I Have a Secret

By Robyn Washington

Christine Cashwell runs a successful bakery in the small town of Claremont. Formerly engaged to her long-time beau, Seth Seymour, she wants only to forget the history they share. The arrival of Army Sergeant Major Billy Johnson gives Christine the edge she needs to move on from the hurt caused by Seth's i

• Language: English
• Publisher: Robyn Washington
• Release date: Mar 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781087950099

Book preview

The Christine Chronicles

Copyright © 2021 by Robyn Washington

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form by using electronic (internet) or mechanical means including recording, photocopying, scanning, printing, or information retrieval and storage without permission in writing from the author.

The book is pure fiction and created from a wild imagination only. The names, the characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination and are to establish a story as fiction, and there is no resemblance to actual people, living or dead, business establishments, events or locations in this book. Any resemblance to locations, events, and people are coincidental. The author does not have control over Internet sites, does not assume responsibility for websites or third-party websites and their content for any reason related to any topic in the book.

Cover Design and Formatting

by Melissa Ringuette

Cover Images from Adobe Stock

Chapter 1

Christine didn’t take love lightly and was rethinking her life since she split with her boyfriend. Her boyfriend of three years had jilted her before she could take the plunge to become Mrs. Seth Seymour. Still, she knew love was somewhere out there waiting on her, but where? The voice in her head was her sister, Annie, telling her that everything was going to work out and not to worry. She had learned to be an optimist. Christine had given her heart away on a platter to Seth. The consequences were a three-year courtship with a man she thought she knew and a canceled wedding. Still, he kept coming back like a bad dream, and she couldn’t let him go. Seth had a problem with taking no for an answer, and she always forgave him and took him back.

Christine walked up the street carrying the meat she purchased from the grocer for dinner. Her parents had returned from vacation, and she wanted to surprise them with a delicious meal that night. She was the baby of four kids. Annie and Gracie were away at college. Robin, her brother, had died last year from a dreadful disease. She never liked school and had opted to stay in Claremont, Virginia, where her parents, William and Evie Cashwell, owned a bakery. Within the past year, they had retired and turned the bakery over to her.

Baking had been her passion since she was a child. Her dream was to become a renowned baker, but she had to get her life in order and decide about Seth. Grinding her back molars together when she thought of Seth was a habit, causing her to curse at the thought of him. The last year of their relationship had been a challenge.

Christine remembered the day she caught him with a girl for the first time. She had rushed to Seth’s home to surprise him with a birthday party before he got home from work and caught him in a compromised position with a girl. Distraught, Christine ran out of his home. Seth chased after her in the street with a sheet draped over his body. She almost wrecked before she arrived at her parents’ home in tears. Seth pursued her for several months before she relented and gave him a second chance. The man had a hook in her nose, and she wanted it removed.

Both sisters had rallied around her with support, trying to get her to break up with him. Robin’s death had impacted her emotionally, so she ran back to Seth, absorbing the comfort he gave at the weakest point in her life. The karma from Seth’s behavior had spilled over into her family, resulting in Gracie confronting Seth with an altercation involving her fist in his face. Seth threatened to take her to court, but Christine was able to smooth things out between them. Gracie and Annie scorned her when she gave Seth chance after chance. Her family added misery to the problem from their constant criticism.

Christine’s father came to her rescue one night, scolding her sisters for their harsh words. Let her make up her mind. It’s her life, William said. Christine smiled. Her father understood the weakness of someone in a jilted romance.

Seth and Christine’s family were able to remain civil, but it was hard. Seth was born and raised in Claremont. He was the son of an attorney and practiced law with his father, Darien Seymour. His behavior was bratty and spoiled. Father and son both loved women, but Seth’s mother always remained loyal to Darien. Seth found it hard to apologize for his catty behavior. As hard as he ran around, Seth chased after Christine, determined to keep her by his side. So far, Seth’s antics had worked, but Christine’s heart grew weary of his betrayal. Seth took advantage of her weakness, always making excuses for his cheating.

