Chapter Seven
Camille
“Just finished up another test,” I said into my cellphone.
“A pregnancy test?” Raegan asked from the other end of the line.
“Ultrasound on my thyroid. Who knew your thyroid could affect your periods? I don’t even know if they do, actually, but they must if the doc is running tests on mine.”
“Well, let me know the results. Hopefully they’ll finally figure out what’s going on.”
“I will. I have to go, I just got to Travis and Abby’s.”
“Yikes,” she said.
“Stop.” I chuckled, looking up at Travis and Abby’s two-story bungalow home through my rain-speckled windshield. “Let me know when you’re headed this way. I miss you.”
“I miss you, too,” Raegan said, her tone instantly thick with sadness.
I put my phone away, stopping on the porch. Travis had just finished giving it a facelift, painting the wood planks Fjord Blue , according to Abby, and the trim and front door white. The pink flowers overflowing from wire baskets hanging under Travis and Abby’s front windows seemed to be weeping, the droplets of rain dripping from their dainty petals. Abby had dreamed about a real home, a real family since she was a girl, and it was Travis’s mission to make it their reality.
I remembered when they’d bought that house, and when the remodeling began. I’d made it a point to praise Travis for working so hard at the gym that they could afford it, and how he’d waved me off, saying how much money they’d saved with him doing the work himself—with Trenton’s help, of course.
After the fresh carpet and new but modest furniture came the babies—tiny bundles that quickly transformed their carefully curated home into a whirlwind of sleepless nights and endless laundry. Then came the need for roomier vehicles; strollers, car seats, and baby bags required ample space, along with all the other essentials of parenthood. Somehow, they always managed, even when Abby decided to take a pay cut to work part-time as a substitute teacher, trading her classroom for lullabies and sticky fingers.
I laughed quietly, my fist poised to knock. Now that I knew their secret, it seemed so obvious. Our little town had five gyms, and even as personable as Travis was, there weren’t enough clients to sustain their growing financial responsibilities—even if it was subtle. There was no other explanation but that Travis had something lucrative going on the side.
“Cami,” Abby said, surprised. She stood in a puffy blue robe covered in white clouds, white slippers on her feet.
I looked down, noting that Toto was absent when he was usually quietly huffing at her feet.
“He’s at the vet. He hasn’t been feeling well, but we’re picking him up in the morning,” she said. “I guess there’s not much they can do for old age.”
“I’m so sorry.”
Her eyes glossed over. “You know it’s coming, but you can never really prepare for it. We’re bringing him home so he’s comfortable.”
“It’s not a good time, then,” I said. “And it’s late, I’ll just come back when—”
“Come in,” she said, opening the door wider and stepping aside. “Is everything okay?”
She shut the door, locked it, and crossed her arms, concern weighing down her face.
“Yes, everything’s fine. I just um…” I hesitated. What if she lied? What if uncovering the truth only made her angry, worsening the tension between us? In my eagerness to figure things out, I hadn’t stopped to consider how the confrontation might unfold.
“The last time I was here, you and Liis were discussing something, and it didn’t seem like you wanted me to know what it was.”
Abby sighed. “It had nothing to do with you, Cami. I’m sorry if we made you feel—”
“That’s not why I’m here. I just… I wanted you to know that I put two and two together. Why you were acting so… guarded. But Travis’s secret is safe with me. I mean, I’ve been keeping Thomas’s for years. I just came by to tell you that you don’t have to hide it anymore. From me, at least. Because I know.”
“What… do you know?” she asked.
“About Travis. Working with, you know, working with Thomas. At the Bureau, or for them. I’m rambling. Anyway… Oh. Wow,” I said, noting the subdued panic in Abby’s expression, hidden only by how smooth it was. Her famous poker face had only one tell for those of us who knew her: the absence of any expression at all. “I suddenly realize how bad of an idea this was. I just wanted confirmation that I was right, and that helps exactly zero people. Stupid. I’ll just… I’ll just go,” I said, turning.
“No, wait,” she said, gently grabbing my arm. When I turned, she was smiling—too soft, too patient. “I’m just not sure what you mean. Travis doesn’t work with Thomas.” She chuckled. “How would a personal trainer help an ad exec?”
“Abby, I know Thomas works for the FBI. I’ve always known. I knew before you did. I know about Liis, too.”
