Pretty Lies: A contemporary YA Romance (Astrid Scott Series Book 1)

by Blake Blessing

  “Ooh. The possibilities are endless on the dirt you can get on these guys. I mean the art you could make.” He cleared his throat and then busted up laughing.

  “But there are rules, Ryan. I won’t take any pictures that will get me into trouble. And no shots of faces. I want the pictures to be abstract enough that I can use them and they won’t be identifiable. And any juicy info we learn, stays between us. Can you promise that, Ryan? I can’t let you in on this if you can’t keep secrets.”

  He scoffed like he was highly offended. “Girl, I’m gay. I just came out of the closet at the end of last year. If there’s anyone that can keep a secret, it’s me. Don’t worry. Your scholarship is more important than me trying to get Trey his comeuppance. You have my word, Ass.”

  I sputtered. “Ass?!”

  “Sorry! It seemed like a good nickname in the moment. I didn’t think about As-strid starting with ass. It was a mistake, I swear.” Rolling laughter filled the speakers of my sweet Freda.

  “Whatever. Don’t do it again.”

  “Sure, sure.” He sounded like he was crying now.

  “That’s all I wanted to say.” And then we descended into awkward territory. My ability to make small talk ranked right up there with my ability to draw.

  Ryan didn’t let the conversation lag, though. That’s one of the things I loved about him. He could talk for days and I didn’t have to do anything.

  “This weekend, Remy Masters is having a party. Trey and his buddies will be there for sure, along with at least half the school. That’s the perfect place for you to get some practice in. Everyone will be drinking so they won’t even notice you have a camera in your hand.”

  I wished. Mother Dearest would never let me go to a party. I was lucky to have any freedom at all with Freda. And that was only because she worked so late here, she nor dad were hardly ever home anymore.

  “I won’t be able to go to a party. Remember my parents? Parties are definitely not on the approved list of outings for their religious morals.”

  “Hmm. You just let me think on that. Old Ryan will come up with a way to get you out of the house.” He murmured.

  “Sure, if you can make it happen without my parents finding out, then I would love to go. No drinking though.” I had to break myself into the freedom with carefully planned out baby steps. With alcohol, I was bound to do something stupid that screwed it all up.

  “Got it. If you want to catch these guys in the act of something scandalous, then you best be sober anyway. I’ll drink enough for the both of us.”

  I tapped my fingers on the steering wheel. “You do that. Let me know when you find a way for me to sneak out.”

  He groaned. “Is this your passive aggressive way of saying goodbye?”

  A small chuckle escaped me but I didn’t respond. It was true, I was ready to get off the phone.

  “Then I guess I won’t tell you about the laptop my mom wants to sell.” His words ended on a question when he damn well knew I wanted a laptop.

  “What? What kind? How old?” I jumped all over the opportunity to get my grubby hands on another tool to fuel my plans.

  “An old Dell. Maybe two years old. My mom is horrible on technology, I could count on my hands the number of times I’ve seen her on it.” Static fills the line like he’s rolling around in bed.

  “How much?” I winced at how high my voice raised. Hopefully I didn’t deafen him with my banshee impersonation.

  “Two hundred even. I already got it for you, and she said if you don’t have it, you can make payments.” The bastard was smug, knowing exactly what he was doing for me by snagging his mom’s laptop.

  “I have it! I’ll have crisp twenties for you tomorrow. Thank you!” This was the most excitement I’d ever heard in my voice and if this wasn’t such a big deal, I’d be concerned.

  “Awesome. I’ll catch you at school tomorrow, Ass.” He drew out the last word.

  “Bye.” I flipped the bird at the stereo like he could see me and disconnected.

  My street was empty except for a few cars parked on the road as I rolled down it. I was ashamed to admit that my eyes were pulled to Rhys’ house more than once as I passed by. As the most imposing house on the block, the yard was immaculate with groomed shrubs and beautiful, bright flowers, and the white, wicker porch furniture that looked like it was fresh off of the showroom floor.

