The Truth in Lies (The Truth in Lies Saga)

by McDonald, Jeanne

  It was a soft, sweet melody, with a twinge of heartbreak underlining the tone. I stood at the door and listened as the music impregnated the atmosphere. There was a longing and a desire that reached into the recesses of my chest and tugged at my heartstrings. I closed my eyes, engrossed in the mellow pitch of the ivory keys. Tears streamed down my face as his music reached my soul.

  I opened my eyes and watched his persona as he played. He sat at the piano with perfect posture. His tall frame was accentuated with the movement of his body. I could see the ripple of his muscles flexing under his white collared shirt, as he moved with performance precision. His skin was lightly kissed by the sunlight gleaming in through the window and his dark blond hair flowed gently over his shoulders. I’ve never actually thought of Jared as anything more than a friend, but I had to admit to myself, he was a beautiful specimen of a man. I found it astonishing that he was single, and even more amazing that he wasn’t banging a new chick every night like most single men in this town.

  It was once suggested to me that maybe Jared was gay. So, I asked him. To my amazement he answered me with a laugh. He wasn’t offended by my question and even admitted that he enjoyed the company of a woman, as long as it was the right woman. It made me smile to know I wasn’t the only person in the world who had the belief of ‘know ‘em before you shag ‘em.’

  As the melody climaxed, Jared’s breathing became more erratic. His head moved with each beat and tone. Then it came to a stop. A low C-note hung in the air, teetering as it slowly drifted away. The music had been pouring out of him so freely that I hadn’t even considered the emotion that must have been flowing through him as well. Sure, he was a flirt, and a comedian, but he was also an old soul. He hung his heart on his sleeve and wore it there proudly.

  “That was beautiful, Jared,” I whispered through my tears.

  He jumped in his seat, turning to face me. “I didn’t hear you come in. How long have you been standing there?”

  “Not long. I didn’t mean to interrupt. I heard you playing when I came in.”

  Jared stood up from the piano bench and walked toward me. “You didn’t interrupt, McKenzie. I was just fiddling around.”

  He wrapped his arm around my shoulder as we walked across the hall to our office. “Well, your fiddlin’ was beautiful. Have you thought about selling that melody?”

  Jared released me as we entered the office. He followed me to my desk and perched himself on the edge. “My work isn’t for sale. You know that.”

  I sat down in my chair and turned on my computer. “People need to hear the beauty you write, Jared. It’s a tragedy for it to go unheard.”

  “My music never goes unheard.” His light brown eyes looked almost gold as he peered at me from under his long lashes. “I have a wonderful audience in you and the children.”

  He often used his own music around the children. The emotion that came out in his music was very soothing to them. I loved how it would calm a child that was in the middle of a full melt down. Melt downs were never easy, because the child loses control of their emotions. Most people believe it’s just a child throwing a temper tantrum, but in reality, it’s a child who can’t gain control, and it’s scaring them.

  “Very true, but I want to see you compose outside of this classroom,” I stated firmly.

  “Someday,” he replied, patting my hand. His crooked smile caused me to grin. Talking about his career helped me take the focus off of my own problems.

  “It better be,” I reiterated.

  Jared’s laughter warmed me, but it didn’t escape my notice that his smile didn’t reach his eyes. He was worried about something. That was plain to see.

  It shouldn’t have come as a shock to me when he asked, “So, are you going to tell me what’s wrong?”

  But it did, leaving my mouth drooping like a fish. “How did you…”

  He lightly brushed his thumb under my eye. “You’ve been crying for awhile. More so than normal.”

  “I knew I should have used some of Olivia’s makeup today,” I scolded myself. There was simply no use in lying to Jared. I opted for the truth instead. “I left Nate last night.”

  “You did what?” he exclaimed.

  “Don’t look at me like that,” I demanded, instantly forcing him to wipe the shocked expression from his face. My shoulders slumped forward, resting my elbows on the edge of the desk next to his thighs. “I couldn’t take it anymore. The loneliness was stifling.” I clasped my hands together, staring at my blank computer screen.

