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But the woman who’d just smiled was someone else entirely Secrets within secrets Was that what they’d discover on this trip? That theirdolls, and if that were true, would they ever really see the one hidden deep inside?

Handing them menus, the hostess said, “Enjoy your meal,” and left

When their waiter showed up a few minutes later, none of them had spoken

“We all need drinks,” Nina said “Vodka Russian Your very best ”

“No way,” Meredith said “I aht shots on my vacation ” She smiled at the waiter “I’ll have a strawberry daiquiri, please ”

Nina sarita on the rocks Lots of salt ”

“The vodka and a glass of wine,” Mom said

“And the A Ahas come to order,” Meredith said

Aly, Mom smiled

“To us,” Nina said when the drinks arrived “To Meredith, Nina, and Anya Whitson Together for maybe the first time ”

Mom flinched, and Meredith noticed that she didn’t look at theether

Meredith found herself watching Moes of her ht fell did she seem to lose that tension in her face She followed the conversation, added her three neers to the pot She drank a second glass of wine but seeitated than relaxed from the alcohol, and when she finished dessert, she stood up almost immediately

“I a back to my room,” she said “Will you join me?”

Nina was on her feet in an instant, but Meredith was slower to respond “Are you sure, Moht Tomorrow is okay for the story ”

“Thank you,” her mother said “But no Come ” She turned crisply on her heel and walked away