  Which was odd, wasn’t it? The Colorado sunshine was harsh and unforgiving. After a few days in the sun, the fabric would have faded at least a little bit.

  When I pulled into the driveway I hopped out with my box. If luck were on my side I’d be able to get the box upstairs without any questions. Balancing the box in one arm, I reached out to open the front door, only to have it whisked out of my reach.

  Startled, I stumbled backward and glanced up as Stan Bennett stepped out onto the porch. His graying hair was swept away from his face and he had a slightly ruddy complexion that hadn’t been there the other night.

  “Astrid,” his voice was jolly as he steadied me with a hand on my shoulder. “What a pleasant surprise.”

  “Mr. Bennett. Nice to see you.” The sharp smell of his cologne assaulted my nose. Wow, he needed to lay off the scent. No one must have told him about the two squirt rule.

  I looked past him, half expecting and dreading Rhys or Trey to follow him, but the hall was empty. Was it crushing disappointment for elated relief that blanketed me? Maybe a bit of both, for different reasons. Now was not the time to examine those feelings too closely.

  “We’ll have to have you over for dinner one night, dear. Trey has spoken so highly of you.” He tightened his tie and his fingers readjusted the clip. He looked like the kind of man that liked to be perfectly put together.

  Um, no. I’d rather not. I’m pretty sure a Brazilian wax by fire would be less painful than dinner with Trey and his family.

  “That would be delightful.” I smiled, trying not to gag.

  Although, if I wanted to watch them, then what better way than to enter their home on invitation. Just think of all the juicy information I could gain. There would be no picture taking. It wasn’t like I could hide the camera in my hair.

  “Great. I’ll have Barb set it up with your mother. They’re becoming thick as thieves already.” He chuckled under his breath as he leaned over me, like he was sharing a dirty secret.

  Instead of staying to indulge him, I sailed right past him into the house. “I’m looking forward to it. Have a nice day, Mr. Bennett.”

  I didn’t wait for the door to shut as I jogged up the stairs. The house was quiet, so Mother Dearest must still be at work. Dad was probably in the study, doing whatever it was he did in there. It’s always been a huge mystery, but I hadn’t cared enough to actually investigate.

  This was perfect. Neither parental ever came to my room and checked up on me, so I’d have a little bit of time to myself. I might actually be able to keep this stuff without them seeing the extent of it.

  At my window seat, I set out the books and camera, then slid the box in my closet. The next two hours, I poured over the textbooks, soaking in as much information as I could. I was so invigorated with all of this knowledge, there was enough energy coursing through my body to power the suburb.

  “Astrid!”

  Oh joy. Mother Dearest was home.

  I stretched when I stood and headed out to the hall.

  “Coming.” Taking the steps two at a time, it only took a few seconds to reach the bottom. My mother was sitting at the kitchen table, pulling off her clunky pumps and rubbing her feet. As a pharmacy tech at the local pharmacy, her job required lots of standing. I didn’t feel any pity for her though. She chose that career and she had to live with the good and the bad.

  “Yes, Mom?”

  She looked up at me and her bloodshot eyes gave her a harsh and haggard appearance.

  “Where are your applications for college? I spoke to the counselor this morning and they said that early admission has alread
y passed.” Her mouth dipped down at the corner.

  My eyes widened as I tried to think of a good response. I knew early admission had already passed, but I also didn’t want to apply to the colleges that she wanted me to.

  “I was actually at the university about scholarship opportunities tonight.”

  “The university? We already decided on the Colorado Christian University or the Bible College. Your father wants you to follow in his footsteps.” Her tone brooked no argument. They decided where I should go. They’d decide what I would study, and who I would marry if they could.

  “I was thinking I could go to the university. They have a lot of different programs for undergraduate degrees in case I want options.” Of course I wanted options but I couldn’t come right out and tell her that.

  She sat back and pulled out the hair clip holding her bun in place. “If we’re paying for your college, you don’t get a choice. Anyway, your indecisiveness shows how much you don’t know about the world. You’ll do what’s practical and won’t be a waste of our money.”

