Bed Of Lies

by King, Dean

  Miranda looked up from her paper. Suddenly the gubernatorial race took a back shelf to why her son hadn’t shown up when he said he would all those weeks ago. She’d heard him barreling down the hall, his eager look reminding her of when he was a child at Christmas. She lifted her Wedgwood teacup to her lips and took a tiny sip, then set it on the table. “Why did you call me and say you were on your way weeks ago,” She said in a slow controlled voice. “Then not show up?”

  “I’m sorry mother, but as you know, I'm busy. I have so many things happening that I don't know if I'm coming or going.” He stood near the small round with table, his hands buried deep in his pockets. “It was rude of me, I was sidetracked, and I should’ve called.”

  “Yes, very rude. But I understand it must be difficult for you holding down everything while your brother plays. Why don’t you tell him to find a full time chairman?” Miranda stirred her warm tea, then pulled out the saturated bag ballooning inside the tiny porcelain cup and tossed it onto her saucer.

  “He hires, and then he fires. But forget that. Tell me what you think.” Rafe’s impatience was obvious, his hands now clutching the back of one chair.

  Miranda’s gaze slid away from him to settle on her cup. “What I thought of what?”

  Rafe clenched his teeth, so she's going to make this difficult. He didn’t like her smug little smile. “Nina, mother. What did you think of Nina?”

  She lifted one black brow at him. “Nina Manchester? Why would you want to know anything about her?” Her brow wrinkled, then she pursed her lips. “I thought you couldn't care less about her.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” Rafe dropped into a floral ladder-back chair beside her.

  “Well, you said she had problems and that she needed someone to talk to.” She shrugged her small shoulders. “I didn’t know you wanted a report.”

  “Stop it, mother!” He snapped. “She’s a friend, I just want to know what you thought. You did speak with her, didn't you?”

  “We spoke. She’s different.” Miranda hedged, she wanted to tell Rafe to leave the girl alone. She had to find out how deep this was on his part. She already knew Nina thought herself in love. “Not your type at all.”

  “She grew up in an orphanage,” his quiet voice reached her. “Her name came from the school’s name.”

  Miranda nodded. Those few words brought her eyes back to him. So he knows that much does he? There’s more between them than he’s telling, why is he lying? From her conversation with Nina, Miranda knew the girl needed a friend more than she needed a lover. But she knew if she said this to Rafe, it would only make him try harder to get Nina, if he didn’t already have her full heart. He has to be the man Nina refers to when she speaks of her Stalking Wolf. Miranda hid a small giggle.

  “Does it matter, mother? I mean, living in a orphanage would make a person different, wouldn’t it?” Rafe didn’t know what he was asking, but her answers meant a great deal to him right now.

  Miranda frowned tightly. “What do you want me to say, Rafael? Nina isn’t the casual sex type, if that’s what you want to know.” She saw him stiffen, and she clenched her teeth. “She’s the marrying kind, so whatever you want me to say, you need to ask.”

  He exhaled and stood up, walking restlessly across the cabbage rose carpeted floor. “I don’t know. I don’t know at all.” His gray eyes, so much like hers, turned back to her. “I wanted you to meet her, that’s all.”

  “Fine, I met her.” Miranda’s eyes went back to her paper.

  “Now, why doesn’t that make me feel any better?” Rafe watched his mother, he knew she was being aloof on purpose. She wanted him to pull the information from her.

  “Because that’s not what you want,” she yelled and slapped the paper to the lacquer table top. “If you are the grown man you keep telling me you are, then I suggest you make up your mind about whatever it is you want from her! You need to figure it out. Besides, she says she doesn’t even know you. Why don’t you tell me what that is all about?”

  “I don’t want anything from her,” Rafe went back to the chair falling into it. “I just thought she could use a female to talk to. She is a good employee and I don’t want to loose her. I mean, what if she is looking for a different job?” Rafe knew it was weak, but he couldn’t have his mother know what he was really about.

  “So all you want is to keep a good employee?” She folded her hands on top of the paper, her eyes missing nothing of the struggle going on inside her son. “This girl means nothing to you personally, correct?”

