Tell Me No Lies

by C. Morgan/Chloe Morgan

  “A waitress?”

  “Yes, Dad, a waitress. You know, an honest wage-earning job. Besides, if I have my way, she will never have to work again.”

  The comment took my father by surprise. “It’s that serious?”

  “I think so. As I said, that’s what we’re trying to figure out. She’s incredible, smart, funny, beautiful inside and out. It didn’t take me long to fall for her.”

  “She sounds almost too good to be true,” said my father, giving me a hard look.

  My mom stared him down. “I’m sure she’s everything he says and more.”

  “It’s the and more part I worry about,” he mumbled.

  I looked over at Mila, who had gotten syrup on her shirt. “Honey, why don’t you go and wipe that off with a warm rag before it gets too sticky?”

  She got down from her chair and hurried to the bathroom.

  While she was gone, I looked at my father. “Tara isn’t Heather. And while I know you blame me for that, you did get an amazing granddaughter out of it. So stop worrying.”

  It was worry that had him acting as if everyone was going to turn out bad. He had cared about Heather, and she had won his heart, only to turn against his family and hurt his son and granddaughter.

  “Well, I’ll give her a chance. If she’s everything you say, which is a little hard to believe about a girl from Vegas, then I will give you the benefit of the doubt.”

  “She isn’t from there. She was brought there as a kid and never moved away. She’s self-sufficient in a thankless industry, with little pay, and she manages, from what I’ve seen, to keep her head above water. I think she’s amazing and admirable.”

  My father grinned. “Oh no, you really are in love.” I had come to her defense, and he had recognized it for what it was.

  But it was too soon for that. “There’s still a whole lot to work out. I don’t want to scare her off. I didn’t tell her about Mila right at first. Now that I have, I’m easing into things. I know it doesn’t seem like it, but I am.”

  “Well, if it makes you feel better, I do trust you. You’ll do what’s right and best for Mila.”

  “Always,” I said. My word was a vow. Mila would always come before everyone, including myself.

  Chapter 36

  Tara

  I was surprised when Zane had called about dinner with his parents and even more surprised when they wanted Karen to come along as well. I thought it was a nice gesture to include her, but when I asked if she wanted to come, she had made a face and said no thanks.

  “Are you sure you don’t want to go?” I asked, giving her enough time to change her mind. “You had an invite.”

  “No, thanks. It’s sweet they offered, but I’ve got a date.” She gave a sly smile and went back to filing her nails.

  “Really? A date? Like a real date, or a date like you’re conning some fool into buying you a meal? Because the Ballards are cooking, and you don’t have to sell your soul to eat with us.”

  She gave me a funny look. “No, it’s a date. Like I really like this man. He asked me out, and who knows? Maybe you aren’t the only one who will get a North Dakota love connection.”

  I really wanted the best for her, but I thought she moved too fast, and that was saying a lot, considering my relationship with Zane. “Well, be safe, and call me if you need to.”

  “I’ll be fine. Have fun at your dinner, and good luck. You just might need it.”

  “I’m sure they are nice people,” I said. “They raised Zane and did okay with him, and the little girl is well mannered.”

  She looked up at me as she shook the bottle of nail polish. “Well, I know I give you a hard time, but it’s only because I want you to be sure. I care about you, and you’re my best friend. I want you to have a happy life.”

  “I think I can have one with Zane,” I said, feeling sure of my words. I smiled, thinking of how magical the past few days had been. I was living a dream and never wanted it to end. “Well, I’m going to meet them downstairs. I’ll see you later.”

  Zane was supposed to call and tell me when they were there, but I had wanted to see a bit more of the hotel and maybe take a peek of the pool that Karen had said so much about. If I found time for a soak, I might just have to give it a try.

  As I walked through the lobby, Finn spotted me. “Hey,” he called out. I couldn’t avoid him, so I waved.

  As he ran over to see me, I said, “Hey, Finn.”

