Epic Lies (Epic Fail Book 2)

by Trudy Stiles

  “Great show tonight,” I say, changing the subject.

  “Yeah, the energy in the audience was amazing,” Tristan says and high-fives Alex as he walks over to take a swig of the bottle that Garrett is hoarding.

  “This tour is going to be epic,” I say, and they all nod in agreement.

  “It better be,” Alex says and slouches into the couch. He’s been a mess lately, and I need to figure out what’s going on with him. He told me last night that he can’t get out of town soon enough.

  Garrett reclines on the couch. “I am swearing off all chicks for the next few months.”

  All of us erupt in laughter. “Seriously, G. There’s not a chance you’ll be able to do that,” Tristan says.

  “Whatever,” Garrett says. “Just remind me that models should no longer be on my menu.”

  Chuckles fill the room. “No more models,” I toast, and everyone raises their drinks in the air.

  STUART LEAVES THE ROOM, and we all sit and stare at each other, slightly overwhelmed. Our manager just outlined the next eighteen months of touring and promotion commitments. Never in a million years did we ever imagine that our high school garage band was going to turn into something more. Practically overnight, we have a seven-digit record deal and a domestic and international tour that will bring in even more money for us. It’s completely insane.

  Alex is already gone, and even though he says he’s ready for a major road trip, I don’t believe him.

  Tristan stands and places his empty beer on the table. “I’m catching a cab. Anyone want to share?” Garrett jumps up and says, “Yes.”

  I have my car with me, and since I didn’t drink too much tonight, I can drive myself home safely. It’s almost two o’clock in the morning, and the only thing I’m worried about is falling asleep at the wheel.

  “See you guys tomorrow,” I say. I know our tour bus leaves between ten and eleven tomorrow morning, and most of our things are already packed and ready to go.

  Garrett and Tristan are gone, and I swipe my car keys from the counter. I’m the last one to leave the backstage area, and security locks the door behind me. I’m alone in a dark parking lot as I walk toward my car.

  I unlock my car and open the door when a faint sound startles me. I flash my cell phone flashlight behind me and see someone huddled on the ground, knees pulled to his or her chest.

  The figure covers his or her face when my light shines on it. “Hey, are you okay?” I ask, and I see her face.

  “Natalia?” I ask as I drop my phone onto the driver’s side seat and rush to her side.

  “Dax,” she says, and I notice she’s been crying. Her face is streaked with makeup, and her voice is hoarse.

  “What’s going on?” I ask, remembering the argument that she and Garrett had earlier tonight.

  “Nothing,” she says, and I pull her up to her feet. She wobbles and sways in my arms as I walk her toward my car.

  “What the hell are you doing out here all by yourself? I thought you left hours ago?”

  “Where the hell was I supposed to go?” she says as if I know her personal living situation.

  “What do you mean?”

  “I was supposed to move into Garrett’s place this weekend, and then he–” her sobs continue, and I don’t know what to do. The parking lot is pitch black, and I know the best thing right now is to get her into my car and take her–somewhere.

  I walk her around to the passenger side and open the door. “Get in, we’ll figure something out,” I say, silently cursing Garrett in my head.

  “Thanks,” she says weakly, and I close the door. As I walk around to my side, I realize I’m getting myself into a situation that I don’t want to be involved in. I’ve never had to escort one of Garrett’s exes, and Natalia is one of the most beautiful women that I’ve ever seen him with.

  I slide into my seat and turn up the heat. “Are you cold?” I ask. It’s chilly tonight, and I know I am.

  “Yes, thanks,” she says, rubbing her hands together.

  “Where can I take you?” I ask.

  Her sobs begin again. She shakes her head. “I have nowhere to go.”

  “Seriously? Do you have a friend in the area? A hotel?” Fuck, I’ve definitely gotten in over my head here.

  “No, everyone I know lives out in L.A.”

  “Oh,” I say. Maybe I can put her in a hotel for the night, and she can figure her own shit out tomorrow.

