Pieces of Lies

by Angela Richardson

  Josh shifted in his seat, assessing what I had said. “Do you like him Norah?” There was a definite 'need to know' in his voice.

  “I don’t know yet, maybe. He is different to what I originally thought and we are constantly being thrown together.” I was speaking the truth. I wasn’t quite sure what was happening with Clint. There was certainly a chemical reaction when we were around each other, which, if I was looking at it logically, could be nothing more than lust, but then again, I did feel us connecting in a very deep and emotional way that I was beginning to crave more and more.

  “You know your dad wouldn’t approve of a guy like Clint, especially with his history with women.” Josh decided to be bold.

  I shot him a disapproving look. “It’s interesting you say that Josh since I don’t much approve of your history with women either.” Josh looked hurt but didn’t respond. I knew what he was doing. “Why does my dad’s opinion even matter?” I could tell Josh was trying to deter me from being with Clint and using the heaviest artillery he had.

  “I just don’t want you to be heartbroken again is all, especially with what happened last time.” Josh was concerned and I knew what he was making reference to.

  “Well, Clint has yet to use my virginity to try and get him into a secret club, so he is doing well not breaking my heart so far.” I hit him where it hurt. His face fell, and instantly I regretted using those words even though I was still fuming.

  “Low blow Norah,” Josh was visibly shaken that I had brought it up but defensively I didn’t back down.

  “So was bringing my father into the conversation like a threat, Joshua,” and I pushed myself out from my seat, giving Josh another dirty look and left the café and my half eaten Rueben.

  ***

  The following night I had Tess over to get her opinion on a couple of my pieces and to discuss some side notes from our Art Humanities class. I really needed to spend time with someone of the same sex and was thrilled for a little one-on-one girl conversation.

  “Wow your apartment is gorgeous,” Tess said as she pulled off her maroon trench and handed it to me.

  “Thanks, I’m pretty grateful for it even though I don’t need all this space.” Tess didn’t enquire further. I hung her coat up in a small closet near my front door and lead her down to my paint room. “Now be honest, it’s no good to me if you just say they’re great to be polite.”

  Tess laughed, “Being polite usually isn’t my thing so I’ll try and be brutal alright.”

  I had cleaned up the paint room as best I could and laid out the few pieces I had completed to the side, leaning up against the wall. Tess looked at great length, her eyes going from corner to corner on each one, looking at the movement of the colors. “These are really good Norah, and I’m not just saying that.” Tess had a serious expression and started to move her hands through the air as she continued to give her opinion, “I love the energy in this piece, the fury, the aggression, the way the colors collide and then disconnect. I like how I feel disturbed by it, that’s good,” she stepped to the next one, “and this one has a sadness equally matched by its anger.” She paused and turned to me, “Is there something you want to tell me?”

  I was completely caught off-guard. “Um, what?” I had no idea what she was referring to.

  “They are each very dark in their own way, it’s just generally artists can’t produce such intense work without having experienced, something.” Tess stopped and waited. I think she was wondering if I would volunteer any information that would imply she was correct.

  “I’ve got a bit of a past which has been really hard, so I guess you can say I’ve got a lot to draw on when I do my work.”

  Tess grinned trying to comfort me, and then walked over and gave me a soft hug, “Well, if you want to talk about it, you can trust me.” I hugged her back not responding at all. I really was an emotional cripple when it came to opening up, but I reminded myself it was more for everyone’s welfare and less by choice.

  After we left the paint room we settled into the lounge for our class note revision. I popped open a bottle of Merlot and we settled onto the sofa, discussing our class but quickly trailing off to girlish gossip. “Oh I forgot to mention, I heard about your naked water sex-capade with Clint Weston at his parents’ house.”

  I rolled my eyes and let out an exasperated moan as I rose to my feet about to make a speech, “Oh for the love of God, does the Lappell run a newsletter or something. Nooooo, we weren’t naked, and before you ask, there was no sex. We went swimming in our underwear which didn’t last long because we were interrupted, by his mother!”

