Merry Little Lies

by Addison Lloyd

  “How’s your sister and the baby? Mark asked.

  “They’re both fine. Molly’s gorgeous.” I showed him the picture on my phone.

  “So cute,” he said, handing it back. “I’m glad everyone’s okay.”

  “Ready to go check out some paintings?” I asked Aaron. “We have some really talented kids in our group.” I did want to look at the paintings, but mostly I wanted some quiet, drama-free moments with my boyfriend.

  As we walked away, I heard Jade whisper, “Way to make me look bad.”

  “Let me guess. You didn’t even ask. Because everything has to be about you.”

  “Not true! I was just letting them get settled first.”

  “Okay, sure.”

  I didn’t hear Jade respond, so I assumed it was with a gesture I’d seen him make plenty of times.

  I pulled Aaron outside to the courtyard.

  “I thought we were checking out the paintings?” he said.

  “In a minute.” I kissed him, enjoying the sweetness of his lips and the strength of his hands around me. I needed this.

  Then Aaron proceeded to ruin the moment.

  “Do you want to hear a fun fact?” he asked.

  “Can I say no?”

  His face fell and I rolled my eyes.

  “Aaron, sweetie, please tell me a fun fact instead of kissing me.”

  “Can’t I do both?”

  “Let’s see whatcha got,” I said, running my hands over the buttons on his shirt. I couldn’t not touch him.

  He kissed my nose. “Queen Elizabeth is a trained mechanic.”

  “I’m not sure I trust your sources.”

  “I don’t just rely on Jade,” he said, kissing my chin. “She was sixteen at the time.”

  “Go on.”

  “High heels were originally worn by men.” He kissed my cheek.

  “That sounds like a Jade one.”

  He ignored that. “It made it easier for men in tenth century Europe to ride their horses,” he said, kissing my other cheek.

  I loved the way he looked at me as if I was the only person in the world. “One more. Then we have to go back in. Make it a good one.”

  He thought for a second. “I could tell you that a chef’s hat is made with a hundred pleats, meant to represent the one hundred ways to cook an egg, but…”

  “But...?” I prompted.

  He tipped my chin up and kissed me.

  It was a good kiss that left me breathless and wanting to forget all about the gala. But... “That wasn’t a fun fact. Not that I’m complaining.”

  “It was fun for me.” he said, taking my arm and leading me to the door. “And that’s a fact.”

  We checked out the paintings and I introduced some of my fellow students to Aaron. Once it was almost time for the presentation, we wandered back to the area. Aaron insisted on us not being late.

  Carli and Rob joined us, and they each gave me a big hug. And while I appreciated it and probably even needed it, I didn’t want to get emotional right before my introduction. My knees were already shaking. I pulled back and gave them a brave smile. At least I attempted to.

  I could tell the moment Carli spotted Kay because she turned toward the door wistfully.

  When she turned back, I gave her a pointed look and straightened my shoulders.

  “Carli, I’m so glad to see you my dear.” She glanced at Rob, a curious look on her face.

  Carli pushed her shoulders back and raised her chin. “Aunt Kay,” she said. “I’d like you to meet my boyfriend, Rob.”

  “Is this the Rob?” she asked. “Or another Rob.”

  Carli opened her mouth to respond, but before she could say anything Rob stepped forward.

  “The one and only Rob.” He shook her hand. “I’m sorry about last time. I’d had an appendectomy the day before so I couldn’t be here.”

  Kay smiled. “Aaron explained it all. None of that matters now. I’m just so glad to have gotten to meet the real you. We’ve been talking in Young Artists group about the importance of being our authentic selves.” And then her gaze slipped back to Carli.

  I guess that answered my question on whether she still thought Carli was a lesbian.

  Although I was nervous, the presentation went off without a hitch. Kay talked about the Young Artists, and then introduced each of us. We talked a little about ourselves and our art being displayed.

  My voice had cracked when I tried to talk, but I focused on Aaron and the admiration shining from his eyes. I also noticed my dad standing at the edge of the crowd, and a tension in my neck I didn’t realize I had, loosened. He actually came. My voice grew stronger as I finished my part. Kay finished by encouraging everyone to check out the art and talk to the artists.

  After the presentations, I stood in the area where my painting was displayed to answer any question or comments. My dad stopped by for a few minutes.

  Jade, with Mark trailing behind like a puppy, also stopped by. I couldn’t figure them out. When Mark was talking to Jade, he appeared confident and smug. But when Jade wasn’t focused on him, Mark’s whole demeanor changed. He watched him constantly with almost a look of desperation. Originally, I thought he was crushing on Jade and trying to hide it, but something in his eyes made me think there was more to it. I’d ask Aaron about it later.

  Quite a few people stopped by, asking me questions about my motivation and muse. A few asked questions about how I’d achieved a certain effect, and why I’d chosen oil instead of acrylic for this work.

  Towards the end of the evening, I called Mom to check on everyone. She said Gran had brought Theo by so they could meet baby Molly. She assured me everyone was fine, and that my dad had just returned. I knew Mom wanted to be here at the show. I suspected she stayed there more for me, so I wouldn’t worry as much.

