Deception by Design

by Tara Wentz

  “Comfortable I can do. And Ami,” she waited until Ami looked at her. “Thanks.”

  Ami patted her cheek lightly and smiled. “You’re welcome, sweetie. For future reference, I’m here if you ever want to talk about what’s on your mind.”

  Joshlyn closed the door and blew a breath out. She leaned against the door for a minute before walking over and plopping down on the couch. There wasn’t anything more that she wanted other than to feel accepted and give life a chance for once. Maybe this was her opening. Maybe she could let her guard down just a little…maybe…She could remember as plain as if it were yesterday the last time she had gotten together with anyone. Her family was not large by any means, but all her parents’ friends and co-workers had always been an unquestioned extension. Joshlyn was the youngest of three girls. She was also shy, quiet, and reserved, which infuriated her sisters because she always drew the attention of the eligible men that attended the functions. Her oldest sister constantly belittled her. They had many an argument, but on this last get together, she went way beyond just belittling.

  “Why do you even attend these functions? You know you don’t like them and all you do is attract all the attention to yourself!”

  “Heather, I have no idea what you are talking about. I can’t help that they all talk to me. I do nothing to encourage them.”

  “Don’t you see, little sister, that that is exactly what they like? Why can’t you be loud and obnoxious? Why can’t you, just for once, try and make things a little easier for the rest of us?”

  “I don’t understand you, Heather. I’m damned if I do and damned if I don’t!”

  Joshlyn remembered that her sister just got madder and madder and talking to her was of no use. She’d had enough of the shenanigans and decided it was better just to turn in for the night.

  “This is solving nothing, Heather. I’m calling it a night.” As she turned to go, Heather grabbed her arm and jerked her back around.

  “Oh no, this is far from over. Tonight we are getting to the bottom of this!” Heather hollered.

  “Let go of me, Heather, I mean it.”

  “Or what, huh?”

  Before she could say or do anything else, her other sister came into the room. “What is going on? We can hear you two yelling clear out on the veranda.”

  Heather and Diane were closer in age and definitely closer overall. There was no way Diane was coming to her rescue despite the fact that Heather was bigger and stronger.

  Heather turned to look at Diane and smirked. “I’m finally getting little miss goodie two shoes here to talk.”

  Diane grinned, but didn’t say a word.

  “I’m done with this, Heather. Let me go.”

  “No way, sister dear.”

  Joshlyn could still feel how Heather’s hands felt on her. She rubbed her palms lightly up and down her arms as if she could vanquish the thoughts, but continued to think back on that night.

  Heather shoved her down on the couch and held her with a hand on each shoulder. “No more, little sister. From here out you will make your excuses to Mother and bow out of future gatherings. Do you understand?”

  “I will not disappoint Mother, not even for you, Heather.”

  “Of course you wouldn’t! Mother’s little darling! I mean it!”

  “No, Heather.”

  Heather looked at Diane and then back before raising a hand and slapping her in the face. “You’ll do it or so help me you’ll regret it!” She slapped her over and over until her lip was split and her eye was starting to bruise. “Say it! Say you’ll do it!”

  “No!”

  Heather drew back her arm to hit her again when it was grabbed from behind. Their father had stopped the beating and jerked Heather off the couch.

  “What in God’s name are you doing?” He bellowed.

  “She started this, Father!”

  “I don’t know what has gotten in to you girls, but I will not have this evening spoiled by your bickering and carrying on, do you hear me?”

  “But Father—” Heather started.

  “Enough!”

  That night was the final straw for all of them. Joshlyn’s father turned to leave and stumbled into a table. He turned, grabbed his chest, and dropped to the ground. Her mother rushed in and all hell broke loose. After everything was settled and the funeral was over, her mother wanted to know what happened. Heather and Diane threw her under the bus and made it all her fault. Her mother still didn’t give the girls her full attention until the next gathering. Not wanting another scene, Joshlyn begged out of the festivities. When her mother kept badgering and telling her she’d never find a man if she didn’t put herself out there, she finally admitted to her that she was gay and was not looking for a man. After that point, her sisters had their mother’s attention all to themselves.