  Tess burst out laughing, “How was that?”

  I laughed with her, “Which part, the swimming, or his mother?”

  She giggled some more, “Both?”

  I sat back down. “Well, the swimming part was actually pretty fun…” I began to trail off.

  “And his mother?” Tess enquired.

  “Yes, her, well she has high expectations for her son and said that he shouldn’t be dating right now.”

  Tess grinned like she had caught me out, “So, you two are dating then?”

  I shrugged my shoulders, “I honestly don’t know. I think we like each other, which is evident from his kiss, but we both have some obstacles in our way.” I took a big gulp of wine.

  “You mean like Josh?” Tess put it out there and I frowned.

  “He is one of many, Tess.”

  She looked at me sympathetically and then her eyes lit up. “Wait, did you say he kissed you?”

  I had all but forgotten I mentioned that part, “Yes, twice.” I began to think about those kisses,

  “And…” Tess pushed.

  “Well let’s just say if I wasn’t already sitting down when both of those kisses took place, my knees would have certainly buckled from underneath me.”

  Tess clinked my glass with hers, “Well, that certainly sounds promising.”

  It was close to midnight when we finished the bottle of Merlot. Tess called her roommate to come pick her up and I walked her out to the front of the apartment block while we waited for her ride. Suddenly both our shoulders flinched in surprise as the sound of an exotic engine came burning down the street. We both took a few steps back as a cherry-red Lamborghini Aventador pulled into my driveway. I was completely blown away when I saw Clint in the driver’s seat.

  I walked over to the luscious looking car. Tess eyed it curiously. “What are you doing here?” I asked him looking stunned.

  Clint looked excited and nervous all at once as I leaned in on his car door. “I took a punt you were awake.”

  Tess’s ride pulled up and before she ran off she yelled, “You two have fun now.” I shook my head; she just had to be cheeky.

  As she sped away, I turned my attention back to Clint, “So since your gamble paid off, what are you doing here?”

  He turned off the motor, and eased back slightly in the driver’s seat, “I wanted to see if you’ll come for a drive in my dad’s new toy.”

  I looked at the automotive masterpiece with desire, “So you turn up at my place, close to midnight, in the hope I would go for a joy ride with you?” He nodded confidently. I ran my hand along the body of the car, admiring its beauty. “Oh hell yes!” and I raced around to the passenger’s side and climbed in.

  Clint turned on the engine, “I should probably also mention that my dad doesn’t know I’ve taken this.”

  I grinned. Is this Clint’s attempt at being rebellious? “That’s cute, taking your daddy’s car without his permission. You sure live dangerously.”

  He could hear the sarcasm in my voice and responded in like, “Oh, well since that doesn’t bother you, then the fact we are going to be in an illegal car race shouldn’t affect you at all.”

  My head did a double turn. I tried to yell ‘What?’ but Clint revved the motor loudly and pulled out of the driveway so he couldn’t give me an answer.

  “Are you kidding me?” I shrieked, as we
sped along down my street, but Clint kept driving and refusing to respond. “I’m not going to be a part of this unless you tell me what’s going on!” I yelled, and Clint pulled over to the side of the road.

  He turned to face me, a serious expression on his face, “OK, OK, I’ll explain.” He took a deep breath, “A few of the societies in the area are involved in an underground car race every year. It’s for bragging rights, and, I’ve always wanted to do it. But with my family, my dad, the business, you know, they would never allow me.”

  I nodded and turned myself back to face the road, “Well alright then,” I said.

  Clint held the steering wheel and he stared at my dead reaction, “You’re not going to try and talk me out of it?”

  I turned back to him. “Why would I Clint? Why would I stop you doing something you want to do, it’s obviously important to you,” and then he flashed me his gorgeous smile.

  “You are fearless, you know that Norah.”

  I turned away and looked out the window as the town’s lights breezed past us, murmuring to myself, “I don’t know about that.”

