Pieces of Truth

by Angela Richardson

  “You know, I really, really didn’t want to stop that, but when I heard your name, I knew I couldn’t let you go all the way.”

  I had already guessed who this was. He was the spitting image of Clint, but a few years older. He had the same blue eyes, blond hair and defined jaw. This was obviously his brother. I had to retrace my memory for a name. I knew Clint had mentioned him before.

  Think Norah, think.

  “Leo?” I said, hesitantly. He grinned, and came walking towards us, his eyes on both of our hands that barely covered our breasts.

  “The one and only, and you are Norah, Clint’s girlfriend, right?” He pointed at me, making sure he had identified me correctly.

  I nodded. He stopped walking when he got close to us.

  “I’d shake your hand, but somehow I don’t think this is the right moment for formal introductions.”

  I shook my head, now turning red in embarrassment. “No, not the right time for that.”

  Tess then blurted out, “I’d love a formal introduction,” and she dropped both her hands and held out her palm for a handshake. Leo’s eyes of course went straight to Tess’s nipples, that were hard, and already saying hello.

  “Tess!” I said, scolding her for such forward and unladylike behavior, but who was I kidding.

  “What Norah? I’m going to Europe tomorrow. I’ll probably never see this guy again. I don’t mind if he checks out the goods. And this is pretty fucking funny, don’t you think?”

  I tried not to laugh, but couldn’t help myself.

  “Fuck, how am I going to tell Clint about this?” I got out between laughs.

  Immediately Leo’s face changed to hard and almost angry. “I’d prefer if you didn’t mention to Clint that you saw me. I only stopped to get some extra supplies, and this afternoon I’m heading back out. We really don’t have to complicate things.”

  Complicate things?

  “I don’t know Leo...” I was unsure why he was acting like this. What was the big deal if Clint knew he was here or not? They were family after all.

  “Look, just forget you saw me, and I’ll forget I saw those beauties,” and he pointed to my chest. Seems like Leo did get a bit of show before he made us aware of his presence.

  Would it really matter if I told Clint that we had seen him? It’s not like we discussed anything important, and after all, I’d had enough drama in my life the past month.

  “Sure OK. Nothing to talk about anyway,” I agreed. The last thing I wanted to do was start some kind of family argument. I knew all too well the stress of family.

  Leo looked relieved as I said it. “I’ll head back down into the boat and give you two some privacy to get dressed.” He then turned to Tess. “Unless you want to join me?”

  I made sure Tess could see my disapproving look, and even though I saw her actually contemplating his offer, she shimmied her chest a little and said, “No, maybe another time.”

  Leo walked over to the opening of the cabin, so he could go down below, and started climbing in. Before closing the door, he popped his head back up.

  “Norah, can I ask you something?” He watched me and I smiled back.

  “Sure.”

  “What’s it like being with Clint? I only ask because you are his first serious girlfriend, and Clint hasn’t been serious about anyone before. When he is serious about something, he usually...takes it all the way.”

  I didn’t know what Leo was saying or implying. His question felt like there was a lot behind it; none of which he could talk about. He was asking for something, reassurance I think, about his brother.

  “I’m not sure what you are asking Leo. Clint’s a very devoted boyfriend. Is that what you want to know?”

  He didn’t seem satisfied by my answer, but didn’t follow up with any more questions. “Oh, that’s good to know,” Leo simply said.

  I wasn’t convinced that was all there was to it. It made me want to question him further, find out what he was really asking about Clint. “Why are asking Leo?”

  Leo scanned the gardens and looked over to the house, probably wondering if any of the servants knew he was there. He looked at me again, clearly considering what he should say. Finally he decided it was OK to give me a response. “Well, Clint has always been a bit...umm how do I say this...intense. Usually if he is serious about something, nothing can get in his way.”

  Talk about a million questions in my head right now. Could Clint’s brother be any more vague with his statement? Intense. Yes, Clint was determined and passionate and everything the word ‘intense’ would define. I couldn’t understand why Leo was making it sound like a warning, but it was as if he was holding a banner above his head saying, ‘Watch out!’