  “I’m proud of you. I know you love Nate, but for once you’re thinking of your well-being.” Jared pulled my fingers apart and took my hand in his.

  “Why does everyone keep saying that? You, Liv, and God only knows my mother will when I tell her,” I huffed. “I feel horrible about this. I hurt him. I left him. I ran away.”

  Jared gently tilted my face to meet his eyes. “McKenzie, you’ve done nothing wrong here. He hurt you. He left you. And you didn’t run away. You took care of yourself for once. Quit worrying about Nate.”

  “Easier said than done,” I whispered.

  “For you, that’s very true.”

  I shook the mouse connected to my computer, and instantly it hummed to life, allowing me to pull up my schedule for the day. It gave me a great escape from the conversation we were having.

  “Looks like I’m here all day. My first appointment is at 9:15, so I need to get some flash cards printed out.”

  Jared didn’t hesitate. He knew I meant the conversation was over. He gently patted my hand. “I’m here all day as well. What do you say to having lunch with me off campus today? My treat.”

  “You don’t have to do that.”

  “My treat,” he repeated.

  I laughed. “You’re not going to let me out of this, are you?”

  “Nope.” He smacked his lips, as he pushed away from my desk without another word.

  I shook my head watching as he left our office and headed back across the hall. Refusing to think about anything, I immediately threw myself into my work, grateful for something that would finally take my mind off of Nate.

  The day passed by rapidly, and I was happy that I didn’t take Olivia’s advice to stay home. I felt better being around the children. Their bright, smiling faces brought joy to my day.

  My final session before lunch ended a little early, so I began straightening up the observation room. Moments later, Jared’s shaggy, blonde head peeked in. “You ready?”

  “Sure. Where’re we goin’ anyway?”

  “I was thinking The Sandwich Bar?”

  “Sounds great.”

  I stacked the remaining flashcards on the table, and hurried into our office where I grabbed my purse, and followed Jared out of the school.

  “Let’s take my car,” he suggested.

  I rolled my eyes. He would do anything to show off his Mustang. It wasn’t my place to argue, so instead, I slipped into the passenger seat after he chivalrously opened the door for me.

  Once I was secured, he strutted over to the driver’s side and fell in. The roar of the engine would have woken the dead had we been near a cemetery. Strong vibrations idled through the vehicle allowing its passengers to feel the power under the hood.

  Gas poured through the internal combustion system, sending it breezing down the streets of Sarasota, invoking onlookers to bask in its American muscle glory. Rubber met asphalt leading us to our destination.

  Jared was respectful of my silence. He didn’t pressure me. Instead, he allowed me to be lost in my thoughts, as I stared out the window.

  When we arrived, Jared wasted no time jumping out of the car to open my door. He offered me his hand and helped me from the bucket seat.

  “Make sure to look both ways,” he teased as he escorted me across Main Street. Hanging over the front door of the restaurant was a faded brick colored awning with the name of the facility inscribed in huge white letters. The Sandwich Bar was your average small town institut
ion. It had been open since the fifties and there wasn’t a soul in Sarasota that hadn’t had one of their sandwiches.

  As we walked into the sandwich shop, my mouth began to water. The smell of the fresh bread was intoxicating and reminded me that I had neglected my body by missing breakfast.

  Much like any bar around the world, neon signs adorned the dark paneled walls which were contrasted by the light colored tile on the floor. Leather covered booths lined the walls of the restaurant, while individual tables and chairs were scattered ergonomically for optimal service. Circular florescent lighting was arranged around the area, casting a dim yet bright glow around the room, and a bar was set up near the back for the afternoon drinkers.

  The urge to order a Coors Light was overwhelming, but I refrained since I had to return to school. I was proud of myself for not succumbing to the power of the delightful brew.

  We were quickly seated and placed our orders. I ordered my customary salad. They had the best chef salad in town, and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity of enjoying such a treat.

