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    The Secret She Kept
    The Secret She Kept
    The Secret She Kept
    Ebook342 pages5 hours

    The Secret She Kept

    By ReShonda Tate Billingsley

    4.5/5

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    • Mental Health

    • Marriage

    • Family

    • Trust

    • Communication

    • Love at First Sight

    • Family Drama

    • Opposites Attract

    • Mental Health Struggles

    • Career-Focused Woman

    • Friends to Lovers

    • Marriage in Crisis

    • Pregnant Protagonist

    • Power of Love

    • Strong Female Protagonist

    • Relationships

    • Family Relationships

    • Personal Growth

    • Love

    • Family Dynamics

    About this ebook

    Her novel Say Amen, Again won the NAACP Image Award, proving that ReShonda Tate Billingsley’s storytelling “scores a direct hit” (Publishers Weekly), delighting and inspiring with powerful, soul-searching situations and unforgettable characters.

    How far will you go to save someone you love and trust when they’ve kept a dangerous secret for years? That’s the question facing Lance Kingston, a successful Houston magazine executive whose recent marriage to beautiful, high-powered attorney Tia Jiles seemed to promise a bright future for both of them. But under the surface, a fierce and frightening storm was brewing. That’s because Tia never revealed to Lance what she and her family have known since Tia was seventeen—she has an illness that takes over her mind, transforming her into a raging, violent woman hell-bent on destruction. Bipolar disorder. Schizophrenia. Or crazy, as Lance’s grandmother continually reminds him. “Crazy leaves clues,” she told him point-blank, and perhaps Lance should have listened. Tia’s mother tries to pray the problem away . . . and Tia’s doctors can’t help her if she won’t do what they advise. Now there’s more than their marriage and Tia’s survival at stake: Tia is pregnant, and Lance will stop at nothing to keep his troubled wife and unborn daughter safe. But at what price?
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherGallery Books
    Release dateJul 3, 2012
    ISBN9781451639681
    Author

    ReShonda Tate Billingsley

    ReShonda Tate Billingsley’s #1 nationally bestselling novels include Let the Church Say Amen, I Know I’ve Been Changed, and Say Amen, Again, winner of the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work. Her collaboration with Victoria Christopher Murray has produced four hit novels, Sinners & Saints, Friends & Foes, A Blessing & a Curse, and Fortune & Fame. BET released a movie in 2013 based on ReShonda’s book Let the Church Say Amen in which she had a minor role. She also had a role in the made-for-TV movie The Secret She Kept based on her book of the same title. Visit ReShondaTateBillingsley.com, meet the author on Facebook at ReShondaTateBillingsley, or follow her on Twitter @ReShondaT.

    Read more from Re Shonda Tate Billingsley

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    Reviews for The Secret She Kept

    4.5/5

    16 ratings3 reviews

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    • 5/5
      This book is heart wrenching and heart warming. It's also relieving
    • 5/5
      When Lance marries Tia, little does he know that marriage life will become like riding a roller coaster every day. With all fairness, it's a wild ride for Tia too. The only difference is Tia knows the secret she carries with her everywhere she goes.However, the secret totally shocks Lance. This one secret has caused her love relationships to fail over and over again. The novel, THE SECRET SHE KEPT by RHONDA TATE BILLINGSLEY reads like a memoir or an autobiography. I had a hard time remembering these were only true to life fictional characters. Standing behind and beside Tia and Lance are their families. I learned to hate or love the traits of different family members. Grandma is so outspoken I had to laugh at different statements she would make during a visit at the house or somewhere else. Then, there is Lance's mother she is so hoity toity. She made me just angry. Tia's mother, Virginia, I would say is the most dangerous family member. That is as far as she thinks Tia should handle her problems. She lives in denial about her daughter's problems. She makes excuses for Tia's behavior. She believes a prayer is the way to solve the problem. While reading I began to realize even religion can become problematic if it is shaped to our theories and strengths. At the very beginning, I thought Uncle Leo, a troubled soul, would cause the most harm to the family. However, I soon learned never judge a human by what first impresses you. He became the wise member of both families.All in all I think author, Rhonda Tate Billingsley, had a reason for adding the paternal and maternal families. In this type of situation all families are affected by the extreme behavior of the one person. That person's hardships, embarrasments, mistakes seem to bleed down the front of every other person's shirt leaving each member feeling like they've been in a horrible car wreck and loss a tremendous amount of blood. They are left almost in an anemic state daily.I am so glad Rhonda Tate Billingsley wrote the novel, The Secret She Kept. It takes an author with a heart and common sense to make the most honest decisions in the novel. These honest decisions allow me, the reader, to use them in my life if ever needed. Anyone who reads this novel will realize it takes more than a Gospel hymn, a prayer and a kiss on the cheek to deal with this illness. Unfortunately, Tia will never become healed of her illness. She will always live with it just like she will always live with her tongue. So the right way to handle it is of extreme importance to all the people involved with Tia's life. This is one bit of strong and honest advice received by Lance. "If you are staying with her out of pity, you shouldn't stay. If you are hoping that someday she will be 'normal'--don't stay."reshondatatebillingsley

