Bed Of Lies

by King, Dean

  Nina dove into the water, swimming fast, and caught Danny’s foot and pulled hard. He released his brother, and turned to fight her hold underwater.

  Struggling, Nina brought them both to the surface. Gasping for air, she pulled herself onto the edge of the pool.

  Danny treaded water not far from her. Glaring hard, his golden eyes shot sparks in her direction.

  Nina inhaled deeply to catch her breath. “Danny, don’t you ever let me see you do that again! You could’ve hurt your brother.” She pointed in the general direction of Miranda. “You will apologize to Ms. Miranda for spoiling the nice day she planned for you. Then you will apologize to your brother for trying to drown him!” When he remained quiet, Nina said, “Come here.” When still he didn’t move she said. “Don’t make me come get you.”

  He swam to the side of the pool near her, and Nina reached down and caught his shoulders. She pulled the stubborn boy out of the water and plopped him down beside her.

  “No,” Danny buried his chin in his small chest, his nostrils flared and his caramel lips tight.

  Nina caught his arm and held tight. “You will do it this instant or you’re grounded for two weeks. Do you hear me, young man?” She gave him a little shake. “That would be a sorry way to start your summer.”

  Danny pulled away from her. Looking at everyone through narrow eyes he mumbled. “I’m sorry, ma’am. I’m sorry Sam.” Then he turned away from them all. Nina looked at Miranda and shrugged.

  “Okay kids, let’s go in and get something to eat. My cook made hot dogs and we have chips and soda.” They all hurried out of the pool. “If I remember correctly, that is the choice of food for children.” Everyone was looking towards Danny and Nina, concern written on their faces.

  Miranda wanted to get their minds on something else. She saw Beth turn towards Nina, but she quickly intercepted the girl. She wrapped one arm around Beth’s waist and turned her towards the house. “Come on, missy. I need your help with this little guy.” For a moment it looked like Beth would balk, but her eyes softened and she nodded. Miranda led her away.

  Once inside the three-story house, Miranda told them they could go up to the playroom where her son kept his video games. That put a smile on their faces. Coming down the stairs, Miranda then went outside.

  Nina sat in the two-seater swing with little Danny curled up on her lap. They seemed to be talking. Miranda then saw Nina drop a kiss on the boy’s blond curls. “Maybe that’s what he needs.” She whispered to herself. “Just a little individual attention. I’ll bet Frank could help him. They seem to be in the same boat.”

  Hours later, after games, lots of junk food, and a few movies, the sun was making its lazy descent into the horizon. It was time to go home. Nina felt more relaxed than she’d been in a long time. “Thank you so much for having us over, Ms. Miranda. We had so much fun. The kids had a wonderful time.”

  “Nina would you do me a favor?” Miranda asked as they stood in the doorway.

  “Sure, but hold on a moment.” Nina turned to Beth. “Honey, can you take the boys to the car for me? I’ll be there in a moment.”

  Beth nodded, her blue eyes flashing between the two women. But she gathered the boys and did as she was asked.

  Nina turned to Miranda “What is it?”

  “Would you please call me Miranda, just plain Miranda, I’d consider it a favor.”

  Nina ducked her head for a moment then looked at Miranda. “But it’s so disrespectful. I shouldn’t call you by your given name.”

  “You should if I ask you to. Please.”

  Nina smiled, then nodded. “Okay, if you insist...Miranda.” The look on Nina’s sweet face thrilled Miranda more than words ever could. The girl looked as if she was being so naughty and getting away with it. It was enchanting.

  “Listen,” Miranda said. “I want to go shopping again. It’s been so long since I’ve had someone to go shopping with, and I just can’t get enough. We have so much fun. I just thought that if you weren’t busy we could go and maybe bring Beth along.” Miranda prayed she wouldn't hurt Nina’s feelings, but she wanted to fill the girl’s wardrobe with brighter colors. One dress just wasn’t going to cut it.

  “Really? You want to go shopping with us?” Eagerness shined in her green eyes.

