Bed Of Lies

by King, Dean

  Nina sat on the stone bench under a low hanging tree, a book in her hands. It now lay forgotten on her lap, her eyes were busy taking in the passive scenery. The long sweeping branches of a weeping willow stood as a wall between herself and the rest of the world. Most people walked past without knowing she was there.

  She absently scanned the large tree that shielded her from the world. Closing her eyes for a moment, she listened to the soft drone of bees as they flew by on their way to the pink azalea tree in full bloom not far away. A gentle breeze caressed her warm face, bringing with it the light fragrance of honeysuckles that ran the length of the tree. Sighing heavily, she flung the book face down on the bench. It’d been months since that night, when she had told her stranger so much about herself.

  From that night on, they decided never to talk of the outside world. So far, it’d been their own little slice of heaven. Not even sharing their names, each one contrived a name for the other. A small smile touched her lips as she thought of what she called him, Stalking Wolf. In turn, he considered her his blushing Lily. These days she looked forward to her Thursday nights, spending them in his strong arms made up for the loneliness that had been with her all her life. Nina knew she couldn’t continue a hollow relationship like this, begun at such a club. It was wrong, in the eyes of God and man. Besides, lying to her children was getting harder and harder. But it was becoming so very difficult to leave his arms.

  Nina looked up at the six-story building. She was ready to move on. Nothing felt right any more, having put up with so much office tension for so long made her wary of it all. She was starting to realize the people she worked with didn’t like her. It was a startling revelation, but everything was beginning to make sense. Day after day someone would pull a mean spirited prank on her. This morning she’d left her glasses sitting on her desk, for only a moment, but when she returned, they’d been broken in half.

  She had to walk around all day with tape in the center holding them together. She was due for another eye exam anyway, she reasoned, maybe this time she would get contacts. And now Sharon, her secretary and only friend, was missing. Nina sighed in despair, her chest tight with worry. Sharon’s car had been found in the parking lot early one morning about two weeks ago, but there was no sign of her. The police had talked to Nina at length but she feared she was no help to them. She knew they feared the worst and Nina wanted to cry every time she thought of it. That alone left Nina almost drained. She prayed constantly that the girl was alright. She wanted to just quit, but that wasn’t her way. She had a family to support. The only thing that made the job bearable these days was the fact that Edgar was let go last month.

  She found her thoughts jumping back to her lover, as they often did. Her entire body trembled as she remembered the things he made her feel. It was wonderful yet at the same time it was insane. The need to stop this madness was over powering. She’d thought about calling the club and telling them that she’d not be coming back. But calling is such a coward’s way out. She sighed heavily. It was just so hard to stand next to him and think about never seeing him again. Can I do it? Could there be a chance for us outside that club? She asked herself for the hundredth time. But in her heart she knew the answer. A man like that only wanted one thing from a woman like her. She was not stupid, neither was she the type to hide from the truth.

  Falling in love with him had been too easy. Even though he tried to be rough and sometimes mean, he failed. Every time he was near her, his soft touch belied all that. The tender caresses and light kisses labeled him a sensitive man and he was a wonderful lover. Attentive, adoring, and generous, how could she help but love him? Now was the time to let him go. She had used him the same way he had used her. For him it was as simple as that but for her. Nina’s heart shrank just a bit, for her it had been a dream come true. The handsome knight had come, and swept her away. Now it had to end, for the sake of her heart and soul.

  “Ouch!” A loud, sharp cry came out of no where. Nina jumped from her seat and moved the branches aside, she found an older woman standing on the sidewalk, she was bent over and clutching her ankle.

  Nina rushed to the woman, “Ma’am, are you alright? Is there something I can do?”

  Miranda looked up at Nina, amazed at the girl's big green eyes, and those awful taped glasses. “Oh, I’m fine darlin’, just stepped on a stone and turned my ankle.”

  “Here, let me help you,” Nina put one arm around the woman’s delicate shoulders. She then clasped onto the woman’s small hand, and helped her to the bench she’d just vacated. “Would you like me to call someone?” Nina wanted to stare at her but she didn’t dare. She didn’t want the woman to think her rude. Those gray eyes reminded her of someone, someone she couldn’t get out of her mind...

