Truth or Lies

by JA Johnston

  “To be honest, I didn’t know if she was going to.” He chuckles as he embraces me from behind.

  “Hey!” I elbow Lucas.

  “I’m joking.” He smiles. “I know how you feel for me because I feel the same for you.” He kisses me on my lips.

  “Okay folks! I feel like the third wheel here. But, I live here, so, hum...?” Dan mumbles embarrassingly.

  “Dan, I don’t think you and Amelia will be living together that much longer. I can’t let another day go by without her by my side. Besides, she’s coming to work for me.”

  “What?” Dan says in a shocked questionable tone.

  “Dan,” I begin.

  “Dan, “Lucas interrupts, “I want you to come work for me also. Amelia will be working with our legal team. I’m branching out further and looking at some computer gaming companies. So, I do need someone to help me with projects and development.”

  “You want me? Really? Are you serious?” Dan asks.

  “Yes, you! You are Daniel Brian Wagner, correct?” Lucas asks teasingly.

  “Damn it, Lucas, yes. Yes, to the job. Shit, did I even give you a resume?” Dan is so flustered.

  “No need. You are exactly what my team needs.” Lucas shrugs his shoulders, “Your degree is in Engineering Technology, you’ve done two internships at LARBB with great feedback. So, what do you say, Amelia’s said yes to be my side, now Dan, will you be part of my team?”

  “Yes, I will be part of your team. When do we start?” Dan is grinning at us.

  We’re all smiling now. Lucas replies, “two weeks.” He grins at me, “vacation first, then you’re all mine.” His arm is wrapped around me and I have the biggest grin on my face. I can’t believe I am going to be Amelia Cierra Bishop!

  Seventeen years later

  I AWAKE ABRUPTLY. Where am I? Crap! No, NO, NO! Why did I fall asleep? Why didn’t he wake me? I don’t spend the night. Ever. He knows this. Crap! I get up from the bed to find my clothes, which are on the chair by the door. I quickly dress. Now to get out of here. I don’t know where Alex is, but I want to get out of here quick.

  “Where are, you rushing off to?” I hear Alex sigh as I walk towards the front door of his condo.

  “Home. I’ve got a lot of things to do today. And why did you not wake me up last night? You know I don’t like spending the night.” I say exasperatedly.

  “You were tired Amelia; I didn’t want to wake you. You seem like you needed it.” He sounds exasperated.

  “Listen, Alex, thank you, but you should have woke me. I can’t spend the night here. You know this.” I try to sound grateful, but I’m not.

  Alexander stands up and walks towards me. He’s wearing pajama bottoms and nothing else. I take this moment to admire this man. He’s six-foot-two, dark brown hair and eyes. At forty-seven-years-old, he has nice muscle tone, and damn that V is so sexy. He also has a splattering of chest hair. Honestly, I thought men his age would be frumpy. Just looking at him makes me tingle. The things he does to me when we’re together… well let’s just say I’ve never had an orgasm like that until him.

  “Amelia, just be thankful for once. I won’t do it again. You were upset last night and you won’t tell me why. I thought disciplining you last night would get it out of you, but again, you don’t share what’s going on with you.” His piercing brown eyes show concern, but I don’t want that. He’s just a customer.

  “Be sure it doesn’t Alex.” I turn away from him. “Have a nice day!” I say as the door closes behind me.

  Once I get home after leaving Alex’s, it’s a marathon race to get ready.

  I’m meeting my father and grandparents for lunch. They didn’t arrive yesterday for my graduation, only Grams did. I was so happy to see her. I never spend time with her, so last night I let her take me to dinner. There’s such sadness in her eyes, and whenever I am with her, I remember. I remember my lie. It hurts to be around her, but I love her so much. She reminds me so much of my mom.

  After I left Grams last night, I went to the bar to get a drink. After my third extra dirty martini, Alex sat down beside me. He wasn’t sure if I was meeting a customer or not. Against my better judgment, I went home with him. I wanted to be punished for my lie. I wanted to hurt, the way that I see the hurt of loss in Grams' eyes.

