Scorn of Secrets
B. Truly
Publication date: April 27th, 2021
Genres: Coming of Age, Romance, Young Adult
I must keep it locked away—the memory of my darkest secret….
When the rising tides of my life peak, I’m left struggling with the currents of the storm. The first dilemma is my dad’s gambling debt. Mama bounces back quickly from the ramifications it causes. She proves this by getting a new man. Her Rico Suave is just the tip of the iceberg—she moves us across state to live with him and his two sons.
My outgoing, older sister fits right in—she’s the total opposite of me. I am Madison Guillory, the shy, quiet type. Taught to make the best of even the worst situations, I contemplate giving my new family a chance.
Living with my future stepbrothers is interesting, to say the least. They’re like night and day. I have more in common with the laid-back brother, and we become instant friends. I’m adjusting to Taylor High, and the arrogant brother is even starting to grow on me. Maybe everything will work out after all.
My life finally seems to be falling into place until a dreadful night shatters my dreams. My world is flipped upside down because of the consequences I must now bear.
The memories of that night lurk in the shadows to torment me. If I think of what happened, I’ll succumb to my fear. His face has scorned me. No one will believe me if I confess, not even my own sister. I hold the key to my darkest secret, desperate to keep it locked away.
Excerpt
My stomach roils, pondering who Mama’s mystery man is. Tanya and I are setting the fancy china on the table in the dining area. We normally only eat in this room on special occasions. Mama has given us specific instructions on setting up.
“Do you have any idea who Mama’s mystery man is?” Tanya raises her eyebrow.
“No clue. I can’t believe she’s inviting a man over for dinner. It must be serious if she wants us to meet him.” The doorbell rings.
“Guess we’re about to find out,” Tanya sighs.
“My company is here, and I expect both of you to be on your best behavior.” Mama fluffs out her hair before she sashays to open the door.
A tall, attractive man with caramel-colored skin enters. Mama loops her arm through his, walking him into the family room. Tanya shifts her weight. I suddenly find the floor more interesting. My blood’s boiling with her having the audacity to bring a strange man to our home when she’s barely been widowed for two months. If this is her grieving, why can’t she deal with it in another way? Other than running into the arms of a new man?
Mama’s honey-colored irises dance. “Girls, I want you to meet a good friend, Regan Jenkins. Regan, this is my older daughter, Tanya and my younger, Madison.”
“You mean, your boyfriend,” I blurt.
Mama narrows her eyes at me. I shrink away from her piercing gaze.
Regan’s lips curve up to the side. “It’s nice to meet you both.”
Tanya says hello, not louder than a whisper. I’m too irritated to speak, so I remain quiet.
“Let’s eat,” Mama announces, leading Regan to the dining room.
I push the food around my plate as Mama fills in the gaps about Regan. He’s into real estate—a broker with his own company. He lives in Houston, Texas, and they met while he was in town. Regan has been coming on the weekends to visit, which explains where she’s been.
The way Mama is fawning over Regan, you’d swear he was the Rock or Vin Diesel. The entire time I’m thinking, it’s too soon for you to be dating. Next week is only two months since your husband’s death. The little food I’ve eaten threatens to come up when I contemplate if she’s trying to replace my father. Why else would she flaunt her new man around like everything is peachy-keen?
Tanya has on a poker face. She smiles, pretending to be involved in the conversation. From her sarcastic comments, Tanya’s on the same page as me. She’s not happy about Mama dating, either.
Dinner seems to drag. I tune out Mama’s epic story about Regan. The only thing I’ve caught her saying in the last twenty minutes is that he has two sons my age and his wife died three years ago.
Regan’s plate is clean, so I offer to take it. Dish duty calls my name—anything to get away. I know Tanya has had her fill when she offers a hand. Tanya’s mouth is pulled into a tight line as we do the dishes. I’m washing and she’s loading the dishwasher.
After I glance in the dining room to make sure they’re still socializing, I say, “You still think she’s going through a phase?”
Tanya shrugs. “I hate to admit it, but it seems like she’s moved on.”
Author Bio:
B. Truly has wanted to be an author since she was fifteen years old. She is grateful to have accomplished this dream. B. Truly has very vivid dreams and a wild imagination. She likes to read, watch tons of TV shows, and movies. She’s addicted to romance and gets a thrill out of suspense and sci-fi. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult romance, sci-fi, dystopian, and paranormal genres.
B. Truly likes to explore conflicted plots of romance with thrilling twists. She also loves creating impossible situations for her characters to grow from and try to overcome.
B. Truly has three wonderful children, and a husband who defines the person that she is today. She works full-time as an Ultrasound technologist in Houston, Texas.
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