She wrinkled her nose, a small smile still on her face, crossing her arms again. “I’m so confused.”
“It’s okay.” I touched my fingers to my forehead. “I’m a little embarrassed now. I’m not sure what I was trying to accomplish. It was just such a relief to realize it wasn’t about me, and then I wanted to rush over and talk to you about it. Admittedly, I was pretty proud of myself that I’d figured it out, but,” I winced. “Crap. I didn’t think how stressful it would be for you that I know. I really won’t tell anyone.”
“Cami,” Abby said, “are you okay?”
I pressed my lips together in a hard line. She wasn’t going to admit anything to me. But at least she wasn’t angry. “I won’t. I’m sorry I…” I shook my head. “This is really embarrassing. You’re right, Travis works so many hours at the gym, going to all those conferences. Lach would… Oh,” I trailed off. “Lach.”
“Travis’s boss?”
Lachlan has to be in on it, too. He swept in, bought the gym, always sending Travis out of town. Holy shit, it’s a whole operation. I wondered if Becca knew. I’d run into Lachlan at Abby’s while Travis was out of town so many times I thought once they might be having an affair. But then he and Becca began dating. “Lachlan came by the shop tonight. Cassidy finally got her ears pierced.”
“She did? Aw,” Abby said, genuinely proud. “I knew she was determined this time.”
“Lach… he… he really loves them, huh?”
“He’s crazy about them both,” Abby said with conviction.
“Good,” I said, nodding. “So, what were you and Liis working on?”
“Oh, um… just a… We were just…”
“You know what? I’m making this worse. I’m going to shut up now because it’s none of my business. I’m clearly not getting enough sleep. Speaking of, I’ll let you get back to bed.”
“Hey, come over any time. I mean it. You’re not the only Maddox wife who jumps to conclusions or speculates. I’m the worst . But I really am glad you came by. It’s nice to see you.”
“You, too. Goodnight.” I opened the door and descended the steps, hearing thunder in the distance. I turned to see the worried look on Abby’s face morph into a grin.
“It’s not obvious, you know. You didn’t make a mistake. No one else could’ve picked it up besides me, and that’s only because I know what I know. I just wish I’d never said anything because it’s important that you feel safe. And Abby… I know what’s at stake. I won’t even tell Trent. I’m taking this one to the grave.”
Her eyebrows pulled in, and she nodded.
I waved goodbye and climbed into my 4Runner, consumed by self-loathing. I’d shattered Abby’s sense of security, leaving her with a new set of fears to keep her up at night. Maybe they were right about me. In my desperation to redeem myself and prove that I could be a trusted member of the family, I’d done something that only intensified my guilt and left me feeling more like an outcast than ever.
A knock on the window made me jump, scream, and clutch my chest all at the same time.
Abby stood on the other side of the glass, her finger making a small circle.
I hadn’t started the car yet, so I opened the door.
Abby immediately hugged me, and I froze.
“I trust you,” she whispered.
I squeezed her tight.
She glanced over her shoulder and then exhaled slowly. “For the record, I didn’t tell you, you asked. It’s true, you’ve kept Thomas’s secret all these years, and I know you’ll keep this one, too.” She loosened her grip and stepped back. “Now that the panic has worn off, I’m glad you told me. I would’ve picked up on it eventually, but I wouldn’t have dared to ask you. Instead, I’d be stuck in this house, worrying myself sick about who else you might tell. Don’t beat yourself up. It was the right thing to do.”
I wiped away an errant tear. “Thank you for saying that.”
“Text Trent that you’re on your way home.”
“Oh,” I said, pulling out my phone, tapping out the words. I looked up at her. “I don’t know what else to say.”
She shook her head. “Good. Because we’re never going to talk about this again.”
I nodded. “Right. Okay, done.”
She put her hand on mine. “Drive safe.”
I drove home with my head against the headrest, a dozen emotions swirling inside me. Abby was right, she was supernaturally observant, and she would’ve caught on quickly that I had suspicions. If I hadn’t told her, she would’ve tried to calculate who else I’d mentioned my theory to without being able to ask. Ironically, that total calamity of a half-assed discussion had been the best way.
I pulled into the drive, seeing Trenton standing at the door waiting for me.
