Discern (Discern Saga, Book #1)

by Samantha Shakespeare

The next morning I tried everything to occupy my mind, refraining from counting down the hours until I saw Andrew again. It was absolutely absurd to be feeling so giddy about seeing him again, but I had grown attached in just a few short days. Everything seemed so clear at the bookstore, as if when we touched, something was ignited within me. The strange flickering of the lights had stopped since that day, too.

  After a long afternoon of cleaning every corner of the house, which was not an easy task because of the sheer size of it, I quickly remembered the social event on Friday night. My initial thought was to intentionally ignore it, but this would only disappoint my father greatly. Even though his lying irritated me, Andrew’s wisdom was reassuring. My father was only behaving this way for my sake.

  I jumped in the car, hoping there was still time to get a dress. Sighing heavily as I pulled up in front of Robe’ de Soiree’s, I reminded myself this was nothing more than an attempt to find the perfect gown for Friday night.

  As I entered the formal wear shop, I immediately regretted this shopping trip. My father’s alleged lover owned the place—I should have driven to Denver where no one knew me and vice versa.

  There was no sign of her as I slipped past the main counter without being noticed. I rifled through several racks of hideous dresses with no luck. My trip to Denver looked inevitable. A pale, gold strapless gown that was displayed on the wall caught my attention. I rushed over to have a closer look. It was absolutely gorgeous.

  “Would you like to try that on, Miss Helms?” a soft, feminine voice asked.

  I inhaled deeply as I turned to face the woman. “Ms. Cardwell, how are you this afternoon?” I asked politely.

  “Very well, my dear, and how are you?”

  “I’m doing well. But I’m in quite a pickle,” I smiled uneasily.

  “What seems to be the problem, dear?”

  “I need a dress for Friday night. The event sort of crept up on me.”

  “Oh, yes, you are Jack’s date.”

  “Yes, I am.”

  She addressed my father so casually. Everyone addressed him as Mr. Helms, never Jack. I could detect an ever so slight hint of envy in her tone. Ryan’s words stung as I stood face to face with the woman whom my father planned to replace my mother with.

  I contemplated asking her outright. My father loathed sharing any of the details, so maybe she would speak of their rumored relationship.

  Her voice interrupted my thoughts. “Would you like to try the gold one on?” she asked, pointing to the dress on the wall.

  “Yes, I’d love to,” I replied, avoiding all eye contact.

  “What size are you, my dear? A four?” she asked, eyeing me over.

  “Actually I’m a six,” I responded. She quickly disappeared to the back of the store. I would be a size four if it weren’t for the curse of a larger bust. The waist would surely have to be taken in. I hoped there was enough time for the alteration.

  She came from the back holding a dress, waving her hand in the air, motioning for me to follow. My eyes followed her, but my feet were reluctant to move. We would soon be alone in a small dressing room, and I was afraid that I would inadvertently stick my foot in my mouth. I rounded the corner, watching her open the door to one of the rooms. I slipped inside, still avoiding any eye contact.

  “I’ll leave you to undress. Let me know if you need my help, dear,” she offered, politely, which upset me further, because she was a genuinely nice lady.

  I smiled courteously and locked the door. My anger wasn’t with her; it was with my father.

  The dress slid off the hanger and onto the floor. After scooping it up, I slipped my legs in and pulled it up around my chest. My relentless attempts to zip the dress myself had failed after four grueling minutes. I sighed loudly and decided to call for help.

  She softly knocked. “I tried, but my arms aren’t long enough,” I said, opening the door.

  “That’s what I’m here for.” Her cold hands brushed against my skin as she zipped up the dress.

  Andrew came to mind as I remembered his electrifyingly warm touch. Class was only two hours away. It had been a very long day, as I had woken up early with much anticipation of tonight. My reflection in the long, wide mirror was pleasing.

  “This dress looks beautiful on you, my dear,” she complemented.

  The pale, gold silk dress clung to my curves perfectly. “Yes, but it will have to be taken in at the waist, just as I figured,” I commented.

