Love and Lies

by Duffey, Jennifer

  “Thank you.” I rose up on my toes and kissed his cheek.

  After watching Eric rush off to class, I caught up with Alec just inside the building. We skipped down the hall, laughing. Logan leaned against the door of my first class. In his hand he held a bouquet of wild flowers and an envelope. Alec was behind me, and Logan watched from his spot against the door. I opened the envelope. My heart raced, and my breath hitched when I saw the tickets. Sage. He'd done it. Logan had gotten the tickets. Even though I knew about his plans, I wasn't sure he’d be able to pull it off so quickly. I mean, it’d been less than twenty-four hours since I overheard him and Alec.

  “I can't believe it!” I screeched, jumped around to Alec, and shook the tickets wildly in his face.

  He watched, smirking.

  Logan held his hands over his ears. “Girl, you have to stop. That high pitched squeal will bring the dogs running.” He leaned down and kissed the top of my head, his hands on my shoulders keeping my feet on the ground. “Happy Birthday.”

  I turned to Logan, whose face brightened with a smile right before he broke into song. I didn't recognize it as a cover. Instead, it was a song he'd written. I knew it was an original. When he wrote an original composition the song took on a certain flare. I couldn't describe it, but the passion in his voice lit up my soul. The intensity wasn't as strong when he was singing someone else's song.

  “Logan, what would I do without you? You really know how to make my day.” I placed a hand on his right cheek and gave him a kiss on the other.

  “I figured you needed an original present.”

  I read the note in the envelope. Happy Birthday, these are for you. Take whomever you want. There are five tickets. L.

  “It's awesome. Thank you so much. So does that mean you'll come to the concert?” I asked even though I knew the answer.

  “I'll definitely be there. No way would I miss a chance to spend a Saturday with you...and everyone else.” Logan's voice broke off as he left for his next class.

  “So you've got five tickets here. Who else are you going to take besides Logan?” Alec batted his eyelashes. He had to-die-for eyelashes. Long and thick, the kind that made every girl swoon. Too bad for him they didn't work as well on most of the guys he chased.

  “I dunno who to take. I guess I could take you—I'll think about it and let you know.” I gave him a quick peck on the cheek then headed to class.

  A glance over my shoulder told me what I needed to know. Alec was shocked. That was my plan. I wanted to make his invitation grand.

  I slid into my seat just as Professor Jurgensmeyer walked in to start class. Hunched over the desk, I started doodling on my notebook. It was hard for me to sit still for too long if I wasn't sketching. My bag vibrated on the floor, and I dug out my phone. It was from Eric.

  That kiss wasn’t your gift by the way. I've got something for you later.

  I texted back: I would hope not.  Later, as in how much later? I've got something for you, too.

  Eric responded: After class. Meet me outside at the bleachers.

  I sent a quick text telling him I’d be there and slipped my phone back into my bag. The rest of the class, my smile never faded. The world was right again, and it was my birthday.

  * * * *

  Eric waited for me outside, poised on the lowest bench. He held a bouquet of chocolate bars rather than flowers. A man after my heart. I chuckled as I slid next to his side. He put his arm around me, and I felt the heat from his body. He bent down and kissed me with a kiss softer than a butterfly's wings.

  “Chocolate bars. Yum. And original. Thank you. So how’s your day so far?”

  Eric chuckled. “My day is going well, even though it just started. Then again, any day that I get to see you is a good day.” He kissed me again, this time more playfully. Our lips pressed together as he ran his hand along my ribs. His gentle touch tickled and made me wriggle around.

  My face warmed to the point I was sure it had turned a shade of tomato red. “Where did this side of you come from?”

  Eric's brows tilted in confusion.

  “Any day you get to see me is a good day? Really? That's like one of the oldest lines in the book. Can't you do better than that?”

  “Ahh, you are feeling better.” He cleared his throat. “Okay, Carissa, my day is wonderful. I woke up this morning rested, and now I've had the chance to kiss the most beautiful pain in the ass, stubborn, and defiant woman I’ve dated.” Eric lowered his chin in my direction. “Is that better?”

  “Yeah, I guess so.”