  “Is Karen upstairs?” He looked really anxious to see her again.

  “She’s getting ready to go out. She’s really busy these days.” I wasn’t sure what story she had given him for being in town, if she’d given him any.

  His shoulders fell. “Oh, well, could you tell her I said hi? And to give me a call?”

  “Sure,” I said. “I’m sure she wishes she could see you too.” I hated to break his heart. I’d leave that to her.

  It was then that I glanced up to see Zane walking toward us. “Are you ready?” he asked. He gave the young man a dismissive look as he walked away, and he turned his attention back to me. “Mila’s already at my parents’ house.”

  “I’m ready.” Ready to be alone with him. It felt like forever since we’d really kissed, and not just some quick peck but the deep and passionate kisses I’d gotten used to from him.

  He must have missed them too. Before we could get in the truck, he opened my door and kissed me before I could even get in.

  “I’ve missed you,” he said, pinning me there.

  “It’s only been since yesterday.” He couldn’t possibly miss me as much as I had missed him.

  “Exactly. That’s twenty-four hours.”

  “It hasn’t been that many,” I said. I giggled at how serious he was being.

  “Okay fine. I don’t want to do the math, but one hour is too many.”

  “Now that, I can agree on, Mr. Ballard.” I searched his eyes and wondered if he was going to let me stand there all day being lost in them.

  “You keep calling me that, and we’ll never make it to that barbeque.” He waited until I climbed in and shut the door for me before he walked around.

  I nudged him when he slid in beside me. “Don’t tell me things like that. I might just have to turn into a bad girl for you.”

  He laughed. “Just don’t do that before meeting my parents. My father has reservations about how fast things are moving. I told him you’re a good girl.”

  “Oh? He doesn’t think you should be dating?” I really wanted his parents to like me, and hearing this was a disappointment. It also made me worry. “How long has it been?”

  “Almost four years. But don’t let it get to you. He’s a big teddy bear, and you’ll win him over in no time.” He started the truck, and we were on our way.

  “Wow, it’s been that long?” I couldn’t believe he had not been with anyone in that time. There had to have been some non-romantic hookups? Maybe?

  “Yeah, well, I tried to fix things with Heather. Probably held on for Mila’s sake a little longer than I should have. But I just wanted what was best, and then I realized that her mom isn’t ever going to be good for her. Some mothers just aren’t cut out for the job.”

  “It’s good that you care enough about her to try, though. Some men wouldn’t even bother. My mother never cared that much to sacrifice for me. She knew we were better off with my grandfather, but she left anyway.”

  “I’m sure your mother loved you. I know that in some twisted way, Heather loves Mila. I just can’t have her in Mila’s life. It’s not healthy for Mila.”

  It was sad, and before it could make him upset, I let the subject drop.

  “I had a lot of fun yesterday with you and Mila,” I said, hoping to lift the mood.

  “I’d sure like to know what you think of her. She’s great, isn’t she?” He glanced my way as he slowed the truck to take the next exit.

  “Yes. Oh, and I have those necklaces. I went to the hobby store, and I picked up some things. I thoug
ht I’d run this by you before I just gave it to her. And if you don’t want her to have it, I’ll understand.” I took a small pack of paints out of my purse. “I didn’t wrap it so I could show you.”

  “That’s sweet. You didn’t have to do that.” He seemed to really like it.

  I breathed a sigh of relief that he hadn’t gotten upset I’d bought it without asking first.

  “I wanted to get the string for the pendants.” I had used a method of tying knots to encase the stones in the string like a net. “I could have used wire wrapping, but with Mila’s age, I thought the string method was best. Wires can be a bit sharp.”

  “That’s beautiful, Tara. They’ll love those.”

  I smiled, feeling a certain sense of pride. “My art teacher showed us how to make these. She was the one who encouraged me to paint. I’ve always wanted to be like her, and I guess that’s why I wanted to give Mila the paints. It’s something Mrs. Cooper would have done for me.”

