“Are you okay?”
I forced myself to look away. Only for a second, but it helped me reengage my brain.
The guy was probably a few years older than me. Maybe even in college. Unfortunately, that thought just made him more appealing. His hair was dark, and his eyes were chocolate brown with specks of gold, reminding me of the caramel macchiato I used to get from Starbucks.
“Yes… okay. Yes.” I closed my mouth to stop the stammering of words.
“Glad to hear it,” he said with a chuckle. “My name’s Aaron.” He released my bicep to shake my hand.
I missed his touch until our hands clasped and it was suddenly a thousand times better. “I’m Ce.” I wasn’t sure why I gave him my nickname. Maybe because it easier to pronounce.
“Key? Really? Is that a fake name?”
“No…” I coughed, choking on my spit or maybe my lies. What was wrong with me? I was a mess, trying to ignore my response to him, while at the same time, trying to remember who I was actually supposed to be.
“I like it. Short but …cute.” His grin was contagious. Was this guy for real?
He released my hand and stepped back. I fought the urge to follow him. Why was he going so far away? Oh yeah, probably because we were at a public event and the room was once again filling with people. But I started to care less and less about how that looked and more and more about what it would feel like to kiss this guy. Those perfect lips.
His intense gaze swept over me like a caress. I didn’t believe in love at first sight or actually love at all, but lust at first sight was a thing. His rolled-up sleeves revealed strong forearms with a dusting of dark hair, and my mouth went dry.
The few boyfriends I had didn’t compare. Not that it mattered. Love wasn’t real. The feelings were intoxicating, but when things got difficult, it didn’t last.
But this guy? He had me wanting it to be real.
“Can I be honest?” Aaron said, stepping closer.
“Yes.” But I wanted to add anything to get you closer.
“I had the same reaction to that painting. It just grabs your soul and squeezes.”
I had to keep my jaw from dropping again. Good thing I didn’t believe in love or I’d be a goner. “It does,” I said, glancing back at the painting.
As a redhead, my emotions were painted on my skin for the world to see. I pushed all those emotions back in their place. But like Pandora’s box, I wasn’t sure how long I could contain them.
Aaron lightly touched my shoulder, drawing my attention to the other breathtaking thing in the room. His smile was warm and his lips inviting.
“Can I—”
“Rob?” Carli burst into our bubble like an errant snowball. Just as shocking and her voice just as cold. “Didn’t you hear me calling?”
I hadn't noticed anything but the guy next to me, let alone answer to a name that didn’t belong to me. That’s when I realized what she said.
I turned toward Aaron, not even sure what to say. His jaw clenched as he stared, not at me, but at Carli.
She pressed her lips together in a tight line and, ignoring Aaron, grabbed my hand “Let’s go.”
Carli threaded us through the crowd until we were close to the door. I tried and failed to not compare the feel of her hand to Aaron’s. I hated that I wanted more of that. More of his touch. More of that intensity focused on me and piercing through the numbness I’d carefully constructed. But there was a cost to feeling things.
When we reached a clearing, I pulled my hand away and glared at her. “What’s going on?”
“We’re leaving.”
“I haven’t met your aunt yet.”
“She seems busy. I don’t want to bother her.” She gave her ticket to the coat check. What kind of party had a coat check? One where rich people spent lots of money, I guessed.
“Carli, wait.” I turned her to face me. “Wasn’t meeting your aunt the whole point?”
Her eyes shone with unshed tears. “I didn't know he was going to be here.” She shook her head and put on her coat.
They knew each other. Of course, they did. You don't direct that much emotion towards a complete stranger. Except I just had, hadn’t I? “Who was that guy?”
“Nobody. I just want to go.”
I couldn’t think of anyone she’d get this upset over. Then I remembered the play after party last year when Carli confided in me about her previous boyfriend. He’d been a jerk and had Carli doubting herself. I couldn’t remember his name, but if this guy was him, it didn’t matter how hot he was. Nobody messed with my friend.
I grabbed my coat and followed her toward the door. She was several steps ahead of me. Now that my numbness was gone, I was pissed. At Aaron, yes. But mostly at myself.