  Our third kiss last longer. I wrapped my arms around his neck, and Eric lifted me into his lap. He pushed his tongue between my lips and deepened our kiss. Blinding heat filled my body, and I rocked into him. He didn’t give back though and pulled away. He rested his forehead on mine as we both took a moment to catch our breath. “Okay, you've got to stop doing that. I can't concentrate.”

  “That's the point, but keep going. I believe you had something to give me.”

  “Yeah, I do. But you need to know where they came from before I give them to you, and you can't get mad.” Somehow I had to make sure Eric wouldn’t overreact.

  “Okay.” Eric's eyes narrowed.

  “Well, Logan got me a birthday present that involves all four of us. There are five tickets. Logan is going since he got the tickets, and I've got a plan to ask Alec if he'll go, and we both know he'll say yes. Which brings us to you. I know I probably scared you away. Even though from your kisses, I hope I'm wrong on that assumption. But I like spending time with you. So I hope you'll come with us.”

  “These tickets are for what? And why would I be mad at Logan?”

  “Sage, and I don’t know. I just…I mean…You aren’t mad?”

  “Yeah, I'm in,” he said without debate. “And I’m not mad. I know you and Logan don’t have anything going on, despite how much he would like to change that. On one condition.” Eric stared at me until I nodded. “I'm the only person that can take you to the concert.”

  “No.”

  “No?”

  There was the Eric I was coming to know. Mr. Stubborn. Preferring to have things his way. So far, I’d been shocked by the change in his personality. Maybe not change, but this was a layer I wasn’t expecting.

  “No. I want all of us to go together. This is my birthday present, and we're going to do things my way. I won't let you bulldoze the other two.” I crossed my arms over my chest. I wouldn't let Eric dictate the night.

  “Fine. But I'm taking you to dinner, and we'll meet them afterward. Logan may have gotten the tickets, but the date will be with me.”

  “Okay. That, I'll agree to. “

  “So, I'll see you later.”

  I nodded and watched him wiggle his tight little butt to his next class.

  Forcefully, I made myself turn away and plan my attack on Alec. He was going to be difficult. God love him, Alec wore his feelings on his shoulders and had no problem voicing it to everyone. Being the drama queen that he was, Alec would have made a fantastic drama teacher.

  I decided to go for groveling. We all had a break between classes right around noon—it was the perfect setup for fawning, and I could get Logan's help. I planned to make a huge scene that put Alec in the spotlight. Just the way he liked it. The chance that I might enjoy it as well was a perk.

  * * * *

  All the cafeteria tables were large round tables. They sat eight to ten students each. I stopped Logan outside of the cafeteria and asked him to make sure and get a table in the middle of the room, so that I could get everyone's attention quicker. Logan didn't ask questions, just nodded and headed in. He learned early on not to ask questions when it came to Alec and me.

  The snack line supplied my lunch for the day, scarce as it was. I walked to our table, put my food down, and climbed up to stand on top of the table.

  “Mmmhmm.” I cleared my throat. “May I have your attention please?” After a couple of seconds, the room was mine to control.
“Thank you. I needed everyone's attention so you could witness my apology to Alec Davenport. I didn't give him what he wanted this morning.”

  Whistles and cat calls rung out through the room. The incorrect innuendos and assumptions made me laugh. If only they knew Alec was gay.

  “He's hurt by my actions.” Standing up straighter, I smoothed my blue and black plaid skirt. I winked at Alec. “I'm formally inviting you to the event with me, Logan, and Eric. Before you ask why they were asked before you, I would like to say that it was not a public request. Only you deserve something as grand as that.” I bowed and swept my arm across the table, finishing the speech.

  Alec stood on the bench, his hand fluttering at his eyes, acting like he was trying to keep the tears from flowing. “My goodness, a public invitation with witnesses. Whatever did I do to deserve this great privilege?” Alec threw his voice up a couple of octaves for flavor. “Oh, of course, my dear Carissa, I will go with you.”