  “If you could, have a little talk with her about taking care of them. I don’t want to end up repainting her room again.”

  I agreed. “Oh, I’ll let her know. She’s capable of being responsible, and I know she can handle it. Besides, she’s not to use them on a whim. She should ask you first.”

  “Oh, they will definitely be put up. She can only use them at the table. Although I’m sure she’ll still make a mess. She’s good but messy.”

  “All great artists are,” I said.

  “She really is talented for her age. I was blown away. I thought my mom helped her. They’ll be excited she is getting her paint set. My father has been on me about it.”

  “I like your father already. I just hope he likes me.” I wanted to win them both over and felt as if I was going to an audition of sorts, to see if I could have the part as Zane’s girlfriend.

  When we arrived at their house, they both welcomed me with open arms, and Mila ran over to give me a hug. I wanted to save the surprise of the paints for later, but I went ahead and gave Mila the rock necklaces.

  “Give this one to your Nana,” I said. “I hope she likes it.”

  “She will, and thank you! These are so pretty.” She put hers around her neck. “Nana!” She ran over to Zane’s mother, tugging her apron. “Look at what Tara made for you. I found the rock, and she wrapped it up. You can wear it.” She showed the woman her own, and she seemed really impressed.

  “This is beautiful,” she said. “How did you learn to tie such intricate designs?”

  “It’s just something I learned in art class years ago. My teacher encouraged us to do all sorts of different crafts as well as fine art. It was a lot of fun.”

  “Are you an artist?”

  Zane chimed in. “She likes to do landscapes. It’s one of the reasons I thought she’d like to come out to North Dakota.”

  “I’m only self-taught,” I said, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. “I’d like to do more with it and my photography.”

  “It sounds like you are very creative. Mila has a bit of that creative gene as well.”

  “Oh, I’ve heard. As a matter of fact, I brought Mila something. But perhaps it should wait until after dinner?” I glanced at Zane, who nodded to give me the go-ahead.

  “I think it’s okay now. Unless you want to wait?” He walked over and put his arm around me.

  “Now is good.” I reached into my bag as Zane called Mila over. “I remembered you wanted these. But I hope you know that this is a very special set.”

  Her eyes widened, and she put her hand over her heart. “For me? Those are real artists’ paints!”

  “Yes, but only if you promise to mind the artists’ code.”

  “Artists’ code?” she asked, hanging on every word.

  “Yes. It means you have to take special care with your tools and supplies and use them responsibly.” It was something my art teacher had taught us. “That means washing your brushes and cleaning up after yourself each time, and making sure to keep the paint on your canvas.”

  “I will,” she said. “I’m not a little kid anymore. I’m going to be a great painter.”

  I held out my hand and had her shake on it. “I know you will, Mila. I can’t wait to see what you create.”

  “It’s going to be a masterpiece,” she said. “Look, Daddy.” She held them up for him to see.

  Zane smiled. “Those are really nice, Noodle.”

  His father smiled too. “Good job,” he said. “I’ve been trying to get him to do this for months.” He looked at his son. “I like her already. You should keep her around.” He winked and gave him an elbow.

  “I’m working on it,” said Zane, making my heart flutter.

  We had a wonderful dinner after that, and I helped clean up after, which seemed to impress his mother even more.

  “You know, you’re the first woman he’s brought home like this,” she told me. “The last was Mila’s mother, but she was already pregnant.”

  “Oh, I’m not—”

  His mother laughed. “Oh, honey, that’s not what I meant. I only meant to say that you’re special.”

  “Thank you,” I said. “I think Zane is pretty special. And Mila too.”

  As I dried and put away the final dish, Zane came into the kitchen from being with his father and Mila in the living room. “Are you two done?”

  “Yes, this is the last dish,” I said, glancing at the microwave clock. “Oh, wow. I didn’t realize how late it was getting.”

  About that time, his father walked into the room, holding Mila. “Tell him what we decided,” he said to her.

