Page 111 of A Convenient Secret
“What are we doing, Declan?”
“Being happy.”
In that moment, I want to plan my future with this woman, hoping she can forgive all my deceit as easily as she did this time. And blissfully unaware that the end of us is lurking around the corner.
Chapter 22
Lily
I spoke up and it felt really good.
Celeste
What are we talking about?
Saar
I think the soccer dad.
Cora
Good for you, Lils. No more uncomfortable?
Still. But also liberating. I love you all. Thank you.
Saar
It took sex-related advice for you to realize we’re the best?
Exactly (laughing evil emoji)
Cora
Ineed a man!!!
Celeste
I’m sure there is a soccer practice somewhere near you (winking emoji).
“Working?” I lean against the door frame of Declan’s office.
The sushi outing was a success, with both kids tired out and sleeping as soon as their heads hit their pillows.
But that’s only part of it. After our disagreement, and after all I’d learned about myself today, spending time with Declan, Zoya, and Zach at a casual restaurant felt like… like family.
Like these three people are my closest. Like I can see my future with them, even though I don’t think it’s possible.
This afternoon, when Declan defended the soccer against the piano, I stood up to him. I haven’t done that in the longest time. Without knowing, he encourages me to speak up.
It may have started in the bedroom, or it may have come from sheer frustration, but I know it also came from trust, and safety.
It’s like I’ve grown into myself, shedding the past trauma—not yet all of it—and leaning into my new phase in life.
I didn’t know how long I’d be suspended in this limbo of my current life. Not being able to step into my future because my past would catch up and derail me.
Here, with Declan and his family, it feels like an independent path may be possible. It’s probably just a naïve fantasy, but it makes me more alive than I’ve been… ever.
It also makes me want to cherish every moment. I was expecting Declan to sneak into my room, but when he didn’t… I came to find him.
