God, I hoped I was right.
Chapter 37
I leaned back from the bathroom sink to take a final look at myself.
I was wearing one of my favorite outfits, a sleeveless, short, dark-green vee neck dress. It showed off my legs while highlighting the green in my eyes and the red in my hair, which I left loose and untamed.
I had just started a regimen to “heal” my curls—the very ones I had struggled with for so long because they were the opposite of the sleek, pulled-together hair of the polished, elegant, brittle, icy women in my life.
No, I was done trying to be something I was not.
Instead, I was ready to embrace my wild artist side complete with my curly, reddish-blondish-brownish hair and green, gold, and brown eyes.
I gave myself one more satisfied look. Yes, I was definitely happier with this Becca.
“He’s here,” Mia’s voice floated up from the downstairs.
“Coming,” I called back.
I took a moment to slip on my new sexy gold shoes—a gift to myself to celebrate my new life—and hurried down the stairs.
Mia’s eyes widened when she saw me. “Whoa, Becca. You look hot.”
Daphne poked her head out of the kitchen, her jaw dropping when she saw me. “You really do clean up well.”
“I didn’t even think you owned a dress,” Mia said.
“Well, until it was an official date, I didn’t feel right wearing one,” I said.
“Daniel isn’t going to know what hit him,” Mia said.
I smiled and scooped up my purse. “You two kids stay out of trouble,” I said.
“Yes, mom,” Mia said.
“We’ll try,” Daphne said.
Even though they were both smiling, I could sense the tension simmering underneath. It was the first time they had hung out together since Daphne had dropped that bomb. I know Mia was still struggling with it. She wanted to forgive Daphne, but she also felt very hurt and betrayed.
I crossed my fingers, hoping tonight would be a fresh start for them.
All of us deserved that. Everyone in this town.
It had taken over 30 years for the truth to come out. It was time for all of us to let go and begin again.
I waved one final time to Daphne and Mia before opening the door to greet my own new beginning.
Author’s Note
Hi there!
I hope you enjoyed reading The Evil That Was Done as much as I enjoyed writing it! (And if you did, I’d love it if you left me a review on Amazon.)
I also want to invite you to check out my other books–the full list is on my blog MPWNovels.com.
Speaking of my blog …
I also have a free novella, The Secret Diary of Helen Blackstone, available there. Who is Helen Blackstone? Why, she’s Mad Martha’s daughter. (Need I say more?)
Also, if you’re looking for more fun things to read while you wait for the next book launch, you’ll definitely want to hop on over to MPWNovels.com. You can read all about my journey as an author, my book reviews, AND meet Riley, my fictional alter ego who is also a ghost hunter (think Bridget Jones turned real-life ghost hunter). You can even listen to a Riley podcast (called “The Adventures of Riley Longhill: Ghost Hunter!”).
Remember, it’s all happening at MPWNovels.com.
Happy reading!
Michele
Acknowledgements
It’s a team effort to birth a book, and I’d like to take a moment to thank everyone who helped.
My writer friends, Hilary Dartt and Stacy Gold, for reading early versions and providing me with invaluable feedback. My wonderful editor, Megan Yakovich, who is always so patient with me. My designer, Erin Ferree Stratton, who has helped bring my books to life with her cover designs.
And, of course, a story wouldn’t be a story without research, and I’m so grateful to my friends who have so generously provided me with their expertise over the years: Dr. Mark Moss, Andrea J. Lee, and Steve Eck. Any mistakes are mine and mine alone.
Last but certainly not least, to my husband Paul, for his love and support during this sometimes-painful birthing process.
About Michele
Michele Pariza Wacek (also known as Michele PW) taught herself to read at three years old because she so badly wanted to write fiction. As an adult, she became a professional copywriter (copywriters write promotional materials for businesses, nothing to do with protecting intellectual property or putting a copyright on something) and eventually founded a copywriting and marketing company.
She grew up in Madison, Wisconsin and currently lives with her husband and dogs in the mountains of Arizona. You can reach her at MPWNovels.com.
The Evil That Was Done (Secrets of Redemption Book 3) Page 33