Tell Me Lies

by Michelle Lindo-Rice

  Sydney sunk her teeth into her hamburger. “Delicious.”

  Portia waved a hand. “Yes, Wood Street Grill’s food is always on point. Now back to this Noah.”

  “He’s …” Sydney searched for the words. “I like him.”

  Portia crooked her neck. “Go on.”

  Sydney smiled. “At first I thought he was a jerk. But he’s insightful. From our first date, when we talked, I felt as if he was truly listening to me. Plus, he’s original. He says he plans on taking me horseback riding.”

  “I can’t see you horseback riding,” Portia said.

  Sydney nodded. “Me either. But I’ll try it once. I told him we could go in a few weeks when I’m not as swamped.”

  “I don’t trust horses, but you go girl. I’m glad you’re giving someone a chance. It’s about time.” Portia touched her chest before she looked at her watch. “I have to finish up this paperwork. I’ve printed your briefs for the Burns case and don’t forget Curtis is coming to meet with you in fifteen minutes.”

  Sydney frowned. “How could I?”

  Once Portia left, Sydney looked around her office. She had a decent sized space. She’d earned every square inch. No way would she let Curtis get what was hers.

  “You wanted to see me?”

  Sydney jolted at the voice and straightened. “Yes, Curtis, come on in.”

  She smelled him from across the room and liked the scent. Normally, she would’ve asked him about the cologne or for details about his trip, but today Sydney was all business. In his deep blue suit and crisp, purple shirt, Curtis would make any woman take a second glance. His shirt was unbuttoned at the top and he’d ditched the tie as he often did when he was not in court.

  Curtis sat in the chair Portia had vacated and propped one leg over the over. A very expensive, black watch graced the hand resting on his thigh. His position said, I’m relaxed, but Sydney knew better. His rapid blinking gave him away.

  “Care to explain what happened in court with Manny’s case?” Sydney asked.

  Curtis looked up at the ceiling before sliding his glance her way. “I did learn about Pastor Charleston, but I didn’t get a chance to—”

  Sydney plopped a hand on the table. “Don’t feed me nonsense. You’re too organized. What is this about?”

  “Nothing,” he stammered.

  “You don’t have to sabotage my career to get ahead.”

  His head bobbled left and right. “I’m not, I mean, I wouldn’t do that. I was working on the boating accident case for James and I forgot to brief you. It was an honest mistake.”

  Sydney glared. “One that should cost you your job.”

  His eyes widened. “Please, don’t. I’m the sole caretaker for my mother. All she’s ever wanted was to see me become a lawyer. I’m sorry.”

  Sydney hated coming at Curtis so strong, but if it were one of the partners, Curtis would be fired. She relaxed her shoulders and softened her tone. “Don’t let it happen again.”

  His spine curved like a snake. Almost. “I won’t. I promise.”

  Sydney bit her lip. There was something disingenuous about him. But his mistake had led to her meeting Noah. Thinking of Noah cooled her. “I’ll need the research for Elek done by noon tomorrow. We go to court in one month. I don’t want any more surprises.”

  He coughed. “I’ll have it done.”

  With a jerk of the head, she dismissed him. Curtis sounded sincere with his apology, but her spirit said otherwise. The only time she knew he spoke truth was when he spoke of his mother. Everybody—and she meant everybody—knew how Curtis felt about Bernadette Chapman. She was his world.

  Sydney swiveled her chair to face the wall and closed her eyes. “Lord, give me strength … and wisdom.”

  After that short prayer, she reviewed the Burns case and Portia’s to-do list. Portia loved lists and post-its. Sydney adopted that as well. She had a list for everything. Sydney had even installed a specially built dry erase board for her cases. Sticky notes and lists lined the board.

  It was five p.m. before Sydney returned Noah’s call.

  “I miss you. I can’t wait to see you again,” Noah stated on the other end of the line.

  She heard the lovelorn expression in his voice and grinned. Then she confessed, “It’s crazy, but the feeling is mutual. I have to see you.”

  “I have to tell you about my meeting with the church board a couple weeks ago,” Noah said. “I didn’t mention it before, but since I start tomorrow…” he trailed off.

  Sydney shifted gears. “Oh, I forgot that your official start date is tomorrow.”

  “Yes, and I’m embarrassed to say I’m in big demand.”

  His change of topic peaked her interest. “Explain,” Sydney said, multi-tasking. She was reading through the Burns case while listening to Noah ramble. Her eyes bulged when she heard about the wager. “Did you say twenty-thousand-dollars?” She closed the file. He had her full attention.

  “Yes, I did. That wager happened at my church in Texas. The deacons learned about it because some of the young women here copied the idea. I think the bet is up to three thousand dollars,” Noah explained. “I need you to rescue me. Can we be exclusive?”

  Sydney put her tongue in her cheek. She’d never been asked out so formally before. Dating a gentleman was so much different. But this was way too fast. She opened her mouth to tell him so, but instead heard herself saying, “I’m just getting to know you.”

  “Sydney, I’m a ‘damsel’ in distress and in dire need of rescuing,” he whined for dramatic effect.

  Sydney pealed with laughter from the visual image of Noah in a dress. Portia opened her door to drop some messages on her desk. She saw Portia’s curious eyes. Sydney waved at her and mouthed, “Shut the door,” before continuing the conversation.

  “Noah, you can’t be a damsel. I’ve seen you and you’re the last person who needs rescuing. You’re cracking me up.”

  Noah laughed. “Stop hedging and give me an answer.”

  “Let me think about it.” Sydney’s words surprised her. It hadn’t been too long ago that she’d been thinking she wasn’t ready to date and didn’t know when she’d ever be ready. Now just weeks later, she was considering it.

  “Open your door.”