  “You mean the church’s money?” I covered my mouth with my palm.

  Oh shiznit. That popped out before I knew I was even thinking it.

  My mother slowly stood up, and stepped so close her warm breath fanned my face. Her hand flashed out, catching the hair at the base of my neck. I squeaked in pain as my head jerked back.

  “What did you just say? I know you didn’t put down your father’s job and spit on the fact the church takes care of us.” She yanked harder and I bent back to lessen the bite of pain.

  This was new for her. She’d never laid hands on me before, and for some insane reason, this seemed like the real her. Like the mother I’d been living with all of these years was a lie, and the shell she wanted everyone to see had slowly cracked and fell away, until it only left this version of herself.

  “I didn’t mean it like that. I only meant that if I could get a scholarship, then the church could put the money toward other things.”

  “Stupid girl. I better not hear you talk about the church or their generosity that way again.” She shoved me away from her and I stumbled into the wall. “Talk to the counselor tomorrow about the two colleges your father approved of. End of discussion.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” I mumbled as I scurried out of the kitchen.

  How could someone treat their child so coldly? If I ever had kids, I’d be a damn good mother. I had the perfect example of how not to be. The corners of my eyes burned with unshed tears, but I refused to let them fall. A deep, steady breath helped to calm my emotions, as I headed back to my room.

  The door to the study was partly open and my dad’s shadow darkened the desk. My mother hadn’t been quiet. And I for sure hadn’t been quiet when she had a hold of my hair. So my dad had just ignored it all. Sitting there in his study like it hadn’t even mattered. He was never mean or abusive to me. No, the only one that offered me that particular joy was my mother. But sometimes, when he refused to step in like this, I hated him just as much. For such Godly people, their sense of right and wrong was a warped and distorted compass that I doubted would ever point them true.

  Maybe I’d snag some photos of my parents too. I’d never dream about using them for the portfolio, but something about having photo evidence of their truth empowered me.

  Even if I never did anything with it, it would be priceless to me.

  The next few days passed fairly uneventful. Mr. Music worked with me on the side to master using the camera. He gave me a pass on the regular assignments to work on my portfolio. That was a major boon I would be forever grateful for.

  I was happy to say that I’d make some pretty great photos with the play on light in the back of the class. Every time I played with the light and the placement of the random object of the day, I learned a little more. Understood the art a little better.

  Friday at lunch was another sunny day where I looked like the despondent vampire with a sun allergy, all wrapped up in my floppy hat and sunglasses. It was especially ridiculous when everyone around me was soaking up as much vitamin D as they could. They might as well have been laying naked and horizontal to get the maximum amount of rays.

  “Astrid, did you know that Trey and Rhys will be there at the party this weekend?” Ryan nudged my leg with his bright red Nikes.

  “Isn’t that the point of going to the party? To have an opportunity to see them in their natural habitat, when they would be most likely to have their guard down?”

  “Are you wearing a barbed thong or something? You’re acting like you have spurs up your ass.” Ryan crossed his arms and openly lusted after Pat, who was standing in attendance with the in crowd. Right next to Rhys actually, but who was watching? Not me.

  “Sorry, Ry. My mother made me fill out college applications last night to the colleges they approved of.”

  “No apology required.” He shrugged.

  “What were you saying? Trey and Rhys will be at the party?” I prompted and attempted to look at least a little remorseful. Ryan shouldn’t have to put up with my poor attitude.

  “Trey and Rhys are going to be at the party. Didn’t you say their dad is an associate of your dad’s?”

  My gaze connected with Rhys’ for a fleeting second before I broke contact and turned my attention to the parking lot instead.

  “Yeah, but I don’t hang out with them, so I can’t tag along and be like ‘oh hey guys, can I come and take pictures of you without your permission?’” I plucked a piece of lush green grass and tossed it Ryan’s way.

