and Laci are just friends.” The truth of her words settled through Treasure, spritzing her with a heady relief. Madeline had jolted her for a moment. Treasure couldn’t fathom the thought of hurting Laci. And yet, she wanted Greer with all her heart and soul. Thankfully, Madeline was mistaken, and she’d never have to worry about stepping on her best friend’s toes to get to Greer.
“Perhaps I misread the situation,” Madeline said graciously.
“Yes,” Treasure asserted with more bite than she’d intended.
When all the candles were lit, Laci launched in, singing Happy Birthday. The string quartet off to the side began playing, and the guests joined in. Greer blew out the candles as everyone clapped.
“Now we’ll have cake and ice cream,” Laci announced.
Madeline touched Treasure’s arm, offering a smile that was both matronly and queenly. “I hope you find everything you’re looking for during your stay on the island.” She glanced at Greer before turning her focus back to Treasure. Her eyes were soft with compassion as she spoke. “Y’all were inseparable as kids. It would be nice to see you get your happy ending.”
Admiration flowed through Treasure. Madeline was her hero. She was refined, dignified, and able to cut through Treasure’s subterfuge with a grace that was both delicate as silk and strong as steel. A smile of defeat spread over Treasure’s lips. “I never could fool you, could I?”
Madeline chuckled. “I know true love when I see it.” She paused, giving Treasure a meaningful look. “Take my advice. Don’t let anyone or anything stand in the way of getting your man this time.”
Treasure blinked, wondering if Madeline somehow knew what had happened with Francie and Josette. “That night at the hotel … when you gave me the money.” Her voice hitched. “You have no idea what a blessing it was.” Tears rose in her eyes as she blinked furiously to stay them. “You saved me.”
“No, you saved yourself. You’re a lot stronger than you think. As for you and Greer, it’s my firm belief that true love will win out in the end.” She winked as she glided away.
Treasure looked at Greer, who was digging into a slice of cake. True love will win out in the end. She could only hope that Madeline was right. A guy waved at Treasure. It was Talon, Madeline’s oldest son and Greer’s closest guy friend. Treasure surmised that the striking brunette with her arm linked through his must be Effie Romeo. She threaded her way through the crowd to reach them.
Talon embraced her in a hug. “How’ve you been?” he asked.
“Great. How are you?”
“Fantastic,” he beamed. He turned to the brunette, his gaze brimming with affection. “This is Effie, my fiancée.”
Treasure’s eyes popped. “Congratulations! I knew y’all were dating but didn’t realize you were engaged.”
Effie floated Talon an adoring look. “He proposed last weekend.” They shared a smile before turning their attention back to Treasure.
“Your cousin is a good friend of mine.”
Effie grinned. “I know. I watched you and Lexi on The Singing Bachelor.”
“How’s Lexi doing?”
“Great. She and Asher just had their third son.”
“Oh, wow. That’s awesome. Are they still doing their music?”
“They are.”
Treasure’s mouth watered. “Lexi is an amazing cook. I still dream about her chicken fingers and cornbread.”
Effie smiled. “It must run in the family. My sister, Zoe, is also an excellent cook.”
Talon pursed his lips. “Hmm … I feel left out. You haven’t cooked me anything in ages.”
“That’s because I’ve been living in the hotel while the renovations are taking place,” Effie countered.
