Page 53 of The Secrets We Treasure

Laci’s brows creased. “I can’t believe you and Greer left.”

“I know. It was a rotten thing to do. I’m sorry,” she lamented. “Greer wanted us to go someplace private so we could talk.” Treasure felt a stab of guilt for throwing Greer under the bus, but it was the truth. He had wanted to escape the party.

“So y’all are back together?”

A ray of pure, undiluted sunshine darted through Treasure. “We are.”

Laci put down her spoon as she pressed her lips together in tight lines. “You sure that’s a good idea?”

“Yes,” Treasure exclaimed. “Why are you so opposed to me and Greer?”

The corners of Laci’s jaw twitched. “You know why. I don’t want to see Greer get hurt. He’s not as tough as he appears. When Aimee died, he was devastated.” Intensity fired in her voice. “Losing Aimee was hard enough, but then to have people question Greer’s involvement in her death …” Her words dribbled off as she shook her head, disgust masking her features. “The rumors are despicable,” she seethed.

Understanding registered. “Are you sure this is about Greer?”

“Of course it is,” she spouted.

Treasure leaned forward, eyeing Laci. “This sounds like it’s more about Waylon and you.”

Laci blinked several times. “I can certainly relate to Greer’s situation. Had I not been in New York when Waylon overdosed on insulin, I might’ve been charged with his death.” Her voice quivered with outrage. “If Megan and Samuel had it their way, I’d be rotting in a cell right now. Waylon would turn over in his grave if he saw how his kids are treating me.”

Sympathy rose inside Treasure as she touched Laci’s arm. “I’m so sorry. You must be under a great deal of stress.”

Laci offered a wan smile. “I’m getting by.”

First and foremost, Treasure wanted to be supportive of Laci. However, she could understand why Waylon’s kids were upset about him leaving the bulk of his estate to her. “Have you tried talking to Megan and Samuel to see if y’all could reach some sort of agreement?”

Laci looked at her like she’d lost her mind. “Talk about what?”

Did Treasure dare voice her opinion on the subject? She owed it to Laci to be honest with her, but she didn’t want to add more tension to their relationship.

Fire flashed in Laci’s eyes. “If you’ve got something to say, then spit it out.”

“Okay, would it hurt to divide the estate equally between the three of you? Waylon was so wealthy that you would still end up with more than you could spend in one lifetime.”

Laci’s eyes popped. Then, she took a deep breath. “That’s a fair question,” she replied evenly. Her lower lip quivered, tears pooling in her eyes. “There’s more to the story than you realize. Waylon made me promise that if anything should ever happen to him, I was to keep the house. He believed his kids were being unduly influenced by his late wife’s siblings.” Her voice hitched. “Don’t you see? I owe it to Waylon to fight for his wishes.” Tears trickled down her cheeks. “I miss Waylon every single day,” she uttered hoarsely.

“I know.” Treasure reached for Laci’s hand and squeezed it before letting go.

Laci sniffed, mopping her eyes. “I’m sorry.” She let out a humorless laugh. “I’ve been an emotional wreck today.” She pushed her fingers through her short, blonde hair.

Treasure’s stomach tightened. “Because of me and Greer?”

“I can’t stand the thought of Greer getting hurt again.” Panic filled her light eyes. “What happens when you grow antsy and decide it’s time to move on to the next shiny object?”

The comment was a slap in the face. “Is that seriously what you think of me?” She was beginning to wonder if she knew Laci at all.

Laci’s eyes flashed. “It happened before. Who’s to say it won’t happen again?” Her expression grew pleading. “Look, I don’t mean to come across as harsh. You know how much I love and care about you.” Her voice softened. “I want what’s best for you.”

Madeline’s words came rushing back. “Are you in love with Greer? Is that the real reason you don’t want the two of us to get back together?”

An incredulous laugh bubbled in Laci’s throat. She laughed until her shoulders shook and tears streamed from her eyes. Finally, she took in a breath, composing herself. “Greer is like a brother to me.”

“That’s what I told Madeline Chasing … right after she told me her suspicion.”

Wariness settled over Laci’s expression. “What suspicion?”

“Madeline thinks that you have a thing for Greer.”

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