Plan Cee (Secrets, Lies, and Second Chances Book 2)

by Hilary Grossman

  Plan Cee

  Secrets, lies, and second chances

  Hilary Grossman

  Contents

  Copyright

  Dedication

  PRAISE FOR HILARY GROSSMAN

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  CHAPTER TEN

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

  CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

  CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

  GO ON GIRL - A SNEAK PEEK

  PLAN BEA - A SNEAK PEEK

  DANGLED CARAT - A SNEAK PEEK

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Copyright 2016 Hilary Grossman

  Edited by Samantha Ettinger

  Cover Design by Greg Simanson

  Published by Hilary Grossman

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to similarly named places or to persons living or deceased is unintentional.

  PRINT ISBN

  Library of Congress Control Number:

  To the most special guy in my life –

  You are my past, present, and future…

  PRAISE FOR HILARY GROSSMAN

  PLAN BEA

  "Although a light read, the subject matter was very sad at times and I found myself choking back tears, but in a good way! It was so authentically heart wrenching yet often very funny too. The characters were so well fleshed out and three dimensional - no one was perfect and no one was fatally flawed - like real life. I thought the twist was genius!"

  - Meredith Schorr Best Selling Author

  "I do not believe there is a mother or daughter who would not enjoy reading Plan Bea. An emotional roller coaster that had me crying, laughing, and feeling pain and sorrow. It is a very real story with very identifiable characters that we all have known."

  - Readers' Favorite

  "Move over mainstream chick-lit authors Jennifer Weiner, Lauren Weisberger, and romance author Nicholas Sparks. Hilary Grossman is just as good as you, and deserves to be out right next to you on the shelf."

  - The Intellectual Blog

  "Plan Bea" was an amazing book, one I will never forget. With all the twists and turns in this book, it wasn't predictable, but rather a quick page-turner. If you're looking for a book that will make you wonder if repairing a mother/daughter relationship is possible, I highly recommend this book. It makes you wonder what you can learn by communicating, especially when secrets and horrible events take place, only to discover that years could've gone by without so much pain and hurt.”

  -Isabella, The Chick Lit Goddess

  “Plan Bea is a beautiful, heartbreaking, honest and authentic story. The characters are all beautiful and real in their own way and the story explores some very intense, strong emotions in a very sensitive but honest way. If there is one book you must read this year, and next year, and the year after... it is Plan Bea!!!”

  -Jess, A Novel Thought

  DANGLED CARAT

  "Dangled Carat sparkles with humor and shines with wisdom. It is a gem of a book."

  -Christina Baker Kline - New York Times & USA Today Best Selling Author of Orphan Train.

  "It was a powerful read that goes to show that there are no steadfast rules in love or relationships and sometimes you just need to listen to your heart."

  -Meredith Schorr – Best Selling author of Just Friends with Benefits, State of Jane & Blogger Girl

  “Hilary has an easy flowing style of writing that captivates the reader's attention as she retells her and Marc's love story from their first meeting, to the growing pains in their relationship, to the trials and tribulations of convincing an ultimate commitment-phobic man to make a marriage commitment.”

  -Kathleen, Jersey Girl Book Reviews

  “I loved this book - Grossman was extremely brave sharing her story with the world, but has done it in such a gentle and truthful way as only a talented writer can! I would definitely recommend this to any chick-lit lover who fancies something a little different, and to anyone who enjoys reading memoirs that open your eyes to a common truth.”

  -Jess, A Novel Thought

  “I literally could not put this book down, and was sad when I had to stop to go to dinner with friends that night. All I wanted to read was this book, wanting to see if Marc would finally propose.”

  -Isabella, The Chick Lit Goddess

  “When you have a talented and dedicated author at the helm, it creates perfection. Grossman would leave us hanging throughout the book, skipping around time frames and scenarios, and that worked to keep my interest piqued throughout the entire read. At the end, my jaw actually dropped at one point – but I won’t tell you why or even if I was happy or sad about it, because I want you to read this book. Like right now. Loved it!”

  -Samantha March, Chick Lit Plus

  CHAPTER ONE

  CECELIA

  Despite years of desperately trying to forget, I’d recognize his deep throaty voice anywhere. Although I never imagined, even in my wildest dreams, I would actually hear it again.

  “I’m here old man!” He called out in a joking tone, one that I remembered all too well. I bit my lower lip to keep from gasping, as memories assaulted me. I didn’t trust myself to glance in his direction, nor did I know if I wanted to. Since his voice was growing louder, I assumed he was walking over to where I stood. The room, which only moments ago, felt so large and spacious now seemed to close in around me.

  I found it difficult to swallow as he continued to speak.

  “You never give me any credit.” He quipped. “Just because I arrive late for lunch doesn’t mean I can’t be prompt when I want to be.”