  “Oh, no, I’ll be fine. Just let me rest for a moment.” Miranda smiled, she liked Nina’s soft spoken voice. Nina’s gentle touch impressed her, and the way she seemed to really be concerned.

  Nina took a seat beside her, unable to take her gaze away. This woman was stately in appearance. She must have been a beauty in her younger years. Even now she was stunning. Her straight black hair was sprinkled with gray and done in a flattering style, nicely framing her small squareish face. Delicate crow’s feet graced her dark gray eyes when she smiled, as she was doing right now. Nina held out her hand to introduce herself. “My name is Nina Manchester.”

  “Hello, dear, I’m Miranda.” Nina took the offered hand and noted its kindly grip. “Thank you so much for your assistance. I would’ve fallen if it hadn't been for you.”

  Nina laughed lightly, “To be honest, you don’t look like the frail type. I’m sure if you had fallen, you would’ve gotten right back up.” She grinned, her eyes sparkling.

  Miranda laughed, fiery spirit showing in her clear gray eyes. “You’re very right, my dear. I do try to stay on my own feet.” The girl has wit!

  Nina sat back and Miranda noticed a large stain on Nina’s gray-green skirt. “What’s that?”

  Nina flushed and tried in vain to cover it. “I was on my way to the storeroom when an employee spilled ink on me. He was carrying an ink well that the owner of the company gave us all at Christmas last year. He said it was an accident. He did it on purpose, I know he did.” She tried to tuck the stained part of her skirt under her.

  “Why would someone do a thing like that?” Miranda's face tightened, her eyes narrowed. The stain was large, there would be no getting it out. The skirt was ruined. Not that it’s such a waste. Its hideous moss green does nothing to flatter the child.

  “They say it’s just office pranks.” A deep frown marred Nina’s brow as she stared at the stain. “That every office does it to keep morale up. Edgar, my former boss, used to say that I just had to put up with it.” Nina sighed as her eyes fell to the tiny older woman in her yellow pantsuit and matching pumps. “I’m having problems at work.” She shrugged, fiddling with the forgotten book.

  Miranda felt her heart squeeze. The child looks so lost and alone. Maybe I could just draw her out a little. Just to see what she’s about. She gently patted Nina’s hand. “Why don’t you tell me what’s going on?”

  Nina let her eyes roam their surroundings while she thought about it. She’d never had anyone to talk to. “I'd rather not talk about it.”

  Miranda sighed, at the distress in Nina’s face. She caught one of Nina’s cold hands in hers, and drew Nina’s attention back to her. “I have children and I’m a lot older than you are. Tell me, maybe I can help. If nothing else it will make you feel better.”

  Her lips tight, Nina shook her head, never realizing she was squeezing the small hand she held. “I don't really have time. My lunch hour is over.”

  Miranda's heart constricted at the despair in the girl's eyes. The poor dear does need someone to talk to. Rafe was right. “I'll tell you what, I'm all alone right now. I have two grown boys and they’ve deserted me. I could use a friend.” She brushed a loose strand of hair from Nina's shoulder, and smiled. �
��If you want, maybe I can pick you up tomorrow and we can bend each other's ears.”

  Nina looked up at the building again. The dark glass was blinding where the bright sunlight reflected from it. She didn’t want to go back inside, but she had too. Her gaze swung to Miranda. “I'd like that.”

  “Good,” Miranda beamed. “I’ll be here to pick you up at eleven thirty.” All thoughts of Rafe gone, she looked at Nina as if she was a lost child in need of a friend. She fully intended to get to know the girl.

  Nina smiled, her dimples showing on either side of her lips as she stood. “That’s fine. I don’t think my boss would mind if I took an extra thirty minutes for lunch tomorrow.”

  “Then it’s settled.” Miranda felt lighter, happy to put a smile on the girl’s sad face. “Thank you so much for your help dear. I really appreciate it.”

