Lie to Me

by Michelle Lindo-Rice

  39

  Noah hadn’t meant to hear Sydney’s prayer, but it warmed his heart. He knew she was trying to show him he was enough for her. But, still, he needed assurance. He needed to know Sydney wasn’t thinking of Nathaniel when she was with him.

  Nathaniel hadn’t even done or said anything to cause him concern, but Noah fought to abide his presence. Nathaniel excelled in ministry, which only made Noah surlier toward him. The irritating thing was Nathaniel took it all in stride. He laughed at Noah’s gruffness and told Noah he was becoming a better man of God.

  Noah rolled his eyes. A part of him liked the man. But, he felt like he was back in time—reliving the Joseph and Potiphar’s wife story. Everyone talked about Joseph’s honor and integrity, but no one talked about Potiphar. Imagine knowing your wife had the hots for someone. That burned. Potiphar must have wanted to punch Nathaniel, er, Joseph in the face.

  He had to be enough for Sydney because he didn’t have a back-up plan. Noah prayed about it daily. He needed to know he could trust her. Nathaniel was one good-looking dude. Yes, he was man enough to admit that. He frowned. Why wasn’t Nathaniel dating anyone? Wasn’t there anyone in the church who caught his eye? Portia didn’t look like she was ready to change her ways anytime soon.

  Okay, enough of this. Noah shrugged away the thoughts and regrouped.

  He wouldn’t lose any more sleep over this. He would leave things in God’s hands. Jesus, take the wheel please, because I am driving myself insane. Not once did Noah imagine falling in love could make someone so vulnerable. He looked at Sydney. She looked like an angel in her sleep. Noah touched her face. Imagine that God loved him and the church, as he loved his wife. That was a huge love. “God, I leave our marriage in Your hands. Can you please find someone for Nathaniel and put my mind at ease?”

  40

  This was it.

  It was now or never.

  Belinda stood outside Lance’s home. She smoothed the imaginary wrinkles on her three-quarter length pants and adjusted her feet in her sandals. Placing her right hand in front of her mouth, she did a quick breath check. “Better get a tic tac.” She dug one of the small treats out of her bag and popped one in her mouth.

  Okay, Belinda, stop procrastinating. She walked the three steps to ring Lance’s doorbell. Her heart pounded in her chest. It had been over a month since she’d last looked up from the floor to see him standing in front of her. Belinda dismissed that humiliating incident. She couldn’t resist looking at her right heel at the bruise she’d incurred from that fall. It was healing nicely. Her ego, however, would take a little more time.

  Her falling was synonymous to Beyoncé’s fall that replayed repeatedly. Now, she understood why the singer had had the images pulled from television.

  Lance opened the door. “Belinda?”

  She could see he hadn’t expected to see her standing there. She licked her lips. “Hi, Lance.”

  “What brings you here?”

  Wasn’t he going to let her in? Belinda looked around and rubbed her arms. She’d come here to grovel, but she hadn’t envisioned this going down on his front step.

  While she debated, Lance stepped aside. “Come on in.”

  Thank you, Lord. Once she entered, Belinda checked Lance out. He looked as good as ever. In fact, to her, he had never looked better. Oh, how she missed him.

  “So what brings you here?” Lance asked again.

  Belinda didn’t know how to begin. She had thought this through for days and days, but now her voice failed. She needed courage. Praying for strength, she opened her mouth. “I miss you.” Belinda looked at Lance from under her lashes. His face was rock hard.

  “It took you three months to tell me you miss me?” He looked at his watch. “Thanks for telling me. Now, if you don’t mind, I have to go to work.”

  Lance moved toward the front door. Belinda found her voice. “No, you don’t.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “I called your job before coming. They said you have the day off.”

  “Stalking me, are you?”

  Belinda’s mouth popped open. No, he didn’t go there. She glared. “I’m not stalking you, Lance Forbes. And, considering the circumstances, you could have chosen to use a better word. You know what, I obviously wasted my time.” In a huff, she walked toward the door.

  Lance’s hand shot out to still her. “Don’t leave like that. I apologize. You’re right. Stalking was a poor word choice.” He crooked his head. “Why did you come?”

