Page 23 of Dark Truth

“I guess. I have a friend named Roxie; she’s uh, well, a little different from us.” Then I thought about the humble beginnings each of these ladies came from and amended my statement. “She’s actually a lot like us. Tough, caring, but deserves a break.”

“Oh, she sounds interesting.” Laura leaned her elbows on the island and gave me her undivided attention.

“She’s not had the finer things in life, not until now. She works hard for what she has, and she’s accomplished everything on her own.”

“What does she do?” Jessi prompted me to go on when I paused. I didn’t want to tell Roxie’s business, or Dylan’s for that matter, but Roxie meant a lot to me, and I wanted to know these ladies would accept her. I wasn’t ashamed of her, either, so I put it bluntly.

“She’s an award-winning exotic dancer. She’s known around the world for her talent.” I’d seen the awards she’d won and knew the places she’d been to; I wasn’t making up information about her or building her up more than she deserved.

“Really?” They all blurted and leaned even closer. I was fairly certain Jessi’s feet weren’t even on the bar stool anymore. “Have you seen her dance? That stuff looks amazing.”

“I can show you videos of her,” I offered and when they all nodded I picked up my tablet. I found the website her videos were on and selected one of the better-quality videos. All three of my sisters-in-law watched with amazement as Roxie did her stuff on a stage in the UK.

They were stunned, and I couldn’t blame them; Roxie really was amazing. She was like a flower one minute, that blossomed into a feather, and then a sensually slithering snake as she climbed her pole, slid along it, and then fell before she broke her fall with nothing more than the pressure of her thighs.

“I can’t believe it’s possible to do that.” Ember watched, fascinated, and I knew they’d get along with Roxie just fine if she chose to meet them; she might not, and that was her prerogative. I wouldn’t force it, but I wanted them to know about her.

“Does she perform out here?” Jessi broke my reverie, and I turned to face her as the video ended.

“Yeah, at a place called Elmo’s; you probably haven’t noticed it.” All three women shook their heads in the negative, and I knew I’d have to ask Roxie if I could bring them out one night. They all wanted to see her perform. “I’ll call her and ask if we can visit one night, just us four.”

I didn’t want to go to a club like Elmo’s with my brothers in tow. That was just way too much ick for me. My sisters-in-law were fine, but my brothers? Nope, that wouldn’t happen. I wouldn’t even take Dylan when we went.

A sudden wave of nausea swamped me, and I leaned over to hold onto the island. I blinked until the nausea passed and looked up to see if any of them had noticed. Of course, they all had.

“Sorry, I’ve been having migraines and the medicine sometimes makes me sick.” I didn’t want to tell them yet, but I could see each one speculating, looking for a clue. I wouldn’t be able to hide the pregnancy from Dylan for long with these three around, so I knew I’d have to tell him soon.

“Well, don’t work too hard if you’re getting migraines, Emily.” Jessi stood up to fill her glass with more of the sparkling water and patted my back. “Not in your condition.”

“Jessi!” I spluttered at her whisper, but she had a totally blank face, as if she hadn’t said anything at all. I glared at her for a minute but grinned. “I’ll be careful.”

“Well, I think we should do this again, but I have to get going. I have a plane to catch,” Ember said and stood up.

“Oh, not so soon!” I protested, but I knew she had commitments.

“It can’t be helped, but I’m glad to see you again, Emily. You look fantastic.” She kissed each side of my face, and I walked with her to the door. “I am sorry, you know.”

“Don’t worry about it, Ember. All is forgiven.” I meant it. The past was finished when it came to these three. My brothers might have to do a bit more groveling, though.

As well as my parents. Those two really needed a kick in the pants, but I doubted it would change them at all. They were who they were, and that was how they’d stay. Unbending, unyielding, and forever conservative. They’d die of embarrassment if they knew the things I’d done. I wouldn’t change any of my actions since I’d found out I could have a life too.

Laura and Jessi left about an hour later. It had all done me a lot of good, and I texted Roxie to let her know how it had all gone. She replied that she was glad, and she wanted to come and see me. I agreed and met her downstairs for lunch in my office. The vegetables and dip hadn’t filled me up.

I cleared the table in my office, and a waiter brought in a tablecloth and the food we’d ordered. It was delicious, as I knew it would be, and we talked about the day we’d had so far. She hadn’t been up long, but she’d managed to get some work done for the charity we both volunteered for, and she’d been there most of the morning.

“It’s odd to see you in jeans and a t-shirt with no makeup on,” I mentioned with a smile. “You look good like that.”

“Ah, my glamour is gone when I’m like this. I look like a normal woman.” She brushed off my compliment, but I wasn’t about to have it.

“Roxie, you’re beautiful, and without the makeup your skin shines through. You look wonderful, healthy, and alive. So many women look washed out without makeup on, but it suits you.” Her normally black-rimmed blue eyes stood out even more without the eyeliner, and she looked more approachable.

I guess for her the makeup was a mask to hide behind, but also a shield against the world. She hadn’t had an easy life, but she’d made something of herself, despite all of that.

“Nathan likes it too,” she said softly and peeked up at me from beneath her lashes.

“Who is Nathan?” I gushed and leaned in toward her.

“He’s a man I met at the charity. He’s really … nice.” Her smile was tentative but happy.