  “Let me walk you to your car.” Nina took hold of one arm and helped Miranda to her little red sports car.

  SIX

  The next day, Nina drummed her fingers on the ledger that lay opened on her desk in front of her. She did not give her trust easily, which is why she hesitated to go with the woman she’d met the day before. Going to lunch wasn’t a big deal, if she drove them to where they were headed. This was so strange, not like her at all. She didn’t know this woman and yet she had agreed to meet her, with no questions asked.

  The telephone rang. She picked up the receiver, “Yes?”

  “Ms. Manchester,” her new secretary said softly. “There is a Ms. Miranda on the line for you.”

  “Put her through.” Nina said

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Nina?”

  “Ms. Miranda,” Nina had to admit she was relieved to hear from her, she had begun having all kinds of doubts. “How did you know where to reach me?”

  She laughed, “Child, all I needed was to know where you worked, and you told me that yesterday. Listen, can you meet me? I’ve been held up. Go to Lepo’s Italian grill, grab us a table and tell Marco you’re with me. He’ll know what to do.”

  “We can do this some other time if you need to cancel.”

  “No, no, dear, I want to see you. I’ll only be ten minutes late.”

  Nina snapped the ledger closed and stood up, she grabbed her purse and headed for the door. It was almost eleven thirty, and the restaurant wasn’t far from the building. There was no harm in getting there early.

  Nina parked her car under the covered parking and got out. She gave her gray skirt a sharp tug, and looked around. The skirt fit at the waist, hung loose around her hips, and covered her knees. She wore a black linen shirt that was neatly tucked inside the waistband of the skirt and black jacket. She approached the maître d' and smiled. “Hello, I’m here with…” Nina then realized she didn’t know the last name of her would-be friend. “I’m waiting for Miranda.”

  A huge smile bloomed on the man’s face. “Yes, yes,” he grinned. “We have your table ready. Follow me.”

  Nina was pleasantly surprised. She followed him upstairs through a brisk lunch crowd, then into a little room.

  “Here you are, Madame. As soon as Ms. Miranda gets here I will bring her right up. Would you like something to drink while you wait? Maybe an appetizer?”

  He held out her chair and waited for her to sit. “Maybe a glass of ice tea?”

  “Coming right up.” With that, he was gone. Nina looked around and liked what she saw. She was in a small private alcove on the balcony. A plum colored awning kept the sun at bay, and stone pillars allowed some privacy from the traffic and pedestrians below. She ventured a look over the rail, and then quickly pulled her head back. This was a beautiful place, the gardens below teamed with people and flowers. Tall trees with broad and leafy branches protected the diners below from the sun’s fierce rays.

  The door opened and she swung towards the sound.

  “Here is your tea, Madame.” He set the glass on the dark green tablecloth. “Will there be anything else?”

  “No, thank you,” Nina said. “I’ll wait for my companion.”

  “As you wish.” The man left the room.

  Nina sighed and opened a few packs of sugar, then poured them into her tea. Absently, she stirred until the sugar dissolved. Nina froze, and smile as she found herself humming the very song that played every time she was with her secret lover. It was oddly comforting; it relaxed her and made her feel safe. Too safe. Her dreamy eyes focused on a blue jay sitting on a branch not far from her. It seemed to be watching her. She sighed as she remembered last night with him. They’d shared a night she wouldn’t soon forget. Dinner, quiet conversation. That was it. She’d snuggled in his arms all night while he caressed her arms, face, and neck. He’d touched and kissed her everywhere with a gentleness that brought tears to her eyes. Later, when she’d left, she wondered what it all meant. Where, if anywhere, is this going?

  “Hello, darling,” she jumped as Miranda breezed through the door, looking like a bright spring day. Nina stood up and accepted the brief hug and the kiss on her cheek. “Have you been waiting long?”

  “No, ma’am,” Nina said as she took her seat again. “But I will have to get back to work soon.”

  “I know, dear,” Miranda looked at her watch. “It’s barely noon. You’ll be back in time.”

