Page 3 of Vengeful Secret

I look up at my mother, startled by her words. “I don’t know about that.”

“They’re out there, Sutton. I promise. You know, you deserve to be happy.”

“I am happy,” I insist. “I’m not really looking for a relationship right now.”

Maybe someday my heart will heal, but today is not that day.

“Still, it’ll be good to get some time to yourself, so go out and have fun.”

The thought of venturing outside my well-established routine is daunting. “It's been ages since...”

“Let tonight be different. You deserve it. You’ve been cooped up with work and Ciara for too long.”

I nod, walking over and giving Ciara a big kiss and then turn and hug the woman who raised me. “Thanks, Mom.”

As I walk out, I wave to her, and she waves back.

When I get into the car, it’s like a weight has been lifted off my chest.

It's been months since I took a night off. Wasn’t I just thinking I needed balance? My social life has dwindled down. I've turned down invitation after invitation, always having some excuse.

Maybe tonight I can actually have some fun.

It’s time to remind myself of just who Sutton McIntyre is, and tonight seems like the perfect opportunity.

I haveto admit I am a little nervous about going out. It’s been so long since I’ve been anywhere but work or home, even if I have good reason.

I take my time, shaving what needs to be shaved and washing my hair twice before putting in some leave-in conditioner.

My bare face looks tired, lines around my mouth, and I frown as I put on my foundation.

I need to start a new skincare routine, or something. I’m not getting any younger, and being a single mom seems to be taking its toll on me.

But after just a few minutes and some blending, I’m transformed into the girl I once was—the girl I was before I had my heart broken, that is. At least on the outside.

Inside is a much different story. Once I was young and free. Once I had dreams of having a family, love, having a life that most would consider normal. But life doesn’t always work the way you wish it would.

I wonder if that girl is gone forever. That girl, bright-eyed, shining, so madly in love that she couldn’t see straight. She wanted a whole different life. A fairy tale.

Shaking my head at my younger-self’s naiveté, I look in the closet to see what I have available for a night out. Most of my wardrobe is neutral colors, but there’s a red dress way in theback that I think will pair well with a pair of black pumps. It’s a simple dress, but there’s a plunging neckline and a slit up one side, so it makes it look a little sexier.

And I need sexier today. Even if it is just for me.

As I zip it up, I look in the mirror, feeling good about the way that I look for once.

I slide into my favorite heels, the ones that make my legs look longer but are still mercifully comfortable.

Grabbing my clutch, I head downstairs.

The house feels eerily quiet without Ciara’s laughter filling the space. I force a smile, reminding myself that tonight is about me reconnecting with the world I paused for my daughter and my work.

The drive to meet my friends is filled with the pop hits playing on the radio.

I’m excited to meet with them but also nervous, and I’m not sure which emotion will win out in the end. By the time I arrive, it’s more nerves than excitement, I think.

My stomach rolls as I pull into the parking garage near the strip.

I walk out to see Sarah, one of my best friends, waving me over to a bar with a neon sign—Tess's Tavern.

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