House Of Secrets by Tracie Peterson Page B

could look for vintage clothes. There are several consignment stores that advertise a nice selection. I found them online before we left Boston.”
    Piper shrugged and speared a piece of cantaloupe. “Sounds better than the book idea.”
    “I wouldn’t mind some clamming either,” Geena added. “I have a great chowder recipe to try. One of my many suitors gave it to me.” She laughed, but her comment gave me a start.
    “Many suitors? How many guys are you dating?” I tried to keep the sound of my voice casual.
    “Well, I have three I’m just casually dating.” Geena smiled mischievously. “Though I could probably string along a half dozen or more. They think I’m hot.” She laughed and Piper did as well.
    “Well, you do have that nice runner’s bod. I can see why the men would be crazy for you. They sure don’t look at me that way.”
    “Oh, I think they’re after me for my mind,” Geena teased. “They probably realize I’m going to be an important lawyer one day and make tons of money.”
    Piper shook her head. “They’re crazy for your long hair and the way you do your eyes all smoky and dark. You always look like you have something really intriguing to say.”
    “That’s what I mean,” Geena said. “It’s my intellect they’re after.” She giggled and cut into her pancake. “I’m just irresistible.”
    “Sounds like you have the day planned,” I said, pushing aside the niggling unease I felt at her declaration. “At least enough to keep you busy until tonight.”
    “Yeah, until tonight,” Piper murmured.
    We all looked up at the same time. I wanted to believe it would all work out—to reassure them of the same. But I didn’t have the words.

Chapter 7

    D ad called around five to tell us that storms had further delayed Judith’s flight. Initially a change in aircraft and a problem engine caused her delay, but now thunderstorms and threats of tornadoes in Chicago were keeping her grounded.
    “He said it’s some of the most violent storms the area has seen,” Geena declared after hanging up the phone. “He’s gonna get a room near the airport and just wait for her at SeaTac. He thought she’d still get out tonight, but she won’t arrive until late.”
    “I guess we can save the chowder until tomorrow,” Geena offered.
    I found I had lost my appetite with worry at the thought of confronting our father. Now that the discussion was postponed once again, I decided I might actually like to eat. However, I had toyed all evening with the idea of telling my sisters the truth about our mother’s mental illness, and now I had the opportunity.
    Piper was sitting curled up with her book and Geena was focusing on a crossword puzzle. “I want to use this time to tell you both something,” I interrupted. “It has to do with our mother.”
    Geena eyed me curiously, but Piper actually looked excited. No doubt once she heard what I had to say, she’d be less so.
    I pulled up an ottoman and sat in front of them. “I started to say something earlier, but I wanted some time to think about it. I also called my therapist while you two were out. She felt it was important to move forward, so that’s what I’m doing.”
    “So what is this all about?” Geena asked.
    “When we talked earlier today, we spoke of Momma and her mental state—her problems. I’ve known something about them for some time, but I’ve never said anything. I felt it was my place to . . .” I didn’t know exactly how to finish that sentence, but Piper did it for me.
    “Keep the secrets?”
    “Yes. . . . I suppose that’s the best way to put it. I felt it was my place to keep the family secrets in hopes of protecting you two.”
    “And now?” Piper eyed me quite seriously. “Now is it time to be honest about them?”
    “I think so. I think it was time years ago, but perhaps we wouldn’t have been mature enough to deal with it. I know when I first found out the truth, it was very disturbing.” Now both