Lies

by Aleatha Romig

  When I woke, as per usual, I was alone with a note in Sterling’s scrolling script, telling me that he would be to my office by ten thirty. If I was ever going to do as Lorna suggested and tell him how I felt about him before he left each day, it seemed I’d need to do it before I fell asleep.

  “The same.” Her voice was without its normal pep.

  “You sound...”

  Louisa feigned a laugh. “I know. Jason said the same thing. I think I’m tired.”

  I took a deep breath. “I needed to call you and talk about something.”

  “What is it?”

  “I guess, first, it’s an apology.”

  “For what, Kennedy?”

  “I haven’t been one hundred percent truthful with you or Winnie.” I kept speaking, afraid if I stopped I would chicken out. “There was another reason I chose to move to Chicago. It wasn’t all for Sinful Threads.”

  “What’s happening? What reason?”

  Was she crying?

  “Lou, please don’t be upset. It’s not a bad thing.”

  “I’m sorry, Kenni. I’m just so damn emotional. Commercials make me cry. I can’t listen to music. Every song has me sobbing.”

  That made me chuckle. “When I was here for the dinner at the Riverwalk...”

  “Yes?”

  “I met someone.”

  “Was this a good or bad meeting? I’m thinking of your wives’ tale.”

  Well, shit. That’s a loaded question.

  “It was a surprise meeting,” I said. “I was intrigued and wanted to learn more about him.”

  “Him!” Louisa said excitedly. “Does this him have a name?”

  “He does. His name is Sterling Sparrow.”

  Noises came through the receiver. “I think I may have misheard you. Can you repeat that name?”

  “I know it’s crazy. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind.” I recalled Sterling’s and my conversation last night. “We hit it off, Lou. He swept me off my feet. I don’t know what else to say. I was afraid to mention it. You know how I am with men.”

  “They’re all assholes?” she said with a laugh.

  At least I’m consistent.

  “I do have a track record. However, yesterday, I knew it was time to come clean with you two. Winnie questioned me, asking about my clothes, and well, I knew it was wrong to keep this from you two, especially you. You’re my best friend. I was...I don’t know—scared. Besides, I figured you had enough on your plate.”

  A deep sigh resonated through the phone. “Kenni, I’m relieved. I’m thrilled. I need to process, and I definitely need to meet him because I don’t care if he’s some rich, handsome dude—yes, of course I’ve seen his picture in news and on TV—he needs to pass the Louisa test.”

  How did she recognize his name as someone newsworthy when initially I only thought of Josey’s warning?

  I laughed.

  “That doesn’t mean that I’m not mad that you kept this from us,” she went on, “but I guess I understand. Are you seeing him now, like officially dating?”

  My lips turned upward as I recalled our date the other night. “Yes, we’re dating. I moved in with him.”

  “You what?”

  “Like I said...swept me off my feet.”

  Louisa’s tone softened. “Oh my God! Do you love him? Is that even possible this fast? Maybe love at first sight?”

  I weighed her question. Louisa had been my best friend for nearly ten years since we met at St. Mary of the Forest. She deserved honesty. I was done with lies and half-truths. I wanted to be as straightforward as I could be. “I think I might. It wasn’t love at first sight. Sterling is the kind of man who grows on you.” My smile grew as I said aloud things I hadn’t even admitted to myself. “I know I care about him. I worry about him. I want to spend time with him. I’m not used to having someone to come home to, not like you and Jason, and I have to admit that I like it—a lot. He brings things out of me that I never imagined.”

  I meant emotions, not solely orgasms, although he does bring those too.

  “Oh...” She said between gasps of breath. “I-I’m so happy for you.”

  “Babe, are you crying again?”

  “Y-yes, sobbing actually. This is worse than the coffee commercial.”

  I shook my head with a smile. “Please don’t tell Winnie. I’ll tell her today at the office.”

  “I miss you,” Louisa said. “But I feel better knowing you’re not alone.”

  “I love you.”

  “Love you back,” she said. “Thanks for finally telling me.”