  “I’ll be fine. Just take me to the closest hotel at the airport. I need to get the fuck out of here,” she says.

  I punch a destination in my GPS and pull out of the parking lot.

  We drive in silence, and her sniffles start again.

  “What happened?” I ask, although I don’t really want to know the answer.

  “You tell me,” she says. “Because I have no fucking idea. Yesterday, we were making plans to move in together, and tonight he tells me he’s over me.”

  I shake my head. Typical Garrett.

  “I don’t know what to say,” I lie. She needs to forget about him.

  “Of course you don’t,” she snaps.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “You know, I’ve never been one to throw my heart out there and give it to anyone, but Garrett swept me off my feet. He made promises to me! I just can’t comprehend this,” she says, burying her face in her hands.

  I swipe a Dunkin’ Donuts napkin from my console and hand it to her. “I don’t have any tissues, but I hope this helps.”

  She grabs it and blows her nose loudly into the napkin. “Do you have any more?” she asks.

  “Yeah, sure.” I reach into the console, grab a pile of napkins, and place them on her thigh.

  “Thanks,” she says.

  “I’m taking you to the Airport Marriott, is that okay?” I ask.

  “Yes, I’m a Gold Club Elite member, I’m sure they’ll be able to get me a room this time of night,” she says and blows her nose again.

  I merge onto the interstate, and her sobs finally subside.

  “I’m such an idiot,” she says.

  “No you’re not.”

  “How many girls like me have you driven away for Garrett? Five, ten? Seriously, if I knew what I was getting myself into, I never would have stayed in town. He led me on. Lied to me. He never really loved me.”

  “I don’t know what to say, Natalia. I don’t get involved in his love life, ever. But I can tell you that you’ve been around the longest, so you must have meant something to him,” I say.

  “Thanks. But you’re no help,” she laughs.

  Rain starts to bounce off of my windshield, and I flip my wipers on. “I’m really sorry.”

  She sighs. “It’s okay. You shouldn’t have to pick up the pieces for your friend. I’m sorry I put you in this position. I should have just gotten a cab.”

  “I’m glad I can help,” I say, uncomfortable even having this conversation.

  “I’m stronger than this,” she blurts out. “I’m so angry with myself for being so fucking weak. He doesn’t control my emotions. He doesn’t own me.”

  Wow.

  “See, there you go,” I say and have no idea what the hell I even mean. Girl Power?

  “I should have known this was going to happen. I should have been prepared.”

  “How could you?” I ask, wondering how any of Garrett’s conquests prepare themselves for the inevitable.

  “What do you do?” she asks me.

  “What do you mean?”

  “What do you do when you dump a girl? Is it sudden? Does she see it coming? Is she prepared?”

  “I–I don’t know. I don’t really hook up as much as Gar–I mean, I don’t have the same issues.” Fuck, what am I even saying.

  “Oh. I thought you all were the same. Womanizing assholes.” Her attitude has completely turned, and now I feel like I may catch the brunt of Garrett’s behavior.

  “No. I don’t use women or take them for granted. It’s been a while since I’ve even h
ooked up or been in any kind of relationship,” I admit, and I see her turn towards me.

  “Really? Somehow I don’t believe that,” she quips.

  “I’m serious. Don’t lump me into any category that has Garrett’s name in it. Don’t get me wrong, he’s like a brother, but I’m nothing like him.”

  “Good,” she says and places her hand over mine. “Some girl will be very lucky one day if you are exactly who you say you are.”

  “What does that mean?” I ask, mildly offended. Does she think I’m lying to her?

  “It means I’m happy you aren’t like Garrett. I hope I never meet anyone like him again. It’s refreshing that you don’t have the same tendencies to consume someone entirely and then throw their heart into the trash.”

  “Like I said, I’m nothing like Garrett.”

  We pull up in front of the hotel, and she opens her door.

  “Good,” she says and walks through the doors like nothing happened tonight. Strong. Confident. Beautiful.

  And dangerous.