      1 person found this helpful

    • 4/5
      The first line in the book is "Crazy leaves clues". I was hooked after that! :)

    Book preview

    The Secret She Kept - ReShonda Tate Billingsley

    Chapter 1

    Fourteen Months Earlier

    All this talk about how women want a good man is a bunch of bull.

    Lance leaned back against the barstool. He was tired, frustrated, and ready to go home. Absolutely nothing about this happy hour was happy. The women here were all on the prowl, had been doing nothing but prowling.

    Come on, it can’t be that bad, his assistant said, shaking her head as if she were disgusted with her boss. Ruby had insisted that he appear at this First Friday event on behalf of Epiphany, the magazine that he ran. At thirty-three, Lance was every woman’s dream—a great job, great personality, handsome, caring, and committed. So why was he so lonely?

    All these women here and you don’t want to give anyone a chance, Ruby said. In addition to being a great assistant, she was the consummate matchmaker.

    Yeah, I tried that, Lance said, motioning to the woman at the end of the bar who had asked him to buy her a drink. Lance didn’t like forward women, and that she had been able to tell that his shoes cost $400 was an immediate turnoff.

    I know what I think, Ruby said, leaning back on the bar. I think you’re still bitter about Crystal.

    Please don’t go there with Crystal. That was his ex-girlfriend. They’d broken up nine months ago after he’d found out she had cheated on him. She’d begged for forgiveness, and he’d forgiven her. He just couldn’t take her back. He prided himself on being faithful, and he expected any woman he was with to be the same.

    I know that’s your girl, Lance replied, for what had to be the hundredth time. Ruby and Crystal had gotten close during the three years that Crystal and he had dated. But remember, we agreed that in order for us to stay effective at work, Crystal is not to be discussed.

    Ruby threw her hands up in surrender. Sorry.

    Besides, I’m done with Crystal. I know she’s trying to get back together, but I can’t go back. That wasn’t a lie. Crystal had begged, pleaded, and called for months. She’d even gone to his mother and grandmother—whom she knew from church—and had them side with her, but Lance didn’t want to hear it. That part of his life was closed. He was ready to move on. The problem was that he hadn’t found anyone worth moving on with.

    Lance caught Ruby looking at him sideways, a small smirk on her face. What?

    I thought we weren’t talking about Crystal.

    He put up his hands. We’re not. He sipped the last of his drink, then set the glass back down. Okay, boss lady, can I go now? he playfully asked.

    Ruby shook her head as if he were a lost cause. Well, I guess you’ve done your civic duty, made your appearance for the magazine, so I guess it’s okay for you to leave.

    Thank you very much. He stood. It’s amazing how you work for me, but it seems like I’m always taking orders from you. He gave Ruby an assessing look and, for a moment, found himself wondering what-if. No, he quickly shook that thought off. He wasn’t about to cross a line and face a sexual harassment lawsuit. She was also the most effective assistant he’d ever had, and replacing her would be extremely difficult. He didn’t need to mess up his work life by trying to jump-start his love life.

    Okay, I’ll see you Monday, Ruby said, handing him a sheet of paper. Here’s your itinerary for the beginning of the week. Don’t forget you have a meeting with the folks at Coca-Cola at nine a.m.

    I won’t forget.

