The paper covering the exam table sounds like dry leaves every time I drag a breath into my lungs. I'm wearing a faded blue hospital gown that ties in the back. The thermostat in the clinic is set for staff moving around in thick scrubs, and the cold air raises goosebumps on my thighs. It tightens the tender flesh on my chest until the ache runs up into my collarbone. I keep my arms crossed loosely over my stomach to avoid brushing the fabric against my own nipples.

Len nodded. “Hard to connect with a name your Irish-American mom gave you when you can’t even remember her.”

“’Specially when you look like a boat person straight from Manilla,” she agreed. “Anyway – what should I call you?”

The Life of a Person

CHAPTER 67
I was getting older, I realised, as the days flew by, and before I realised it, Clara was climbing into one of four cars for the trip down to Cowaramup, and I was checking the notes for my speech. Dal’s college, which was now of course, also our son’s, was donating use of their function room for the reception, and catering was courtesy of good old ‘Soapy Joe’ and a bakery we also had on the firm’s books. The devil you know; at least it was a better excuse than just admitting to nepotism.

CHAPTER 20
We spent the next day walking, and I mean the day, because we weren’t back at our hotel till six in the evening. Lunch was taken in a coffee place with outdoor tables, where my memory sniggered yet again over Albany, but all of us were in sensible walking shoes rather than stiletto courts. Jacky did the steering, at least after she had found a suitable guide book, or at least more suitable than the Good Beer Guide.

CHAPTER 48
We took some time in the hospital’s staff canteen for a fresh brew and a chance to unwind, and one of the radiologists spotted us as the crew who’d brought the biker in.

“Spent a while looking at his neck, but he’s fine. Had a seriously good helmet on, thankfully”

Chapter 10

Sunday, December 17, I summoned Victoria. I planned to cycle through the four women now, and summoning her today meant she would also be here on Christmas, so that everybody could be together then. We woke up sharp at 3 AM, though the time in Alaska hardly mattered. Even if we woke up at 7, it would still be dark outside. This time would work better with my parents’ schedule.

Mark Lansing never wanted to stand out. He was perfectly happy disappearing into a football huddle with the rest of the team until one play made him the talk of the town. Thrust into a spotlight he never wanted, every choice can reshape his future, and every decision could transform him in ways he never believed possible. Mark’s destiny will be determined on the field … assuming he can figure out how to dress the part.

CHAPTER 46
I didn’t get back to the Smugglers for a couple of weeks, partly due to shift patterns, but also because of nerves. I was dancing from one state to the other over Amina, and despite the good wishes from Ange’s family, I still felt as if there was one of those cartoon angels sitting on my shoulder, whispering ‘Betrayal’. Not just of Ange, of course, but of Lil.

My Secret Life
By
Rebecca Anna Coleman
Sequel To
Magnolia Blooms & Sakura Petals

Prologue