The Lake

by Grant, AnnaLisa

  “Ok…clearly there’s more to this than you’re letting on,” I prompt after Luke and Claire exit the kitchen.

  “I don’t think you should go,” he says as a matter of fact.

  “Why?” I ask.

  “You wouldn’t like it there. It’s just a bunch of attorneys talking shop for a week. It’s lame. You shouldn’t go. Let’s stay here. Stay here with me.” He’s getting anxious. This is a side of Will I immediately do not like, not because it makes me afraid that I’m going to see the Will from Halloween, but because I can see that he’s hiding something.

  “Will, if we’re going to be friends, you can’t lie to me,” I say.

  “It’s nothing. I guess I’m just nervous about you being around my father again. My feelings for you haven’t changed, Layla, and he’ll see that,” he says.

  “Mine haven’t changed for you either, Will, but we won’t be lying when we tell him that we’re not romantically involved. Ok? It’ll be ok.” I stand behind Will as he sits at the island and put my hands on his shoulders in a show of comfort and support.

  “Yeah, you’re right. I’m sorry I was being ridiculous. It’s going to be fine. Chris and Ty will be there, so we’ll just all hang out. It’ll be great,” he says working to convince both of us.

  “It’ll be great. You’ll see!”

  *****

  The drive to Asheville is as stunning as the drive to Grandfather Mountain. I’m glad I’m not behind the wheel because I can’t take my eyes off the view. Around each bend in the road is a new perspective that rivals the one before. It feels like I’m opening an endless present.

  The resort is nestled in the mountains and surrounded by trees as far as I can see. The décor of the lobby is beautifully rustic with wood-carved lamps topped with parchment shades ornamented with silhouettes of cowboys, bears, fish, and maple trees. There’s a fireplace in the lobby big enough for five people to stand in. The red and orange flames licking the underside of the thick mantel are mesmerizing.

  Luke, Claire and I step off the elevator and walk the long, low-lit corridor to our rooms. It takes a long time to reach our doors as we have been assigned to the farthest end of the hall. I think that it must be a move on Gregory Meyer’s part in his efforts to ensure I’m kept as far away from Will as possible.

  “Layla, how about you take this room?” Luke says pointing to the door next to theirs. Our rooms are adjoining, but Luke gives me the key and motions for me to enter through the main door in the hall. “I think you’re going to like this room a lot.” I open the door and discover the most perfect room I have ever seen in my life. There’s a double four-poster bed made of rich wood caddy-corner in the room, a small dresser, and skinny French doors that open to a private balcony. The most perfect piece of all is a rocking chair that sits waiting for me on the balcony, a warm blanket folded neatly over one arm.

  “Thank you, Uncle Luke. It’s perfect,” I say smiling at him. He smiles back and leaves me to soak in the beauty and perfection of this room.

  After taking in the view from the rocking chair for a few minutes, I unpack my things and go to find Luke and Claire in the dining room. It is here that Luke introduces me to two attorneys and a paralegal and their families. Their kids are a few years younger than me, and I can already see what Will has been talking about. They are so self-absorbed. One girl spent five minutes complaining because there was no one available to carry their luggage when they arrived. Another whined because one of the seven sweaters she brought is one that she wore last year. It’s laughable and Claire has to help me stop before I end up in hysterics.

  Each family is on their own for dinner so Luke, Claire and I eat in the hotel seated at a table by the window overlooking a meadow and the far end of a vineyard.

  “So how are you and Will doing with trying out the friend thing?” Claire asks.

  “I think we’re doing really well, actually. It was hard at first, still hard, but not having too much time alone together has been helpful. Has he…said anything?” I ask Luke, wondering if all that time in the basement has offered much opportunity for conversation.

  “Nothing that you don’t already know. He’s still very much in love with you,” Luke replies. His delivery is interesting, like he’s hoping I’ll say the same thing.

  “How are you feeling about him?” Claire asks directly.

  “Honestly? I love him more now than I ever have. But…you were right, Claire. You said if we could just wait until graduation then you’d be able to help us. I’m sorry that I put you at risk. It would have devastated me if Mr. Meyer had done anything to the two of you,” I say.