  “Well, yes, if you can find the time.” Miranda could have sworn she saw tears come to Nina’s eyes. “Nina, are you okay? I didn’t mean anything by it. I just…”

  “I’m sorry, Ms…I mean Miranda.” Nina reached up and gave an embarrassed laugh as she dried her eyes. “It’s just that I feel so close to you. I've never been shopping with another woman. The other day I took Beth shopping but it’s not the same as shopping with… Look, I’m sorry I’m making a big deal out of nothing.”

  “No, you have to tell me why you’re crying. I hope I didn’t upset you.” Miranda’s deep gray eyes turned soft as she reached for Nina, pulling her into her arms. “Honey, you don’t know what you and your family have done for me. I should be saying thank you. Do you know how good it feels to have a woman to talk too?” Miranda smoothed Nina’s hair as they clung to each other. “I've been so lonely here with nothing to do in this big ole house. You and your children have brought the sunshine back into my life.”

  Nina wiped her face with her open palm, and pulled slightly away from Miranda. “I’ve spent so much time with you that I feel as if…I feel as if you could…” Nina ducked her head, her cheeks red. “I feel as if being with you I know what it must be like to have a mother. How I envy your boys.”

  Miranda felt her own eyes water. “No one could have given me a finer compliment, Nina. You have touched my heart deeply, dear. I feel as if I’ve found a daughter in you.” Miranda gently caressed Nina’s cheek, turning Nina’s face to hers. “What’s the matter? I know something has been bothering you. Can you tell me?”

  Nina cleared her throat, her face turning beat red. She hesitated. “I didn't want to ruin this special day. I’m just unhappy about letting myself fall for a complete stranger. I knew it could only end badly and it did. I’m hurt and I feel stupid...” She looked away, her shoulders lifted in a helpless shrug. “But I can’t help but hope he comes back.”

  Miranda saw tears glistening in Nina’s eyes, but she’d received word that Rafe had just called. He was on his way over. Nina couldn't be here when he arrived. “I’ll tell you what, call me tonight and we’ll talk all night if you like. We’ll make arrangements for our shopping trip.” Miranda could have thrashed Rafe for doing this to this girl. As sweet as she was, why couldn’t he just find one of Frank’s little tramps and leave Nina alone? Instead, he’s broken her heart and has her doubting herself.

  Nina sighed. “Alright, but I can’t buy much. I took Beth to take her driving test and she passed. For her sixteenth birthday I promised her a car.”

  “Oh my, a car! I’ll just bet she’s on cloud nine. I have a friend who owns a dealership. I’ll see what I can do.” Miranda prayed her anxiety didn't show. She had to prevent herself from looking over Nina’s shoulder, concerned that Rafe would show up at any moment. The last thing she wanted to do was choose between her son and this child.

  “Yes, she is. I have a tight budget I want to stick to.” Nina was saying.

  “Sure, I understand.” Miranda nodded. “Okay, I’ll call you tonight.”

  Nina leaned in giving the older woman a kiss on her cheek. “Thank you again, Miranda. You didn’t have to do this, but I so greatly appreciate it.”

  “Honey, you’re all welcome here any time. My doors are always open. Now, we’ll talk tonight, okay?” Miranda beamed, Rafe temporarily forgotten.

  “As are mine. I’m sure the kids would like it if you came to Beth’s sweet sixteen party. It’s a surprise party.”

  “What! I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Just tell me when and where.”

  “I’ll give you all the information as soon as I finalize the plans.”

  “My lips are sealed. I’ll see you soon.”
Her gray eyes were shining with relief as Nina headed for her car. Miranda waved both happy and sad to see them go. She turned, heading back into the house, her mind already on her sons and how she would like to have them both in front of her right now to give them a piece of her mind.

  *****

  Sitting behind his large smoke glass and chrome desk, Rafe stared at the far wall. Pictures of dolphins jumping in crystal blue waters through large white capped waves couldn't sooth him. He’d been gone six weeks. Six whole weeks without her smile or tender touch. He thought he would lose his mind. But a crisis in Japan, and then in Atlanta, had tied him up. With no appropriate way of reaching Nina, he'd suffered to think of her waiting for him and believing the worst when he didn't show up. He was home now, though, and would find a way to meet Nina on the street.