  “Being intense is not a bad thing,” I pointed out. I loved Clint and wanted to defend him.

  Leo mouth’s frowned as he gazed at me. “Isn’t it Norah?”

  Leo’s eyes looked over to Tess again. “Nice to meet you Tess. Very nice.” Tess held her shoulders back and smiled proudly.

  He lifted his hand to us, gesturing good-bye. “See you round Norah. I have to admit, you certainly are memorable.”

  His head disappeared down below and I scrambled to get my clothes that were scattered all around the deck of the boat.

  Tess stood in the same spot, just watching as I quickly got dressed. She cocked her head to one side, staring at the cabin door Leo had vanished through.

  “Clint’s brother seems...nice,” Tess said, her words dripping in sarcasm.

  I sighed. I could think of a better word.

  Chapter 15

  The Gift of Giving

  ~ ~ ~

  I woke up surrounded by rose petals on my bed, and Clint’s mouth on my lips. I tried to speak, but he refused to let me, kissing me over and over again until I had to push him off to catch my breath.

  “I still need air to live Clint,” I said, as I tried to roll away from his arms.

  “And here I thought you only needed me! Happy birthday my most gorgeous girlfriend!”

  Clint was in a terrific mood. There had been no early morning deliveries, which I’m sure helped. He pulled me tighter, his hands now going under my arms tickling me. I started to bend and twist as I tried to avoid his hands that were making me lose all control of my body as I let out moans of laughter.

  “STOP,” I squealed. “STOP!” His hands continued to tickle me, sending my body spasming and laughing at the same time.

  “On one condition,” he said, trying to sound serious.

  “Anything, anything, anything!” I couldn’t take the tickling any more. My body needed to rest from spinning out of control.

  “Say yes.”

  His gaze was on my eyes as he said it. I stopped moving and froze in his hands. I don’t think he expected me to freeze up like that.

  “Say yes to what?” I asked him carefully, as he shifted next to me on the bed. I had stopped laughing, and had become very still as I waited to hear what he was going to say next.

  “To picking truth tonight.”

  Internally I sighed, and I couldn’t help but smile in relief at him.

  “You want me to pick truth. You afraid my dare could get me in trouble?”

  “Well...”

  I smacked him playfully. “You douche. I’m not a magnet for drama you know; it just manages to find me!”

  His eyes softened. “It’s just that it’s your birthday, and I think tonight is going to be a night you’ll never forget. I just want to help you get everything you want.”

  “Oh, I’m counting on it lover boy.” I tried to tickle Clint, returning the gesture, but he saw what I was trying to do and quickly moved so I missed grabbing him. He then turned, and somehow, very swiftly and skillfully, turned my body onto my back, pinning down both my wrists as his body hovered above me.

  He grinned victoriously. “I win,” he announced.

  “Do you really think it would be that easy?” I questioned him. The game wasn’t over yet. I liked thi
s rough and tumble play. It was exciting and fun. I moved my hips so they rubbed up against him. Clint’s eyes began to brighten and turn a dark shade of blue. I felt his grip on my wrists loosen as his mind started to wander, and I used that to my advantage, quickly moving my wrists out of his grip, and putting my hands down his boxers, holding onto his manhood tightly.

  Clint’s eyes bulged as he realized that in losing his train of thought, he also lost his power.

  “No Clint, I win!” I said, changing my grip from tight, to softly stroking.

  “Yes, yes, yes, you win. Oh, how you win. You should always win.”

  I giggled as I watched the effect I had on Clint. His eyes were closed as he gave into my touch, enjoying every single sensation. When he opened his eyes, they appeared very focused.

  “Norah, you are...the love of my life. I know things have been a bit strained with all these gifts from Samuel and his appearance at the Gala, but I’m sure that it will all be in the past soon, and we will never have to worry about that stuff ever again. I know I’ve blamed you for Samuel’s behavior and I shouldn’t have. It’s not your fault.”