  Giselle

  Past

  Age 19

  FLOWERS AND A BOX OF CHOCOLATE peek through the opening in my door attached to a familiar hand. “Happy Anniversary,” Derek says as he slides the rest of the way into the room.

  Today is the one-year anniversary of our official first date. And it’s also the day that we’re moving into the dorms to start the first semester of our sophomore year. I wipe my hands on my sweat pants and step over several boxes in the middle of the floor. Mia’s stuff was delivered this morning, but her flight hasn’t arrived yet, so I’m starting the unpacking process for two.

  “When did you get here?” I ask him as he lifts me into a hug, kissing me.

  “Rob and I got here yesterday.” Mia won’t be happy to hear that. She and Rob didn’t exactly work out. A few days after the bonfire last year, he saw her kissing ‘Thursday’ Frank, and he dropped her like a hot potato. Derek told me Rob found the ‘love of his life’ this summer while he and his family were vacationing in Maine, so we’ll see if she’s able to make him forget about my best friend.

  “Mia’s not here yet?” he asks.

  I shake my head. “Her plane lands at around nine or ten tonight, and she’s taking a cab from the airport.”

  He drops the flowers and candy onto a pile of books on my desk and pushes me back toward my bed. “Good, we have lots of time to catch up.” My sweaty t-shirt is lifted over my head before my body hits the mattress. “God, I’ve missed you so much.” He buries his head in my neck while his hands explore every inch of my torso and chest.

  I wrap my arms around him and pull him against me. His touches feel so good. His lips feel incredible. He brushes the side of my breast with his hand and pulls my bra cup down, exposing my nipple. He places his mouth over it, teasing until I’m squirming beneath him. “Derek!” I moan, and he moves over and does the same to my other breast. He slides my sweats off of me and spreads apart my legs, pressing his firmness directly to my spot.

  “I want you, right now,” he mumbles into my neck as his assault on my breasts continues. His mouth covers one of my nipples as I arch my back, pressing harder against his erection. I want him too–but I can’t.

  “Slow down, before this goes too far,” I say, panting into his neck.

  “You’re killing me, Giselle. We need this,” he says and breaks free of me.

  “I’m not ready,” I say, apologetically.

  “When will you be ready? We’ve been together for a year.” He’s frustrated, and I know it’s hard on him. We’ve been with each other in many ways, but we just haven’t done that.

  “I don’t know,” I say.

  He lies down next to me and drapes his leg over mine, slowly tracing circles on my stomach. “I love you so much. And I can’t think of anything I’d rather do than show you just how much.”

  Guilt swirls in my gut. I want to give him everything he wants. And I want this for myself. I know he loves me and that he’d never lie to me like Troy did back in high school. But, I just can’t shake the feeling that I can’t give away the one thing that was stolen from me. Even though it’s already gone. God, I’m a mess.

  “Please, Derek. I’m just not ready.” I say, and his hand stops its movement and lies flat on my belly.

  “I’m not going anywhere,” he says, kissing my ear. “I’ll wait as long as you need me to. I’m sorry I tried to rush it today. It’s just–you look so hot and sexy in your sweats and your hair pulled up.” He nips at my cheek and kisses down my neck. “But, I can wait. And when it does happen, it’s going to be perfect. I promise to make your first time the most wonderful thing you’ve ever experienced.” I hate that I’ve lied to him and told him I’m a virgin, but I can’t tell him, or anyone, about Troy. I don’t ever want to expose that secret.

  “Thank you,” I say, and he rolls back on top of me.

  “Now relax while I show you how much I love you,” he says, and his lips travel from my mouth, down my neck, over my breasts and lower…

  “THAT BOY HAS FALLEN hard for you,” Mia says as she shoves the last piece of chocolate into her mouth from the box that Derek gave me yesterday. “He’s in love.”

  I smile. “I think I like him a lot, too,” I joke.

  “Stop! You’re in love,” she says, and I nod. “This is amazing chocolate, by the way. I would do so many things for this amazingness!”

  “Mia, you don’t need chocolate from anyone to do things.”