  “I’m sorry it took me so long. It all happened very quickly. Give Jason my love and when Little Kennedy is ready to see us all, I better be the person you call after Jason and Lucy.”

  “You’ll be first. They’re closer.”

  When I disconnected the call, it was as if half the weight of the world had been lifted from my shoulders. The other half would be waiting for me at the office.

  A half hour later, as I was talking with Lorna and finishing my breakfast, Patrick and Reid entered the kitchen.

  “Are you ready, Araneae?” Patrick asked.

  My cheeks rose higher at the use of my first name. “Almost.” I turned to Reid. “Were you able to find out anything about Winnie’s friend Leslie?”

  His lips came together. “I’m usually very good at this. She seems to have gone off the radar. There’s been no activity on her credit cards, and her cell phone is off. I can’t even ping it.”

  “That’s strange. Don’t you think?”

  Reid shrugged his wide shoulders. “Sometimes people decide to take a break from connectivity and go off the grid. It’s hard to speculate their reasoning.”

  I nodded. “I’d forgotten, Winnie said that Leslie’s social media accounts were also gone.”

  “I’m sorry, Araneae. I can keep looking.”

  “If my man can’t find her,” Lorna said, “that girl wants to be hidden.”

  “I wonder why?” I shook my head. “Well, thanks for trying. I’ll tell Winnie. It does seem strange, but Leslie must have her reasons.”

  A collective hum filled the kitchen with everyone’s agreement.

  “One more thing, Reid,” I said.

  “Yes?” he answered as more of a question.

  “I think it’s time to make my hand do the elevator sensor.”

  His eyes opened wide as he and Patrick exchanged a sideways glance.

  “Well...” Patrick said. “...Sparrow or I are usually with you.”

  “Seriously, it’s like all three of you share a brain.” I pointed my finger at both men. “This conversation is not over. I don’t care what Sterling said. It will happen.”

  Both men’s lips quirked. It was Patrick who spoke first. “For the record, and I’ll deny this if you say a word, but if we’re taking bets, my money’s on you.”

  My cheeks rose. “Thank you. I’m glad someone has faith in me.”

  “I’ll put ten on Araneae, too,” Lorna chimed in.

  “Shall we go?” Patrick asked.

  “We shall,” I answered, “since I can’t operate the damn elevator.”

  As upsetting as the stupid sensor thing was, as Patrick and I walked to the hidden elevator and he placed his hand over the sensor, a smile tugged at my lips. It wasn’t because of the lack of ability or that I had no choice but to need him.

  It was because I genuinely enjoyed my new friends. There was a relaxed atmosphere that we shared. Once the doors shut and we began descending toward the garage, I thought about Louisa’s test for Sterling. If I had to pass a test with Sterling’s closest friends, as I looked up at Patrick, I’d say I’d passed.

  The only one left to include in my newfound honesty was Winnie.

  Araneae

  I stared across my desk as the silence in my office grew. Seconds ago, I’d finished telling Winnie the same story I’d told Louisa. However, instead of excited, Winnie appeared to be in a state of shock, staring at me with he
r mouth agape as if I had grown bunny ears and a tail.

  Okay, that description was because of her ‘sugar daddy’ comments yesterday. The longer she looked at me, the more I felt like I should be dressed like a 1960’s Playboy Bunny. However, for the record, “Yes, Mr. Sparrow” was still not in my vocabulary. He was not old enough to be my daddy—and ever calling him that was just gross.

  “So now you know,” I said, trying to sound lighthearted and carefree, “the other reason why I moved to Chicago.”

  I looked down at the clothes I was wearing, a professional yet stylish two-tone beige dress with an asymmetrical neckline that rivaled yesterday’s in quality and price. My stockings were thigh-high and sheer, and instead of Louboutin, I wore shoes from Gianvito Rossi—definitely out of Kennedy’s price range. Hell, their price tag would probably pay my rent in Boulder.

  Honestly, I’d chosen my attire with Pauline McFadden in mind, not Winnie.

  “And also about my clothes,” I added. “I promise, no skimming.”