Clutching the fresh meat bag, Christine sauntered by Flower Art, the shop next door to her bakery, Cookies and Cakes. Sherry Parnell was the owner of Flower Art, Claremont’s only flourishing florist. She lived with her parents on the outskirts of town and often crashed at Christine’s on the weekends. Girls despised Sherry because she dated everyone’s boyfriends with no qualms about it, but deep down, she was a nice girl. Sherry and Christine had been friends for years, and Sherry helped her during the turmoil with Seth. Together, they shared men problems but never seemed to find the right answer for their situation.

As Christine walked to her shop, she rubbed her eyes from sheer exhaustion, vowing to break up with Seth and enter the dating scene again. Between the tears and feeling stupid, she had to do something about their on-again-off-again relationship. Seth had lied about dating Kendra, the mayor’s daughter, but why were they always on the outskirts of town at the International House of Pancakes (IHOP) having breakfast together?

Christine entered the bakery, noticing that her store employees, Debbie Patterson and Jane Meadows, were wearing the new aprons designed with the store’s logo. The girls pushed the cart around together and refilled the glass refrigerators and glass counters with fresh baked goods. Christine relied on Jane, a ten-year employee, for support and as a fill-in-manger.

The bakery had a galley kitchen with the latest commercial bakery equipment, a present from her dad when he gifted her with the business. The storefront had decorative tables with matching chairs and glass counters with mouth-watering displays to tempt the customers. The smell of fresh-baked pies out of the oven was welcoming. She had to admit, the bread, pastries, and cakes smelled divine. Swinging traffic doors separated the dining room and kitchen. The bakery served teas, specialty coffees, lattes, and small sandwiches for customers who wanted to dine on the premises. Christine was lucky that her apartment was above the bakery, which saved her tons of rent money.

Hey, girls! It’s about time to close. The pies smell good. When did you bake them? Christine said, staring at the cupcakes’ fluffy white tops in the glass counters.

They should, Debbie laughed. It took me long enough to bake them a couple of hours ago. You’ll never guess who was in here today.

Christine sauntered to the kitchen, placed her meat in the freezer, then put her apron on. Who? she asked.

Jane sighed as Debbie muttered, Seth demanded to know where you were. He looked desperate and unkempt. Are you still dating him, Christine? I thought you broke up with him.

Christine ignored Debbie and walked to the cash register. She entered a few codes and tallied the shift receipts. While the cash register computed the sales for the day, she discarded the old baked goods from the glass counters that the girls missed. Pretending not to care, she hated when her heart lied to common sense.

What did you tell him? When I start to forget him, he reappears, Christine declared, blowing out a breath. I swear, I can’t win for losing.

I told him I didn’t know where you were. I know how you are when he comes around, Jane replied, placing sale markers throughout the store as they restocked.

Debbie went to the front counter, grabbed the glass cleaner, then went back to the refrigerator and scrubbed the glass doors with Windex. A few kids had come in earlier and smeared the doors with fingerprints, grabbing the large cupcakes on sale. The girls stared at one another, waiting for Christine to curse.

He wants you to call him! Debbie blurted out. Call your old flame, gal!

Who does he think he is? Christine snapped.

Really? Why did you have tear-stained eyes this morning? Morning love bells? Debbie asked sarcastically.

Christine clipped her eyes toward Debbie. Tears of joy! Are you crazy? Christine snapped. She stepped toward the cash register as she chunked three old cupcakes from the glass counters the girls forgot to get rid of in the trash as the receipt report was finalized.

Jane smiled. She was glad Christine clipped Debbie’s wings. Debbie was sarcastic and teased Christine too much. One day she expected Christine to fire her.

Christine, you can always find a man. You’re a pretty girl. Don’t let Seth drag you down, Debbie added.

Christine was silent, ignoring her remark.

The silence was broken by the doorbell tinkling when a gorgeous man walked in. He was tall with black, wavy hair and was wearing white slacks and a red hooded jacket. Christine’s eyes flicked over his body, noticing his abs popping out like cobblestones and his baby blue eyes that looked like half-moons.

The stranger asked with his eyebrows arched, Are you open? I know it’s about closing time.

Christine’s mouth twisted, giving him the once over. The man smiled. Yes, we’re still open. What would you like? Christine asked.

The man caught her stares and liked it. He read the sale signs, then gazed at the cupcakes in the counter case. Does the sale start today?

