Treacherous Secrets novel Chapter 10

Barbara moved past the two of them, toward the kitchen. "Sonja, Hon, have you got some of those fabulous margaritas made up?"

"Absolutely," Sonja said, motioning for Barbara to follow her into the kitchen.

Carol leaned closer to Emily. "Damon came home a couple of days ago in a mood. It was the worst that he's ever been. He practically raped me. He went to his weight room and worked out for hours. When I asked him about it, he said he was sick of being screwed over. He left this morning to go to Louisville for the Derby Festival. I don't know what I'm going to do if he comes home like that again."

"Leave if you to have, Carol. Don't let him hurt you like that," Emily said.

Carol shook her head sadly. "I'm not sure what to do. I'd hate to leave him, but I will if I have to. My parents really want me to move back to Atlanta to be closer to them."

Emily nodded. She was concerned for her cousin and wondered if his being friends with Kenton had something to do with what was going on with him. "Come by tomorrow and we'll talk more."

Carol nodded and then went to the kitchen in search of alcohol.

The doorbell rang again. Emily opened the door and Ashley was standing there with her partner. Emily was stunned because the short, stocky blonde was not the kind of woman she had expected to see with Ashley. "Hi," she said. "I'm so glad you guys came." She gave Ashley a hug.

Ashley said, "Emily, this is my partner Kim. Kim this is my friend Emily from college that I've been telling you about."

Kim extended her hand, which Emily took. Kim gave her a strong handshake and looked up at her with warm and friendly green eyes. "It's so nice to finally meet you."

"And you," Emily said. "Come on in. Sonja has margaritas made up in the kitchen. Would you two like one?"

"Absolutely," Ashley said. "I'm dying to try one. You said that she makes the best."

"She does." Emily motioned them to follow her to the kitchen.

Sonja was taking the tortillas out of the oven where she had been keeping them warm.

"I've got everything outside on the buffet tables, so we are ready to eat."

"Excellent," Emily said and handed Ashley and Kim margaritas.Mario and Fernando had brought Emily's parents, Carol and Barbara outside where they had pushed several of the small party tables together to make one large table next to the pool.

"Oh my gosh!" Kim exclaimed. "It is beautiful out here."

"Thank you," Emily said, handing her a plate. "My gardens are my pride and joy. Mario is helping me redesign them. You'll have to come back later in the summer to see it then. It should really be amazing with the flowers and plants we are planning to put in."

"That would be great," Ashley said and then touched Emily's arm. "Now that we've reconnected, I hope we spend a lot more time together."

"That is so sweet," Kim said. "Family should always try to work things out."

"Are you close to your family?" Emily's mom asked.

"Yes, thank God," Kim said, taking Ashley's hand. "Being gay can really isolate you from your family but, fortunately for us, my parents have adopted Ashley as if she were their own daughter."

Emily's mom smiled sadly at Ashley, "Emily told me about your parents having trouble with your lifestyle. Hopefully, they will come around."

"Sadly, I doubt that is going to happen." Ashley squeezed Kim's hand and smiled at her. "But Kim's parents' love has more than made up for my parents being the way they are."

Sonja came back to the table and sat down between Mario and Fernando. "It sounds like we should make a toast to family and good friends."

"I agree," Emily's dad said.

They all lifted their glasses. "To family and friends," Sonja said. They touched glasses around the table.

Mario smiled affectionately at Emily as she touched his glass. "I'm glad you decided to make your parents a part of your life again."