  Our table was stationed close to the front, near a window. Jared and I chatted idly while we waited for our meal to arrive. He talked about everything but the elephant in the room. The waitress arrived with our food. When she placed my salad before me, Jared groaned with a dramatic roll of his eyes.

  “I bring you to a sandwich shop and you order a salad. Are you afraid of getting fat? Because let me tell you, sweetheart, that’s not an issue you need to be concerned about. You’re perfect.”

  I poured Italian dressing over the greens. “I just like their salads here.”

  “If you say so,” Jared groaned even louder, before taking a bite of his overly stuffed Italian meat sandwich.

  I tossed my salad, ensuring everything was evenly mixed before taking my first bite. We ate in silence, watching as people passed on the street. I always enjoyed people watching. It was funny to me the things people would do when they think no one is looking.

  A heavy set man walked past the front of the building wearing a faded green overcoat that barely wrapped around his sizeable abdomen. His meaty finger was shoved so far up his nose that his knuckle quite literally disappeared into the recesses of his nostril. When that wasn’t enough for him, he circled his finger around a little bit, then extract this sausage size appendage from his nose. Following it was something nasty and green to which he wiped across his jacket. I couldn’t help but think to myself that he was lucky that his boogie matched his jacket, but it would be unfortunate if someone brushed against him later.

  “At least you’re smiling,” Jared said.

  My focus on the booger guy was lost. I returned my attention to the cutie, with his mouthful, dinning with me.

  “Hmm?”

  He dropped his sandwich on his plate to take a drink of his soda. He then cleared his throat. “Do you feel like telling me what happened over the weekend,” he finally asked.

  I laid down my fork with a sigh. “What do you want to know?”

  “This isn’t the Spanish Inquisition, McKenzie. If you don’t want to talk about it, just tell me.” Jared sound offended by my reaction.

  I reached over and wrapped my fingers around his wrist. “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay,” he muttered. “I know you’re hurting. I only want to help.”

  “I know you do, my friend. It all started last night,” I began. That’s when I spilled my guts to him. No gory detail was left out. That was the nice thing about Jared; I could tell him everything and he wouldn’t judge me. He’d simply listen.

  Once I finished with my tale, he reached over and squeezed my hand. His golden eyes bore into mine, and a determined expression surfaced.

  “Now, you know that I hate agreeing with the wicked witch, but she’s right. You can’t doubt yourself. Having heard all of this, I think you did the right thing.”

  “It feels right, but it doesn’t. Does that make any sense?”

  Jared nodded; a tender, knowing smile tilted his mouth. “Yeah, it does.” He patted my hand once more before returning to his sandwich. Through a mouthful of salami, a mischievous grin broadened over his mouth. “Now, about this Drew guy.”

  My fork fell from my hand, having been caught completely off guard. I swallowed hard. “Um, what about him?” My voice filled with trepidation.

  Jared swallowed his bite. “You said he gave you his number?”

  I nodded once.

  “Just like that?” He snapped his fingers.

  I shrugged. “He was just being nice. Nothing more.”

  “Right,” he said with a hint of sarcasm dripping from his tongue. Placing his elbows on the table, Jared linked his fingers together in front of his face, analyzing me. “Guys don’t give their numbers out to girls they feel sorry for.”

  My palms turned sweaty, and as my breathing intensified, I felt the need to defend Drew’s actions. “He’s a divorce attorney. I’m sure he gives his card to a million people a day.”

  Jared took a drink of his cola. “I know, but you’re not married. So, therefore, you’re outside his clientele. Gutsy move on his part is all I’m saying.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” I deflected. I pushed my salad away, feeling my stomach churning again.

  “Nothing,” he proclaimed. “I just find it odd that he gave you his number like that.”

  “I think he was just being nice.”

  He picked at the bread on his sandwich, pressing the soft dough between his fingertips. “McKenzie, you always see nothing but the best in people. Just be careful. That’s all I’m saying.”

  There was finality in his statement that warned me not to press the matter further. Taking heed to the warning, I picked up my fork and began toying with a cherry tomato.