Christine perfected her speech to flirt. Despite her wearied aversion toward men and Seth, she hadn’t sworn them off.  Men found Christine attractive and flirted with her, but she froze like an icy river. She had sworn to change, and this was her chance.

The man sauntered to the glass refrigerators, staring at the baked goods while Debbie and Jane stared holes in him. They pretended to be working. He caught their glimpses and chuckled. Exasperated, he faced them, Pleasure to meet you, ladies.   

The girls giggled and smiled back.

Christine babbled like a schoolgirl, determined to find out about him. Yes, choose whatever you like. I just closed out my cash register and cannot access my card machine. Can you pay with cash? Do you want me to recommend something? Christine added, pulling the receipt roll from the computer.

The man grabbed two cupcakes and two croissants from the fridge and placed them on the linoleum counter. Do you recommend these? the man asked.

The girls noticed how Christine warmed up to the guy. It was a running joke when she flirted with someone that a ribbing session would follow. Debbie hadn’t seen Christine open up this fast to a man in a long time.

Christine calculated the cost in her head. Wise choice. The cupcakes are $2.00 each, and the pastries are $1.50 each. The sale is to buy one, get one free.

The man grinned. $3.50?

Correct. Fast calculating. Christine smiled the same way she used to when Seth was around. Her voice teased as she lifted her eyelids toward him. I hope you enjoy the cupcakes.

Debbie twisted her neck to the side, gripping her muscles, trying to relieve pressure while she watched Christine flirt. She wiped the glass door over and over in the same place. Jane rechecked the sale flyers, waiting for Christine to respond.

The man pulled his wallet out and paid Christine. I’ll be back. I’m stationed at Fort Lee. My buddies will love this shop. I’m looking for a place to rent. Do you know of any houses or apartments in the area?

Thanks. We offer discounts to the military. I’ll ask my friend who owns the real estate office in town. Bring all your buddies to the bakery. Make sure you come back. What’s your name? Christine asked.

Jane giggled to herself at Christine’s directness. Debbie elbowed Jane, then smiled at her.

Sergeant Major Thomas William Johnson at your command, mam. He grinned, trying not to laugh. A girl hadn’t flirted with him this bad since Diane stood him up at the altar. Everybody calls me Billy.

Christine put the money in the bag as she pulled the drawer to close it down. Her face glowed. My name is Christine Cashwell. This is my store. The military gets a ten percent discount. Stop by anytime, Sergeant Major Johnson. It’s a pleasure meeting you. Debbie and Jane glanced at each other in shock because Christine had lied about the store discount.

Thanks. I’ll be back soon. Do you have something to write my number down on, so you can give it to the real estate person? Billy asked.

Christine reached for the pad by the register and the pen in the coffee cup on the counter that held the pens for customers to use. She pushed the pad and pen toward Billy. Here, write it for me, please.

Billy set his bag on the counter and wrote his number on the pad. He shoved the pad toward her. I look forward to hearing from you. You ladies have a great day, Billy said, taking a step back and bumping into a table. He turned to see what he backed into when he realized that he forgot his bag. Embarrassed, he grabbed the bag and left.

Christine sauntered to the window when he left the store and watched him cross the road to his vehicle. She smiled. You know, ladies, that man is my future husband.

How do you know, Christine? Are you delusional? Debbie asked as she wiped the last glass door on the refrigerator with cleaner.

Christine smirked. I just know.

Oh. Sure. Debbie shrugged. She walked to the window and stood by Christine. Are you okay? Did we hurt your feelings?

I want to bring the shelves from home and install them on the wall in the corner to showcase my bakery knick-knacks. What do you think? Christine asked, staring at the jeep as it drove away.

Debbie thought Christine acted like a space cadet sometimes, avoiding the conversation. Using her index finger, she pointed to the jeep. We’re talking about Billy, not knick-knacks.

I know… my future husband, Christine said, giving Debbie a matter-of-fact look.

Do you feel well, Christine? Debbie asked.

Why are you a smarty pants? Christine asked.

Debbie stared at her like she had two horns on her head, but she saw two shiny, focused eyes. The last year had been tough on Christine. I don’t mean to be. Sometimes, you speak out of context. Seth causes you to go into shock sometimes. I just want you to be happy.