  Most everyone had left, and a quietness settled on the room. I stepped back tilting my head. Everything in my painting had shifted: the pain, the hope, the energy. Looking at it now, after everything with Emily and Molly, overcoming my debilitating fear, and Aaron by my side through it all, I saw the painting in a new light. It had an added dimension. A bold strength weathering the storm. I took another step back.

  I hadn’t gotten far when I felt hands at my waist. He pulled me back against him and rested his chin on my shoulder. The scent of vanilla and rain forest surrounded me.

  “Hey there,” he said.

  “Hey.”

  “This painting is amazing. It just grabs your soul and squeezes.”

  “Yeah.” And surprisingly, it did.

  “I hear the artist is smoking hot.”

  I laughed. “Is that so?”

  He kissed the side of my neck. “My sources wouldn’t lie.”

  As Aaron wrapped his arms around me, swaying slightly, I felt happy and content. Protected and cared for. It was the best feeling in the world and more important than any money or status. “Are we dancing?” I asked.

  “Of course, can’t you hear that?” He motioned toward the room filled with art. “This is our song.”

  THE END

  ~~~

  Mark is desperate for Jade’s help. Click here to get more of their story.

  NOTE TO THE READER

  Thank you for reading Merry Little Lies. This series wouldn’t be possible without the wisdom and drive of Annabeth Chatwin. She’s a dynamo, a pillar of strength, and at times a slave driver. The other authors in this series, Daniel, Arbrianna, T R, Bronte, and Shane are also freaking amazing, and I hope you check out their stories. The series page is after the About The Author page.

  In Merry Little Lies, Cian struggles with grief and loss, anxiety, and panic attacks. Mental Health issues are common and nothing to be ashamed of. The classes mentioned in this book on assisting someone going through a mental health crisis are real. Mental Health First Aid started in Australia and the classes are now taught internationally, including in the US. The amazing thing about these classes is that they are for everyone, including a cla
ss specifically for teens. In many cases these classes are free. If you’re interested in learning more about mental health and how to help someone in crisis, you can google Mental Health First Aid for more information.

  I did research and enlisted the help of several artists to help make this book as realistic as possible. Please note that any mistakes are mine and not theirs. Thanks, Amy D and Bonnie Z for sharing your skill and knowledge.

  What’s coming next? Check out the short involving Jade and Mark (with a CK), by clicking on the link at the end of the book. Mark is desperate. That’s the only reason he reaches out to his cousin’s over-the-top (and gorgeous) best friend. Or is it? Their full story will be published in the spring or summer of 2021.

  I have a Pinterest Board for Merry Little Lies. I will be unlocking it soon after the book is released. If you’re curious about Jade’s outfits, Irish traditions, Painting tips, and Christmas decorations, check it out. My pinterest is @addisonlloyd605.

  Thanks again for reading,

  Addie

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  ADDISON LLOYD is a hopeless romantic. It all began at the young age of twelve when she had her first crush on a television actor and the character he played. It expanded (read: exploded) into movies and books and falling hopelessly in love over and over again. As a shy teen, it took her longer than most to look for that love in the real world, but after finding out how wonderful it could be, she jumped in and has never looked back.

  Addison believes in meet-cutes, romantic dinners, walks by the ocean, professing love in big ways (and even more in those small ways), and happily-ever-after.

  She counts herself incredibly lucky to be able to take these stories that dance (and sometimes lament) in her head and turn them into books for others to enjoy.

  You can reach her through her email AddisonLloyauthor@gmail.com; or Facebook @addisonlloydwrites.

  THE HEART OF THE HOLIDAYS SERIES

  The Nutcracker Battle - Annabeth Chatwin

  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L8GRLNK

  ★ Two boys.

  ★ Two ballets.

  ★ One role.

  Gabe’s thrilled when he’s cast as The Nutcracker Prince— until he hears the rival ballet academy’s also performing a nontraditional Nutcracker, and super-hot, super-talented Kit is dancing the same part. Gabe has to out-dance Kit. Kit has to out-dance Gabe. Each school has to out-perform the other in the city’s annual Nutcracker Battle.

  When a life-saving run-in brings Gabe and Kit together, sparks fly between two teen dancers with so much in common. Their studios hate it. Their choreographers flip out. The alternative paper scoops it as a tale of starcrossed lovers, battling ballet studios, and dueling princes. But Gabe and Kit scheme out a solution just crazy enough that, with the help of their Claras, could end the town’s Nutcracker Battle— for good.

  A super-fluffy Christmas story by internationally bestselling YA author Annabeth Chatwin, The Nutcracker Battle is a stand alone novella in The Heart of the Holidays: A Stand Alone Gay YA Series.

  The Music of Mercy- Daniel Elijah Sanderfer

  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LD3S777

  Eli is barely getting by. After his mom and dad lost their jobs at a local furniture factory, they lost everything, including their home. Now, he lives with them in a weekly hotel. To help them out, he dropped out of school and got a job at the local Salvation Army Thrift Store.