    Lance headed out of the bar area and had just reached the lobby when he stopped in his tracks. He was mesmerized by the woman ahead of him heading toward the rotating glass doors. She was an absolute vision of loveliness in a short, off-the-shoulder, coral-colored dress. She wasn’t too heavy or too thin. Beautiful, thick, golden-brown hair flowed down her back. Her shapely legs were evidence of an athletic past.

    Now, that’s someone I’d like to meet, he mumbled as he quickened his pace to catch up with her.

    The woman had just exited the revolving door when her three-inch heel got stuck in a rubber strip and her bare foot popped out. Frustration filled her face, making Lance glad as he swooped down for the shoe.

    Here you go, Cinderella, he said, bowing as he handed it to her.

    She narrowed her eyes and looked at him as if he were crazy.

    Suddenly, Lance felt extremely corny. Umm, I was just saying, you know, I was um, acting like your prince, you know, bringing your shoe as you fled before midnight. He pointed to the large grandfather clock on the bank building across the street. Because, umm, it’s eight fifty-eight, which is kinda close to midnight. If he could’ve disappeared at that moment, Lance would have. He cursed himself for that second glass of Cîroc he’d had.

    Thank you, she said sharply as she took her shoe and slipped it on her foot. She continued on to the parking lot.

    I’m sorry, Lance said, following her. I didn’t catch your name.

    That’s because I didn’t throw it, she said over her shoulder, not breaking her stride.

    Look, maybe I came across the wrong way. He was surprised at himself. He didn’t usually chase women. He didn’t have to. But something about this woman was pulling him with an irresistible force.

    She stopped, took a deep breath, then turned around to face him. Look, um . . .

    Lance, Lance Kingston, he said with a smile.

    Look, Lance Kingston. Thanks a bunch for retrieving my shoe, she said curtly, but I’m not interested in anything you’re trying to sell. I’m not interested in being your latest conquest, nor am I interested in your lies about happily ever after.

    Lance took a step back and held his hands up. Whoa. I just asked for a name. I wasn’t looking for a wife, or a bed partner. Just a name, and maybe a phone number, he added with a grin.

    She lowered her eyes. I’m sorry. I’ve had all kinds of lame come-ons tonight, and each of them ended with an offer of me in their bed.

    Well, I admit, I may have sorta come off a little lame.

    Sorta? she said, finally breaking a smile.

    "Okay, I was real lame, but seriously, I just thought you were beautiful and wanted to ask for your number to maybe take you for coffee or something. So let me try this again. I’m Lance. Nice to meet you." He extended his hand.

    She hesitated, but then offered up her own. I’m Tia, Tia Jiles.

    She was even more beautiful up close. Well, Tia Jiles, did you enjoy the event?

    I was here working, just finished giving a speech.

    Oh, really? Here? With all these tipsy folks?

    She rolled her eyes. Tell me about it. It’s something new the First Friday organizers are trying to do. The idea is to incorporate productive seminars into the program. But obviously, these people here are only interested in drinking and flirting with the opposite sex. She sounded exasperated.

    So, what do you do?

    Suddenly she lost her smile. Um, yeah, this, she said, motioning between the two of them, not really trying to do this little get-to-know-each-other thing, so thanks again for the shoe. She nodded, then turned and walked on toward her car.

    Lance was speechless as he watched her leave.

    You can give that one up, dude.

    Lance turned to see one of the bartenders from inside the event. He had a cigarette in his hand and was obviously taking a smoke break.

    What do you mean? Lance asked.

    The bartender motioned in Tia’s direction. Meaning, every guy in town has tried to talk to her. She isn’t having it.

    Why? Is she married?

    The bartender shook his head. Nope, she’s just not interested. At least that’s what I heard her tell someone. No, make that, that’s what she tells everyone, he added, laughing.

    Do you know her? The bartender seemed so sure that Lance didn’t have a chance of getting with her.

    She works for some law firm downtown.

    Which one?

    The bartender shrugged as he puffed on his cigarette. Don’t know. Only seen her in here a couple of times. But I saw her picture on a sign outside the room she was speaking in. Maybe it has her company name. He shook his head doubtfully. But if I were you, I wouldn’t waste my ti—

    Lance didn’t let him finish but darted back inside. He looked around until he spotted the easel holding Tia’s sign: JOIN TIA JILES, PRESIDENT OF PAY IT FORWARD, AS SHE DISCUSSES WAYS TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY.