  He couldn't believe he of all people was being such a coward. He who'd faced down some of the toughest people in the world was afraid of one small woman. Yesterday had been close, as he'd almost come face-to-face with her right here in his office. But he played it off well. Wayne must’ve thought him a lunatic. But when Nina came walking through the door, Rafe did the only thing he could: he jumped behind one of the partitions and spoke to them with an altered voice. Then, as politely as possible, he asked her to leave. But there were so many unanswered questions. Was she still in love with her children's father? Rafe was at the end of his rope. He stood and began pacing the office. While away, he’d come to realize it wasn't the fact she had children that bothered him.

  It was all the lies. From the first moment he met her all he'd done was lie to her. Would she be able to over look that? He snorted. Not if she’s like mother, she won’t. Nina will be hurt but can I win her back? Those dark thoughts haunted him. Today was his second day back, the first thing he did was call Ben. She hadn't come to the club in two weeks. Ben told him she'd been there waiting for him four times and she hadn’t let anyone else touch her.

  Now he had no way of getting in touch with her to have her meet him. Unless he told her who he was. He couldn’t do that, not yet. Not until he could get to the bottom of the sweet mystery that was Nina. It was time to meet her for a more normal courtship. His need to see her was ever-present. She'd become a drug in his system. He would have to make her choose.

  Miranda slammed the door to Rafe’s office. He jumped, staring at her. “Mother, for Christ sake! You scared the crap out of me.”

  “I thought I raised you better than this!” She ranted as she advanced on him. “How could you, Rafael? I have never gotten involved in your business matters, and I will not start now. I'm just here to say I am ashamed of you!” Her gray eyes were thunderous as she glared at him.

  Rafe stared, “What are you saying? I just got back.”

  “I took Nina shopping. She bought only one new outfit because she's saving for her daughter’s sweet sixteen party. I bought her a few other things, but that’s not the point. She wore a green suit to work today. Have you seen her?” Rafe shook his head dumbfounded. “You should. She is wearing an emerald green fitted jacket with a matching skirt. She let me get her hair done. It’s hanging in soft waves down her back and she’s wearing contact lenses. You were right, she is beautiful. But now she’s in tears...”

  Rafe sat back watching, baffled as his mother rant. She was in rare form. Is she that close to Nina? He was indeed going to see Nina. He planned on accidentally bumping into her outside the building tonight.

  Suddenly the words she is in tears brought him back to what his mother was saying.

  “Hold it a minute. What do you mean she’s in tears?”

  “That asshole Randy, one of your senior accountants, spilled ink on her jacket!” Miranda paced the room. “Those stupid ink wells you gave your staff last year have been nothing but heartache for Nina. When I first met her she had been trying to hide a stain he’d put on her skirt and now this? Another ruined skirt with that same stupid trick! Why didn’t you reprimand him?”

  “I didn’t know any of this!” Rafe’s fury was rising, anger pounded through his head making his veins bulge. “How long has it been going on?”

  Miranda continued, “Why would anyone do something like that? I spoke to her at lunch. She feels better now, but you should've seen her. She was crushed. No one said a thing about the change. Can you believe that? She tried to make me believe she didn’t care, but I saw it in her eyes. I know it’s all that damned Cathy’s fault! That witch hates Nina. Nina is a beautiful person inside and out and they act as if she doesn’t exist.” Miranda slammed her hand down on top of Rafe’s desk, anger radiating from her. “I don’t understand it. Where are we, still in primary school?”

  “Don’t worry, mother, I’ll take care of it.” Rafe assured her, baffled as to how she knew so much about Nina and the goings on at his office.

  Miranda’s cell phone rang. She turned her back on him. “Yes, this is Miranda.”

  “Hi,” she froze, turning toward him. She pointed to the telephone and mouthed the words. 'It’s her.'

  Rafe jumped up, his heart hammering. He leaned in close to hear the conversation as his mother spoke. “Miranda are you there?”

  “Yes, yes I’m here. How are you, sweets?”

  “I’m much better thanks to you. I took your advice.”

  “You did?” Miranda asked.