  I make it to the restaurant five minutes early. Which amazes me since it was a two-hour drive back to Port Hampton from Queensport where Alex lives. I feel a bit relieved knowing that I am here before my father, but for some reason I still feel on edge. God knows I mustn’t let my father and his parents, my grandparents, wait. I’m seated at the table waiting. I feel a hand squeeze my shoulder, and I look up into those damn dark brown eyes that I left over an hour ago.

  “What are you doing here?” I ask Alex in an exasperated surprised tone. Is he following me? Stalking me?

  “Having lunch. What are you doing here? Or should I ask?” he smirks.

  “None of your business. Please go before my guests arrive.” As I say this, my father approaches. Alex’s grip on my shoulder tightens.

  “Amelia! You’re on time and not late.” My father says smiling at me.

  “Hello, dad.” I get up and kiss him on the cheek. “Where are grandmother and grandfather?”

  “On their way. They had to stop by somewhere else first.” He says and turns towards Alex. “And who might you be?”

  “Just a friend of Amelia’s. I stopped at her table to say hello when I saw her sitting here alone.” Alex has an intense stare and tone with his response.

  “Ah! That was nice of you. But as you can see, she’s not alone now, so you can move along.” My father says briskly. “Waiter, we need another chair here, we’re a party of five.”

  “Five? Who else is coming?”

  My father smiles at me and says, “You’ll see.”

  My father pulls out a chair for himself and sits down. Alex turns and walks away. I can feel him staring at us. Just when I am about to talk, my grandparents show up and they’re not alone. What the hell is he doing here?

  “Amelia, sweetheart!” My grandmother approaches with her arms spread wide grinning happily at me.

  “Grandmother.” I grunt as I kiss her cheek. “Grandfather.”

  I turn and face David Sawyer, my former boyfriend in high school. “What are you doing here, David?”

  “Now Amelia, is that how you say hello to your boyfriend?” my grandmother says.

  “Ex, ex-boyfriend.” I exclaim with much distaste.

  “It’s ok Mrs. Bennett. Amelia always had an upfront attitude. Especially with unexpected situations.” He smirks arrogantly while scanning me head to toe. My blood is boiling as I recall the last time we saw one another.

  “Don’t think of cheating on me while I’m not with you.” David says in a harsh tone while digging his fingers into my arms.

  “You’re hurting me!” I try to wiggle free of his hold. But it’s useless. He forces me down on the lounge chair that’s by the pool, but far enough away from the house that no one will see him, us. Not that they would care. I feel as if my father thinks more of David than he does me.

  “Let’s sit down and order.” Grandfather says sternly. “Amelia, you look beautiful. How was graduation?”

  I swear he has no emotion. Neither does my father. They are very austere men. I wonder if I am like them?

  “It was just great. You should have been there.” I say with a hint of sarcasm.

  “We already had something on the calendar.” He replies.

  “Grandfather, you’ve known for a year that I was graduating yesterday. A year!”

  “Amelia that’s no way to talk to your grandfather. We’re here now for god’s sake!” My father says sternly.

  “It’s ok son, she’s a Bennett. She gets straight to the point.” My grandfather scoffs.

  Grandmother looks at my father and grandfather. I can’t decide what her expression is. Is it fear? Loathing? She’s always been hard to read.

  “So
, Amelia, what is your degree in?” David asks.

  “Business.”

  “What are your plans?” David asks in a condescending tone.

  “Well,” I begin.

  “Her plans are to be married. Then, she can stay home and begin a family.” Grandfather cuts me off.

  What the hell is he talking about? I look at him in disbelief.

  “What? I’m not going to do that!” I squeal angrily.

  “Yes, you are.” My father says. “This is what was planned. You go to college, then you settle down and start a family. Your husband works for the family business.”

  “What the hell are you talking about? Husband? Kids? I’m not dating anyone.” My voice is becoming high-pitched and filled with anger.

  “Oh, we know. We’ve already chosen for you.” Grandfather says.

  Holy Hell! You’ve got to be kidding me. I look over at David. Who is grinning, then he looks at me and stops.