  “Don’t be sorry, Layla. You’re our family and we would do anything for you. We love you and take joy in being there for you, regardless of what the situation is. It means more to us than you realize,” Luke says reaching across the table and squeezing my hand. Claire pats my back. It’s nice to feel so bonded to them. It feels like when Mom and Dad were alive.

  “We just wanted to make sure you were doing ok. I know it’s been difficult, but we’ve been watching and we think you’re doing a great job,” Claire says sweetly. It’s nice to know that they’re actively watching out for me.

  After dinner we go back to our rooms and I take a shower. I can hear the obnoxious children whining across the hall as I get ready for bed. I sit with a blanket in the rocking chair on my private balcony and think about what a gift Luke has given me. It’s dark and there’s a chill in the air. I can’t see the mountains but I can hear the rustle of the trees.

  A warm rush of emotions comes over me and I am overwhelmed with the wish that Will was with me. I wonder what he’s doing, if he’s thinking of me, too. I sit and rock and listen to the wind blow through the trees for a long time. I listen so intently that soon the sound drowns out the annoying screeches of my young prima donna neighbors. Eventually they quiet and go to sleep, which means I can, too.

  That night I dream that Will and I are walking hand in hand on the beach when his father approaches us. Will takes a physical stance to protect me when his father puts up his hands in surrender. Gregory Meyer holds his arms out to give me a hug, embraces me and says, “Welcome.” Then he hands me a broom and directs me to get to work on clearing all the sand out of the beach house we are suddenly standing in. All the associates from the firm are there and I’m in a maid’s uniform. I look around and see Will standing with a beautiful blonde, smiling, with his father’s arm hung proudly around him.

  It’s still pitch black outside when I wake up very disturbed. Why does this have to be so difficult? I think. All I want is to be really and truly happy. More than that, I want Will to be happy. I can’t help but become torn. Maybe being friends is really the extent of where our relationship is supposed to go. Perhaps my anticipation of the freedom graduation will bring is over zealous. Do I need to really sever my feelings for Will so he can find someone his father approves of? This isn’t about severing my feelings for Will. It’s about understanding that Will and I can never be together, no matter how much we love each other. Will is my best friend, and I’m committed to doing whatever I have to do keep him safe.

  I sleep for a while longer, but not well after my disconcerting dream. When I wake the sun is just starting to rise and there’s a faint orange glow outside. I get up, pull my hair into a ponytail and get dressed. I quietly brush my teeth and make my way down to the lobby. I follow a sign I noticed last night pointing to a nature trail. The trail is well marked, so I’m not too nervous about being a Florida girl alone on a hilly and twisted nature trail for the first time in my life.

  The sun is rising and casting the most brilliant light through the trees. The leaves look like they’re glowing. The wind whips around me and the smell of spring fills my nose. There are flowering trees and bushes all around and they smell divine. I stop and close my eyes, inhale deeply, and exhale slowly. In this moment I can be in love with Will. I can feel every emotion I have for him and not have to hide my expression. I p
icture his remarkable smile, remember how it felt when he kissed me, and even how he smells. I think about the first time he held my hand as he helped me along the path from the dock in the dark. I know I can’t stay out here forever, so I want to enjoy the moments I have.

  But my Zen moment is interrupted too soon with an unexpected visitor.

  “Well, good morning!” I hear the man’s voice bellow too loudly for this hour of the morning.

  I turn and see Gregory Meyer approaching me, just a few yards away. I hadn’t expected to see anyone, let alone him, out here so early. At least I know I can answer him honestly about my relationship with Will, should he feel the need to question me again. Despite my efforts to force mind over matter, nervousness weighs me down like a ton of bricks and I’m glued to this spot.

  “Good morning, sir,” I say, trying to sound strong. “It’s nice to see you again, Mr. Meyer.” I extend my hand to shake his. He offers his as well and I give him my best firm handshake. He holds my hand and my gaze even longer than he did the night of the dinner party inquisition and my stomach ties itself in knots.

