Truth Be Told by Victoria Christopher Murray Page B

her last words to settle. “The girls would love to see you.”
    Starlight grinned. “How’re my nieces?”
    â€œFine. Jayde is talking about college, and Amber, well, she just wants Jayde’s room when she goes away.” Grace chuckled.
    Starlight laughed. “I miss them. But I stay away.”
    Grace nodded.
    Though they were just inches apart, it took a minute for Grace to reach through the space and take Starlight’s hand. “Call me. We’ll plan something.”
    Starlight leaned forward. Their hug was more the wooden embrace of strangers. But for the sisters, it was closer than they’d been in years. And in that moment, it felt good to both of them.
    Starlight grinned when she pulled away. “I’ll call.”
    Grace watched her sister walk to the door. Starlight was right. It was time to find common ground, even if just for twenty minutes once a month.

    Conner took another sip of his chardonnay. He peeked through the curtains. This is what the waiting was like for Grace last night, he thought.
    He looked at the clock. Almost seven.
    When he had walked into his home two hours ago, his faith was strong. Chandler’s encouragement had sustained him. But the passing minutes chipped at his confidence.
    Conner stiffened when approaching car lights illuminated the darkened living room. He lifted his glass to his lips, relishing the last of the wine. He rested the glass on the table, then clasped his hands together.
    It had been planned, but now he wasn’t sure. Should he have on music? Should he sit on the couch? Should he be standing, waiting? Should he turn on more lights?
    The opening door didn’t give Conner a chance to answer any of his questions.
    â€œHi, sweetheart.” He stood under the living room arch. Her smile made his heart pound harder.
    â€œHey.” She kissed him. “When I saw only the foyer light, I thought you’d taken the girls out.”
    â€œI’m here,” he said, because he couldn’t think of any other words. The smile that he forced to his lips didn’t stop the pressure building inside his head.
    Her smile widened. “Where’re the girls?”
    â€œThey’re staying with Lily tonight.”
    â€œReally?” She wrapped her arms around Conner’s neck. “So you must have plans for us.” She paused. “I’m glad, because I was worried about you.”
    He swallowed.
    â€œBut it seems you’re just fine.” Grace chuckled.
    Conner did not share her laugh. He turned away and walked to the table, filling his glass with more wine. “How was your day?” The question came from his lips, but it was the question in his mind that had his attention. How was he supposed to do this?
    â€œOkay.” She sat on the couch, but kept her eyes on her husband. “Starlight stopped by.”
    It took both of his hands to steady the shaking glass. He sat next to Grace. “Really?”
    Grace said, “We had a decent chat, but …” She paused. “I still know who she is. Starlight’s a liar. She’s a fake.”
    He nodded because he couldn’t speak.
    â€œShe uses half truths to get women to follow her. If I felt that her message really helped,” Grace continued, “or even if she believed what she was saying, I could be more accepting. But it’s all about money for her.” She sighed. “She’s spiritually poisoning people. She doesn’t care about anyone but herself.”
    With one swallow, Conner finished the rest of his wine.
    â€œI can’t even imagine what she does behind closed doors,” Grace continued, shaking her head. “The worse part for me is that Mabel knows she’s misleading people.” Grace sighed. “I don’t want to be judgmental, but it’s hard when I know my sister knows what she’s doing. She’s a liar.”
    Conner stood and walked to the window.
    â€œI