Page 114 of What Started In Deception

“Are you sure it doesn’t have something to do with work?” Because that’s what she wanted all of this to be—Will’s problems with Mac. The pictures of him with Richard Russo.

Mac shook her head. “Whatever this is, it’s new. It’s gotten worse over the last few weeks.”

Lydia sighed as she wrapped Mac up in an awkward hug. “What can I do?”

Mac hugged her back. “I don’t know. Mostly, I just want to go home to Connecticut, so my mom and dad can give me a hand.”

She settled her head on Mac’s shoulder. “You don’t have to leave. I’ll help you pack if you truly want to go, but I’m right here. I’ll be here for a couple more weeks.”

Mac sighed this time. “I don’t know what to do anymore.”

“You can stop pretending for one thing. If things suck, you can tell me.”

Mac nodded. “I wanted a drama-free summer after the insanity of the last one. I thought it might be nice for you and Ty to enjoy your time together without mine and Will’s problems getting in the way.”

Lydia frowned. “You don’t have to worry about me and Ty.”

“He’s perfect for you, Lydia. You’re perfect for each other. That makes me so happy for you.”

She adamantly shook her head, wanting so badly to tell Mac that all of it was pretend. Just hours ago, she’d made out with a man who’d professed that he wanted her but couldn’t have her. In a matter of weeks, he would walk away without looking back because his job would end, and it would be time for him to move on to his next assignment. “We’re still in that new phase where everything feels exciting. That’s what you’re seeing.”

“He’s crazy about you, Lydia. And unless I’m wrong, I’d say it’s vice versa.”

She didn’t want to talk about her feelings for Ty or the fact that her “boyfriend” was one hell of an actor. “What you and Will have is timeless. It’s strong and steady.”

Mac’s pretty eyes grew sad again. “It used to be. I don’t know what we have anymore.”

Lydia sighed again. “Let me help you. Go up and take a nap. A long one. I know it’s not much, but it’s a start.”

Mac batted her lashes at her. “Uninterrupted sleep sounds like a dream come true.”

Lydia smiled. “Maybe we could plan a trip for tomorrow. Just you, me, and the kids. We’ll pack them up and go to the zoo. We’ll get out of the house for some fun or whatever.”

Mac smiled. “Okay.”

“Go get some sleep. I have a couple of cuties to hang out with.”

“Thank you, Lydia.”

She shook her head. “We’re family and friends. We take care of each other.”

Ty punched in the code for the gym door, ready to get to work in his gray athletic shorts and white T-shirt. He glanced at his watch as he stepped inside, stopping short in the quiet space.

Typically, Will had the music blasting, and he was already working on his first couple of sets of whatever exercise he was focused on. Today, he wasn’t there.

“Fuck,” he muttered as he shut the door behind him, hoping that his gym buddy was just running late, but he doubted it. Will and Mac’s argument had been rough. If he had to guess, Will had headed into the office early to give himself and his wife a little space.

Pulling out his phone, he sent off a text to Nick. Doing a solo workout today. Maybe we can connect later.

Nick responded immediately. Definitely hit me back at a good time.

Will do.

Shoving his phone back into his pocket, he looked toward the hallway, deciding that he would check in with Mac and Lydia.

Heading down the long hall, he frowned when the house seemed too quiet. Usually, there was children’s music coming from the kitchen or a cartoon playing in the playroom. Currently, there was neither.

He peeked his head into the library and then into the den before he stopped short of the living room when he heard Lydia’s and Everly’s voices.