“Yes, I was careful driving home,” I said with a smile.
“How was Abby?” he asked, kissing my cheek.
“Annoyingly beautiful for wearing seven layers of skin care and being swallowed by a raggedy robe.”
I peeled off my jacket and put down my purse and keys, immediately noticing Trenton hovering.
“What’s up with you?”
Trenton watched me for a moment, and then he laced his fingers on top of his head. “I need to tell you something, and you’re gonna be pissed.”
I arched one brow. “Well, you’re not the cheating kind. Did you commit a felony between the shop and home?”
“No,” he said, insulted.
I wrapped my arms around his middle, but he didn’t hug me back. “You caught me on a good night. I’ve realized even the hardest discussions are worth having. So, tell me why you smell like someone else’s perfume.”
He hugged me then. “I didn’t cheat on you.”
“I know,” I said, looking up at him.
“And Lachlan can back me up. He was there.”
I frowned. “Okay, now I’m confused.”
He let me go and began pacing. “I’ve been trying to think of how to tell you, and in every scenario, you hate me.”
I sat down on the sofa. “Spit it out, Maddox.”
“Madison.”
I rolled my eyes.
Trenton held out his hands, stepping toward me. “No, don’t do that. It is nothing like what you’re thinking, I swear.”
“Did she come up with some excuse to get you to come to her apartment and then get close enough to rub her perfume on you so I’d smell it whether or not she manipulated you into her bed?”
He stood up taller, looking up at the ceiling as he considered my words. “Holy shit, I hadn’t even thought about that part.”
“Just give me the quick n’ dirty, baby. I’m tired.”
He breathed out a laugh, unable to hide the utter shock from his expression. “I fuckin’ love you.”
I grinned. “I know.”
“Okay, well, there’s no dirty, but the quick is that Maddie showed up at the shop as I was leaving. She said her ex was stalking her, that he was at her apartment and wouldn’t leave. I followed her home, had words with the dude—who ended up being some skinny kid named Aaron, not the Dayton guy—and realized pretty quick she’d set it all up. She… tried to kiss me. I told her it was never gonna happen and to not come by the shop or contact me again.”
“So, why was Lachlan there?”
Trenton’s shoulders fell. “He saw me follow her and followed me.”
“At your request?”
“No, I didn’t know he saw us. But I’m glad he did because he trains her dad and he said…”
I tried not to smile at the combination of embarrassment and disgust on my husband’s face.
“It’s not funny,” he said, nearly pouting.
“What did Maddie’s dad say?”
“That she has an unhealthy obsession with me.”
I feigned surprise. “Really? No way,” I said, my voice rising an octave.
“Cami, c’mon! We’re talking possible creepy Trenton shrine or something equally disturbing found in her room. Her parents forbade her to go anywhere near me because of whatever they found.”
I paused. “ Forbade ? Did that really come out of your mouth? And please tell me you’re joking.”
“I wish I were,” he said, his expression as flat as his tone.
“Well,” I said, standing. “Thank you for being honest. Glad you got home in one piece.” I pointed at him while walking to the bedroom. “And put that shirt in the washer right now and take a shower, because damn . Did she bathe in it?”
“Why aren’t you yelling at me?” he asked, following close behind.
I took off my earrings and then fiddled with my necklace until he took over, laying the delicate gold chain on the dresser.
“I’m glad you banned her from the shop. Saves me the trouble. I don’t mind a mistake, but the taking advantage of your kindness part and the scheming… She may be a kid, but that makes me feel stabby.”
“So…” He put his hands on his hips, still confused. “No yelling?”
“You act like I yell at you all the time.”
“Well, if you ever did, this would be a good reason.”
“So, you feel bad?”
“Well, yeah.”
“Then why do I have to yell?”
His brows pulled together. “This is what an adult relationship is, isn’t it?”
My mouth fell open in a shocked smile, and I pointed at him as I walked to the bathroom. “You are getting to be such a big boy! I’m so proud of you!” I teased.
“Very funny,” he grumbled. “Hey,” he said, pulling his stinky shirt over his head. “I love you. Thank you for trusting me. I don’t take it for granted.”
“It’s because of the man you are, Trenton. You’ve never made me wonder.”
He smiled, turning for the laundry room. “Best compliment anyone could ever give me.”