  “That’s right,” he said, his eyes on a floral dolly he twisted between his fingers.

  “So if I were to tell you she is in love with a man who lives in Florida, and is planning on packing up her children and moving away at the end of the month, you’d be okay with that?” Miranda held in her laughter as his face drained of color, his eyes turning nearly black as he stared at her.

  Rafe blinked, trying to calm his racing heart. “What? No, I don’t believe that. Did she tell you that?”

  Miranda controlled herself, nodding and turning back to her paper. “Yes, it seems they’ve been dating for years and she is terribly in love, but the distance between them has been hard to manage. She’s ready to dump everything and leave.”

  Rafe licked his lips as he stood up, his heart drumming hard in his chest. “That can’t be! Just the other night she said… No,” He shook his head as the pain laced through him. His worst nightmare came back to haunt him. The father of her children was back. “It can’t be true, mother,” he turned back to find her wiping her eyes, tears of laughter running freely.

  Rafe stood glaring at her, his lips tight. He had been duped. “Mother, that’s the worst thing you could ever have done to me. Why did you lie?” He thundered, totally put out that she’d caught him.

  “Why did you lie to me? Don’t you think I know my sons by now?” Miranda stood up. “You are by far the worst liar I have ever seen.”

  “Why?” He demanded.

  She shrugged. “I just wanted to see what kind of game you’re trying to play. I talked to her. She thinks she’s in love with you.” Miranda watched him, waiting to see what kind of response that would get, but she was disappointed. He didn’t bat an eye.

  “She does?” His heart jump at that. “How do you know?” His face carefully shuttered, he looked away from her, focusing directly on a crystal goblet across the table from where he stood.

  “The way she speaks of you, the things she says.” Miranda had wanted to be wrong so badly, but now that she knew, it hurt her heart. Knowing she’d raised her boys to be this way. “Why the lies Rafe? What name have you given her?”

  “Mother, I know what I’m doing. Just leave it at that.” His voice was gruff as he put her off.

  “No, I will not leave it at that. This girl doesn’t deserve to be hurt, she isn't the love’em and leave’em type. I know you boys are into that, but Nina’s different. She probably expects you to marry her. That girl wouldn’t give herself lightly.”

  “I thank you for doing what you did, mother, but I have this under control. If I were to end our relationship tomorrow, I assure you Nina would be fine with it.” Both hands clutching the wooden back of one of the beautifully carved chairs in front of him. He watched her face closely.

  “That’s how you feel about it? You think you can just, just drop her when you finish with her?” Miranda asked him, her eyes hooded.

  Rafe went to the window and pulled back the white sheers to look outside. He’d been a fool to involve his mother. Knowing her as he did, he had better get her out of this as soon as possible, or she would cause all kinds of problems. “To be honest, I broke it off with her a few weeks ago.”

  Miranda’s eyes narrowed. “You did?”

  “Yes, I did. She took it very well for the marrying kind,” his voice full of sarcasm. “Don’t worry, mother, Nina is a grown woman I’m sure she’ll find someone else. Why do you think I asked you to talk to her?
I wanted you to ease the blow. If you gave her a shoulder to cry on then, she’d be okay.”

  Miranda bit the inside of her cheek to keep from screaming at him. “Well, I’m glad you ended it before things could get too deep. I really wouldn’t like that girl getting hurt you know.”

  Rafe returned to his seat. “I know, mother. You’ll have to forgive me for involving you. I knew all along I would let her go.” He was quiet for a while, then he smiled as if lost in thought. “Did you see those eyes? They can sparkle like emeralds in the right light. And her hair when she lets it down, it’s so thick and full. The soft curls bounce when she…” He cleared his throat and looked away from her.

  “Why don’t you give her a chance?” Miranda snapped her mouth closed. She hadn’t meant to say that.

  “No, I did a lot of thinking. I can’t take on someone else’s children.” He stood up and kissed her cold cheek. “I’ll see you later, mother. Try to keep this from Frank. He’d never let me live this down. You know how he is.”

