Read Betrayal for Free Online Page B

time. Still, it was a possibility for the future.
    Kate returned to the kitchen, hand-washed the skillet she’d used for the bacon, wiped the counters down, and took a package of frozen shrimp out to thaw.
    â€œMy, my, aren’t we the busy little housewife,” Debbie remarked as she stood in the doorway.
    Kate jerked around. “You scared me!” She put her hand against her chest. Her heart stuttered. It was just like Debbie to sneak up on her.
    â€œSorry. I was in search of someone who could tell me where in the hell my girls are. Emily knows I like my juice before I get out of bed. Where is that little tramp?”
    Kate had to grab her left wrist with her right hand to keep from slapping Debbie. Why in the hell did women like her have children? Why were they allowed to have children? No wonder Sara was having problems. Kate would bet her last nickel Debbie was at the root of Sara’s behavior.
    She drew in a deep breath, then counted to ten before answering. “The girls are helping Alex with the dogs. Don said you’d want to sleep in.”
    Debbie pulled the belt of her gold silk robe tighter, then yanked the refrigerator door open. “You have anything to drink?” She peered at the contents on the shelves, saw a pitcher, took it out, and looked at Kate. “A glass would be nice.”
    Kate realized that she didn’t really like Debbie all that much. She’d ignored Debbie’s rude, catty behavior for years. It was time to put a stop to it. “How many times have you and Don brought the girls here to visit?” Kate questioned.
    â€œWhy are you asking me that now? I want a glass,” Debbie stated. Her New York accent had become more prominent. Kate thought she sounded as though she’d swallowed a bucket of gravel after an all-night smoking session.
    Kate spoke slowly. “I would’ve thought you would remember where the glasses are. You’ve been here enough times to know. If you want to be waited on hand and foot, I suggest you wait till the cruise gets under way. Unlike your girls, I’m not your maid.”
    Debbie’s mouth hung open, and Kate was reminded of a slobbering baby that had yet learned to control herself. “What the hell is this all about? You got a rag up your ass or what? I simply want a glass to drink from. What is it, Kate? You have PMS? Or is it baby-envy?”
    Kate felt heat rise from the pit of her stomach to the top of her head. Her hearing seemed distant, as though she were listening through a tunnel. “The glasses are in the cabinet next to the sink.”
    Kate walked out of the kitchen in a daze. In a matter of minutes, she’d ruined her day. She’d always walked on eggshells with Debbie, careful not to offend her. Alex and Don were the best of friends, she really wanted to be friends with Debbie, but she knew now it wasn’t going to happen. She’d tried for years. Debbie had just pissed her off one time too many. Why would you call your fifteen-year-old daughter a tramp for not bringing you a glass of juice? She’d cancel their dinner plans. Tell Alex she had a headache. Don and Debbie could think what they wanted.
    â€œHey, wait a minute . . . I need something to eat,” Debbie shouted.
    For once, Kate wanted to be anywhere but the kitchen.

Chapter 4
    â€œW as Don upset that I didn’t show for dinner?” Kate asked. It was after midnight. She was tired and wanted nothing more than to go to sleep. Alex had gone to dinner with Don and Debbie. She wanted to hear how the evening turned out.
    â€œNo, he wasn’t upset. He was curious, though. I told him you weren’t feeling well and decided to stay home. Debbie must not’ve said anything to him about your argument.”
    â€œIt wasn’t even an argument, really. I don’t know what came over me. One minute I was ready to make her breakfast and in the next it hit me just how much I couldn’t stand