  “It’s very nice to see you, too, Layla. How are you enjoying Asheville?” he asks, charming as ever. I’m on my guard, doing my best to analyze everything from the words he uses to the tone and delivery of each one.

  “I like it very much. It’s beautiful, and this is a wonderful resort. Thank you,” I say with a smile. All I want is for him to see that I appreciate this trip, thus, appreciating him and hope that he backs off.

  “Oh, you’re so welcome. I’m glad you like it. Have you met any of the other children here? Oh, I’m sorry. You’re clearly not a child.” He corrects himself but his mistake is intentional…and creepy. He drops his eyes and lifts them up the length of my body. I literally feel dirty in that moment and have an uncontrollable compulsion to take the hottest shower I’ve ever had in my life.

  “I did meet a few younger kids who are staying near our rooms. Everyone has been very welcoming,” I say, ignoring his pedophilic stare.

  “And you’ve had a chance to see William?”

  “Not yet, sir.” I reply.

  “Well, just try to contain yourself,” he says. “Show a little decorum.”

  “I’m sorry? I don’t understand,” I say.

  “Let’s not play games, Miss Weston. If you think for one second that I don’t know what’s going on between you and my son, you’re profoundly mistaken,” he says coolly.

  “Mr. Meyer, there is nothing going on between Will and me. We’re just friends,” I say, confident in my truthful statement.

  “Watch yourself, Miss Weston. I know when a witness is lying through her teeth,” he says, lifting my chin with the tip of his finger. I am officially scared and have finally grasped the full reality of Gregory Meyer’s ability to intimidate someone into doing exactly what he wants. I turn my head away and take an uneasy step back. His face grimaces even more at my defiance. “Stay away from my son or there will be consequences. Do you understand, Miss Weston?” I nod in acknowledgment, grateful that he isn’t requiring me to speak. “Well,” he continues smoothly, “I’ll be on my way. I’m going to finish my morning walk and then head back to the dining room for some breakfast. I take a walk on this trail every morning. Perhaps I’ll see you again out here enjoying the morning air. It certainly has been the highlight of my day,” he says.

  I nod again, screaming out in my head, “There’s no way in hell I’m going to be caught out here or anywhere by myself with you again!”

  “It was lovely to see you again, Miss Weston.” He nods his head and continues his walk.

  I stand there and close my eyes. Breathe, I chant to myself. My heart is racing and my hands are trembling. Oh, my god. I have seriously underestimated Gregory Meyer. What the hell have I gotten myself into?

  Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.

  I make my way swiftly back through the winding trail and join everyone for breakfast. Before I have a private moment to tell them, Claire tells me the rest of the kids are meeting to go hiking later and wondered if I was planning on joining them. Of course I am. These group gatherings are my only chance to spend time with Will. There’s no time to tell her about what just happened with Gregory Meyer now so I’ll have to tell her later. At least the group activity will provide some relief. I look up and see Tyler waving to me. I am so happy to see him that I practically throw myself into his arms. He laughs and tells me Will asked him to come collect me. He and Chris are going to provide a sense of normalcy in the midst of all the insanity this week.

  “I’m so happy to see you Ty. I’m trapped across the hall from future cast members of the Real Housewives!” I say, knowing he knows exactly what I mean.

  “No problem! Will asked me and Chris to keep and eye on you,” he says.

  “Great! I’m glad I get to hang with you.” Tyler puts his arm around my shoulder as we walk to meet up with the rest of the group. “I ran into Will’s dad this morning,” I tell him. I need to get it out. It’s like when you have a terrifyingly real dream and you want to relay it to someone so you can prove to yourself it wasn’t real.

  “What? How did that go?” he asks, shocked.

  “It was…awful…but don’t tell Will. It’ll just freak him out. I couldn’t sleep and was up early, so I got up and took a walk on the nature trail. I was just standing there and he came right up to me. He was so creepy, Ty.” I think about telling Tyler the disgusting once over Mr. Meyer gave me but decide it’s too embarrassing. Since Will said the others didn’t know about the threats his dad made to Holly’s family, I decide I shouldn’t tell Ty about this morning’s intimidation.