  She doesn’t seem fazed by my zing and asks like we haven’t been talking to each other at least three times a day, “So tell me, how was your summer?”

  “Seriously, you’re a nut.” I swing my feet over the side of my bed and survey our room. All of the boxes are neatly broken down and shoved behind our dressers in the corner. Our clothes are all put away, and for the first, and only time this semester, our room is spotless.

  “How many times did Derek come to see you at the beach?” she asks. We spent the summer in Belmar again, and it was amazing. I got a job at a local book store while my father commuted back home a few days a week for work. There were some weeks that I was at the house all by myself, and I smile, remembering the peace and tranquility of our summer house.

  She already knows the answer, but I say, “You know that he came to see me twice.” My parents have no idea, and I feel guilty.

  “Of course I know, but you never told me all of the gritty details. Did you guys finally do it?”

  I blush. “No.”

  “God, girl. What are you waiting for?” she asks. “I mean, get it over with already so you can enjoy having sex with him every single day. He’s madly in love with you, and I’m sure will do incredible things to you.”

  Mia has no idea that I’m not a virgin. I’ve never felt the need to tell her, and I feel bad lying to my best friend.

  She goes on and on. “You’ll enjoy it so much better once you get past your first time.”

  I hold my breath and look at her.

  “What?” she says.

  “There’s something I never told you,” I say and instantly regret it.

  She sits up on her bed and folds her legs underneath her like a pretzel. “What haven’t you told me?” she asks, concerned. I wring my hands in front of me, and I second-guess telling her anything.

  “What’s going on?” she asks, nervously.

  Tears fill my eyes, and I shake my head. “Forget it,” I say wishing I never broached the subject. I just want to push the memory of Troy raping me deep inside and forget about it forever.

  “No. Something’s wrong, and you need to tell me,” Mia says as she walks over and sinks onto the bed next to me. “What’s going on? You’re scaring me.”

  I inhale deeply and make eye contact with her. Her eyes are wide, concerned. She’s my best friend. I have to tell her.

  “I’m not exactly a virgin,” I blurt out, and she gasps.

  “What the hell are you talking about? What do you mean?” />
  I close my eyes and take a deep breath. “And it wasn’t by choice.”

  “Oh my God. Giselle!” she says, sweeping me into a huge hug. “I’m so sorry, honey. When did this happen? What the hell?”

  Surprisingly, I’m able to keep my emotions in check as I calmly tell her what happened back in high school. What Troy did to me. She just sits and stares, tears filling her eyes. She hangs on to every word that comes out of my mouth. Her hands grasp mine, and when I’m finished she pulls me into an embrace. “I can’t believe someone did that to you. Stole your trust from you. Lied to you. I’m so very sorry.”

  I smile into her hair and say, “Thank you. I’m seriously okay, now.”

  “I’m such an asshole, constantly trying to get you to do it with Derek. I had no idea you were protecting yourself.”

  “It’s really fine,” I say. “When I’m ready, Derek will be the first to know.” And I want to be ready. I want to make love to him. But, there’s something that’s holding me back.

  “If you need any pointers, just ask me,” she says, and I laugh out loud.

  “I think you could teach me a few things,” I say, and she smacks my leg.

  “I love you, Giselle. I’m so sorry someone hurt you like that. I wish I could take it all away,” she says and hugs me again. “I bet Derek is really bummed about what happened to you.”

  “He doesn’t know,” I say, embarrassed. “I haven’t told anyone, until today.”

  “Oh? He doesn’t question why you have waited so long to be with him? You love him, don’t you?”

  “Of course I love him. And, I know he wants to have sex with me, but he doesn’t press too hard for it.” Until yesterday.

  “You need to tell him, Giselle. He needs to know what you’ve been through.”

  “Why? I don’t think he needs to know what happened.” I don’t want him to know.

  “If you love him as much as you say you do, tell him. He’ll understand why you’ve waited so long. And maybe he won’t pressure you to have sex until you’re ready.”