    Lance was even more impressed. Pay It Forward was a well-known charitable organization that encouraged professionals to make time to make a difference in low-income communities. They’d been after him to become a member, but he never had the time.

    He would make time now. Lance felt a tinge of guilt that it took a beautiful woman for him to find the desire to give back. But he was determined, and if that meant he had to put in some volunteer hours, he would—because Lance knew he wouldn’t rest until Tia Jiles was his.

    Chapter 2

    Tia gazed out the window of her nineteenth-floor office. She hadn’t been able to get her mind off the man she’d met at the hotel three days ago. She had so wanted to give him her number. She knew all about Lance Kingston. As CEO of Epiphany magazine, he’d be a perfect mentor for Pay It Forward, she had thought. She’d been trying to get him to join for the last two years, but he never returned her letters or e-mails. Seeing him in person, though, and seeing his instant attraction to her, had ignited a different kind of flame.

    Tia pulled up the article she’d found about him in USA Today on her computer. Lance was a power broker, a mover and shaker. The article didn’t have any personal information, but she assumed that a man that good-looking, and that successful, had a wife and kids at home.

    Then why did he ask for your number?

    Probably because he’s like most men, a no-good dog, trying to hook up with a woman on the side while his wife is slaving away at home, she mumbled. But Tia’s gut feeling told her that wasn’t the case.

    She shook off the thought. Whatever this attraction was to Lance Kingston, Tia needed to get rid of it. She’d long ago resolved that she’d never be able to last in a healthy relationship with a man like that. She’d given up on that dream because every relationship she’d had, had fallen apart. So Tia concentrated on work. She was the first one to arrive at Anderson, Logan, and Smith and the last one to leave. She billed more hours than any of the other associates or even partners. And when she wasn’t working here, she was volunteering with Pay It Forward or doing pro bono work.

    Knock, knock.

    Tia looked up and smiled at her paralegal, Lucinda Rivera, standing in the doorway. As always, she looked ready to party. Hey, girl, come on in, Tia said, closing the window on her computer.

    Lucinda sashayed into the room, looking like a prettier version of Jennifer Lopez. Tia didn’t know how she even moved in that supertight miniskirt, which was highly inappropriate for work. "Hey, mamacita, a couple of us are going for drinks after work. Just thought I’d see if you wanted to come," Lucinda said. Over the last two years she and Tia had become good friends. Even though they didn’t have much in common outside of work, they shared a common drive to succeed. Each was determined to climb the ladder of success so that she never had to go back to the poverty of her childhood.

    Tia smiled apologetically. Now, you know—

    Lucinda held up her hand. Let me guess, you’re swamped with work?

    Tia chuckled. Yep.

    Same story, different day. Lucinda plopped down in the maroon leather chair in front of Tia’s desk. Come on, all you do is freakin’ work, then go home to an empty apartment, where you work some more. You barely even sleep. You need to loosen up. Let’s get out and have some fun.

    On a Monday night? Tia retorted.

    Yes, the party is whenever you make it!

    For your information, I went out Friday.

    Lucinda clicked her teeth. Yeah, because you were conducting a workshop—for free, I might add—not because you wanted to enjoy yourself. Did you even have a drink?

    I was working.

    Lucinda groaned and gave Tia a pitying look. Uggh, one of these days, I’m going to take you to Vegas and help you let your hair down.

    I know how to let my hair down, Tia protested. And remember, I went to Miami with you for that conference last year. My letting my hair down and your letting your hair down are two totally different things.

    Okay, fine, whatever, Lucinda said sarcastically. Far be it from me to try to get you to enjoy life.

    A knock on the door stopped Tia from responding. Tia was actually grateful for the interruption because Lucinda could be relentless.

    Come in, Tia said.

    Tia’s assistant, Vicki, stuck her head in the door. Miss Jiles, there’s someone here with a delivery for you.

    Okay, Tia replied, eyeing her friend in confusion.

    Vicki stepped aside and let a short, stocky guy in a too tight FTD shirt pass her. He was carrying a huge bouquet of rainbow roses. It was the most beautiful bouquet Tia had ever seen.

    Wow, Lucinda marveled as she admired the roses. Those are gorgeous.

    Are you sure those are for me? Tia asked, standing up to inspect the flowers.

