Treacherous Secrets novel Chapter 11

"Thank you for encouraging me not to be afraid of what Kenton would say," she said and touched his glass again.

Everyone began eating and conversations flowed easily. Emily looked around the table at her friends and family. She smiled. This was the happiest moment she had had in a very long time.

"Emily," Kim said, looking around at the flowers. "I have been admiring your amazing garden. I've been doing some freelance photography for an article in a Tennessee gardening magazine. Would you mind if I came by and took some pictures?""No, not at all, just let me know when you want to come by." Emily pushed her plate away. "So is landscape photography all you do?"

"I do some photo journalism, mostly because it pays more," Kim said. "It's not one of my favorite things to do, but when it comes to paying the bills you do what you have to."

"True," Mario agreed. "I've had some pretty crappy jobs, but, as you said, you do what you have to do."

Sonja stood up, motioning for her helpers to begin clearing away the plates. "I hope you all saved a little room for dessert. I have made my famous flan and fry bread covered with powdered sugar."

It was approaching nine-thirty by the time everyone finished eating. "Oh my God, Sonja," Carol said rubbing her stomach. "Everything was wonderful."

"Gracias, Carol. I'm glad you enjoyed it," Sonja said. She was about to get up when she looked up and her face went completely white.

"Sonja? What's wrong?" Emily asked. She turned to follow Sonja's gaze to see Kenton standing in the frame of the sliding glass doors.

Everyone, except Ashley and Kim, jumped up. The two watched in fascination as the others hastily gathered the dishes and food back into the house. Emily smiled apologetically. "Party's over, I'm afraid."

"Just because your husband came home?" Kim asked.

Emily nodded. Ashley stood and took Kim by the elbow encouraging her to get up as well. "Do you need us to help with anything?" she asked.

"No, Sonja and her team will take care of everything," Emily turned and looked at Kenton, who had moved out of the doorway, but stood in the family room scowling at her. "I'll just walk you guys out."

Emily's parents were waiting by the door for her. Her mother hugged her. "Don't let his coming home like this change the path you've decided to go on. Call me tomorrow and let me know you're okay."

"I will," Emily promised. She hugged her dad, who was staring daggers at Kenton. Kenton just glared back.

Carol hurried to Emily and gave her a quick hug. "Tell Barbara I'll be waiting in the car for her."

Emily nodded. She turned to see Barbara approaching Kenton. Oh Lord, this is not going to be good.

Ashley pulled her into a tight hug. "Are you going to be okay?" she asked. "Should we stay? Should you leave with us? He looks really pissed."

"It'll be okay," Emily said, not so sure it was the truth. She hadn't see Kenton look this angry in a long time. "It's not like he caught me here with another man. I was just having friends over."

"Exactly," Kim said, hugging Emily too. "It was so nice to meet you and seriously, if you need for us to stay or come back, we will."

"Thank you, Kim. It'll be fine. We will plan to get together again soon. I can't wait to see your portfolio."

Kim and Ashley gave a wary glance at Kenton, who was staring at Emily even as Barbara seemed to be drilling him about something.

"I gave them permission," Emily said quietly.

Kenton turned on her. "Without consulting me?"

"We talked about it a few weeks ago, and you were fine with it."

Kenton narrowed his eyes at Mario. "Well, I think his visiting time is up." Kenton stormed to the kitchen. "Fernando!" he shouted. "Your nephew is to leave my property tonight. Is that understood?"

Fernando dropped his head. "Yes, Mr. Jenkins."

Emily whispered to Mario. "You'll do no such thing."

Mario looked at her, worry creasing his brow.

"What's this?" Kenton demanded. "Having a little private conversation."

Raising her chin and gritting her teeth, Emily looked up at Kenton. "I was thanking him for his help with the garden."

Kenton looked from her to Mario. "Get out of my house and off my property," he shouted at Mario.

Mario looked at Emily hesitantly and nodded. He wasn't going to start a fight with her husband with her right there. Especially when it looked like this man might strike out at Emily if he did. He left the house but he only went to the side and waited for his aunt and uncle.