The Secrets Sisters Keep Read Online Free PDF Page B

a name. And, no, Henry did not go with him. For what it’s worth, Henry is upset. He’s afraid something terrible has happened. An accident, maybe.”
    Amanda stopped pacing. Good Lord, she seemed to brighten. “An accident? Does he think Edward is dead?”
    “Don’t worry, I’m sure he’s fine.”
    “You’re probably right.” Amanda dropped back onto the bed. “He’ll no doubt be back for dinner. Uncle Edward loves to eat.” Then she started to cry.
    Ellie hadn’t expected Amanda to be distraught. Ambivalent, maybe, but not distraught. “Amanda-Belle,” she said, rising from the window seat and walking to comfort her. “He’s fine, really he is.” But as she put her arm on Amanda’s shoulder, her sister waved her away.
    “It isn’t Edward,” she said with a delicate sniff. “It’s other things. It’s . . . oh, why does life get so complicated?”
    Ellie had no idea what her sister was complaining about. Of all of them, surely Amanda had a good life. In some social circles, her life would be deemed the most successful. “If life wasn’t complicated, it wouldn’t be fun.”
    Amanda sniffed again. “Well, mine isn’t much fun anymore.”
    It was the first time Ellie had ever heard her sister imply that all was not as grand as it seemed. “Are the kids okay?”
    Amanda nodded. “They’re fine. It’s Jonathan.” She inhaled, she exhaled. “Get me a tissue. Please.”
    Ellie turned to the highboy and snatched several tissues from a fresh box that had been set out when the room had been “made up,” as Uncle Edward had called it.
    Amanda sniffed again. “Swear to me you won’t tell another living soul what I’m about to tell you.”
    Handing her the tissues, Ellie was about to swear when the sound of a horn beep-beeped outside. She looked down to the driveway, to a white stretch limo. The back door opened and Babe got out.

Chapter Six
    “B abe.”
    “Ellie?”
    “Babe.”
    “Wow. I can’t believe I’m really here.” Babe burst into tears and flung her arms around her oldest sister’s neck. “I can’t believe I haven’t seen you in so long. You look terrific. You don’t look old or ugly or anything. You just look terrific.”
    “You are such a liar,” Ellie said. “It’s been almost twenty years.” Their cheeks dampened with glee.
    After a moment, Ellie extricated herself back and took Babe’s face in her hands. “And look at you. You are so beautiful. You are such a star.”
    Babe dabbed her eyes, though no makeup had dared to run. “I have missed you—I have missed all of you—so much.” She cried again.
    Grasping Babe’s hands, Ellie gently shook them. “Well, you’re here now. That’s all that matters, isn’t it?”
    With a happy nod, Babe said, “Yes,” then turned back toward the car. That’s when Ellie noticed the gentleman in sunglasses leaning against the trunk, his tanned arms folded, a half smile on his familiar face. “This is Ellie!” Babe proclaimed as she tugged her sister toward the man. “And Ellie, this is Wes McCall.”
    Ellie let go of Babe long enough to shake hands. When they’d learned about Babe’s marriage to Wes, Uncle Edward had rented every one of his movies, and they’d spent four days and three nights hunkered down in the media room eating popcorn and Juju Bears until their stomachs had hurt.
    “Yes,” Ellie said, “I recognize him.” She did not say it would be nice if he removed his sunglasses, that Hollywood glasses had no place at Lake Kasteel.
    “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Wes said dutifully.
    “Ellie is the oldest,” Babe said, then let out another whelp when she looked past her toward the front door. “Amanda-Belle!” She dumped Ellie like a worn-out boyfriend and darted toward Amanda, who looked more composed than Ellie suspected she felt.
    “Babe, darling,” Amanda said, warding off a hug with a simple kiss-kiss. “How nice to see you again.” She said it as if she’d only seen Babe in the