The third child in a family that wanted only two, Muriel Sullivant has always been an outsider. She worships her beautiful blond sister, Pia, and envies the close bond she shares with their mother, Lidia. Growing up in their shadow, Muriel believes that if she keeps all their secrets-and she knows plenty, outsiders always do-they will love her too. Now an adult, Muriel has accepted the disappointments in her life. With her fourth-floor walk-up apartment and entry-level New York City job, she never will measure up to Pia and her wealthy husband, their daughter, and their suburban Connecticut dream home. One day, Pia shows up to visit and shares devastating news that Muriel knows she cannot tell-a secret that will force her to come to terms with the past and help her see her life and her family in unexpected new ways.