    The deliveryman looked at the name on his paper. Are you Tia Jiles?

    I am.

    Then they’re for you. He set the flowers down on her desk.

    Well, thank you, Tia said, grabbing a $10 bill out of her purse and handing it to the man.

    He nodded his appreciation. My pleasure. You ladies have a nice day.

    Okay, somebody has been holding out on me, Lucinda said, tapping a long, lacquered fingernail. Maybe you’re not such a workaholic after all since you’re getting unique flowers and all. She sniffed them. Dang, look at these colors. This isn’t some run-of-the-mill dude. This is a first-class arrangement. Who sent them?

    I have no idea who these are from, Tia said, impressed by the bouquet’s bountiful size.

    Then, how about we see? Lucinda plucked the card from the middle of the roses.

    Can I do that? Tia held her hand out for Lucinda to give her the card.

    Naw, since you don’t know who it is, I need to open it.

    Lucinda tore the card from the envelope and began reading. ‘Would love to take you to dinner. Won’t be so corny this time. Prince Charming.’ Lucinda looked at her friend with her mouth open wide. "Well, dang, you are holding out."

    Shut up. Tia snatched the card from her. Tia’s stomach was actually fluttering.

    Who is Prince Charming? Lucinda paused. Umm, never mind. She pulled a business card out of the envelope. Lance Kingston. Where have I heard that name before?

    "He runs Epiphany magazine," Tia said nonchalantly.

    Lucinda’s eyes widened in shock. "Whoa. Isn’t that like the biggest magazine next to People? Where did you meet him?"

    At the First Friday event I went to. He asked for my phone number.

    And of course you gave it to him, right?

    No. Tia tossed the card on her desk. I am not entertaining that man. He’s probably married with kids.

    Lucinda shook her head. Well, obviously, he’s not happily married if he’s trying to get your number.

    Please. You know that doesn’t mean anything.

    Lucinda went around behind the desk to Tia’s computer. Girl, what am I going to do with you?

    What are you doing? Tia asked as Lucinda sat down in Tia’s seat.

    Just hang on. Lucinda started tapping on the keys.

    What are you doing? Tia repeated.

    Lucinda ignored her and kept tapping. She peered at the computer screen, reading. Good, she said, snatching up Tia’s cell phone. She handed it to Tia.

    What is this for?

    Call him. And if you don’t, I will.

    Lucinda, you’re married.

    I don’t care. She pointed at the computer. He’s single, no kids, a good job with benefits. Girl, it doesn’t get any better than that. Trust me, I know, Lucinda said in a dig toward her husband, who had the baby mama from hell.

    Tia hesitated. You really think I should call him?

    I don’t think; I know. Lucinda stopped, then her tone changed as she studied her friend. Why do you look, I don’t know, terrified?

    Tia wrung her fingers together. What if I really like him?

    Then great.

    Even worse, what if he really likes me? Just the idea of being with a man like Lance Kingston made Tia nervous. She took small, deep breaths—something she always did when anxiety started to overtake her.

    Even better. Lucinda looked as if she didn’t understand what the problem was. You want to find someone who loves you more than you love him.

    Tia relaxed a little. Okay, you and your shade-tree philosophy.

    Lucinda headed toward the door. Stop sweating the small stuff, girl. Call the man; go out with him. See where it goes. If you don’t click, you don’t go out with him again. And if you do, then you just snagged you a good one. As Lucinda left the office, her words lingered in the air.

    Tia sighed heavily. She picked up the phone on her desk to call, but quickly slammed it down. No, as bad as she wanted to call, she had learned a long time ago that she was destined never to enjoy the love of a good man. Anytime she thought otherwise, her feelings ended up hurt because the man never stayed. That was her curse and she’d finally made peace with it, so there was no sense in even dreaming about a different outcome.

    She gave the bouquet a last longing look, then turned to the case files stacked on her desk. At lunchtime she would give the bouquet away, just to get it out of her sight.

    Chapter 3

    Lance was sure the flowers would grab her. But so far he hadn’t heard from the woman who had been consuming his thoughts for the last four days. He knew the flowers had been delivered because he checked first thing this morning. But she hadn’t called and it was almost five o’clock. Maybe this was going to be a little harder than he thought.