  “No problem. I can have it done by Wednesday afternoon.”

  “Are you sure?” I asked politely. I didn’t want her to go out of her way on my father’s behalf.

  “Yes, it’ll be ready in time,” she smiled. “Let me get my pins, and I’ll mark the areas that need to be taken in. I’ll pin out here, where there is more room.” She swiftly left.

  I stepped out from behind the dressing room door, careful not to trip on the dress.

  “Absolutely stunning!” an alluring and familiar voice spoke.

  Andrew was casually leaning up against the counter.

  “Thank you,” I blushed. “I’m beginning to think you’re following me,” I smiled playfully.

  “I think you’re just out and about a little more these days.”

  “I have good reason to be,” I said, getting lost in his hypnotic presence.

  “You’re going to make me blush,” he winked.

  “Hello, Mr. Alexander,” Ms. Cardwell greeted as she reappeared from the back of the store.

  “Hello, Evelyn,” he addressed her informally.

  “Here to pick up your tuxedo?”

  “Yes, I am.”

  “One moment, dear,” she said to me, rushing over toward Andrew.

  She pulled a large, clear bag with a hanger sticking out the top from behind the counter. Andrew and her spoke for a few minutes as she giggled loudly, although their actual conversation was inaudible. She headed back in my direction, and Andrew followed behind her.

  A red pincushion was wrapped around her wrist as she approached. “I’ll try not to stick you,” she said nervously.

  “I’ll see you this evening, Haley,” Andrew grinned widely.

  “Still no quiz, right?” I asked, hoping he hadn’t changed his mind.

  “Nope.”

  “See you tonight,” I smiled bashfully.

  Andrew exited through the tinted glass front door.

  “Mr. Alexander is quite handsome,” Ms. Cardwell remarked.

  “And nice, too.”

  “Are you two an item?” Her question caught me off guard.

  “No, why?” I asked defensively.

  “He seemed very fond of you,” she smiled. “And he paid for your dress.”

  “He did?” I asked stunned.

  “Yes, he insisted, so I figured you two were dating.”

  “No, but…” I stopped, refraining from sharing any further details.

  This moment could not be more perfect—I had her cornered. “Speaking of dating, what’s the situation between you and my father?” I asked, less confident now than I had imagined it in my head, as I twitched my fingers nervously.

  Her expression revealed it all “I’m not at liberty to speak about that matter.”

  “I see,” I sighed.

  She swiftly exited the room without saying another word. She was probably on her way to call my father to tell him she might have revealed too much. I angrily changed back in to my clothes and stormed out of the store before spewing any unnecessary comments to any undeserving individuals. My thoughts raced as I threw my purse into the car on the passenger’s seat, failing to see the statuesque man leaning against my driver’s door.

  “Andrew!” I smiled.

  “I decided against waiting until tonight,” he grinned.

  “I’m glad you did.”

  Every inch of my body tingled—even without his electrifying touch.

  “Is everything okay?” he asked suspiciously.

  “My face, right?” I sighed.
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  “Yes, very much so,” he laughed.

  “I believe I just ran in to my father’s lover or girlfriend or whatever you want to call her.” I rolled my eyes.

  “Evelyn?”

  “Yeah, I guess.”

  “She seems very nice.”

  “She is very nice,” I agreed. “But that isn’t the issue.”

  “Your father’s denial, right?”

  I was impressed. He had listened carefully the other day to my obsessive ramblings. “Yes.”

  “Why are you upset?”

  “Because he lies,” I reiterated.

  “Just remember why he lies,” he reminded.

  “You make it difficult to be upset,” I grinned, shaking my head.

  “I don’t like to see you so upset.”

  “I guess I’ll just have to hang out with you more,” I laughed lightly.

  “That I do like,” he laughed back. “So I’ll see you in class tonight, right?”

  “Of course.”

  “I have to grade some papers, but I wanted to make sure you were fine first.”