  “Yes, yes, dear, I know how he is. When will I see you again?” Miranda watched him, knowing his mind was already on other things. Is he lying again? I have to talk to Nina. If she's upset, I’ll know he’s telling the truth.

  “I’ll come by as soon as I can.” With that, he was out the door. That meant she wouldn't be seeing him for another few weeks, at least. She smiled, this would give her a chance to get to know her new friend better.

  EIGHT

  Miranda hurried to the front door. “It’s okay, Thomas. I have it.” She waved the butler away. Throwing the door open, her eyes widened in pleasure. Nina stood in front of her surrounded by children.

  “Hello!” Miranda would’ve never thought she would be this happy to see anyone. But right now her heart warmed at the sight of them. “I wondered when you would get here. Come in, come in.” She waved them in smiling all the while. “I have many things planned for you all.” Miranda clapped her hands in delight as she ushered them into her home.

  “Are you sure you want us?” Nina asked and Miranda smiled at the apprehension in that voice.

  “Of course I want you, silly. It’s been so long since I've had children around, this place needs some laughter.” Miranda bent to talk to the boys, and Beth’s blue eyes met Nina’s green ones.

  Nina smiled reassuringly. “I told you she was nice.”

  “She’s not that old.” Beth whispered.

  “I never said she was old.” Nina whispered back. “Just that she had some gray hair and she was older than me.”

  “Tell me again why we’re here?” Beth asked, smiling at the nice older lady.

  “Because she wanted to meet all of you. We met a month ago and have been friends ever since. We were having lunch together and she said she had two boys and could help us with the twins.”

  “Oh,” Beth’s eyes were still uneasy, and Nina wanted to reassure her. She was well aware that Beth was like herself and didn’t trust many people.

  Nina put an arm around Beth’s small waist and whispered. “It’s okay, darling, she won’t hurt us. I think she needs us as much as we need her.”

  “Who said? We don’t need her. We do just fine on our own.” Beth huffed, her eyes narrowed as Miranda greeted the boys.

  “Beth,” Nina stopped and pulled the scowling girl to a halt with her. “Where did that come from?” Beth looked away, but Nina’s grip tightened. “Honey, you have to tell me.” By now Miranda had the boys laughing and they were moving farther down the hall.

  “I don’t like strangers,” Beth grumbled under her breath.

  “I know you don’t, honey.” Nina stroked Beth’s tight cheek. “But there comes a time when we have to overcome our fears.” Nina took Beth’s chin between her fingers, lifting the girl’s face to hers. “Will you give her a chance?” Her lips still in a mutinous pout, Beth nodded.

  “I’m not afraid,” she huffed. “I just don’t like this.”

  “What don’t you like about it?”

  “How do you know her? And why are we here?”

  “She’s my friend, she’s the first friend I’ve had in a long time and I like her.”

  “But friends are supposed to be your age, she’s not your age.”

  “Sometimes you meet people you click with. She was alone, I wanted a friend.”

  Beth nodded, but her eyes held a distant glimmer of doubt. “If you’re sure, then I’ll try.”

  “That’s my girl. You’ll see Ms. Miranda is a sweetheart.” Nina assured her.

  “If you say so.” Beth grumbled.

  Nina tugged on one of Beth’s stray curls, then took her hand, “Let’s go find the others. And smile, sweetie, it’s not that bad.” Beth gave a quick halfhearted smile and Nina laughed as they made their way down the hall.

  Later in the day, Nina lay on the wicker lounge chair beside Miranda, and watched as the children played in the pool with Thomas. She laughed as the man played three against one in water volley ball. Nina was glad Miranda had thought to bring Thomas into their little group, he was great with the boys, and he made the best babysitter. Nina shot a quick look at Miranda, she looked as though she was enjoying the kids play. It made Nina’s spirits light. She had been right, everything was going well.

  “You know,” Nina said quietly. “I thought we would frighten you away once you got to know us.” Miranda’s head whipped around, her face a mass of confusion...