  On the outskirts of town there was a mountainside with a series of roads used to access private woodland cabins. It was a quiet time of year and the roads were usually pretty deserted. About fifteen years back, some of the neighboring universities with their secret societies held a rival car race which ended up becoming an annual tradition. As we drove to the meeting spot, Clint explained that along with him as the submission from the Lappell, there would be cars from the secret societies ‘Ravine’, ‘Winchester’ and ‘Mortese’. As we drove towards the mountains, traffic became less and less until we were the only car on the road. We had to make a few more turns before we arrived at the checkpoint.

  There were at least twenty or more cars at the checkpoint which was a spot by the side of the road, in front of a long stretch of road leading into the mountainside. After parking the car, we both hopped out and I followed Clint over to where a group of college students were congregating next to a very sexy yellow Ferrari FF. For a second, I was pretty happy that my father also appreciated luxury cars and that I had gained some knowledge of them too.

  A lean preppy-looking guy with very short black hair approached us. “Weston, I didn’t think you were going to show. We even had a pool going to see if you would turn up. Seems I lost.”

  Clint grabbed my hand; I could feel his palm sweat. “Sorry to hear that Hale, but I hope you are prepared to lose more than that tonight.”

  Nice Clint, nice.

  The preppy guy laughed, “That’s funny coming from you and your club, especially since you haven’t won in the last five years.”

  Clint squeezed my hand a little tighter, “Well, that’s about to change.”

  The preppy guy patted Clint’s shoulder, “Let’s do this.”

  As we turned to walk back to the car, the preppy guy yelled out, “Do you want to make it more interesting Weston?” In unison we both swung our backs round to face him.

  “How?” Clint sounded wary.

  The preppy guy looked me up and down, “Well, since you are so sure of yourself, how about we play for trophies then?”

  Clint laughed, “I don’t need another car Hale.”

  “Oh I wasn’t referring to the car, Weston.” And his eyes locked on mine. Clint stiffened and moved me so I was behind him out of the preppy guy’s line of sight.

  Were women simply objects to all these secret societies?

  “Forget it. Absolutely no way.” Clint’s voice was edgy now, almost fierce.

  “I guess you’re not so sure after all.” His words were laced in cowardice.

  Clint went to lead me back to the car when I turned and blurted out, “You’ve got it.”

  The preppy guy snickered.

  Clint pulled me into his body and leaned in so no one could hear us talk, “Norah, what the hell are you doing?”

  I put my hand on his shoulder, “Showing that I believe in you.” His eyes gleamed with adoration. “Are you sure?”

  I nodded, “Just don’t lose OK.”

  He smiled confidently, “For you, never.”

  Clint lifted his head and yelled back to the preppy guy, “Alright Hale, if you win, you can take her out to dinner, and if I win, the Lappell get first pick next year.”

  I had no idea what Clint meant, but the preppy guy looked deep in thought. He turned back to the group then turned and eyed me again.

  “Alright, you’re on. Although I’m sure it will be more than just dinner, right beautiful.” He blew me a kiss.

  I felt like throwing up in my mouth.

  Clint lead me back to the Lamborghini. “Are you coming with me, or would you prefer to stay here and wait for it to be over?” Clint clearly didn’t want to put me into a dangerous situation without my consent.

  “I’ll come with you if you like.”

  He squeezed my hand again, “I was hoping you’d say that.” We leaned up against the car, and watched as group started to disperse into the four societies each of the cars represented.

  “So who is your competition exactly?” I asked taking in the whole excitement of the scene.

  “Well…” and he pointed to the right, “over by the Jaguar is Damian Rutherford from Winchester… and next to him is the Maserati, driven by Marcus Hetherington from Ravine… and the guy I just spoke to was Wes Hale from Mortese. He has the Ferrari and I think he’ll be our biggest competition.”

  I scanned the four cars, all brand new, top of the line models.

  “I hope you know how to drive then.” I agreed with him, the Ferrari would probably take the Lamborghini so I was hoping he had a magic trick up his sleeve.