  “I am,” I reassured.

  “Okay, see you in class,” he smiled, sliding into a silver colored luxury sports car, which seemed odd for a part-time professor’s salary.

  I waved goodbye and slid into my car—anxious to see him again.

  Ryan skipped school again tonight, which suited me just fine. I hadn’t spoken with him since Friday. His absence made it easier to be near Andrew—my giggling in class tonight would have horrified him.

  In fact, every girl in class giggled at Andrew’s funny stories. Ancient mythology was definitely easier to understand with his insight. The way he could paint a picture in our minds was spectacular, as if he, himself, had lived during those times.

  It was hard to hide the jealousy I had for all the girls in my class. They had noticed Andrew from day one, while I had the opportunity before school began and passed it up to mope alone in my house. I was delighted with his long lasting interest in me.

  Andrew dismissed class almost two hours early. “Where’s Mr. Scott?” he asked as we slowly strolled out into the school parking lot.

  “Not sure.”

  “So what are your plans for the rest of the evening?” he asked hopeful, as he leaned up against the side of my car.

  “Hmm…let me think,” I said playfully. “Nothing actually,” I smiled.

  “Are you hungry?”

  “No, I ate before class,” I replied, hoping this wouldn’t deter any plans. “But if you’re hungry we can go somewhere,” I offered.

  “No, I ate before class, too.”

  His cell phone rang. “One minute,” he said softly, as he answered the call.

  The sound of a man’s voice could be heard, but it was too low to make out any specific words.

  “No, I haven’t made the decision yet.” His voice was low and stiff.

  “I will, but can’t it wait?” he asked irked.

  “Fine, but this is the last time,” he said, hanging up the phone.

  He turned back around with a scowl on his face. “Bad news.”

  “You have to leave, don’t you?” I asked disappointed.

  “Yes,” he sighed, heavily. “Believe me, I don’t want to, but I’ve procrastinated long enough.”

  “It’s fine, I have two quizzes to study for next week.”

  “I can give you the answers,” he smiled.

  “Oh, no.” I shook my head. “Oh yeah, I forgot,” I said, remembering his kind gesture earlier this afternoon.

  “Forgot, about what?” he asked concerned.

  “Ms. Cardwell told me you paid for my dress.”

  “I did.”

  “Why?”

  “Just seemed like the thing to do.”

  “How much was it so I can pay you back?”

  “It’s already paid in full, and I don’t need reimbursement,” he insisted.

  “I’ll pay for our date on Wednesday night,” I suggested, feeling it was only fair to return the favor.

  “Our date?” His eyes lit up.

  “Or whatever it is,” I blushed.

  He nervously slid his body closer to mine as we both rested up against the car. I could feel the heat radiating from his body and noticed his eyes were a soft amber color again. He lifted his hand and lightly ran his finger along my cheek. I briefly closed my eyes, feeling the sparks between us.

  “Oh, no, you called it a date, and that’s what it’s going to be.” His voice was soft.

  “But I get to pay,” I smiled.

  “I don’t think so,” he disagreed. “Ladies don’t pay for dates where I come from.”

  “Andrew,” I protested.

  “No, you can pay me back some other way.”

  “Oh, I’m not that kind of girl.” My voice dropped, feeling slightly uneasy.

  “No, no,” he said, waving his hand. “I didn’t mean like that. I meant like showing me around town or something like that,” he explained nervously.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to insinuate, but I haven’t…” I stopped. This wasn’t the place to confess my inexperience in the sexual department.

  “Haley,” he said softly, as he touched my hand. Sparks tingled throughout my body “I just want to get to know you.”

  “And I want to get to know you, too.” I smiled.

  “I hate to end it here, but I really must go,” he sighed.

  “Be careful, wherever you’re going.”

  “Just meeting up with one of my brothers, so nothing dangerous.” He flashed a wicked smile.

  “Where does he live?” I asked curiously.

  “Not too far from here.”

  “Have fun.”

