Page 54 of Little Buried Secrets

“We all have our hardships in life,” I said. “I believe it’s the reason why some of us connect with one person more than another.”

She ran a hand through her hair and said, “Can I ask you a question?”

“Sure.”

“Do you think Coach Warren hit on my sister?”

“I don’t know yet. You seemed convinced it didn’t happen.”

“I mean, I know what I said before. I’ve had some time to think about it.”

“And how do you feel now?” I asked.

“Confused. I still think he’s a good guy. He’s always been good to me, anyway.”

It felt like there was something more, something she wasn’t saying.

Maybe she needed a gentle push.

“You think he’s a good guy, but …?”

“Margot didn’t lie. If she did, there would have to be a dang good reason for it. That’s why I want to know who talked to you about Coach Warren.”

I crossed my arms, thinking about the promise I’d made to Elle and Skye.

“It’s not that I don’t want to tell you,” I said. “I made a promise to keep their identities a secret, for now. I’m trying to honor their wishes. Besides, you know what they say … snitches get stitches.”

Bronte burst out laughing.

“You’re funny,” she said, “for a weirdo.”

“I like to think weirdos make life more interesting,” I said.

“From one weirdo to another, we do. And I get it. You’re not going to tell me who talked to you. Fine. You said ‘their wishes,’ which means, it wasn’t just one person. It was at least two.”

“I did.”

“I bet they’re on the volleyball team, aren’t they?”

“I can neither confirm nor deny.”

Bronte went quiet, and then she said, “Tell me this … do you believe what they said about Coach Warren?”

“When they came to me, it was obvious they were nervous to share information, which made them seem credible. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn there’s some truth to their story. I also believe they like Coach Warren, and they only came to me because of Margot’s disappearance.”

Bronte bent her knees and wrapped her arms around them. “Let’s say the rumors about Coach Warren are true. Why wouldn’t Margot come to me about what happened? We were close, but now, I don’t know what to think. She was keeping things from me, and I don’t understand why.”

“People keep things to themselves for a lot of reasons. Sometimes it’s because they feel like by keeping quiet, they’re protecting those around them.”

Bronte shook her head. “Margot never needed to protect me. If anything, it was the other way around.”

“I know it’s hard to accept that she had secrets, but most of us do.”

I’d said the words in the easiest way I knew how, hoping I wouldn’t offend her. I never knew when something I said would set her off. It looked like she was about to respond, but she went silent again.

“We can stop talking if it’s too hard or too much or too … whatever,” I said.

“I need to … umm, show you … Hold on a second.”

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