  He snorted and wiped the grass off his lap. “Of course not. But your parent’s don’t know that. I say you tell your mom you’re going to hang out with Rhys. That’s the more believable of the two options anyway. No way your mom would think you would really hang out with a prick like Trey.”

  That was debatable. I almost felt like mom and Trey were cut from the same cloth, because they were certainly both stitched together with self-entitlement and a touch of cruelty.

  “Trey hasn’t showed that side of himself to my parents. He’s all manners and smiles.”

  He immediately shifted back to the important conversation. “Your parents sound like real schmoozers. If your mom thinks you’re going to hang out with the son of your dad’s work associate, she’ll be too busy planning your wedding to worry about where you are.” Ryan widened his eyes like he had single handedly earned my acceptance into college with his mere suggestion.

  “I don’t know. My mom’s weird about that kind of stuff.” And she was. I wouldn’t admit it to him, but this was actually pretty brilliant, and she could totally take the bait. Then again, she could see right through me and call Rhys’ mom to confirm.

  “Humor me. If she doesn’t go for it, I’ll sneak you out and she’ll never know.”

  At this point in my life, so close to freedom, I was starting to feel reckless. If I didn’t start testing the boundaries now, then I’d be stuck until graduation and that would hinder all of my plans. The last thing I wanted was to tether myself to them for longer than absolutely necessary.

  “I’ll try it. If it backfires, you have to give me all the juicy gossip.”

  “Girl, like keeping my lips sealed was even an option. Of course I’d give the gossip.” He patted my knee.

  The bell rang, and the throng of students started to pile inside the doors. How could they be so eager to rush back inside? All that waited for us were heartaches and pop quizzes.

  “I’ll catch you later, Astrid. Pat is calling my name.” Ryan touched my arm.

  Scrunching up my nose, I twisted around to see Pat talking to Rhys in the corner.

  “Not literally. You’re so crazy sometimes.” He rolled his eyes and loped off toward where Pat stood by the front doors.

  I took the path less traveled and entered from the side. English was my next class so I had to stop and switch my books. Two more hours, and then I’d put Ryan’s idea to the test.

  By the time I finally got to
my car, I’d taken two quizzes and read two chapters from the textbooks I’d gotten from the university. Using all my downtime was becoming a very efficient way to learn as much as I could.

  “Astrid.” Ryan jogged up to me, beaming from ear to ear.

  I smiled in return. “What are you so happy about?”

  “You’ll never guess what! Hey, can you drop me off at home? I’ll tell you on the way.” He ran around the car, nearly knocking over a freshman walking by.

  The kid flipped us the bird and kept on walking.

  “Sure, I’d love to give you a ride.” I answered, even though he wasn’t really asking.

  He fingered the magpie card hanging from the rearview mirror, as I shut the door and turned on the ignition.

  “What’s this?”

  I left the car in park as I turned the card over so he could see the lyric. The Avett Brothers were one of my favorites that I rotated on the regular.

  Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise was possibly one of the most meaningful songs for me. Other teenagers went to vapid parties and dreamed of boys who only wanted empty one-night stands. But me? I wanted something more significant. Something that couldn’t be taken from me. And I found some of that in the Avett Brothers lyrics.

  “Decide what to be and go be it. What’s that from?”

  “Only one of the best songs ever.” Shifting into drive, I navigated out of the pit of hormones and despair. In other words, the high school parking lot.

  “Any way. I have a date to the party Saturday night.” He bounced in his seat, pretending to wipe a tear from his eye.

  “Ryan, I thought the whole point was to go incognito so I could get some great shots of bad decisions.”

  “Don’t worry, there will be plenty of those. But that isn’t even the best part!”

  He was starting to scare me. If there was one thing I learned about Ryan, it was to be afraid of anything that excited him. Wow, there were so many places I could take that, but I wasn’t going to. Nope.

  “And that is…”

  “Rhys was there when I walked up to Pat, all cool and nonchalant. You know what he asked? He asked if you were coming to the party with me.”