  “I doubt it,” he scowled. “I’ll see you Wednesday.”

  I gently bit down on my lower lip, wishing this moment didn’t have to end. “I hope I can make it.”

  “Me, too,” he said, before turning and walking away.

  His sudden departure was disappointing, but possibly for the best. Things were getting heated, and I doubted my ability to resist anything he suggested—which was rare for me.

  Most of all I was beginning to believe I was crazy when I was around him. Our touch seemed to be electrical, but I couldn’t say for sure. It could just be rattled nerves. But there was no mistaking the color change in his eyes. No one’s eyes change from green to amber. I tried to decide whether these differences were truly real or if I was just hell-bent on guarding myself—it had to be all in my head.

  Last night was horrible. I tossed and turned most of night, in and out of sleep. I could never tell if I was awake or dreaming. It was a culmination of frustration with my father and this ever powerful longing to be with Andrew. My father would be an easy fix; sooner or later he would have to confess.

  But these feelings for Andrew were not going to be easily resolved. This whole situation was beyond the realm of my expertise. He was even older than Braden and probably a lot more experienced. Even though he mentioned his dedication to his education rather than dating, I doubted that with such good looks and charm, he had any trouble with the ladies.

  And I couldn’t exactly use the excuse of ‘I’m waiting for marriage’ much longer now. I was twenty years old now and lacked about three years of experience—at least that was the age I noticed most girls giving in to their desires.

  I had to stop. These thoughts were driving me insane. If he truly liked me, then he would respect my decision to wait—if I could even wait, as my thoughts flashed back to his nicely sculpted body and gorgeous face. These thoughts had to stop, too.

  My father was stomping loudly around downstairs, so I decided to find out why. Slipping my fluffy pink slippers and matching robe on, I trotted downstairs, wondering if today would be the day he confessed.

  He glanced up at me as I came flying down the stairs. “Was I being too loud?”

  “I had a rough night.”

  “Sorry to hear that.”

  “What’
s going on?” I asked, noticing a wooden hammer in his hand.

  “Oh, there was a nail popping up from the trim on the doorway to the garage.”

  “When do you fix things yourself?”

  “Haley, it was a raised nail, not an addition.” He rolled his eyes.

  “Why aren’t you at the dealership?” I asked, seeing as it was a Tuesday.

  “I’m leaving for Denver in an hour or so for a meeting with the car company executives,” he replied, still swinging the hammer around.

  “Everything all right?”

  “Oh yeah, just an issue with a part on some of the newly released models, but it should be all right.”

  “On my car?”

  “No, just the trucks,” he assured.

  “So anything new you would like to discuss?” I asked, eagerly hoping he would mention Evelyn Cardwell.

  “Nope,” he said, popping his lips at the end of the word.

  “That figures,” I mumbled frustrated.

  “What are your plans for the day?”

  “Well, I was going to stop by the dealership today, but if you aren’t there, then that wouldn’t be a wise idea.”

  “Yeah, stay away while I’m not there. I want to be able to protect you from some of the creeps that work there.”

  “So, yesterday I got my dress for Friday night,” I mentioned casually. This second attempt would surely corner him.

  “I’m glad you remembered,” he smiled.

  “How could I forget?” I grinned, knowing I truly had forgotten.

  “And what color is it?”

  “Gold.”

  “I bet it will look beautiful on you.”

  “Hopefully the alterations will be done in time.”

  “They will be,” he grinned. “Well, sweetie, I better get going,” he said nervously, seeming to avoid any possible discussion of his relationship with Evelyn.

  “Already?”

  “Yes, I need to be there by noon,” he explained, excusing himself from the kitchen.

  My second attempt also failed. “All right, see you later,” I frowned, but he didn’t notice my expression, as he was already half way out the door.

  This was not going to be as easy as I had speculated earlier. Evelyn had to have spoken with him after yesterday’s interaction, but he didn’t leave much of an opportunity to discuss it. So much for the easy fix, and now I was also left with the not-so easy fix—Andrew.