  “Clint,” I said, trying to cut in. I didn’t want him to take the blame for everything. We both fought and said things we shouldn’t have. I hadn’t been the best girlfriend after all. I couldn’t let him have all this guilt. It was a joint effort.

  “No, Norah. I need to finish what I want to say. There is more I will say to you tonight, but I want to say this right now.” He stopped and took a deep breath. “Loving you has opened my eyes in more ways than one. I understand now that feeling you get when the future doesn’t feel scary any more. It’s because when you have the person you are meant to be with, inside your heart, and holding your hand, the unknown is filled with excited anticipation, not fear. You make my soul ache in the best kind of way. The electric and addictive blend of courage, desire and amore. It tells me that I cannot, and will not, let you go.”

  I could only stare back, processing his declaration. I knew what he was really saying, what he was going to ask tonight. This was the prelude to the evening, and I needed to decide what my answer would be. If I was going with what my heart and what it was feeling right now, in this moment, my answer would be yes. I couldn’t imagine my life without those words, his face, and the soft surrender in his approach as he gave himself to me. It was real, it was true, it was devoted and I believed right there and then, that the note meant nothing, and that Clint would never hurt me. His love was possessive, but respectful, genuine and kind.

  “Make love to me,” I whispered. I needed to be as close as I could get to Clint and his heart. I needed to know that my decision would be because I felt the same way, and that it wouldn’t be interrupted by any kind of doubt.

  Clint’s hands ran down my face as he cemented the look I had given him to memory, and then his hands started to travel down to my chest.

  “With pleasure.”

  After my first birthday gift, I mean, wake-up from Clint, I showered and walked out into the lounge where Tess was sitting, beaming at me. As soon as I walked out, she ran up to me and flung her body at mine. “Happy birthday Norah!” She gripped onto my back and rocked me back and forth, laughing as she did.

  “Thanks,” I grunted back, as she continued to hug me. Everyone was depleting me of oxygen this morning. Clint emerged from the bedroom and went to the kitchen to start making coffee.

  “Morning Tess,” Clint said from the kitchen as he watched Tess remain stuck to my body. I could see him laugh a little from the corner of my eye. She finally pulled herself from me and looked over to Clint.

  “Hey there. I was just giving your woman some birthday Tess love. I hope you’re not jealous.”

  Clint smirked. “Nah, she’s already had some Clint love this morning. You got nothing on that.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Really guys. I’m standing right here!”

  “Yes you are, birthday girl.” Tess gave me a peck on the cheek and went to the kitchen to fix herself a coffee too.

  As I was about to sit down, we heard knocking on the front door. I stood up immediately and looked over at Clint. I swallowed, thinking it was a delivery and the start of another fight which I really didn’t want on my birthday.

  “I’ll get it,” Clint said, not sounding phased. He looked at the fear on my face. “It’s OK Norah, it’s not a delivery. The buzzer would have gone off.” He was right, and I felt instant relief but it also meant it could only be one other person.

  Clint opened the door and Josh walked in. “Where is my birthday girl?” he said, his eyes searching the room for me. He was wearing jeans and a tight blue T-shirt, and he was holding a bright pink thin box. Clint shut the door and said, “My girl, is over there on the sofa.”

  Easy fellas!

  Josh walked towards me, a clear look in his eyes. It was a look from years ago; the day we first met. He was smiling but with his eyes as well. Soft, endearing, heartfelt. I smiled warmly back at him as he said, “Happy birthday Norah,” and pulled me into his arms for a hug, whispering very softly into my ear, “this is not your real gift.”

  He let go and pulled away from me. He handed me the thin pink box and I stared at it, confused. Tess walked up to stand next to me. “Well open it up Norah, it’s not going to open itself.” She nudged my arm. I undid the white ribbon that was tied around the box and pulled it open.

  It was a box of candy. Lots of brightly colored pieces of candy.

  “You ass,” I spat out without thinking, but no one knew why I said that except for me and Josh. I knew exactly what Josh was doing with this gift, and he was doing it on purpose like a child.

