THE SECRET Keepers

Trish couldn’t imagine how awful Nate’s reaction would be if he discovered her secret

- Gabrielle Mullarkey

THE STORY SO FAR: Trish Hollis is shocked when her ex-boyfriend Paul returns to their home town, Millvale. And not only has he returned but, after a chance encounter, he’s also realised that he is the father of Trish’s 17-year-old son, Nate – not her late husband Eric. Having never confessed the truth to Nate, Trish is terrified that Paul will reveal all, despite her and Eric having always planning on telling him at the right time. Meanwhile, Paul’s wife Luisa, who is Nate’s art teacher, had noticed the way Trish and Paul reacted to each other when they met, and the way that Paul looked at Nate. She’s at school one day, when she meets Trish, who is waiting for Nate to collect a painting. Trish and Luisa then find themselves alone in an empty classroom and it seems the truth is about to come out…

Trish and Luisa faced each other once more in the empty classroom.

Luisa took a deep breath. ‘I think it’s time we spoke plainly to each other.’

Trish paled, gaping at the younger woman.

‘I’ll begin,’ said Luisa firmly. ‘Paul has told me you’re an old flame.’

Trish’s face confirmed it. ‘But there’s nothing between us now!’ she gasped.

‘He said that also. But how far back does that flame go?’

‘How do you mean?’ murmured Trish.

Luisa pushed back her hair. ‘Perhaps…’ she hesitated, then… ‘No, I will ask!’ she muttered fiercely to herself. ‘I must ask, Mrs Hollis, what is Nate to Paul?’