  Mila shook her head as Zane reached to take her. “Nope,” she said. “I’m staying with Pop-pop and Nana.”

  “You are?” Zane looked at his father.

  “Yeah, I thought it might be a nice night for us to stay up and watch that monster movie I promised her.”

  “The Mummy?” asked Zane as if he was making sure his father wasn’t showing her anything too scary.

  “Yes,” said his father. “She’ll be fine. Nana can pop us some popcorn.”

  His mom nodded. “I can do that. You two should go and spend some time together. We’ll be fine.”

  “Thank you,” said Zane. “I’ll pick her up tomorrow morning.”

  “No rush,” said his father, giving him a wink.

  Not long after that, Zane and I left. My body was already yearning for his touch by the time we got to the truck.

  It was going to be a good night.

  Chapter 37

  Zane

  I was so glad my father had liked Tara enough to keep Mila for me. Having time alone meant everything, and I couldn’t wait to spend the night with her.

  “Your father is really sweet to suggest keeping Mila.”

  “Yeah, he likes you. You made an impression with the paints. He’s been trying to get me to buy her some real paints for a month now. He’s bad at spoiling her. Worse than me, even.”

  “That’s great. You can tell that she really loves him.”

  “Oh yeah, those two are partners in crime for sure. My mother has her hands full between them.”

  “Your mom is so nice. She would have been a fun teacher to have.”

  “Yeah, well, I think she was impressed by that whole artists’ code angle. That’s the kind of thing she would think of.”

  “I learned it from my art teacher actually. The same one who taught me to make the necklaces. She seemed to like hers.”

  “She did. She’ll wear it. She likes things that are natural like that, and she loves rocks. She’s pretty special.”

  “I can tell you’ve had a great relationship with both of them.”

  “Well, they’re my parents.” I didn’t understand how it could be any different.

  “Yeah, but some people don’t have good relationships with their parents. Not the friendly type of relationships anyway. I know my mom and I were never like that.”

  I hated to think that she had ever had a bad life. All I wanted to
do was make her life better. “That’s sad. I guess I never really realized it was not the normal way of things. I mean, I had my days of making them worry, but when Mila came along, I grew up fast. I guess I had to, with Heather being such a screwup.”

  “It’s a good thing you’re her father then.”

  “I didn’t want you to know what she had done. My parents called in Vegas to tell me she’d trashed my house, and I came home to a real wreck. It was bad, and she was already high. I knew it was going to be bad. She’s a junkie, Tara. She used to take Mila with her when she ran drugs and slept with her dealer. I have no idea what my little girl was exposed to before I realized what was happening.”

  “Oh, wow. I’m so sorry, Zane. But Mila seems really healthy. And like she doesn’t remember.”

  “I wish I didn’t remember. The thought of her using my child as a drug mule? Well, let’s just say it doesn’t make me think pleasant thoughts. And I didn’t want that shit to scare you away.”

  “You couldn’t scare me away, Zane. I care about you, and I’d never judge you for your past. Or hers. You’re a good man.”

  “I don’t know what I’d have done without my parents helping me out. They’ve done everything. Taken Mila when I needed them to and gone to court with me countless times. I owe them everything.”

  “Well, you’re very lucky to have them. And for the record, I like them a lot. I really like Mila a lot too. You’re all stronger for what you went through. And Mila? She’s incredible. She’s so fun to be around.”

  I laughed. It was good to know she felt that way. That she got it and didn’t mind the drama of my past. “I like to watch her grow and experience new things. She’s funny. And the things she comes up with? She’s going to be a genius and rule the world someday. I don’t know how I got so lucky.”

  “Well, she must get that from you.”

  “You’re just saying that,” I said, giving her a teasing look. “You’re just trying to butter me up now that we’re alone.”

  “Please,” she said, teasing me back. “I’m surprised you haven’t pulled this truck over and taken advantage of me yet.”