  The room erupted in laughter. My act had been a success.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  For the concert, I chose a pink silk-cotton blend miniskirt with a wide black belt at the waist and a white cotton shirt with a scoop neck. The outfit looked damn good, but my hair was a mess. I had my own style...trendy with a little bit of nostalgia. Tonight, I wanted that with my hair.

  “What am I going to do with this mop?” I yelled at the mirror, tugging at the disaster on my head as if it would magically fix itself.

  A knock on the door pulled me away from hair meltdown. “Who is it, and what do you want?”

  “It's your lover, now let me in or I'll kick down your door.” The sugary voice from the other side of the door had me laughing, a distraction only Alec could provide.

  “My lover, huh?” I opened the door to allow him in. Alec followed behind me to my room and took a seat on my bed. I performed a quick assessment of his clothes. “My lovers don't wear Dolce to an outdoor concert.”

  “Oh, but honey, Dolce is the only way to go.”

  “I guess you'll suffice for the night. Now help me fix my hair.” I tugged his arm and pulled him off the bed.

  Alec was the best hair stylist I knew. Once, while we were getting ready for a play, he admitted to considering stylist as his future career, but said he changed his mind since all the guys were too whiney and needy for him. He didn't want to get mixed up in all the drama. When he said “drama”, he threw his voice up an octave or two, pushed his hip out, and waved his hand in the air. It was a comical sight that stuck with me. Since my hair went frizzy if I didn't do something with it, I always called on Alec to help me for big events.

  A quick wash, dry, and lots of product later, he finished with my hair. He’d managed to weave the unruly strands into a cascading braid that looked amazing. I was ready to meet Eric for dinner.

  “Have fun, baby girl. Oh, and Sean said he'd come with us. Sorry I forgot to let you know.”

  “No problem. I'm glad he's coming. You need someone to play with since I'll be occupied with good music.”

  Sean was Alec's current boy toy. The guy changed dates like I changed shoes, so it was a pretty good bet they wouldn't stay together long. I asked him once why he didn't stick around when it came to relationships. He said he couldn't deal with all the check-ins and monogamy a long-term relationship required. Until recently, we’d agreed on that. Eric was making me change my mind on the whole relationship thing though. Long-term still frightened me, but for Eric, I thought I might be willing to give it a try.

  Tonight, I wanted Alec to have as much fun as I planned to have. Since both Eric and Logan were going, I didn't want to risk Alec being left out. For purely selfish reasons, I knew when Eric and Logan became too much Alec and Sean would keep me happy and enjoying the evening.

  “That's cool. I'll see you guys in a little while. Don't forget we're meeting at the diner at seven.” I said while I stood on my toes and kissed his cheek.

  “Oh, actually Sean and I are going early. You and Eric are going with Logan.” He smirked and winked at me. “Enjoy.”

  “Thanks,” I murmured as he sauntered out of my room.

  Five minutes hadn't passed before Eric knocked on my door.

  I checked the peephole to be sure it was him, then swung the door open wide. With an exaggerated bow, I swept my arm in invitation. “Carissa's House of Hotties. How may I be of service, sir?”

  “Hmm…House of Hotties, not sure I like that.”

  “Too bad. Alec just left, and now you're here. What else would I call it?”

  Eric rubbed his chin in thought. I took advantage of his silence and studied him. He'd worn faded blue jeans with a black retro New Orleans Saints shirt. It fit snug across his shoulders and tight around his well defined arms. For a dancer, he was much larger than one would expect. But it was necessary for him to keep up his strength in order to do a lot of the moves and lifts. Some of them required more upper body strength than a football player. He’d finally invited me to one of his rehearsals on Wednesday. Watching him was like watching poetry in motion, he was so graceful and sure when he got on a dance floor. One of these days, we'd have to go out to a club and show off. But not tonight.

  “You could call it ‘your place’, since that's what it is.”

  “Boring. Try again.” I waved Eric off and went to my room to grab my purse off the bed. I'd paired my outfit with a small pink shoulder bag. It held only the bare essentials. I'd use Eric to hold any souvenirs I bought at the concert.

  When I came back to the living room, he still stood by the door, but now he leaned against the wall with his arms across his chest. His left foot crossed over his right, showing off just how comfortable he was. So protective, yet all I wanted to do was hug him close like a big teddy bear.