  Walter’s eyes lit up, and he smiled wide. Only moments before he was worried the judge wouldn’t show up to officiate the wedding ceremony. I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. I desperately tried to calm myself down. I knew I was irrational. I didn’t sleep well last night. Clearly, my imagination was playing tricks on me. Yes! I was overreacting. I had to be wrong. It couldn’t really be him.

  And then, I remembered something Walter said innocently only a few moments ago. He used the judge’s last name. Emerson. My knees wobbled. I wanted to scream. There was no use in trying to convince myself the voice belonged to another man any longer.

  I focused my attention on Walter as I tried to control my frantically beating heart. The older gentleman tried to look serious as he half-heartedly scolded his friend, “Prompt would have brought you here fifteen minutes ago, Keith!”

  I gasped.

  Before Walter engulfed him in a hug, I saw his face. He was older, of course, but just a
s good looking as he was when I saw him last, twenty years ago. He was dressed in an Armani black pinstriped suit with a stunning multi-colored striped tie. His dark brown hair was sprinkled with some grays. I felt faint as I realized even though there were some creases on his brow and around his aquamarine eyes, he was even more handsome now. How was this even possible?

  “Cecelia, are you okay?” my best friend, Anna, asked as she grabbed hold of my arm with more force than was necessary.

  I moistened my lips with my tongue. I was afraid of what my voice would sound like when I spoke. I felt like I was on the verge of tears. I swallowed hard, “Of course I am,” I lied as I wrung my hands. “Why?”

  “All the color drained out of your face,” she replied, concerned.

  My husband, Bryce, turned his attention to me. He wrapped his arm around my waist. “Sweetie, Anna’s right. You don’t look good. Are you feeling okay?”

  “Yeah. I’m fine,” I said before taking another deep breath. I forced a smile for good measure, which unfortunately was a futile attempt. Both of them glared at me in response. It was clear from the expression on their faces neither one of them believed me.

  I tried to sound more enthusiastic this time. “Come on. Don’t be silly you two worry warts. I just remembered something I forgot to do at work. I got a little nervous about it; that’s all. I’m totally fine.”

  Neither one of them took their eyes off me. I don’t think they even blinked. Don’t get me wrong. I know they meant well, and I knew they both loved me. However neither one of them was helping me right now. Why couldn’t they simply take my words at face value? Why couldn’t they just let me be?

  Frustrated, I snapped, “Enough! Stop staring at me like that. I said I was fine; I’m fine!”

  Anna dropped my arm like a hot potato and pursed her lips. Though her eyes never left mine, she looked sad and hurt. Could this day get any worse?

  What was wrong with me? I shouldn’t be taking my irritation and frustration out on her, especially today. She should be enjoying herself right now. After all, she spent the last three months working like a mad woman trying to make her mother, Beatrice’s, wedding to Walter perfect. I didn’t want to ruin today for her. She had been through so much and had such a hard time in so many ways. She should be happy today. She should be laughing and smiling, not worrying about me. I blinked away fresh tears, which desperately threatened to escape.

  I flashed my friend a small smile, and said softly, “I’m sorry.”

  “Love you,” Anna whispered to me before she returned her attention back to her mother, Walter, and Keith. She made a point to glance in my direction every chance she got. Subtly wasn’t one of her strong suits. It was funny, I was sure my husband bought my story about remembering something troubling at work. I was actually a little surprised he didn’t whip out his iPhone from his tuxedo and hand it over to me, so I could fire off an email to myself ensuring I didn’t forget it again. My friend, on the other hand, saw right through my lies. Even though we had only known each other for about ten years, our bond was deep. There was no doubt in my mind, the first chance Anna had, she would be grilling me about the judge. I prayed the wedding would keep her busy so I didn’t have to answer any questions tonight. I wasn’t ready to discuss him or the past.

  Cole, Anna’s husband, handled the introductions. I chewed on the cuticles of my freshly manicured nails. I tried to put my best game face on as Cole innocently said, “And finally this is our dear friend, Cecelia.”

  My stomach did a summersault. I worried as to what Keith would say or do.

  Thankfully, all he said was, “Hello, Cecelia.” I got off lucky, I hoped. Sure, his words were harmless. Yet the way he was looked at me was anything but innocent. I felt like he was studying me, trying to gauge my reaction. Fortunately, since the last time I saw him, I had gotten really good at keeping my true feelings all bottled up.

  I wanted to glance away, look anywhere except at him. Unfortunately, I couldn’t help myself. Being this close to him after all this time was too much for me to ignore. Against my better judgment, I looked deeply into his aqua eyes. Keith returned my stare locking our gazes. Memories bombarded me, no matter how hard I tried to forget. He was grinning at me, with the face of a little boy who was up to no good. And in that instant, I realized his appearance here tonight couldn’t possibly have been a coincidence. He planned this!