  As we climbed into the car, I suddenly became worried that Clint was only doing this to prove he could do something dangerous and out of control. I mean, it was one thing to do something crazy, but doing it and looking like a fool was not going to help Clint step out of that box.

  “Don’t look so worried Norah,” Clint was trying to reassure me, “you may have your naked painting and guns to help you escape… but me, when things get too much for me… I, drive,” and with that I was pushed back into my seat as he accelerated to top speed over to the starting line.

  The four cars lined up over the two-lane woodland road that stretched into the mountainside. I felt adrenaline already hitting my body and I shook with anticipation. The engines all roared to life, and I could faintly hear the screams of the crowd behind us. A tall lanky guy that I hadn’t noticed in the crowd earlier, walked in front of the cars. All the headlights shone towards him as he began to make movements with his arms. “Last chance to change your mind,” Clint said, but I just shook my head.

  The lanky guy’s hands dropped and the cars all propelled forward, the Ferrari taking the lead, followed by us, the Jaguar and then the Maserati. The road was only big enough for two cars at any given time, so to get past the leader; Clint would need to find a way to shoot past someone who fell to the side when taking the corners.

  The road twisted up round the hillsid with the cars now lined up two and two behind each other. The Jaguar and Ferrari out front and us and the Maserati behind. “There are two clearings near a couple of turns up ahead and that’s when I’ll get in.” I could only nod as Clint explained his strategy, not able to take my eyes off the road, my heartbeat exploding through my chest. I was gripping the seat as Clint rounded one of the first clearings near a sharp turn. The Jaguar did not take it smoothly, swinging out wide and allowing Clint to take up position in first place next to the Ferrari. I breathed a little easier and then I felt Clint’s hand resting on mine as I continued to hold onto the leather interior. I took a moment to look at how calm he appeared to be driving. The situation was not fazing him at all. He even seemed relaxed. Damn that’s sexy.

  “We have to turn around at the top and I’ll have to take the inside road down if I want to stay out front.” I turned my hand in towards his and squeezed his palm in assurance. Clint q
uickly turned to face me, “Norah, this right now, is for you.”

  Everything moved very quickly as we reached the top. In the span of a few seconds, all four cars spun and propelled around and back into a steady rhythm towards the road, sticking as close to the mountain as they could. In the haze of smoke and engines roaring, when the cars emerged from the cloud of dust, it was Clint who drove victoriously from the bunch, taking the lead and maneuvering his way back down towards to the bottom. The Ferrari tried to swing past on a couple of attempts but Clint anticipated the moves and pulled out in front of him on both tries. I could hear the cheering as we sped past the finish line. Clint slowed the Lamborghini and turned it back so he could park near the group who were whistling and chanting as we climbed out of the car, “Laaaaa Pell…. Laaaaa Pell…. Laaaaa Pell.”

  I was still shaking from the adrenaline when I grabbed at Clint’s shirt, “Where the hell did you learn to drive like that?” I was breathless.

  “I told you, when things get too much for me, I drive.” He was completely steady.

  “Then you must be in one hell of a pressure cooker.” Clint just gave me an awkward smile and returned to the admiration of the crowd.

  Arriving back to my apartment, Clint escorted me to my front door. It would have been close to 3am. “Thank you for coming tonight Norah, I don’t think I could have done that without you,” Clint said leaning up against my front door.

  “Please, that driving was all you. It was incredible. I am still blown away by how you handled that car.” I started to giggle to myself.

  “What’s so funny?” Clint asked.

  “The way you said, ‘when things get too much for me, I drive’. It was cheesy, but I totally loved it.”

  Clint started to laugh with me, “Damn, and here I was thinking I was so cool.”

  I leaned up against my apartment door at the same angle as him, staring into his eyes that were still beaming with excitement from the night.

  “So do you go up to the hillside often?” I asked, wanting to know just how experienced Clint was with his driving.