  Clint walked up and looked at the contents of the box. “Candy? Nice gift Hollows, but I don’t think Norah has a big sweet tooth.”

  Josh looked into my eyes, grinning cheekily. “Oh she has a huge sweet tooth. Don’t you Norah?”

  I wanted to punch him to wipe that smile off his face. I knew he was making fun of me and the night I got messed up at Club Seil, but I couldn’t do anything about it.

  “Try some Norah,” Tess suggested, standing behind me and looking at the array of rainbow colored candy.

  “Yeah Norah, try some of my candy.” Josh was trying very hard not to laugh, which made me want to laugh too.

  Yeah, yeah joker – I’ll get you for this!

  It was too much at that point and I couldn’t contain myself. I started to laugh and Josh laughed too. Clint and Tess just stared oddly at one another like they had missed something.

  “Yeah Norah, taste it.” Josh began choking on air as he tried to contain his laughter.

  “What?” asked Tess, looking at me and Josh like we were crazy. “What Norah? Don’t you like his candy?”

  Josh almost fell down into fits of giggles at our private joke. Clint butt in, “Obviously this is some weird best friend mind thing Tess. We know when we’re not wanted.” Clint started to lead Tess away and then they both started laughing too. The humorous air that we had all created was then interrupted,

  by a buzzing.

  Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

  We all froze. You could hear a pin drop as the buzzing sound instantly took our fun mood and flushed it down the drain. All eyes fell on me and Clint, and he moved so he was right beside me.

  Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

  I swallowed and looked at Clint. He remained composed, but I knew he must have been about to explode on the inside. “I’ll get it,” Clint said, and gave me a peck on the check before he went over and answered the intercom. Then he went to the door and waited for the delivery man to arrive. I remained standing in the lounge with Tess and Josh, not able to see who was at the front door. We heard voices and then Clint closed the front door and started walking back over to us, carrying an envelope.

  It looked like a birthday card. Why send a delivery man over with a birthday card?

  “This came for you,” he handed me the envelope and avoided my eyes, but he still d
idn’t look upset. I took a deep breath and began to open it up.

  Inside was a birthday card. Not a shock. There was a picture of a cake and balloons and a happy birthday banner and underneath the banner read ‘a gift for you’. It was all very innocent looking. As I held it, I realized something was lodged inside the card. I opened it and we all jumped in surprise. A song erupted from the card. It was one of those musical cards where you can put your own song on it. The distinctive tune, Cherry Bomb by the Runaways filled the lounge room and inside the card sat a big shiny key.

  “It’s a key!” Tess said excited, like she had uncovered some huge treasure.

  I took the key out of the card and looked at it. “Well, what’s it a key to?” Tess seemed more curious than either of the boys, who just looked at the key with disdain.

  Now, I could have been honest and told them what both the card and key meant, because I knew exactly what this gift was. I knew who it was from, and I knew what the key was used for. They all looked at me for an explanation and I knew I had to say something.

  Did I really want the repercussions of telling them all that Samuel had just sent me the car key to his Mustang, his pride and joy, the love of his life, as a birthday present?

  NO. I chose not to ruin my birthday and instead decided to played dumb. It was my birthday and I was making the decision to not tell the truth for one day. I would tell Clint what it really meant tomorrow.

  I popped the key back inside the card and closed it up. “Guys, I have absolutely no idea what this key is used for. So let’s forget about it, and talk about the truth or dare party tonight.”

  Chapter 16

  Truth or Dare

  ~ ~ ~

  Kyser Harkin’s penthouse was on the top floor in a building on Fifth Avenue, on the upper east side. Every year he threw a lavish party he titled ‘Truth or Dare’. The idea sounded childish, but was, in fact, a dark and glamorous party exclusive for Lappell members and approved guests as a fun meet and greet. All guests were presented with a platter some time during the evening with two cards, one with the word ‘Truth’ and the other that said ‘Dare’. You could only choose one card and your choice was where the fun began.