  How lucky was I that Eric was interested in me? Even after I'd gone a little crazy around him and pushed him away. Relationships didn't have nine lives like cats; it would do me good to remember that and not screw up again.

  I walked to him and reached for the door, but he stopped me with a hand around my waist. Eric hauled me close to his body. His lips slowly lowered to mine, giving me a chance to pull away if I wanted to. But I didn't. What I wanted, needed, was to kiss him. To know that he really had forgiven me for my outburst. Confirmation that he wasn't running.

  Our lips touched, and the spark that I was coming to depend on a lot faster than I’d like, rocked through my bones. Excitement coursed through me, and I almost pulled away to jump and scream my joy.

  When Eric pulled back, we stared at each other for a minute. A smile spread across his face. All I needed to know reflected in his eyes. We were okay. Now it was time to enjoy my birthday dinner and then the concert.

  “No need to call it anything. You, gorgeous, are coming to dinner with me. Your House of Hotties is going to be empty.”

  “Where are we going?”

  “Your choice. I was going to arrange a surprise dinner, but it's your birthday after all.”

  That was an easy choice. We were going to my favorite restaurant, Coop's Place. Eric didn't argue or try to change my mind. He led me to the car by my arm, and we headed off. The perfect beginning to what I hoped would be a perfect night.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  The concert was at City Park with the main stage set up to look over the lagoon. Logan, Eric, and I met up at the diner then drove the ten minutes it took to get there in silence. The ride was just as awkward as I expected. Eric and I had a great time at dinner, and I didn't want to ruin the mood. It probably would have been better to not spend time with the two of them alone, knowing that Logan liked me. But it didn't seem fair for Logan to go by himself, when he was the one who’d scored the tickets for us.

  Sean and Alec stood at the front, waiting for us to meet up with them. As soon as Alec found me, he dashed across the lot, pulling Sean along behind him, and caught me up in a crushing hug. You'd have thought we hadn't seen each other in months, when in reality it had only been a few hours. That
boy was crazy, but I loved him too much to care. Logan made it through the makeshift gates and headed for the stage.

  Alec pulled me to the side after we all went through. “What did you do, baby girl?”

  I huffed and planted my hands on my hips. He was not going to accuse me of causing problems. “Why would you assume I did something?”

  “Well let's see, you went to dinner with your boyfriend then rode over here with him and the guy who you know has a major crush on you.”

  “What else was I supposed to do? I couldn't ditch Eric. Logan got me the tickets, so it would be rude for me to ask him to come alone. Besides, you’re the one who set all this up. Not me. I was going to come with Eric by myself. “

  “I know. I know. That was my mistake. Too selfish for my own good, I guess. Sorry about that, baby girl. Let's see if we can smooth things over.”

  “Whatever you say.”

  Alec and I returned to Eric and Sean then wound our way through the crowd to find Logan. The best way to keep everyone happy was for me to bring them all together. After a few minutes, we found Logan at the railing in front of the stage. His hands were shoved into his pockets, and he was watching the opening band warm-up. I snuck up behind him and wrapped my arms around his waist. “Come back here with us.”

  “And interrupt your date? No way. I'm not ruining your night.”

  “Logan, this isn't a date for me and Eric. That's what dinner was for. This is my closest friends celebrating my birthday. You are one of them, so you have to hang out with me.”

  “But...”

  I held up my hand to stop him. “No arguments. Come on.”

  Logan didn't have a chance to say anything or pull away from me. I grabbed ahold of his belt loops and pulled him back. He either had to turn around and follow us or fall on his ass.

  Sage was the headliner, so I wasn't too worried about getting close to the stage until then. I dragged the guys around to each of the vendors, shopping for T-shirts and CDs, and bought at least one album from each artist. Then we stood in the autograph line to get them all signed. By the time we finished, I'd waited too long to go to the front, and the guys wanted to rest their feet. We found a place on the edge of the grassy area to sit and watch until the crowd thinned and we could worm our way to the front. I sat between Logan and Eric, leaning back on my hands, my legs stretched out. “This is awesome. Thank you.”