  “S-Sterling Sparrow, the real estate mogul?” she asked as if she’d finally found her voice. “The one whose name is on a building here in Chicago as well as New York? The one who was on the Forbes list of wealthiest people in the United States? The one whose picture looks like he could be a model or movie star while at the same time a bit intimidating. The one who—”

  “Yes,” I interrupted. “The same one.”

  “You just met him?” Her questions were coming rapid-fire. “How did you happen to meet Sterling Sparrow? Was it at that dinner you went to? I saw the guest list. I don’t recall his name on it...but then again, things were strange that day. My phone went missing and then I found it in my apartment, and I swear I’d had it with me. I thought I was losing my mind.”

  “Your phone went missing?” I asked, remembering the missed calls from her about the incident at the distribution center. Patrick had said she’d called him. “Did you call me that night, the night of the dinner to tell me or Patrick something?”

  She shrugged. “I don’t remember if I called you. I would remember if I called him.”

  My breasts pushed against the front of my dress as I sat taller and took a deep breath, my mind filling with thoughts about that first meeting with Sterling. I supposed I knew once it was over that the incident at the distribution center was all a ruse and Winnie wasn’t involved in my arranged meeting with Sterling. In all the craziness, I hadn’t confirmed it.

  “Kenni, I’m...I’m happy for you. It’s...I wasn’t expecting it.” She looked up, her bright blue eyes a kaleidoscope of questions and emotions and her complexion a bit pale. “Are you happy?”

  My cheeks rose as my smile blossomed. “I am, most of the time. I’ll be honest, he can be maddening and he can be incredible.” I ran my thumb over my finger covered by a new Band-Aid.

  “So,” Winnie said, “you’re saying that he can be a man?”

  Yes, Sterling was all man. Of that, I was confident.

  “Pretty much,” I admitted. “I also wanted to let you know that my friend came up cold on Leslie. From what I understand, he’s very good at this kind of thing. He said her cyber trail went cold. No use of credit cards. No cell phone. And you said her social media is gone.”

  “Hmm,” she said as if in deep thought. “Okay...If I hadn’t told her I was coming, I wouldn’t think twice about this. Leslie can be flaky.”

  “My friend said sometimes people want off the grid.”

  Winnie nodded. “That seems like something she may do. Well, I’ll be back. After this week, I’m commuting—remember?”

  “Hopefully, the next time, she’s back on the grid.” I swallowed. “Also, I know I mentioned the meeting with Mrs. McFadden, but I’ve decided I want to feel her out on my own first. Then if she’s interested, bring you and Louisa in on the next conversation.”

  Winnie nodded. “Jana did say the senator’s wife wanted to speak directly to you.”

  “And,” I added, “Sterling may be by the office this morning. He’s trying to convince me to go away this week, saying that since you’re here, I could let you handle Chicago.”

  “This must really be...real,” Winnie said as she stood. “I mean, when has anyone convinced you to step away from work?” She twisted the Sinful Thread bangle on her wrist. “Kenni, I was wondering about that Franco Francesca guy.”

  “What about him?”

  “Louisa has kept me up to date. She hired him, but she said you don’t like him. I’ve met him before, but I thought maybe while I was in town, I could give him a surprise visit.”

  I scoffed. “He should be expecting us by now. I’ve given him a few.” I thought about her offer. “It never hurts to get another opinion.”

  She looked at the watch on her wrist. “If I hurry, I might be able to meet with him and still make it back to meet your man...I mean, since you don’t need me for Mrs. McFadden.”

  “Jana will be here. Everything should be fine.”

  “You’re right about her. She’s a fast learner.”

  Two hours later, after completing the second call with the buyers from both Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus about Sinful Threads dresses, I leaned back in my chair as the energy of the office shifted. It was strange how discernible it was, as if a warm and cool front collided, the ripples reverberating through the air almost as tangibly as literal straight-line winds. I sat straighter as I heard, through the mostly closed door, the sound of Jana’s voice welcoming Sterling.

  “Hello, Mr. Sparrow.”

  “Jana...” His deep voice rumbled through me, reminding me of the question both of my friends asked: Are you happy?

