“Blaire, I know you thought of her that way. And I’m sorry, truly sorry, for all the years you missed, and I accept the blame, but I can’t take it back now.”

Blaire’s expression turned hard. “You’re not listening. I didn’t think of her as my mother. She was my mother. She gave me up for adoption.”

Kate suddenly felt as if she couldn’t get a breath. Blaire was delusional. What was she talking about? “That doesn’t make any sense. How can she be your mother? We’re the same age. It’s impossible.” But even as the words came out, something was nagging at her.

“No, silly. I’m a year and a half older, remember? The only reason we were in the same grade is because Mayfield made me repeat eighth grade. Lily conceived me while she was engaged to your father.”

Kate was confused. “Because she was pregnant before she got married, she gave you up? Why wouldn’t she and Dad have just moved up the wedding?”

Blaire took a moment to answer. “Because Harrison is not my father.”

“What are you talking about? This makes no sense. Who is your father?”

“I don’t know. She was going to tell me. But then . . .”

Kate didn’t know what to believe. Was this some fantasy Blaire had concocted, or could it possibly be true? All she knew was that she had to calm Blaire down and get her to put down that poker.

“Listen, Blaire. I’m so sorry. If we’re sisters, then we need to start over.”

“You’re willing to just forget everything I did? Forgive me?”

“Of course,” Kate lied.

Blaire began to pace. While her back was turned, Kate’s hand moved slowly to open the drawer in the table next to her. She felt around for one of the EpiPens, curled her fingers around it, brought it back to her side, and dropped it between the sofa cushions before Blaire could notice. If she could use the EpiPen on Blaire, the shock might give her the advantage, and she could get away. She watched her old friend carefully, waiting for the right time to make her move.

“How do I know I can believe you?” Blaire looked away, and Kate raised the EpiPen, ready to plunge it into her neck. Before she knew what was happening, Blaire turned back and lunged at her, grabbing the EpiPen.

“How could you? Even now, when you know the truth, you’re still betraying me.” She wiped her face with the back of her hand.

Kate had to calm her down. “Blaire, please, I won’t call the police. Just sit down so we can talk. I love you. We’re sisters. We can work this out. Let me help you.” Kate’s mind was racing furiously, trying to keep one step ahead of Blaire.