  However, with Christmas just around the corner, the manager has temporarily moved him to the angel tree fulfillment center. Everything is going fine until a senior class from a private school shows up to volunteer. Cole is the total opposite of Eli. He lives in an elegant house, in an upper-middle-class community, and has everything he could ever want, or so he thought.

  Meanwhile, when things get busy back at the thrift shop, Eli has to go help out. It's all business as usual until an antique music box shows up, and Eli falls in love. It's all he wants for Christmas but can't afford it. When it sells after just one day, he's devastated, but maybe he hasn't seen the last of it or Cole.

  Join best selling author Daniel Elijah Sanderfer for this sweet story about love, hope, and mercy. A stand-alone book in the Heart of the Holidays, a gay YA series celebrating love.

  Merry Little Lies- Addison Lloyd

  http://mybook.to/MerryLittleLies

  ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS MY SISTER’S BOYFRIEND

  Cian

  When I agree to this fake boyfriend gig, I don’t expect to be tempted by Carli’s rich but hot older brother. Our worlds are completely different. I work hard to help my family overcome mountains of debt and keep the lights on; he attends private school and throws his money away on hair gel and expensive cologne.

  I can’t even tell him my name.

  But he awakens a passion in me, buried under the grief of losing my brother to cancer. A desire to paint again, to laugh again. A desire to love.

  Aaron

  My sister’s cute boyfriend isn’t what he seems, and I suspect he has ulterior motives for dating her. Our worlds are completely different. I’m destined to take over the family business while avoiding those interested in only my money; he bags groceries, fixes cars, and pretends to be someone he’s not.

  I don’t even know his real name.

  But he awakens a need in me, buried by years of heartache. A need to protect him, to heal his pain. A need to earn his love.

  Can Aaron and Cian overcome the wounds from their past or are they destined to make the same mistakes as their parents and end up, like them, broken and alone?

  Merry Little Lies is a 50,000+ young adult gay romance. It’s a standalone book in the Heart of the Holidays, A Gay YA Series celebrating love

  Silent Knight- T.R. Valleroy

  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LSLF91T

  As the son of a rich man’s cook, Lorin’s world is limited to trials of terrines and the challenges of cheese tarts. Every morning he rises to bake the bread for Lord Garnot’s estate, and every evening he washes up the dishes, ready to do it all over again the next day. But his world changes when a wayward knight arrives on Christmas morning.

  Sir Garnier, famed throughout the whole of France, comes a broken man. Removed from the King’s service, rumors trail at his heels. What crime could drag a knight to such disgrace? What sin could lay a hero so low?

  As Lorin and Sir Garnier grow closer, pieces of the puzzle fall into place, and a visit from the King’s nephew reveals a palace secret. Lorin wants to restore Sir Garnier’s honor, but the love of a lowly kitchen boy repairing a knight’s heart? That only happens in fairy tales...

  Sunkissed - Bronte Meredith

  mybook.to/Sunkissed

  A chance Christmas Day meeting on the beach feels more real to 17 year-old Robbie than anything he's experienced in a while. His connection with Drew seems full of possibilities.

  Drew isn’t after a holiday romance, especially the summer before his final year of school… but Robbie is beautiful and kind and hard to resist. Drew won’t settle for less than he deserves, like honesty and bravery, even if this is only a summer fling.

  To be the one Drew needs, Robbie has to stand the test of bullies. And embarrassment. And… sharks?

  Sunkissed is an MM, Australian summer holiday, Christmas romance in The Heart of the Holidays: A Stand Alone Gay YA Series.

  The Gift of Believing - Abrianna Denae

  No pre-order available

  Presley James has spent his entire life being told that he’s too much. Neither his parents, teachers, or even peers know how to handle the sometimes loud, occasionally impulsive, and always scatter-brained young man. Then he meets Garrett Harper.

  Garrett is used to being left behind due to his poor health. So when Presley and his quirks crash into his life, his quiet existence is turned upside down. After a lifetime of being let down by everyone except his father, Garrett is reluctant to trust that Presley is really understanding of all his limitations.

  When the boys start to spe
nd more of the most wonderful time of the year together, their budding feelings begin to grow. Thanks to the magic of the Christmas season, these two broken boys may not only learn what it means to trust in somebody else, but most importantly, to believe in yourself.

  Do You Know What I Know – Shane K Morton

  mybook.to/BullyChristmas

  He may be one of my bullies- but he’s also my secret boyfriend

  Archie- We used to be friends, but that changed when we went to middle school. He became the most popular boy and I became a target. It didn’t help that I enjoyed choir more than sports. It didn’t matter that I stayed hidden in the closet.

  But one day, he knocked on my window- just like the old days and I let him in. Everything changed that night between us. We were safe hidden away from the world, exploring all the mysteries of life. That was a year ago. Things have changed. I have changed, and I am not sure that our secret relationship can survive. I am tired of hiding who I am. What will that do to us?

  Hudson- I hate that being popular means so much to me. But as the quarterback and team captain of the football team, there are a ton of expectations set upon me. Not only from the school, my teammates and fans- but from my family. Being a preacher’s son makes being who I really am, even more difficult.