  If it were an all-or-nothing answer, I would have to choose yes. That didn’t mean I didn’t get mad and that last night, I wasn’t sad. However, wasn’t that the way a real relationship worked? Those moments made the good ones better.

  Instead of getting up, I waited until Jana knocked.

  “Yes.”

  “Ms. Hawkins, Mr. Sparrow is here to see you.”

  With my arms crossed over my chest and a Cheshire-cat grin, I replied, “Please let him know that I’ll see him in a few minutes.”

  Her eyes opened wide.

  Sterling’s voice came from behind the door. “Thank you, Jana, I’ll take it from here.”

  I was more accustomed to Sterling’s casual dress at the apartment. Watching him walk through the doorway in his custom silk suit, suit coat unbuttoned, crisp white striped shirt and a dark blue tie matching the stripes, was as Winnie had described him. Sterling Sparrow could be a model. However, the gleam in his eyes was the opposite of his intimidating stare. It wasn’t that he couldn’t give one. It was that at the moment, he wasn’t giving that to me.

  The look shining my direction did things to my body, tightening recently overused muscles and causing them to beg for more.

  “Ms. Hawkins.” The name he’d never called me rolled off his tongue as he closed the door behind him.

  “Mr. Sparrow,” I replied, standing to meet him.

  Reaching for my hand, he leaned away, scanning me from the tips of my shoes to my blonde hair. His burning gaze roamed painfully slowly, leaving a trail of ashes in its wake. “Ms. Hawkins, you’re striking.” Before I could answer, he went on, talking in a deep, breathy whisper as he looked around the office. “This feels a little like role playing, the use of your other name...” His eyebrows jumped. “...this office. I imagine you as my naughty secretary. And I’d like to bend you over this desk.”

  Heat filled my cheeks.

  “You see,” I said, taking a step closer. “This is my office. I’m the boss here. So if anyone is the naughty secretary, it would be you.”

  Sterling’s smile widened. “This is why I could never work in the same office space as you. The only thing that would get done is turning your ass as red as your cheeks are right now and fucking you from nine to five.”

  “That’s a lot of fucking.”

  “I am sure I’m up for it
.”

  Don’t look, Araneae.

  I couldn’t stop myself as my gaze went to his slacks. Shaking my head, I said, “Rein it in, big boy. I don’t think I want to meet with my aunt freshly fucked.”

  “Then I’ll take a rain check.”

  Lifting myself up to my toes, I offered him a kiss. “I’m nervous.”

  Sterling shook his head. “I don’t know if she’ll mention it. She may be looking to learn what you know.”

  I collapsed back into my chair. “What do you think I should do?”

  “About letting her wear your fashions?”

  “About everything.” I knew I’d said more than once that Sterling’s opinion was off-limits when it came to Sinful Threads; however, he was obviously a successful businessman, among other things. He understood my familial relations better than I, and I genuinely wanted his advice. “Like I said before, having a potential first lady wear Sinful Threads would be great exposure, unless...” I looked up to Sterling’s dark gaze. “...somehow the truth came out about her husband. Then Sinful Threads would be the designer to the wife of a disgraced politician.”

  “No decision needs to be made today regarding the exclusivity of designs. My advice is to play it cool. Be Kennedy Hawkins. However, if she mentions Araneae—since Rubio was at the club the night we were there and he knows you are one and the same—then you have to make a decision.”

  “I’m not sure what that should be.”

  “It’s true I’ve never thought highly of the McFaddens, but, sunshine, she is your father’s sister.” He shrugged. “Keeping you safe and with me are my top priorities.” He leaned against my desk, facing me, and reached down for my hands. “My next priority is your happiness. Like I said last night, there are holes in the facts. Patrick, Reid, and I have made some assumptions that fit based on those facts. That doesn’t mean they’re correct. There’s always the possibility that Pauline could be a key to helping you learn more about yourself. This whole damn thing has become more complicated since I claimed you.”

  “You think?” I retorted with all the sarcasm I could muster.

  Letting go of my hand, he encouraged me to stand and ran his finger over my cheek. “I do. Before you were here with me, it was about you and the evidence. Now, all I care about is you.”