  Belinda saw love shining through his eyes. Her heart soared. Maybe it wasn’t too late. Maybe there was still hope for them after all. “I still love you, Lance. I came here to ask for another chance.”

  “What about Nathaniel?”

  She heard his jealousy. Her own jealousy flared. She placed her hands on her hips. “Well, what about Cara?”

  “Cara means nothing.”

  “Well, neither does Nathaniel. You’re so dense.”

  Two chests heaved.

  Two hearts relaxed.

  Four hands grabbed each other.

  Lance pulled Belinda in for a passionate kiss. Ooh… she’d missed him... missed this. Belinda tugged his shirt off and touched his bare skin. Lance felt so good. She moaned as she felt quick fingers undo her shirt. Lance’s hands were everywhere. Her body heated.

  Finally, Lance tore his lips away from hers. “I’ve missed you so much. I shouldn’t have let our separation carry on for so long.”

  Belinda touched his cheek. “I missed you too. I’m so sorry. I should have never let that crazy woman interfere with us.”

  “Monica means nothing to me. You’ve got to believe that. I know what I was before, but God has changed me. I didn’t change for you. I did it because of the love I have for God. That old Lance is gone forever. You’ve got to trust me and believe that.”

  Belinda nodded. “I know you’re different, Lance. I’m so sorry I allowed the past to threaten our future. I love you. I still want to be your wife.”

  Lance responded with another kiss. This time her pants followed. Soon, Belinda stood clothed in just her underwear. Lance wasn’t wearing a shirt, but he had his jeans on with a huge belt. She pulled on it. It had been too long. Right now, she wanted Lance so much it hurt.

  Lance placed his hands over hers.

  “We would have been married next weekend.”

  Belinda sobered. “Yes.”

  “It’s not too late.”

  Belinda didn’t understand. There was no way she could put a wedding back together so fast. “There’s no way, Lance.”

  “It’s all paid for,” Lance said.

  “What do you mean?”

  “I never stopped planning. Or rather, Portia didn’t stop planning. She came to me and browbeat me into sinking a fortune into a wedding I told her wouldn’t happen. Frankly, it was easier to spend the money than to fight her. She is one tenacious woman. God help the man who gets her.”

  Belinda laughed. That sneaky Portia. When she got her hands on her, she was going to... hug her... kiss her...thank her. She whooped with joy.

  Lance went into his bedroom. Belinda waited where she was. She heard a drawer open and close. Then Lance stood before her with her engagement ring in his hand. “I believe this belongs to you.”

  She heard his shy tone and held her left hand out. Almost reverently, he slid her ring back onto her finger. Belinda looked at it and smiled. All was right in the world.

  “We still have a problem.”

  “What?”

  “Monica. She’s still here. She’s still up to her antics and I had to set Noah on her. I think he scared her off.”

  Belinda felt goosebumps pop up. It wasn’t over. She knew it. How could she have forgotten about Monica? A twist on a song teased her brain. Whatever Monica wants... Monica gets, came into her head. That was a creepy thought.

  Belinda looked at Lance. “I don’t think she’ll ever give up.”

  “Why would you say that?”

>   “Because you’re not an easy man to let go of, Lance Forbes.” She saw his chest puff at her sentiment. She continued, “Noah may have scared her off, but it won’t last. She’ll soon be up to her old tricks again.”

  “I hate to admit it. But, I think you’re right. I don’t know why I didn’t see how unstable she was. Monica is one disturbed girl.” Lance filled Belinda in on all of Monica’s pranks since she’d been gone. “I hope I haven’t scared you off again, Bells.”

  Belinda shook her head. “No, Lance. I tried to walk away, and I was miserable without you. I’d rather face this with you than live my life empty. By the way, you forgave me pretty easily. I thought I’d be doing some serious begging.”

  Lance lowered his eyes. “Honestly, if this was back in the day, you probably would be. But, when I saw you a month ago, I knew this was childish on both our parts… I was planning on seeing you this weekend.”

  Belinda’s mouth popped open. “Really? You mean to say if I had just held off a couple of days, you would have made the first move?”

