Toxic Secrets by Jill Patten Page A

quick glance in the mirror, making sure everything was in place before joining the guys.
    As we walked out of the bathroom, I stopped Kendra right outside of the door. “I didn’t say it earlier, but I’m uber excited for you and Reed. Even though you haven’t said much about it, I know how stressed you’ve been lately.” Reed wanted to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in business management after graduating with an Associate’s this spring, and he was contemplating whether or not to move close to the college or make the long commute every day. This business proposition Jaxon offered him was a godsend. “We should celebrate.”
    Kendra flat-palmed my chest, stopping me from taking another step. “No, we shouldn’t. I’m not supposed to know about any of it. Reed made me swear to secrecy because they’ve not told anyone yet, so keep your mouth shut.”
    “Fine, my lips are sealed,” I huffed.
    As we walked back toward our booth, I took notice that the Wilkins were still at their table.
    Reed winked at me as Jaxon stepped out from the booth to let me in. I avoided all eye contact as I stepped by him to slide into my seat.
    “I’m very sorry for my behavior, but people staring at me is a big pet peeve of mine. I know that’s not a good excuse, but do you think you could find it in your sweet southern heart to forgive me?” He whispered into my ear, sending chills across my body. I slowly nodded as his lips lingered. “And, just so you know, you are an exception to that pet peeve.” Instantly heat rolled through me, flushing away the chills. Jaxon moved away quickly as I heard a familiar voice. Looking up, I saw Phillip’s parents standing at our table. Sure, they had gotten their eyes full of Jaxon’s lips on my ear. I prayed at that moment that my face was not flashing in red.
    “Hey, Mr. and Mrs. Wilkins,” I said too cheerfully. I kicked Jaxon in the leg under the table to let him know to keep his mouth shut.
    “Courtney, Kendra, Reed,” Sean nodded as he greeted each one of us. “And, you are?” He asked, nodding to Jaxon.
    “I’m Jaxon Vaughn,” he replied extending his hand. We sat there in an awkward hiatus as Jaxon and Sean shook hands staring at one another. "You look very familiar young man. Are you from around here?"
    "No, Sir."
    "Do you visit here often?"
    "No, Sir."
    "Well, it's nice to meet you, Jaxon.”
    Sean kept his eyes on Jaxon, studying him. Not judging him like Maryann, but observing like he was trying to figure out something about him.
    “Jaxon, this is Pastor Wilkins and his lovely wife, Maryann,” I explained, trying not to choke on the last few words that spout out of my mouth. I was proud I had the ability to withhold my distaste for her from rolling off my tongue… Bitch!
    Jaxon gave her a nod as she gave him a weak smile. I could tell she judged him by appearance alone, and her eyes definitely saw something different than what I saw.
    “Well, kids, it was nice seeing y’all. Hope you enjoy your lunch, and, you,” Sean said, pointing at me, “don’t be a stranger.” I understood his double meaning. Not only had I stopped going to their house, but I had also stopped going to their church after breaking things off with Phillip.
    I mumbled a ‘goodbye’ to them as they left our table.
    As the waitress came back to take our order, I discreetly slipped my phone out to see if I had a text or missed call from Phillip. The only unread text on my phone was from Kendra, asking if I had left the house yet. Seeing Phillip’s parents made me sure that I would be hearing from him sooner rather than later.
     

Chapter 11 ~ Showtime at Seven O’clock
    The remainder of lunch ended with a monotonous conversation. The company, though, was far from dull. Jaxon had this indescribable vibrancy about him. He was just one of those types of people that you wanted to hang out with. Besides the occasional sexual innuendo he tossed my way, I felt more at ease in his presence the longer I