Carli almost made it to the freedom of the outside world when a woman stepped in front of her.
“I’ve been searching for you, Carli,” she said. “Are you leaving so soon?”
Carli was out of breath, but that's not what caught my attention. Her whole demeanor changed. She seemed to melt, diminish before my eyes, and I couldn’t exactly pinpoint how. She stared at the ground and her shoulders sagged. But how had her light, her Carli-ness, dimmed so much, so quickly?
“We didn’t want to bother you,” she said quietly.
Who was this girl? She wasn't my Carli. Not that she’d ever been my Carli, but she was my friend. I decided to take charge. Somebody needed to.
“Hi,” I said, stepping between Carli and the person I assumed was her aunt. “I'm Rob. Carli's boyfriend. It’s nice to meet you.”
She smiled, but there was something off about it. Like it wasn’t real, but just her version of real, if that made any sense. Maybe she too was playing a part.
“Rob. It is nice to finally meet you. I’m Carli’s aunt Kay.” Her gaze settled back on Carli. “If I was a betting woman, and I’m not since betting is a sin, I’d have bet you weren’t real.”
Did she really say that? Out loud? I glanced at Carli. She shuffled on her feet, looking like she wanted to be anywhere else.
“Oh, I'm very real,” I said. “And so happy to be here with my Carli.” I grabbed her hand, and then at the last moment pulled it up and brushed a kiss on her knuckles. I don't know why I did that. Maybe trying to prove something. Carli give me a quick look that told me I might have gone too far.
“It’s been a very successful night, but I am sorry we didn’t get a chance to chat.”
“That’s okay,” Carli said, getting a little of her old self back. “I'm glad we got to see you before we left.” Carli squeezed my hand a signal to leave as soon as possible. “But we really should be going.”
“Nonsense,” Aunt Kay said. “We’re having a little get together afterwards to celebrate. Just a few people. Family. Friends.”
She watched me for a moment, sizing me up. I felt like I was under one of those optical microscopes I read about in the Art History books from the library. She was peeling back the layers to determine if I was fake. “I’d like you both to come.”
“I don’t want to get back too late. Mom will worry.”
Aunt Kay frowned.
I could tell it was the wrong thing to say, but I didn’t know why. I really needed to know more about Carli's family.
“I’ll just call your mother and smooth things over. I’m sure she won’t mind. It’s just a little get together.”
Carli shook her head. Was it in response to her calling her mom or the party altogether? I squeezed her hand, trying to give her strength. Lord knows she needed it.
“Aaron will be there, as well,” her aunt said.
I wasn’t sure if that was enough to convince Carli, considering her previous reaction to him, but it was enough to catch my interest. Maybe I’d have a few words with this guy. Sure. That was the reason. “Maybe we should go.”
Carli gave me a look. It either meant Why do I tolerate you? Or Shut up before I kick you. I’d seen her give Rob this look plenty of times. Well, at least I
was playing the role authentically.
“George and I were about to leave anyway, so we’ll see you there.” She didn't wait for an answer. That was probably how she got her way ninety percent of the time.
Once we were settled in the car and ready to go, I turned to my fake girlfriend and repeated my earlier question. “What just happened?”
“I don't want to talk about it.”
“Carli, I’m missing pieces of the puzzle here. Who's Aaron?”
“It doesn't matter.”
I wanted to press her, but what could I say? It matters to me. Not happening.
She tilted her head as she stared at her feet. “I love these shoes.”
The pumps glittered in the sliver of moonlight that spilled into the car. Those shoes were magical and not shoes you could wear every day. Then it hit me. “I couldn’t figure out why you didn't just cancel.”
“What?”
“There would be plenty of chances to show off your real boyfriend. But I get it now,” I said. “It was about the dress. The shoes.”
Carli hung her head. “My mom never lets me spend any money. I just wanted a magical night out in a beautiful dress. But my boyfriend had to get himself hurt.” She turned to face me; her face stricken. “I didn't mean that.”
“I know.” I patted her hand.