Christine ignored her and went to the kitchen, leaving the girls speechless. Christine wasn’t reacting the way Debbie expected her to act after a year of depression, tears, and heartache.

Jane swallowed the fury that rose inside. Why do you do that? She’s your boss. Quit treating her like she’s crazy. Do you want to keep your job? I can’t believe you insult Christine as you do.

Yeah, I need to apologize. Christine acts goofy, but I don’t want to see her get hurt again, Debbie commented. I love her and want the best for her. The handsome soldier probably has a girlfriend, though.

You’re an idiot. Honestly, I would fire you. I can’t stand to see her cry again. Seth was a womanizer, but this is the first time I’ve seen her flirt with a man. So, what if she’s still dating him? Maybe it’s going to take her a while to get over him. She acts better than she did when she caught him with Kendra. Go easy on her, Jane said, her smile fading. I don’t know why she keeps you on as an employee. Your remarks are crude, Debbie.

Okay, I got the point. I’ll apologize. Debbie frowned, thinking about Christine’s prediction.

Just as they were about to close, the burly county sheriff walked in. What’s the special for the day? Sheriff Tucker asked. He was in his usual uniform, consisting of a green shirt, loden green pants, and a holster on his hip. With a receding hairline on his tall stature, he carried himself with an air of authority.

Christine came from the kitchen with two plants that she sat on the counter beside the cash register that her dad had bought her for store displays. Sheriff, we’re about to close. I’ll give you two cupcakes on the house. Jane, is the coffee machine turned off? Christine asked, fluffing the leaves on the new plants.

Yes, I turned it off ten minutes ago. Sorry, Sheriff Tucker, Jane said.

My bad. I’ll take the cupcakes. I haven’t seen you look this good in months. You looked rested, Chris, Tucker said.

I looked the same to me last I checked, Christine responded. Why would you say that?

She broke up with Seth. Debbie winked.

Good. You deserve better. I have a nephew that I can set you up with. He makes good money and lives in Richmond. How about it? Tucker smiled. He’s a good kid. You’d like him.

Christine grabbed the two cupcakes, bagged them, and handed the bag to Tucker. Nah, I’ll pass for now. Thank you for your business, Sheriff. Have a good night.

See you, girls, tomorrow. I’ll be here earlier to get my coffee and a sweet roll. Let me know if you change your mind, Christine.

The sheriff left as Christine laughed. I guess Seth is poison. Why does everyone try to fix me up with their single relatives? The soldier is my next project.

That sounds good, Christine, Debbie agreed.

Jane smiled, knowing the talk with Debbie was needed.

Chapter 2

Seth had called last night and swore that he wasn’t dating Kendra anymore. Christine had allowed him to come over because she was faint-hearted. Somehow, they had wound up in each other’s arms. Seth touched her in ways that made her forget all the swearing and anger she had toward him when she was with him. He ran his hands through her hair, kissing her gently and begging for forgiveness. It worked, and he was in again.

Common sense went out the window as Christine unbuttoned Seth’s shirt and let it drop. His popping abs, brown skin, and little waist drew her closer to him. He was sexy with a tattoo of her name written on his arm. He lifted her from the couch, walked the short distance to the bedroom, and laid her across the bed. Hitting the top of the bed with a whoosh, Christine squealed as Seth laughed. He crawled on the bed beside her, kissing her face and body, then she stopped him. This was wrong in all kinds of ways. He had removed her robe and unlaced her blue camisole from behind, occasionally halting, kissing her as he declared his boundless love for her. The words were candy to her weakened soul.

She enjoyed him touching her, but everything was happening too fast. She grabbed the robe on the bed, covered her shivering body, and dashed to the living room. Chanel was in the spare bedroom, whining to get out. The dog was never locked up, but tonight she couldn’t deal with Seth and Chanel at the same time. They both demanded too much attention.

Seth followed her, ready for a confrontation. I can’t do this. You were with Kendra, and all I see is you and her, Christine said, tying the robe around her body.