  Lance chuckled. “Yup. But, lucky for me, now I don’t have to.”

  Belinda shivered then remembered she was dressed in only her underwear. She bent over to retrieve her clothes and started to get dressed.

  “Change your mind?”

  “I waited this long. I can wait another week. I don’t want to incur God’s wrath.”

  Lance nodded, but his eyes hungrily watched her every move. Belinda took her time with her un-strip tease liking the male satisfaction written all over his face. She had lost ten pounds, but her curves were still dangerous. “Soon,” she promised. “We will be man and wife.”

  Lance said nothing. He leaned in for a hug. “By the way, it was the fall that did it.”

  Belinda couldn’t believe he’d brought up her demise. She shoved his chest. “A gentleman wouldn’t mention my source of mortification.”

  “Well, that fall brought me to my senses. I couldn’t bear to see you hurt. As a matter of fact, my heart leapt into my throat when I saw you. You don’t know the relief I felt when I realized only your pride suffered most.”

  Turning her heel, Belinda pointed out her scar. “I did get hurt, Lance.”

  Lance bent to examine her foot. Then he said, “You’ll live.”

  Playfully, Belinda slapped him. “Well, thanks for your concern.”

  “I love you.”

  “I love you, too, Lance. And I can’t wait to be your wife.”

  “Well, I can.”

  She lifted a brow.

  “I can wait. I can wait for you. No more pushing. I promise.”

  Belinda’s shoulders eased. She took his hand. “Together. We wait.”

  Lance smiled. “Together.”

  Just then, the doorbell rang. Arm in arm, they went to answer the door.

  41

  “I don’t care what I owe you. I’m done,” Nathaniel said.

  From outside his door, Portia stopped. She had been about to enter Nathaniel’s office when she heard those words.

  “I don’t take lightly to threats.”

  Portia shivered at his gravelly tone. She had never heard Nathaniel sound that way before. She squared her shoulders and moved to the doorway so he could spot her.

  Nathaniel put a finger up, gesturing for her to wait.

  “Let me call you back,” he said to the speaker. She could hear a voice yelling, but it was too muffled for her to make out the words. “Do what you have to. So will I.” Nathaniel grounded out those words before disconnecting the call.

  Portia entered and handed him the file. “Mr. Kingsley called about his case.” He had been one of Sydney’s, so Portia knew the client well.

  “Thank you,” he said, taking the file. She could see all his pearly whites behind that huge smile.

  Portia wasn’t buying it. “What was that about?” she asked.

  Nathaniel shrugged. “We’re due in court tomorrow, so Kingsley’s anxious. I don’t know why, though. Sydney had everything finalized. He’s getting a two point five million dollar payout, after our fees.”

  Portia nodded, knowing Nathaniel had deliberately misunderstood her question. She didn’t pursue the topic, but on the inside, she was confused. How could he be so sweet to her right after sounding like he wanted to tear his caller to pieces? She eyed him while he read the contents of the file.

  He seemed like a dream, but a few seconds ago, he sounded like the terror of nightmares. She scrunched her nose. Who was Nathaniel, really?

  Her cell buzzed. She had received a text message from Belinda. Sydney was included.

  Come to Lance’s house. We need to talk.

  Portia touched her chest. This didn’t sound good. Portia’s first thought was that this had something to do with Belinda and Lance’s on-and-off again wedding. She glanced at her watch and addressed Nathaniel. “I have to go meet up with Sydney and Belinda real quick.”

  Nathaniel waved her off, engrossed in the case.

  “I’ll bring you back a chicken sandwich,” she said.

  “No—”

  “Pickles,” she finished. “I know.”

  He gave her a grateful smile before returning to his paperwork.

  Portia decided she would read his personnel files to see what she could find out. But first, she had to answer the 9-1-1emergency text from Belinda. Since Belinda was at Lance’s house, Portia figured they must have reconciled. Good for them. Lance and Belinda were dysfunctional, but they worked as a couple. No one could doubt the love they had for each other.

  Her cell rang. It was Nathaniel.

  “I’ve changed my mind about the sandwich,” he said. “I have an errand to run so I’ll grab something to eat.”