“Was it wrong of me to come?”
I glanced at her shoes and then back at her face with a grin. “Hell no, girl. Those shoes are fire.”
Carli giggled. Maybe this night would turn out okay.
I started the car, or rather I tried. It clicked a few times for good measure, but the engine didn’t turn over. Come on, Betsy.
“Problem?”
“Depends. How far can you walk in those sparkly shoes?”
TWO:
AARON
That escalated quickly. Carli practically dragged her boyfriend through the crowd. What I thought had been a moment with a cute guy just reinforced why I was still single. What was the point? People lied. My parents. My ex-boyfriend Sean. And Rob or was it Key? A name like that had to be made up.
Had I imagined the spark between us? But Rob was Carli's boyfriend. Even if I hadn’t talked to her in the last six months, it was common knowledge. Although not everyone believed the boyfriend was real.
He felt real. My hand tingled at the memory of his strong back. I’d put my hand up so he wouldn’t back into me. What if I hadn’t stopped him? Those thoughts were crazy. He was Carli’s boyfriend and most likely straight. But that memory of him standing next to me wouldn’t go away. The clean slightly musky scent of bamboo and …grapefruits? Lemons? Something citrusy. What an odd combination. But on him, it worked.
I glanced at the painting that started it all. It mocked me with its suggestion of hope. There wasn't any. But I didn’t care. I was fine on my own.
Carli was a different matter. I needed to fix things with her. And if I knew Carli, and I did, she'd use this as an excuse to run out the door. I pushed through the throes of people. Wasn’t this room empty moments ago? The mayor must have finished his speech.
I weaved my way through, trying not to elbow anyone or get elbowed in return. “Excuse me.”
I pushed past a guy in snakeskin boots and stepped in front of a woman in a baggy sweatshirt and spandex pants. Really? That's what you wear to an art gala? There was a sequined unicorn on her sweatshirt. So, I guess that counted. I peered through the crowd, trying to see a flash of red. The unique color of his hair had drawn me in immediately. It was a richer red, like maple leaves. I needed to stop thinking about him. Especially since he was Carli's boyfriend and probably straight. Or just pretending.
People claimed to be things they weren’t all the time. That was why Carli and I hadn’t talked for so long. If she wanted to be someone else, that was fine. I didn’t have to watch it happen.
I reached the door, but I didn't see them anywhere. I grabbed my coat and stepped out into the cold December air. It was mild for this time a year in Missouri. That didn’t mean anything. Tomorrow there could be a blizzard. I zipped my jacket as I checked the parking lot.
They hadn’t gotten far. In fact, they hadn’t left at all, and it didn't look like they were going anywhere soon. Rob lifted the hood of a beat-up Ford Fiesta sedan and then shook his head and swore. Was there a fiery temper under that cool exterior? It sparked something in me. Was it anticipation? Or dread? Maybe a little of both. I’d had enough fire in my life. I didn't need any more.
Rob bent under the hood, banging on something with a wrench.
“Need any help?”
He jerked up, hitting his head on the hood. “Ow, geesh. Warn a guy.” He started to rub his head and noticed the dirt on his hand. He blinked quickly and stood up, careful to not hit his head a second time.
“Sorry,” I said. “Just wanted to see if I could help.”
He narrowed his eyes, the friendliness from before gone. “And you just happened to be walking by?”
“I need to talk to Carli.”
He glanced down, running his fingers along the metal edge of the car. Was he irritated? Angry? Disappointed?
“Can I help with anything?” I offered again. “I could call someone or give you a ride.”
“Nope. I’ve got this.” He straightened up, his jaw set, as he scowled at me.
“Clearly.” Was his pride the reason he didn’t want help? Or was his bravado as fake as his name? I’d seen it before.
The car door banged shut. I hadn’t noticed Carli getting out. “What do you want?” She glared at me.
“Just offering assistance.”
“We don’t need your help,” she said and then glanced over at her boyfriend. “Please, please tell me we don’t need his help.
That stung a little. We weren’t on the best of terms, but I didn’t think it was that bad.