  What was I doing, I wondered as I twirled a long strand of hair around my index finger? I coughed, twice. It was a nervous reaction. I couldn’t look at him anymore. I turned away and faced my husband. I tried to distract myself by fixing his perfect tie. Bryce didn’t seem to mind or care.

  “Are we done with the introductions?” Beatrice asked in a very business-like tone. “We have a schedule to keep, you know,” she clapped her hands, for emphasis. “Come on, we’ve got guests waiting and a wedding to put on! Now, Keith, get outside under the canopy. Everyone else, let’s line up and head over to the fairway. I certainly hope everyone remembers the order we are walking down the aisle. Chop-chop! We’ve got a wedding to put on.”

  Walter patted Keith on the back. When Keith reached the doorway he paused and turned around. His eyes found mine. He arched his eyebrow, and smiled. I simply looked down at my shoes and prayed no one else noticed his actions.

  Thankfully the ceremony was going to be held outside because I really needed some fresh air and a stiff drink.

  CHAPTER TWO

  CECELIA

  “Beatrice sure out did herself with this wedding, don’t you think?” Asked Connie, Anna’s mother-in-law, as she looked around the country club’s large formal dining room. I knew she was admiring all of the details Anna and Bea worked so hard on. The room was lovely don’t get me wrong. Unfortunately, I found it practically impossible to enjoy my surroundings or myself at this moment.

  I was sitting with Anna’s husband’s family. Denise, one of her sister-in-laws, answered Connie’s question. “Bea sure does know how to throw a party, that’s for sure! Oh, did Anna tell you? They are serving lobster for dinner.”

  Connie took a small sip of champagne. She rolled her eyes. “Seriously, would you expect anything less?”

  Beatrice had always been able to put on a show, delving out her money to others if it somehow benefited her. Otherwise, she was as cold as ice, though that’s probably an understatement. Over the years she had been downright mean, especially to her daughter.

  Anna was a better woman than me. If she was my mother, I don’t think I would have managed to have a relationship with her. The way she treated Anna was despicable. But just like my friend, I realized during this wedding planning process Beatrice had more than one side. I’m not making excuses for her behavior, but there were reasons behind the way she acted all these years. Since Walter came into her life, she seemed to be trying hard to change.

  Anna had slowly been trying to rebuild her relationship with her mother, so out of respect I had been trying to keep an open mind too. It was a struggle to keep my opinions to myself but I managed. I hated to admit it, but I actually liked Beatrice. In some ways, she reminded me of myself.

  “Oh my God! Did you guys notice how hot the judge was?” Sheila, Anna’s other sister-in-law, asked as she dramatically fanned herself with her napkin.

  I took a large gulp of water as I felt my face flush. This was not a conversation I wanted to partake in.

  “I sure did,” Connie gushed. “Beatrice told me early on one of Walter’s friends was going to officiate the ceremony. I automatically assumed he’d be around my age. In my wildest dreams I never expected him to be so young and handsome.” She placed her hand on her chest. “I wish my Patrick had some handsome young friends.” She grinned. “It’s too bad all you girls are married. He sure does looks delicious!”

  Sheila and Denise laughed at their mother. I didn’t so much as blink my eyes.

  “You’re awfully quiet, Cecelia. Are you okay, hon?” Connie asked, concerned.

  For w
hat felt like the thousandth time today I replied, “Yes, I’m fine.” I yawned for emphasis. “I’m just a little tired.”

  “You have every right to be,” Connie patted my leg. “I honestly don’t know how you juggle it all. Between taking care of those two two-year-old twin boys of yours and your career you probably never get a moment’s peace.”

  Connie turned her attention back to her daughters. I tried to tune out their conversation. I glanced over to the bar where Bryce was getting drinks for us. My stomach dropped when I saw him stop Keith who was walking past him. What in the world could my husband possibly have to say to him? Who was I kidding? Bryce was one of the friendliest guys in the world. He could talk to anyone about anything. He had a way about him that put people at ease. Until this moment, it was one of the many things I loved about him. Now it infuriated me. Him having a conversation with Keith was the last thing in the world I wanted to occur.

  I took a large sip of water to help alleviate the lump that was forming in my throat. It was very odd and unnerving to see the two men standing next to each other. I couldn’t help but compare their appearances. They looked completely different. Keith was twelve years older than me, making him fifty-five. Bryce was one year younger than me, although he could easily pass for thirty-five. He had such a youthful, happy-go-lucky, expressive face. Although he had a wicked sense of humor, Keith always appeared serious and distinguished. Keith’s dark hair was sprinkled with gray while my husband didn’t have one gray hair in his sandy-colored head. Keith was very lean, and at six-two he was four inches taller than my Bryce’s muscular build.