Seth watched her pace around the room, mad that he couldn’t take control of her as he wanted. He wanted to prove his love to her in his own way, and she stopped him. He hesitated before he spoke, Christine, come to bed. Let’s just go to sleep. Seth walked over to her and pulled her close. She didn’t resist.

Seth took advantage of the moment. He ran his hands through her hair, pulling out of the scrunchy. Her hair fell across her shoulders like a fan. Seth kissed her cheek, I love you, Christine. Cupping the back of her head, he tilted her mouth to his, igniting her soul. She hated that he had so much control over her. When she got lonesome, she craved his attention. It was happening too many times these days.

She closed her eyes, sinking into the kiss, letting herself feel his hands on her back. She wanted all of him. The battle to deny him was hard as she unfolded in his arms as he carried her to the bedroom. 

.  .  .

Seth rolled over in the bed, staring at Christine as she scooted from the bed and dashed to the bathroom. He stared at the clock on the bedside table. It was ten pm. He hoped the last few months could be forgotten, and they could piece their relationship back together. 

Moments later, she returned dressed in a revealing short dress with her hair in a coiffured twist. Seth hurled, Where are you going? I thought we’d have an intimate dinner tonight.

I'm going to a party without you. You can leave whenever you want, but I’m going out, Christine commented, taking a seat in the chair by the window. She bent over and slipped on her tall black laced boots. She pranced to the dresser and added the heart necklace he bought her for Christmas last year. A twinge of jealousy shot through him.

Are you breaking up with me? Seth asked, sitting up on the bed. His eyebrows shot upward, Please, don’t do this, Christine. I love you. When is this going to stop?

Yes, we’re not an item any longer. I can’t get Kendra out of my mind. I’m going out tonight, so you need to be gone when I get back. This is the new me.

What just happened between us? Seth exclaimed.

It was great, but it’s not true love. True love doesn’t cheat, Christine snapped. She reached for her red coat and hat from the back of the chair, then stared at him. Seth, there was a time when I would have done anything for you, but something has died in me. Maybe we can rekindle it later, but tonight, I’m doing Christine.

Christine, wait a minute, Seth scooted off the bed and followed her to the door. His bronze body made her take a second look. She turned and gasped, almost changing her mind.

He pulled her close and kissed her, chewing softly on her lips. She returned the kiss, succumbing to his demands. You still want me, he demanded.

Yes, but I refuse to be the dumb bunny I used to be. See you later, Seth. Christine grabbed her keys and purse from the coffee table and walked out.

Seth stood in the living room, surprised by her actions. He ran to the bedroom and watched her from the French Doors get in her car and drive away. Upset, he searched for his cell phone. He looked everywhere—in the living room, kitchen, and bathroom. The last time he had the cell was in bed, so he dashed to the bedroom and flipped the sheets on the bed. The phone was under the sheets, in the middle of the bed. He grabbed it and made a call.

A male voice answered. Hello?

Jack, I need your help with a matter. When can we meet?" Seth belted out.

Anytime. What do you need me to do? Jack said.

I need two people watched in every way possible if you know what I mean, Seth replied, slipping on his pants. Are you busy on a project for my dad?

No, I’m free. The last case I worked for you; I almost lost my PI license. It’d better be something legit. You know the fees. Who do you want me to watch? Jack said.

Christine Cashwell and Kendra Meyers. I want daily reports, Seth said, putting on his shirt. Kendra is bugging me, and Christine is driving me crazy.

Your dad will not like this. Do you want me to hide this from him? What’s with you and Kendra? I just got through tailing Kendra, Jack complained. You want to add more layers to the search, which include the internet, calls, and their homes—the complete works with pictures and recordings? That will cost more money.

No, don’t tell dad. Yes, the complete works. I think Christine is seeing someone else, Seth said, taking a seat on the bed and pulling up his socks.

I’ll start tonight. I’m sending you the contract now. Seth don’t get mixed up with Kendra. She’s bad news. I’ve warned you repeatedly. She dates older men with clout and money.

Seth wondered what he was going to do. He loved Christine, but he couldn’t let her know about the business arrangement with Kendra. After he ended the call, he decided to wait for Christine and see what time she came home. He changed into a pair of shorts and a tee-shirt he’d left at her apartment, then headed to