  “Sure,” Portia said. “Do you need me to come with you?” She moved into the left lane in case she needed to make a U-turn.

  “Uh, no. Go see your friends.”

  Portia bit her lip. Her suspicions increased. Nathaniel never turned down a chance to spend time with her. “Okay, are you sure?”

  “Yes. See you later.” He clicked off.

  Portia dropped the phone in the cup holder and pondered Nathaniel’s weird phone call in the office. It was only a snippet of conversation. Maybe she was overreacting. She shook her head. But, it wasn’t what he said, it was more his tone when he said it. Nathaniel had sounded … dangerous.

  Portia chuckled. She had spent too much time with lawyers. She was becoming as suspicious as they were by trade.

  She pulled into Lance’s driveway and dismissed thoughts of Nathaniel. Sydney was already there. She smoothed her pencil skirt and walked the short distance to the door. It swung open.

  “Portia!” Sydney gathered her into a hug.

  “You’re popping out,” Portia said.

  Sydney laughed and patted her stomach. “I can’t see my toes and I’m hungry all the time.” She pulled Portia into Lance’s home toward the living area. Belinda sat on the couch.

  There was a huge gift box wrapped in gold paper.

  “So, where’s the fire?” Portia asked giving Belinda a nod.

  “I’m dying to see what’s inside,” Sydney said.

  Belinda slumped. Portia noted her puffy eyes and swollen face. “Something tells me this isn’t good.”

  Belinda made a fist. “It’s not. It’s sick and it’s creepy and…” She drew a breath before opening the box.

  Portia gasped. “Is that a—a…”

  Sydney screamed and stepped back. “It’s a dead snake.”

  Portia shuddered. It had a dart in its head.

  “Yes,” Belinda spoke through her teeth. “And, it came with a note.” She shook her head. “Lance and I had just patched things up when the doorbell rang. We saw the box and when we opened it…”

  “Did you guys call the police?” Sydney asked.

  “No. Lance claims he’s going to take care of it. He feels his father is behind all this somehow,” Belinda said. She covered the box.

  “What do
you plan to do with that?” Portia asked. “I think it’s sick for you to keep it.”

  “I think the madwoman who did this is the one that’s sick,” Belinda shot back.

  Portia held a hand up. “Whoa. I didn’t mean it like that.”

  Belinda’s eyes flashed. “Then how did you mean it?”

  Sydney stood between them. “I think Lance needs to call the police.”

  “I agree. I told Lance you can’t reason with crazy. He seems to think he can. If I had my way, the house would be filled with white dust and yellow tape.” Belinda shook her head. “But the stubborn man says he’s not going to ruin this house before we get a chance to live in it.”

  Portia jutted her chin. “What did the note say?”

  Belinda unfolded the small square. “Hiss, hiss, it’s a miss. Next time calls for something sharper than this.”

  Sydney rubbed her arms. “What does that mean?”

  “It’s means she’ll be using a knife to stab me next time,” Belinda ground out.

  Portia clutched her chest. “Don’t talk like that.”

  Belinda’s head bobbed. “It’s true. Monica isn’t going to allow anyone near Lance.” Her body shook with tears.

  “That’s it,” Sydney said. “I’m calling Hunter. He’ll know what to do.”

  Belinda sobbed. “We haven’t been able to reach him.”

  Portia swallowed her fears. She didn’t see a box of tissue so she raced into the kitchen to get a paper towel. Portia tugged off a small rectangle and went back to wipe Belinda’s face. Belinda trembled. Portia had never seen the other woman so scared. Belinda was usually fiery. Yet, here she was, shriveled up with terror.

  “I’m scared.” Belinda’s confession tore at Portia’s heart. Evidently being saved made one weak.

  Sydney fell to her knees. “Father, we need You to comfort Belinda at this moment...”

  Portia groaned. “I don’t understand you church folks. This isn’t the time to call on Jesus. It’s time to call the cops.”

  Both women ignored her mumbled words. Portia rolled her eyes but remained quiet until Sydney finished praying. Sydney and Belinda hugged while Portia snapped a picture of the gift box on her cell phone. She was going to the police station as soon as she left.