  “I’m so sorry, Layla. Chris and I will make sure you’re never alone with him…or any of the others,” he says, making a spooky voice. We laugh. “We’ll rescue you should you get cornered,” Tyler says, giving me a nudge.

  I’m used to Will being the one to rescue me, but will gladly take Tyler as a hero any day.

  Will and Chris are already there and join us. “Hey Layla,” Chris says. I haven’t seen him for a while, so I’m glad he’s here.

  “Hey, Will,” I say. I’m nervous and afraid to tell him about my encounter with his father. I’m taken off guard when he comes close and hugs me and whispers in my ear, “I’m happy to see you.”

  “Me, too,” I whisper back as I scour the crowd for informants.

  Another group suddenly surrounds us. We break our hug and work to make small talk about getting settled into our respective rooms, and how I like the mountains. The four of us hike together, with Will insisting that I walk between him and Tyler. He razzes me about my two left feet and says that I’ll have a lower risk of injury if he and Tyler both kept watch. Plus, he doesn’t want anyone having easy access to me. He’s still determined to protect me from as much as he can. If only he had been there this morning.

  “Did you tell him yet?” Tyler asks.

  “Tell me what?” Will says.

  “About this morning…” Ty continues.

  “What part of, don’t tell Will did you not understand, Ty?” I say, shooting Tyler a deadly stare. “I ran into your father this morning.”

  “What? How did that happen? I’ve been with him all morning? Are you ok?” Will is in shock and almost trips on a rock.

  “I’m fine! I woke up super early and couldn’t go back to sleep, so I went out to take a walk. I was just standing there and he came right up to me.” I try to mimic Claire’s calming tone. It always soothes whatever the message is.

  Will grimaces. “How…did it go?” He speaks slowly.

  “Actually, I think it went fine,” I lie. “He asked how I was enjoying Asheville. I told him it was great and thanked him for being a gracious host,” I say, trying to sound very matter-of-fact, without emotion. I don’t want to tell him the details of what scared me to death and made me realize that I’m in much deeper than I realized.

  “Oh, ok. Well…it sounds like it went…well.” Will says breat
hing a sigh of relief.

  “It did, so, no worries, ok,” I say. I don’t like lying to Will, but now is not the time to go into just how right Will was about his father not buying our story. Now I don’t even have Marcus as a backup. I give Tyler another deadly stare and he just shrugs. I’ll take issue with him on this later.

  Will makes a hard-lined smile and we leave the conversation there. There will be little chance of me running into Mr. Meyer alone again, so I’m not worried about a repeat of this morning. I’ll just do my best to enjoy these days I have in the mountains. The four of us hike along watching the rest of the group blatantly work hard to prove which one of them spent the most on their high-end outerwear. It’s sad really. They don’t have a clue what real happiness is. I do. I’m experiencing it at this very moment as I walk between my best friend and our trusted confidants.

  Chapter 22

  By Friday there have been only a few opportunities for me to exchange words with Mr. Meyer – mainly hello, good-bye, please and thank you – and someone was always with me, usually Luke or Claire. I only feel slightly as scared and creeped out as I had been on the trail. I don’t spend any time alone with Will because I don’t want to add fuel to Gregory Meyer’s fire. My imagination goes wild any time I think about what consequences means to him, so I do my best to keep myself distracted.

  I told Claire what happened on the trail and she told me not to be too worried. “He’s just trying to make sure your feathers are sufficiently ruffled so that you stay scared.”

  Mission accomplished.

  I’m spending quite a bit of time with Tyler though. He retrieves me from my room in the morning before anyone else has a chance to intercept my day. While Will is entertaining others at his father’s instruction, it’s Tyler who keeps me company.

  Today is one of those days. Mr. Meyer is meeting with a prospective client whom he invited to bring his family to the resort for the day and it’s Will’s job to make sure the client’s kids are occupied.