  Momentary silence encompassed us. Jared took a massive bite of his sandwich, almost too big for his mouth. A little dollop of mayonnaise caressed the corner of his mouth, so, I took my napkin and dabbed it from his lips.

  “You had something right there...” I pointed out, the telltale sign of my shyness painted my cheeks, indicated by the warm influx of my blood.

  “Thanks,” he breathed.

  “Well, look at what the cat dragged in,” rang a voice I hadn’t expected to hear. There stood Drew dressed in a dark gray suit, with an odd expression on his face.

  “Drew?” The cracking of my voice was humiliating. “What are you doing, I mean, uh, hi,” I stammered.

  Jared muttered under his breath, “So this is Drew. Hmm.” The sound of his snarky chuckle grated on my nerves. “Speak of the devil and he shall appear.” I nudged him in the ribs, beseeching him to hush.

  A smile appeared on Drew’s lips. While he looked genuinely happy to see me, there was something about his eyes that screamed he was upset.

  “It’s good to see you too, Mickie.” Drew turned his attention to Jared. “And you must be Nate. I heard a lot about you last night.”

  Jared appeared stunned for a moment. Regaining his composure, he shook his head with a small smile. “No, I’m Jared,” he replied.

  Nervously, Drew’s fingers curled into his hair. His eyes dropped to the floor then cut back to me. I shrugged sucking my bottom lip between my teeth as my face scrunched tight.

  “Yeah, um, Drew, this is Jared Christopher, my friend and work colleague, and Jared, this is Andrew Wise. Olivia’s…”

  Drew offered his hand to Jared. “…Mickie’s new friend,” he inserted for me.

  Jared stood from his chair, extending his hand to Drew. It appeared as if there was a momentary power struggle between the two men as they shook hands; both staring each other directly in the eyes with a determined look on their faces. “Pleasure to meet you,” Jared said.

  “Likewise,” Drew responded with a lift of his eyebrow.

  As they released hands, Jared plopped back down in the chair beside me. Drew leaned forward, resting his hands on the chair in front of him.

  “Are you doing okay?” Drew asked
me, concern inundating his tone.

  Humiliated by my behavior in front of him at Olivia’s, I determined that lying to him was better than revealing the truth.

  “Yeah. I’m much better. Thanks for asking,” I stated with false sincerity, picking at the cuticle on my thumb.

  “Are you sure?” he challenged.

  My brow furrowed as I tried to make sense of his question. Habits are often hard to break, and an old one of mine resurfaced, as I contemplated his inquiry. Pressing my cuticle to my teeth, I pulled the skin away from my thumb causing myself to bleed.

  Through the twinge of pain from the ripping of skin, the thought occurred to me. “Liv told you, didn’t she?”

  His smile faltered. “She did.”

  I sighed placing my head in my hands, mortified by what he must be thinking of me.

  “I’m going to kill her,” I hissed.

  Chapter Six

  “Don’t be angry with her,” Drew said. I caught a glimpse of his eyes. For an attorney, he seemed to be struggling with keeping his emotions from showing. “She’s simply worried about you.”

  I nodded with an exasperated sigh. “I know. I guess she told you everything?”

  “Enough,” he replied, his voice low, almost as if he were challenging me to demand more, yet knowing he wouldn’t give me what I sought. I was beginning to think that evasiveness was a common place occurrence for this man.

  A young waitress approached us, standing silently next to Drew. He cocked his head to the side and smiled.

  “How’s it going, Amy?”

  Amy’s muddy brown eyes were dulled by the amount of heavy eye shadow she was wearing. Her overly painted lips burst into a huge grin at Drew’s acknowledgement.

  “Not too bad. Is Gavin joining you today?” she asked. Her excitement in seeing Drew had me near laughter, yet, there was a twinge in my chest of something else. This girl knew him. Better than I did apparently. I wasn’t too sure how I felt about that.

  Drew looked down at me, his lips twitching into a playful smirk.