One Tiny Lie – Jennifer Youngblood Page 0,27

married her, and they started a new life together. It broke my mother’s heart.” The hurt and resentment rushed back. Luna had never been close to her adopted father because she couldn’t get past what he’d done to her mother. “She never fully got over him.” A lump formed in Luna’s throat. She thought of all those years when her mother had shut down. There were long stretches when her mother would go to work, come home, and lock herself in her bedroom, leaving Luna to make her own meals and fend for herself.

“Pobre chica,” Rosalyn lamented. “Lo siento.”

Luna nodded. “Thank you. My mother did the best she could.” Luna knew that with all her heart. Her mother hadn’t meant to be neglectful. She just couldn’t cope. “When I was sixteen, my mother passed away from cancer. From that point on, I was raised by my grandmother.” Her eyes grew moist. “You can imagine what it meant to me to learn that I have a sister.” She looked at Ava who had tears in her eyes. They shared a tender look. “Then, I came here. For the first time, I’m part of a real family.” Her voice cracked. “I love Beverly and Todd. I love being here on the vineyard.” She chuckled through her tears. “Believe it or not, I don’t even mind when Beverly picks out my clothes.”

“Well, that’s one area where you and I are totally different,” Ava said tartly.

“I plan to do everything I can to help save the vineyard,” Luna finished.

Tears glimmered in Rosalyn’s eyes. “You are a jewel,” she said as she reached for Luna’s hand.

“Yes, she is,” Ava agreed. “Essentially, Mom and Dad are gaining another daughter.”

Rosalyn nodded in agreement, giving Luna a large, radiant smile. A second later, Rosalyn released Luna’s hand and mopped her eyes. “Well, this is really something. I’m still trying to wrap my brain around it.”

“So, will you keep our secret?” Ava asked.

Luna held her breath, waiting for an answer. She felt like her entire future was hanging by a thread.

A knock sounded at the door. “Ava,” Beverly called.

“Uh, oh.” This time, Luna had the presence of mind to act fast. She turned off the computer screen just as Beverly opened the door and stuck her head in.

Beverly frowned as her eyes moved between Luna and Rosalyn. “Everything okay in here?”

Luna forced a smile. “Yep, we’re good.” She tried to articulate a response, but her mind was as blank as a new sheet of paper.

“Ava and I were trying to decide which dress she should wear for the harvest party,” Rosalyn said, giving Luna an imperceptible look.

Interest shined in Beverly’s crystal eyes. “I think you should wear your teal dress. The off-the-shoulder one.” She draped a hand down her shoulder as she spoke.

“Sounds good to me,” Luna said. The harvest party was a long-held tradition, not just amongst the Gileses and their vineyard, but for most of the vineyards and wineries in Northern Cal. A few days before the harvest, the vineyards would hold lavish parties to celebrate the upcoming event. Luna was looking forward to the Giles’ harvest party this coming Saturday. It wasn’t just the party itself, but also the titillating buzz in the air. Beverly, Todd, the staff—everyone, it seemed, was caught up in the excitement of the approaching party and harvest.

Beverly shook her head. “Oh, I almost forgot. Margot’s here to see you.”

Rosalyn sprang to her feet. “That’s right. I came up to tell you that.” An undertone of red seeped into her cheeks. “I guess I got distracted with other things.”

Luna stood, smoothing her hand down her shirt. “I guess I’d better go and see what Margot wants.” The last thing she wanted was to have to entertain Margot right now, especially when she was still reeling from the accident.

“I’ll go and tell her you’re on your way down,” Beverly chimed as she left.

Rosalyn caught Luna’s arm. “Be careful around Margot,” she warned. “I’ve tried to tell Ava this for years, but she’s too stubborn to listen. Margot is not your friend.”

The truth of Rosalyn’s words caused a chill to run down Luna’s spine. “I know,” she said quietly. Understanding passed between them, letting Luna know that she’d found a true ally in Rosalyn.

7

“Race you to the top,” Ava said, her laughter floating like soft musical notes against the pleasant breeze. Her chin was set with determination as she leaned into the handlebars and pedaled faster.

Hudson laughed as he picked up his pace to