  “Him! You want me to marry David fucking Sawyer!” I exclaim loudly.

  “Amelia, language!” grandmother says embarrassingly. “David dear, I am so sorry you are having to hear these words from her mouth.”

  “Stop apologizing! I’m not marrying him or anybody, EVER!” I yell.

  “You will young lady!” My father says sternly.

  “You will or you will be cut out of everything, Bennett. You will get no more allowances and no inheritance.” Grandfather states.

  “FINE!” I yell. “You can have it. I don’t need it. I’ll support myself.”

  “What will you do?” my father interjects. “Who will provide for you? Take care of you? I’ve been doing it for your entire life.”

  “I will! I can do all that by myself. I don’t need you. I don’t need HIM or anybody.” I’m so enraged at them. I stand up.

  “What are you doing? SIT DOWN AMELIA!” grandfather says sternly. “You will do as you’re told, young lady.”

  I just stare at him. I then look to my father who is wearing the same expression as my grandfather. They are both a carbon copy of one another. Finally, I look at my grandmother. For once I can read it. She’s begging me to do as I’m told.

  They don’t know. Or do they? I’ve already done that once. I am NOT going to this time. I just can’t.

  “No.” I state calmly. My body begins to calm as that one word leaves my lips. “I will not do as I’m told. I am not going to marry David and start a family.”

  “We’ll find someone else then. Another suitable match perhaps?” grandmother suggests.

  “I don’t care who you find, my answer is still no.” I inhale a deep cleansing breath.

  “Amelia, think this through.” My father says strongly.

  “I’ve made my choice.” I cut him off and stare at him. “No, I will not do this.” I state in a forceful tone.

  “You’ve made your choice. We’ll see how long it takes for you to come crawling back and apologize.” Grandfather looks at me with squinting eyes. “You will Amelia. You won’t make it on your own. You’ve been spoiled.”

  I can’t stand here any longer. I can’t be around them. My stomach is in knots. I look at all their faces. I’m sick of them. I bend slightly towards my chair and pick up my purse placing the strap around my left shoulder.

  “What are you doing?” grandmother asks in a trembling tone.

  “I’m leaving.” I stand up straighter. “I’m not going to come crawling back. I am NEVER coming back.” I state strongly. I take one last look at them all. Finally, I focus on my father, “Goodbye”.

  I walk out of that restaurant. I’m free of them.

  Seventeen years, one week later

  WE’VE BEEN ON this tiny island, Avalon Isles, for almost a week. I don’t want it to end. Lucas hasn’t looked this relaxed in two years. He’s been so busy taking over his father’s company. Thanks to Lucas, the company has grown and I’m excited that I will be working with him.

  The sun beats down as I sit in my oversized beach chair with my toes in the sand. I have my sunglasses on and a huge hat! It looks a bit ridiculous, but Lucas insisted I wear the hat. The first summer we spend together as a couple, he discovered how easily I burn.

  The waiter has just brought me another margarita. Lucas is in the water with a paddleboard. I love watching him. I can see his muscles flex as he extends the paddle through the water. My mind has wandered off thinking about our future when suddenly there’s someone sitting in the chair beside me.

  “Hello” he says.

  “Hello.” I respond. “This chair is occupied.” I state waving a hand at where he just sat.

  “I don’t see anyone in it. I don’t see anyone around who it seems to belong to.” He grins at me.

  Oh, my god! He’s hitting on me. Seriously? Did it look like I wanted to be hit on?

  “My fiancé is in the water. He’ll be back in a bit.”

  “I’ll just keep you company until this so-called fiancé shows up.” He’s still grinning. He thinks I’m lying.

  “My name’s Alex.”

  I just glare at him.

  “It’s only polite when someone offers their name, you should reciprocate. So, we’ll try again. My name’s Alex.” He says more sternly, but this time he extends his hand towards me.

  I look at him and then his hand. A large part of me wants to laugh at his ridiculous attempt at flirting. He removes his sunglasses; his brown eyes focus on my blue eyes. His stare is intense, yet familiar. I’m still trying to think of a response when I hear…

  “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Lucas sounds pissed.