  Nina laughed and Rafe swore he’d never heard a sweeter sound. “I inadvertently spilled ink on him. Then I told him if he wanted to play rough I knew how to do it. I said I was tired of his crap and that I wouldn’t take it any more!” Rafe could hear the pride in her voice. “He tried to say it was a mistake, that my beauty took his breath away and the ink slipped. Can you believe that guy?”

  “Well, yes, I can believe that, but honey, I’m so pleased you did that. I was about to march into that building of yours and give him what for.”

  “You were? You would’ve done that for me?” Nina’s voice was filled with awe.

  “Yes, sweets. Now, when you go home tonight take that suit and toss it in the trash, because that type of stain won’t come out.”

  “Are you sure? I could keep the jacket and throw away the shirt.”

  “No, toss the whole thing. If you don’t you’ll have that jacket hanging in your closet for years with nothing to match it.”

  “I think you’re right. Would you like to come over for dinner tonight? Beth is going to try out another one of the dishes she learned in her home economics class.”

  Rafe went back to his desk, slowly he fell into the black leather chair. He stared in amazement as his mother spoke with his lover as if they were old friends. What the hell is going on? They only met once. They can’t be friends from just one meeting.

  “Oh, no, not another one,” Miranda groaned, then laughed. “Okay, honey, tell her I’ll be there.”

  “Great, see you then. Thanks again.”

  “No problem,” Miranda flipped the receiver shut. “So what’re you going to do about this buffoon?”

  Rafe stared, confused, but extremely relieved. “How do you know Nina?”

  “You know how I know Nina,” she snapped, “Tell me what you’re going to do about this.”

  “Don’t worry, mother. I’ll handle it,” he said absently.

  “You’d better. Your father would’ve never let it get this far!” Her eyes narrowed. “If I hear of him touching that girl again I’ll step in. You won’t like what I do.”

  Rafe's laughter was filled with amazement, “Are you serious?” It was such a foreign concept it wouldn't register.

  “Damned right I’m serious,” she leaned in and gave him a quick kiss on his cheek. “Just because you have no use for Nina doesn't mean I don't. She's a sweet girl, but then you already knew that didn't you?” She turned and headed for the door. “Your brother isn’t home yet.” With that, she breezed out the door.

  Rafe scratched his head, terribly confused. His mother and Nina were friends. He didn't know whether that was good or bad. Then his eyes narr
owed as his thoughts with to the harassment of Nina. How could I have been so thick as to think Cathy and Randy would leave Nina alone with just a cryptic threat? This is getting ridiculous. It was time to put a stop to their pettiness. Rafe was determined to see if he could make their anger just that much worst! But for now he had a certain Lily to capture.

  *****

  He had it all carefully planned. He’d bump into her in the parking lot, then tell her why he hadn't been at the club. But as usual things never went according to plan. By the time he returned to the office, it was dark. Only the moon’s dim lighting allowed him to see. For a moment he'd thought he'd missed her, but then he recognized Nina’s car, one of only a handful remaining after hours. And there was Nina approaching in the distance, already halfway down the sidewalk. Thinking fast, Rafe found himself running to catch up with her.

  “Hello! Miss?” He yelled as she was getting into her car. “Lily!”

  Nina stopped, someone was yelling. The voice sounded vaguely familiar. Turning in its direction, her heart gave a little jump at the sight of him. It couldn’t be!

  “I knew it was you,” Rafe said, low in his throat as words almost failed him. He caught her in his arms and pinned her to his chest. He didn’t give her a chance to react, but immediately parted her lips, and kissed her deeply. Within moments, she’d dropped her briefcase and her arms slowly wrapped around his broad shoulders, holding him tight.

  Rafe reluctantly broke the kiss. Lifting his head, his eyes caressed her flushed face. “Where have you been? I’ve looked everywhere for you. Why haven’t you been coming to the club?” He breathed against her neck.

  “I thought you didn’t want to see me any more,” she whispered, her throat tight with unshed tears. “I went there for weeks but you never showed. So I stopped going. The only reason I went was because you were there, otherwise I hate that place.” Her head was spinning. He was here. He really wanted to see me. Her heart sang.