  Joshlyn was nervous, but ready. It was time to put herself out there…even if just a little bit.

  ****

  Kellen stood in front of the closet with a smile on her face. The week had flown by and she’d been very productive. Lance was pleased with the brochure designs that she had presented him on Wednesday and wanted to move forward with them. She was also working on a support system for a new dry cleaning and laundry service that opened up just down the street. One of their customers had referred them to Kellen, saying how pleased they were with her services. The initial meeting ran very smoothly and they were happy with the ideas she had presented. They cut her a check for the deposit that very day. Yep, things were indeed picking up.

  Kellen contemplated what shirt to wear before turning away from the closet in disgust.

  “Now if only getting dressed were as easy,” she mumbled to the empty room. “Why does this have to be so difficult? It’s just a damned barbeque.”

  She ran her fingers through her hair and yanked a dresser drawer open. Grabbing a light blue T-shirt, she pulled it over her head and tucked it loosely into her navy athletic shorts.

  Kellen sat on the edge of the bed and slipped on sneakers rather than sandals. There were usually a couple of basketball games going on throughout the day and she loved shooting hoops. It was always amazing how much camaraderie there was off the track considering that on the track it was every man for himself. There was a brotherhood among the drivers and Kellen was very pleased to be included within those ranks. A low whine brought her thoughts from the track to the side of her bed.

  Chigger stared at her, begging to be helped onto the bed. He had no problems getting off the bed, but getting on was another story. Kellen wondered more often than not if it was because he was just lazy.

  Laughing, Kellen bent down. “Chigger, one of these days you’re gonna have to figure this out for yourself. I can’t keep lifting you on this bed, you big chicken!”

  Chigger barked at her and stamped his paws playfully. She lifted him to the bed and watched as he walked in circles before dropping down and looking at her.

  “Why do you find it necessary to plop your fat little ass right on my pillow, hmm?”

  Chigger laid his head on his paws and closed his eyes, ignoring her. Kellen leaned down on one elbow and scratched him lightly behind the ears. Three years ago, she had picked him up from a local animal shelter and he’d been her steady companion since. He apparently had been rescued from an old man that had abused him on a regular basis. If Kellen raised her voice at all, the poor dog would scramble under the bed and hide or leave the room all together. Over the last year, his blonde fur had turned white in several places.

  She fingered the triangular shaped scar on his head. “Well boy, I better get a move on if I’m gonna get there on time.” She ran her hand down his back and patted his rump lightly before standing.

  Kellen grabbed her keys and headed for the door, stopping briefly to grab the sweatshirt she had set out. The days were warm, but she didn’t want to be unprepared because the nighttime was generally on the cool side.

  ****

  Joshlyn ran her hand across the mirr
or to wipe off the condensation and wondered how long it would take for her to grow accustomed to the eyes staring back at her. Three years was long enough; she should be used to it by now. She tried not to dwell on things she could not change, like the looks on the faces of people she thought were her friends, but sometimes it got the better of her. She shook her head, refusing to allow herself to be taken back down memory lane.

  “I’ve got a barbeque to get ready for and tonight I’m going to relax and enjoy myself.”

  Joshlyn tossed her towel aside and entered her bedroom. She slipped into her red polo and khaki shorts, wondering if Kellen was going to be there. She hoped the intriguing woman was there even though the thought of seeing her was terrifying. It had been a long time since she’d felt even an inkling of desire for anyone. Why now?

  She buckled her belt and hurried into her top-sider tennis shoes, knowing that Ami would be arriving soon. She sprayed some of her favorite cologne on and smiled. The fresh clean scent always made her feel energized. She took one last look in the mirror, flipped the light switch off, and headed down the hall.

  Joshlyn checked the locks on the back door and the kitchen windows. A glance out the window confirmed that the honk from a car horn was Ami. Grabbing her sweater, sunglasses, and keys, Joshlyn took one last look around the living room and examined every detail. Satisfied, she stepped out and closed the door behind her.