  “Why on earth would you think that?”

  Nina shrugged, her eyes shifting back to the kids. “I tend to be a bit lenient on them. They can be a handful sometimes.”

  “I thrive on it,” Miranda laughed with genuine fondness. “If I didn’t think I’d offend you I’d ask you all to move in here and stay forever, but I think you’re too independent for that.”

  Nina warmed at that. “You are indeed the most wonderful person I’ve ever met.”

  “Oh,” Miranda shook her head. “I have my moments and right now they are purely selfish.”

  Nina was quiet for too long. Miranda took her hand. “What is it? Am I being too pushy?”

  “No ma’am.”

  “I asked you to call me Miranda.”

  Nina nodded. “Miranda, I need to talk.”

  “Go ahead,” Nina’s eyes flashed towards the children in the pool. Miranda waved that away. “They are having too much fun terrorizing Thomas to listen to what we’re saying.” She squeezed Nina’s hand. “Tell me.”

  “You know the man I was telling you about?” Miranda nodded. Nina frowned and turned her eyes to their joined hands. “I’m no longer seeing him.” She tried to keep her voice steady but her throat clogged with tears.

  Miranda sat up and turned towards Nina, “Oh, darling,” she cooed, “I’m so sorry. What happened?”

  Her face flushed darkly with embarrassment, Nina continued. “I think he sensed that I was becoming too attached to him. One day he just didn’t show up for our meeting.”

  “But surly one missed meeting doesn’t mean anything...”

  “But four do, and he didn’t leave a note. He was just gone.”

  “You poor dear.”

  “I don’t know what I expected,” Nina shrugged helplessly. “But I thought him better than that.” She looked into Miranda’s eyes. “I thought love might actually happen to me.”

  “But, darling, you knew it was only physical,” Miranda reminded her. “Look at where you two met.”

  “I know, but sometimes the heart has a will of its own. I do love him. My mystery man will forever remain a mystery.”

  “Are you alright?”

  “I’ll be fine. As a matter of fact, I’m feeling better already.”

  “That’s my girl.”

  “I think I’ll go for a swim,” Nina said.

  “Me too.” Miranda surprised her.

  Nina grinned. “I’ll beatcha!”

  They both jumped in feet, and plunged head first into the water.

  Sometime later, Nina relaxed against the s
ide of the kidney-shaped pool. Sun warmed water lapped around her, the hot sun caressed her bare shoulders and wet face. She laughed as Miranda raced the boys to the other side of the pool. Thomas had gone back to work amidst the protests from the boys. Tiny crystals of water splashed about as the three fought for the lead. The children seemed to like Miranda very much. That gave Nina such a profound sense of peace that she wanted to hug them all.

  She and Miranda had been spending so much time together. Nina knew the woman had found a warm place in her heart. Secretly she wondered if this was what it was like to have a mother. Someone to share your feelings with, someone to give you advice when you needed it most, someone to hold your hand and sit in silence just because you need it. Miranda was all those things. She smiled slightly as she remembered crying on Miranda’s small shoulder, even though she hadn't told her what she’d been crying about. Nina was so used to holding her own counsel, and taking care of others, that she hadn't known what it was like to have someone look out for her. Her eyes sparkled as she watched the battle for best swimmer unfold.

  “I won!” Miranda bounced around in the shallow end, waving her arms. A big smile on her face proclaimed her victory. “I won again.”

  “No, you didn’t we let you win!” Danny yelled splashing at her.

  “Danny!” Nina shouted, shocked that he would yell at an adult.

  Miranda held up her hand to Nina. The look she shot Danny was challenging. “It doesn’t matter if you let me win. I still won, didn’t I?”

  “Yeah,” his small brown face was thoughtful. “But you won’t win again. Let’s do it again.”

  “No, I’m tired, I’m going to sit with Nina and Beth.”

  “No, I want you to play with me!” Danny shouted.

  Sam pushed his brother. “She said no. What’s wrong with you?”

  “You stay out of this you ole’ goody goody!” Danny shoved Sam's head under the water holding him there.