  Nina smiled and took a sip of her tea, again wondering what she was doing here with this stranger. “That’s fine.”

  “Let’s order. I hope you’re hungry; this place has the best food in town.”

  Nina believed in frankness for the most part, so she came out and said what was on her mind. “I don’t know why I’m here. I’m not usually this friendly or, should I say, open with people.”

  Miranda winked, “I know why you’re here.”

  Nina leaned forward, eager to hear what the woman had to say. “Why?”

  “You’re here for the same reason I am.” She set down her menu and took one of Nina’s hand in hers. “I’m not afraid to admit I’m lonely. My boys have grown up. They have no room in their lives for me. With my husband gone, there’s no one left for me, and I fear I’m left to waste away...”

  “Oh no, ma’am,” Nina caught both of Miranda’s small hands in hers. “You mustn’t think like that. It doesn’t matter that your boys are gone. They still love you, I know they do.”

  “Oh,” she shrugged. “I know they love me, but it doesn’t help when I’m sitting around a big ole’ house, comforted by just my memories.”

  Nina looked away for a moment. “Is that all that’s left when the kids grow up?”

  “That doesn’t have to be all, but sometimes it works out that way.”

  “It’s sad.”

  “Do you have any children?”

  “Yes.”

  “Is that all? Just yes? Tell me. You’ve got to tell me about them.”

  “I’ve never been married.”

  “And I hate broccoli. So what? Tell me about them. Better yet, show me some pictures.”

  Nina’s smile turned into a grin as she reached for her purse. “Well, my oldest is Elizabeth. She’s fifteen and has a birthday coming up at the end of June. Then I have a set of identical twins, boys. They’re ten years old and their birthday is in September.”

  “Now,” Miranda frowned. “Forgive me if I embarrass you, but aren’t you rather young to have a sixteen-year-old?”

  Nina blushed and nodded. “They’re all adopted.”

  “I didn’t know a single person could adopt one child, let alone three. How was that possible?”

  “I…well, I grew up in the same orphanage they came from. The nuns know me well, and since I’ll never marry, I wanted to give these children something that I never had. I wanted them to have at least a mother who loved them, and a house of their own.”

  “Oh, darling, that’s wonderful. I’m so proud of you.”

  “Why would you say that?” Nina’s heart pounded at the praise. No one had ever been proud of her, and it felt so good to hear.

  “Be
cause here I am, going on about how lonely I feel when all I have to do is adopt. No wait a minute, I’ll adopt you and your family!”

  Nina frowned. “What do you mean, adopt us?”

  Miranda laughed. “I’m sorry, maybe adopt is too strong a word. I mean, would you accept an old lady into your mist? You could bring the children to my house and we could have a wonderful time. I so miss the sound of a child’s laughter.”

  “I don’t know,” Nina hedged. “This is kind of sudden. I don’t really know you, and I’d hate to expose them to someone who has ulterior motives. Someone who might hurt them.”

  Miranda blinked and Nina could tell she’d hurt the woman’s feelings. “Do you think I could hurt you and your children?”

  “No,” Nina reached across the table and grabbed Miranda’s hand. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean you would hurt us. It’s just that I don’t trust people easily.”

  “But you are here with me...”

  “And I really don’t know why.”

  “I see.”

  “No, you don’t see. These last few months, I’ve been doing things that are so out of character for me.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I’m Catholic. I was raised to believe in the Good Book and everything it stands for but, the older I get, the more I find myself breaking God’s rules. I don’t think God will forgive me for my latest blunder.” Nina felt her eyes tear up and she swallowed trying to clear them.

  “God has so much love and forgiveness in his heart that I doubt you could use it all up by yourself.”

  “Please don’t laugh at me.”

  “Oh, darling, I’m not laughing at you. I just think it’s sweet that you’re so concerned.”

  “But I am. I want to know that my judgment has not been corrupted. I look into your eyes and I know I can trust you. That you would never hurt me, and that my children would be better just by knowing you. And yet I can barely stand to look at myself in the mirror.” Her voice broke and Miranda got up and took the chair closest to Nina.