  Chapter Three

  Kellen bent over, hands tugging at the bottom of her shorts, trying to catch her breath. She and some of the others at the barbeque had been playing basketball for about an hour now. Kellen overtly watched Joshlyn as the day progressed. They ran into each other a couple of times and were courteous, but Kellen wasn’t sure Joshlyn wanted more contact than a general hello. Joshlyn was hard to read and Kellen didn’t want to push her luck. Although, there were several times she had caught Joshlyn looking her way only to pretend interest in something else when spotted.

  “Heads up, K.”

  Kellen turned her head just as a ball came flying her way. Catching it with ease, she strolled back over to the group of players.

  Emerson gestured towards her and asked, “You up for a game of one on one?”

  “Ready when you are.”

  “Ahuh, sure you are.” He smirked.

  Kellen rolled her eyes, knowing that Emerson was more than aware he hadn’t had her full attention. She pulled her shoulders back and fired the ball into Emerson’s waiting hands. “Bring it on, hot shot.”

  Kellen squared up, waiting for Emerson to take the ball out at mid-court. Slowly he dribbled inbounds, making his way towards the basket. He crossed from one side to the other with Kellen matching him step for step. Realizing he wasn’t going to shake her, Emerson lowered his shoulder and drove to the basket. After a few steps, he stopped abruptly and pulled up for a jump shot. Kellen managed to get the tips of her fingers on the ball as it left his hands, causing the ball to bounce around the rim before dropping in.

  “Lucky shot.”

  “Lucky? That was a damn good shot with you in my face, Reynolds.”

  “Nah, if I’d been in your face, you’d never have gotten the ball off.” Kellen grinned.

  “Whatever! Just take the damn ball out.”

  “Let me show ya how it’s really done.”

  “All talk, K. That’s all you are,” Emerson taunted.

  Kellen bounced the ball several times before crossing half court and making her way to the baseline. She’d only taken two steps before pulling up and letting the ball fly from outside the three-point arc.

  Swish.

  “Nothing but net, my friend.”

  Emerson grabbed the ball and mumbled on his way back to the line. “I wasn’t ready, that’s all.”

  “I can do it all day long, baby, all day long,” Kellen said, laughing.

  ****

  Dribbling down the lane, Emerson had his back to Kellen, trying to muscle in further. The basket loomed closer and Emerson set his feet, ready to make his move. He faked one direction then turned back for what should have been an easy hook shot. However, Emerson didn’t anticipate Kellen being in his face as he turned. Arms bent slightly at the elbow, ball in outstretched hands, he swung around and caught Kellen in the side of the head with an elbow. In slow motion, he watched her eyes widen in surprise before they rolled up and closed as she dropped to the ground.

  “Shit,” Emerson exclaimed, letting the ball drop from his hands.

  ****

  The barbeque had been in full swing for a couple hours and there were various activities going on. Joshlyn sat munching on potato chips while perusing the different groups of people visiting or playing games. She sat half-listening as Ami carried on a conversation with a couple of women she had been introduced to earlier. Joshlyn was well aware of Kellen’s actions and her whereabouts throughout the day. Glancing at the basketball court, she noticed Kellen and Emerson were the only ones playing now. Joshlyn smiled when she saw Kellen laughing at something Emerson said. Joshlyn followed her strong calves and toned thigh muscles that led up to a trim waist. She caught a glimpse of Kellen’s flat abdomen when Kellen brought her arms up to defend the ball. Joshlyn bit her bottom lip as she watched Kellen’s breasts strain against her T-shirt. Shaking her head slightly, Joshlyn continued to study Kellen’s body, making her way up to a soft sensuous neck that begged to be kissed and nuzzled.

  Good God, Joshlyn! What the hell’s the matter with you? It’s not like you’ve never seen a woman before!

  Joshlyn was shocked when her gaze collided with blue eyes that she was sure were laughing at her for being caught staring. Joshlyn smiled and turned her head, pretending to listen as Ami continued an animated conversation with the girls.