    Lance was so drawn to this woman. All the research he’d dug up on her just made him more intrigued. That she was so committed to her pro bono work, despite her hectic schedule, spoke volumes. He wondered how she was able to handle all the things she did.

    Finding out the name of Tia’s law firm had been easy, but he’d had to pull a few strings to get her direct line. He’d been hesitant to call because he didn’t want to come across as a stalker. But he was tired of waiting and was ready to make the next move.

    His heart raced as someone picked up on the other end of the line.

    This is Tia Jiles.

    Hi, he stammered.

    Hello, she replied curtly. How may I help you?

    Hi, it’s Lance Kingston . . . from the other night.

    She paused, and for a moment he thought she was going to demand to know how he got her direct number, but instead she said, Thank you for the flowers.

    I didn’t know if you liked them.

    She took a deep breath. I liked them a lot.

    It was his turn to hesitate, but he was determined not to blow it this time. Look, we’re both busy people, so let me get straight to the point. I was attracted to you from the first moment I saw you and I would love to take you to dinner. I’m not asking for anything more than dinner. You decide where you want to go from there.

    Silence filled the phone; then suddenly she said, Okay.

    A smile spread across his face. Okay?

    Yes, when? He could tell she was apprehensive, but he was determined to win her over.

    Tomorrow night, he said, hoping he didn’t appear desperate.

    Then tomorrow night it is.

    They exchanged information and made plans to meet at a Galleria-area restaurant.

    After they hung up, Lance was on cloud nine. He hadn’t felt so giddy since his first date with Crystal. No, not going there. He shook away any thoughts of the woman who broke his heart. He had plenty to do. He returned to reviewing the budget report his CFO had submitted. After a few minutes, his assistant came on the intercom.

    Mr. Kingston, your mother is on line one.

    Thank you, Ruby, Lance said, picking up the phone. Hello, Mother.

    How is my darling son?

    I’m fine. He leaned back in his chair. How are you today? I was gonna call you to see how you were holding up.

    His mother inhaled noisily and he could tell she’d been crying. I’m okay. Mama’s here trying to keep me busy so I don’t think about your brother. She was supposed to go on an outing with the senior center, but she thinks I don’t need to be alone, so she’s here getting on my nerves.

    Lance’s heart went out to his mother. Today marked the two-year anniversary of his brother’s death. He’d died after being shot by some crazed drug addict who was robbing a convenience store. Paul had been studying for the bar exam and had just gone into the store to get an energy drink. As the baby of the family, Paul was admired, respected, and loved by everyone, so his death had been devastating—for both Lance and his mother. Lance’s younger sister, Patricia, lived in London, where she worked as a singer in some nightclub. So the burden of checking on his mother and grandmother fell entirely on Lance.

    Well, tell Gram I’ll be by after work, so I’ll take over from there.

    Please, his mother said, tsking, I don’t need babysitting. I’ll be fine. Besides, she said, her voice turning softer, Crystal is coming by.

    Lance shot up in his chair. Excuse me? Why is my ex coming over there?

    Don’t start. Just because you broke up with Crystal doesn’t mean she can’t check on me. She said she wanted to come bring me dinner because she knew today would be difficult.

    Give me a break, Lance thought. While he had no doubt Crystal cared for his mom, and he knew that she’d loved Paul, she had to have an ulterior motive for going over to his mother’s. She probably knew Lance would visit and was just using that as an excuse to see him since he had been refusing to take her calls.

    So, are you still gonna come? I think that would be nice. You, me, and Crystal, like old times.

    Lance knew he needed to nip this notion in the bud—once and for all. He and Crystal were history, especially if tomorrow night worked out with Tia the way he hoped. Mother, there will be no revisiting of old times. Crystal and I are over, okay? I appreciate her coming to see you, but if that’s the case, I’ll just come by tomorrow.

    Lance, why are you being so difficult? Crystal is a sweet girl. And I want some grandkids. He envisioned his mother sitting in her recliner, lamenting that she still didn’t have grandchildren. She’d been working on him since he started dating Crystal. That’s because his sister had made it clear that she had no desire to have children.

    The thought of Tia popped into his head. Who knows, maybe you’ll still get them.

    She paused. Lance Lawrence Kingston, are you seeing someone else?

    Not really, Mom. I just met someone and I’m excited about where it’s headed.

    She started firing off questions. "Who is she? Who

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