“Fine,” I said, backing away. But no matter how rude they were, I wasn’t leaving them stranded.
“I’ve got this,” Rob said, again, sliding back in the car and turning the key. It took a few tries, but the engine finally caught and started.
“Thank, God.” Carli jumped back in the car.
Rob walked around me to shut the hood, wiping his hands off on a cloth. He stepped closer until we were less than two feet apart. I could see the flecks of gold in his green eyes. Why did he have to be so damn cute?
“As you can see, we don't need any help,” Rob said. “But… thanks.” I couldn't tell if he meant it, and to be honest, I wasn't sure he knew either.
“I’ll follow you,” I said.
“It's like an hour drive.” He crossed his arms, watching me. It felt like a challenge.
“I mean, to the after party.”
“What makes you think we’re going?” Rob glanced at Carli and back at me.
He seemed less sure than before and I could tell I was right.
I hadn’t decided if I was going to the party, until right then. I’d hoped Carli would be there. We needed to work things out. Was that the real reason I wanted to go? Or was it her tempting as Hell boyfriend?
“I know Carli,” I said. “And I know Aunt Kay.”
He tilted his head, his mouth slightly open as he watched me. Like he’d hit the reset button.
He doesn’t know who I am.
But that didn’t make sense. If they’d dated for a whole year, Carli would have mentioned me. Right?
The swish of the driver side window caught my attention.
“Are we going?” Carli asked.
“Yeah, sorry.”
“I’ll follow you,” I repeated.
He opened the car door and folded his long legs into the car, before shutting it. “Do whatever you want.”
The window was still open, and I put my hand on it to stop him from rolling it up. “Don’t worry,” I said with a wink. “I always do.”
THREE:
CIAN
Betsy was my first love. All she needed was a little love, a good wash, and occasionally
a wrench to the battery terminals. Unlike others, she never let me down. Although today she came close.
I checked my rearview mirror. Aaron followed a respectable distance behind us. Not too close and not too far away. I shook my head. This guy was such a Boy Scout.
Which didn’t quite fit with the jerk-boyfriend image I had of him. I hated looking weak in front of him. It wasn’t fair that someone could be that gorgeous, strong, intelligent… but also arrogant, presumptuous, and entitled, if his clothes and car were anything to go by. I had to remember he wasn’t the good guy he pretended to be. Carli didn’t like him. And that was enough for me. He’d obviously done something.
And we were complete opposites. I wore someone else’s suit and had a beat-up old Ford that worked when she wanted to. Aaron had a Land Rover Sport SUV. We weren’t in the same league or even the same universe. He was Orion X. I was X box. Not that it mattered. That moment between us was nothing more than a combination of my overactive imagination and nonexistent love life.
“You okay?” Carli asked, studying me with her all-knowing gaze. She didn’t miss much.
“Sure. Great.”
“Because you just ran that stop sign.”
“There was no stop sign…” But a quick glance in the mirror told me otherwise. Aaron had stopped and was starting again. “Whatever. Why does every small town have to have a stop sign on the main highway? There’s not enough traffic to warrant a pedestrian crossing, let alone a stop sign.” The main issue wasn’t that I’d missed it; it was that Aaron had witnessed it.
The ride didn’t take long. Carli’s aunt lived a few miles out of town where there were more cows than people. We pulled around the circle drive and found an open place. I backed in, thinking ahead to a quick getaway in case things went south. I took my time parking, not wanting to be too close to anyone. There was a sweet Caddie parked next to us.
When Betsy was parked, I checked out our surroundings. I wasn’t prepared for the sight of Aunt Kay's house looming in front of us. Of course, it was fancy. She talked about money like it was nothing. Only people who had it did that. The expensive looking dress and pearls had also given me a hint but knowing and seeing the pure decadence on display was something different. It immediately set me on edge. I shouldn’t have cared. Some people had money, and some didn’t. My mom worked three part-time jobs so she could pay off the mountain of medical debt from my brother’s illness and to get us through the month. My job at the hardware store helped some. I told my mom it looked good on a college application, and she pretended to believe me.
Merry Little Lies Page 2