  Just my luck that she’d catch me.

  Joshlyn rubbed her forehead in frustration, catching Ami’s attention in the process.

  “Hey,” Ami asked, placing a hand lightly on Joshlyn’s arm. “You doing okay?”

  “Yeah, I’m fine.” When Ami looked unconvinced, Joshlyn rushed to reassure her. “Really, I’m fine.”

  “Be sure and let me know when you’re ready to go.”

  “I will. I’m having a good time. You were right about me needing to get out.”

  “Really? You don’t say?” Ami said with a smirk.

  “Oh, stop that! Don’t push your luck.” Joshlyn grinned at her before continuing, “You have a nice group of friends here.”

  “Yeah, some are nicer than others, huh?” Ami teased as Joshlyn glanced at the basketball court yet again.

  A distracted Joshlyn barely replied, “Ahuh.”

  “Josh?” Ami waited with no reply. “Joshlyn.”

  “What?” Joshlyn asked, snapping back to the conversation. She immediately blushed when she saw the smile Ami was trying to hide.

  “Gorgeous, huh?” Ami asked, gesturing to the court.

  “Yes, she is and very good at basketball, too.”

  Ami nodded her head. “Ahuh, that she is.”

  “Do you know much about her?” Joshlyn asked.

  “What exactly would you…oh my God!” Ami jumped to her feet and ran towards the basketball court.

  Joshlyn jumped at the startled exclamation and looked over to the court where Ami was running. She barely caught sight of a dark head of hair as she watched the person drop to the ground. Looking back up, she realized it was Kellen and took off for the court herself.

  ****

  “Back up people. Give her some room.”

  Emerson knelt on the ground next to Kellen. He put a hand on her shoulder to restrain her from getting up.

  “Hey, take it easy, K.”

  “I’m fine, let me up,” Kellen said, slapping at his hands and trying to sit up.

  “Kellen!”

  At Emerson’s raised voice, Kellen quit fighting and lay back down.

  Emerson softened his voice before continuing. “Please, just stay still and let me make sure you’re okay.”

&nb
sp; Aside from racing cars, Emerson was a paramedic. Years of training kicked in as he slowly, but precisely assessed Kellen’s condition.

  After assuring himself that Kellen was not having any problems other than a large bump forming on the side of her head, Emerson sat back on his haunches.

  “You’ve got a pretty nasty bump here, K. It’s probably nothing to be concerned about, but you may have a mild concussion. You weren’t out but just a few seconds, if that.”

  “I’m sure it’s nothing.” Emerson’s look of uncertainty made her continue. “Seriously; except for the headache, I feel fine.”

  “Listen, I’m really sorry about this—”

  “Don’t be,” Kellen interrupted. “It was an accident.”

  Emerson nodded his head in understanding. “You ready to sit up?”

  Kellen glanced at the crowd that had gathered around them. She hated being the center of attention, especially when she wasn’t at her best. It left her feeling extremely vulnerable. She nodded, and then swallowed at the nausea the motion caused.

  “Take it slow,” Emerson said, helping her to a sitting position. “Okay?”

  “So far, so good.”

  Kellen patted his knee then took his hand to stand. Emerson wrapped an arm around her waist and helped her to her feet. Once there, Kellen’s legs felt like rubber. She wasn’t sure they would hold her until another warm pair of hands grasped her other arm. She looked into Joshlyn’s concerned eyes and smiled. Images swam in front of Kellen’s eyes as she swayed unsteadily on her feet.

  “Whoa.” Emerson tightened his arm around her waist.

  Kellen blinked her eyes a couple times and took a breath. “I’m okay, Emerson. Thanks.”

  “All right. Well, I think you should head on home and get out of this heat. You need to take it easy for a while and put some ice on that bump.”

  “Yes, Daddy,” Kellen said, smirking.

  Emerson scowled at her for a second before adding, “You also shouldn’t be driving.” Emerson put his hand up when Kellen rolled her eyes. “I’m serious, Kellen.”