To Tell the Truth

“Lucky at cards, unlucky in love.”  Tell’s words as they left the casino brought the haunted look back into Andrea’s eyes.  The skiing holiday in Squaw Valley was all she’d hoped for.  And she had totally ignored the warning voices that cautioned her to stay away from Tell Stafford.  A lot of girls indulged in harmless flirtations.  Why shouldn’t she?  But Andrea and Tell had fallen deeply in love, and now it was too late.  Andrea knew that if she revealed her terrible secret, everything would change…

“I know how this must look, but…” Andrea had replaced the telephone receiver and slowly turned to the rigidly erect figure staring out the window.  Her voice cracked with a checked sob.  “Please let me explain.”  “Just answer me this, “ Tell commanded arrogantly, “was that man on the phone your husband or not?”  “I am legally married to him,” Andrea admitted, “but…”  “Then accept the fact that we’re through, Andrea.”  A cold smile was carved into the bronze mask as Tell moved to the door and yanked it open.  “Maybe you’ll have better luck with your next sucker.”  Even before the door had slammed after him, Andrea knew he didn’t want to listen to her.  But she loved him too desperately not to try again.  Somehow she had to make him understand…