  Alex looks up and sees Lucas walking towards us, dripping wet. He breaks into a huge smile looking at him.

  “This beautiful woman was sitting here all by herself. She seemed lonely. I thought I would rescue her from boredom. Maybe I still should be rescuing her from you?” Alex has slipped his sunglasses back on and has a huge grin on his face.

  “You ass!” Lucas laughs.

  What?! Did I miss something? Why is he laughing with this guy?

  All of sudden, Alex stands up and embraces Lucas. Lucas reciprocates. Now I’m really confused. I’m just staring at them. Finally, Lucas turns to me and says...

  “Uncle Alex, this is my Amelia.” He’s grinning. “Amelia, this is my Uncle Alex.”

  Crap! His uncle was hitting on me, or was he? Did he know who I was? “Hi Alex, it’s nice to meet you.” I stand and offer my hand.

  “Finally, I get her name!” Alex grins and takes my hand. “She would barely talk to me. How the hell did you manage to get her?” he asks Lucas while still holding my hand.

  Lucas just grins and pulls me towards him. Alex lets go of my hand. Lucas looks into my eyes and says “She was sitting at a bar and I sat down next to her. I looked into her eyes and said ‘hello’.”

  That magical night was two years ago, but it feels like we’ve known each other longer.

  Lucas turns back to his uncle. “Were you really going to try to pick up my girl?”

  “I didn’t know she was your girl. When she interned for you last year, is when I finally took a long overdue vacation.” He turns his attention back to me, “I just saw a beautiful woman sitting here alone.” He’s staring at me, his right eyebrow raised. I see his head slightly move down. Shit! Lucas’ uncle is checking me out. That’s just creepy!

  “Stop!” Lucas warns.

  Alex throws his hands up in surrender. Lucas asks, “When did you get here?”

  “About three hours ago.” Alex’s attention is still on me.

  “Amelia and I have to go get ready for dinner.” Lucas takes my hand in his. “We’ll try to get together before we leave in a few days.”

  Alex smiles at me, “I look forward to it”.

  As we walk back to our room I tell Lucas that his uncle is creepy. He bursts out laughing. He says, “if you only knew.”

  At dinner that evening, we begin discussing wedding ideas again. I keep telling him I don’t want a big weddi
ng. To be honest, I didn’t know until this afternoon what kind of a wedding I wanted. I finally do.

  “I would like to get married here.” I state. “Just us, Grams, Dan and his family.” I smile. “Oh, and of course your mother, Grace.” I sigh, “and your uncle. I should also have my father’s parents, grandmother, and grandfather. Is there anyone else you would want?”

  Lucas is grinning ear-to-ear. “So, just family and some friends?”

  “Yes, just family and close friends.”

  “That’s all my family. I would like Adam to be there, and his family. So, that would be it on my side.” He’s smiling into my eyes.

  “Do you think I’ll finally meet Adam before we get married. I’ve heard all about him for years, yet have never met him.”

  Lucas laughs, “you’ve met him.” He looks at me; “haven’t you?” I shake my head no. “How the hell have I not introduced my girl to my best friend?” He shakes his head laughing. Then he looks at me, and all I see is love and something else I can’t put my finger on. Mischief, perhaps. “So, now we just need to settle a date.” He states as he picks up his drink.

  I sigh. I bite my lower lip and blurt out “I wish it was now. I know that sounds crazy.”

  Lucas laughs and almost chokes on his drink. “It’s not crazy, I wish it was too.” He smiles, “How about we come back in six months?”

  I groan, “Six months. I have to wait that long?”

  “We could get married just the two of us now or back home.” He calmly says to me. “But if you want our families, then it will probably be six months.”

  “Six months.” I say. Lucas grins ear-to-ear again showing his dimples beneath his scruff. God, I love his smile.

  Seventeen years, one week later

  IT’S BEEN OVER a week, and I haven’t heard a word from my father. My grandmother tried to call and talk with me. I just can’t find it in myself to talk to her. It’s not her fault, but she’s pushing grandfather’s views on me. I’m not like her.