  Her heart raced. Was he here? She clicked the end button on her phone and rushed to open the door.

  Portia’s face held an awestruck expression at the handsome man standing a few feet from her. Sydney felt a momentary satisfaction to see her usually composed secretary rattled.

  “Surprise,” Noah said in a low voice. She noticed his eyes sweep her body. She wore a black dress with a green jacket and matching, hot green shoes. His blue eyes darkened.

  Sydney attempted to remain unfazed by his blatant appreciation. She crooked her index finger, motioning to him and in her most professional voice directed, “Pastor Charleston, please come inside my office.” She’d added that for Portia’s benefit.

  “Pastor,” Portia spat out. “Wow.” Her mouth was wide open. Then she licked her lips.

  Noah walked ahead of Sydney into her office. Behind Noah’s back, Sydney placed two fingers across her lips to silence the younger woman. She was sure Noah had heard Portia, though he hadn’t shown any reaction.

  Portia’s spunk returned. She mouthed, “He’s hot. Go for it.”

  “Behave,” Sydney mouthed back, but she did a brief happy jig. Giddy with the knowledge she’d attracted the attention of such a good-looking man, Sydney closed her door. Turning to face Noah, she agreed he was “hot.” He was dressed in cargo pants, a white tank and cover shirt with a pair of sandals.

  Noah didn’t hesitate. He pulled her into his chest and placed a kiss on her forehead. Sydney melted. She felt more tiny kisses on both her cheeks before Noah settled his lips on her mouth. His lips felt firm and strong against her supple and soft ones. She liked it.

  Noah’s hands circled her small hips. Sydney knew it was wrong, but she prayed he’d move his han
ds lower. He didn’t. Sydney opened her mouth to give him full access, but Noah pulled back. Instead, she felt the touch of his fingers running through her hair and then he hugged her close to him.

  “I was on my way to the church, but I had to see you,” he said. He scanned her office space. Her dry erase board caught his attention. Noah moseyed up to it. “What is all this?” he asked, pointing to her color-coded post-its.

  “My to-do lists,” Sydney said, moving to his side. “Portia got me hooked on them. I use them to keep track of all my cases.” She pointed to the yellow sticky notes. “All these are for one case.” And then she pointed to the pink ones, “All these are for another.”

  He nodded. “You’re very organized.”

  “I have to be. My clients rely on me and there are substantive payments involved.” Sydney linked her arms through his. “I have to ask. Are you not allowed to really kiss me?”

  “You won’t let me stop there.”

  Sydney crooked her head. “You sound mighty sure of yourself.” She was slightly put off at his haughty assumption that after one kiss she’d be falling all over him.

  “Trust me,” Noah warned. “If I should really kiss you, you wouldn’t stop me.”

  Though Noah’s words were meant to cool her ardor, his remark only served to ignite her active imagination. His comment tantalized and taunted Sydney all day.

  5

  “It’s five-thirty in the morning. You’d better have a good reason for asking me to meet you here,” Sydney said, rolling down the window on her driver’s side. She stifled a yawn. “Especially since we were on the phone until midnight again last night.”

  “You’ll see,” Noah said. He tilted his head. “Pull in next to me.”

  She did as he asked. “Wake up, Sydney,” she told herself as she exited the car. She was so not a morning person. She liked to squeeze every moment of her sleeping time. The alarm clock was not her friend.

  Noah looked bright-eyed. She resisted the urge to see if he had a bushy tail behind those snug-fitting blue jeans he wore.

  Noah gave her a brief hug and looked down at her feet. “Good to see you’re wearing sneakers.”

  “Yes, but only because you told me I had to. You know I like my heels.” Her pink and purple Sketchers matched her jumpsuit. Sydney shivered and wrapped her arms around herself. She squinted and pointed to a man across the field. “We’re not the only ones here. I’m surprised.”

  “That’s where we’re going.”

  Noah took her hand. They trudged across the field. When they were close, Sydney froze. “What’s that?” she asked, pointing to a colorful object on the ground.

  “What does it look like?” Noah asked. “It’s a hot air balloon. I thought we could see the sunrise together.” He gave her a gentle tug and they resumed walking.

  Sydney’s heart rate increased. “You want me to get inside a hot air balloon? I don’t think so. Haven’t you learned anything from talking to me the last two weeks? I’m not the adventurous type. You mentioned horseback riding and I’ve been mentally preparing myself for that.” She looked up. “Your idea of catching the sunrise together is nice, but we can snuggle right here on the ground.”

  “I know you’re scared, but live a little,” Noah said. “I’ve never done this before either. But I’m willing to try. With you.”

  By this time, they were close to where the pilot stood. He stretched out a hand to greet the both of them. “Good morning! I see you’re both dressed appropriately.” Sydney thought he was way too chipper for that early in the morning.

  Then he addressed Noah. “Did you bring sunscreen?”

  Noah nodded. “I have everything here.” He patted his backpack.

  Sydney heard the engine. Her legs were like butter. “I don’t know about this.”

  “Come on.” Noah beckoned to her with his hands. “Take a chance.”

  She bit her lip. Noah’s words had a double meaning. For Sydney, it was not only about the hot air balloon. Could she take a chance on Noah as well?

  “I’ve done this a thousand times,” the pilot chimed in. “I promise you’ll get the view of a lifetime.”

  Sydney looked at Noah’s expectant face. Then she squared her shoulders and placed her hand in his. She knew her palms were sweaty. Noah rubbed his thumb across hers.

  “We’ll be fine. You’ll see.”

  “How far up are we going?” Sydney asked, stepping closer to the box. She felt the warmth of the engine.

  The pilot smiled. “About three thousand feet. We’ll go over the Peace River and the bridge. I never get tired of seeing God’s handiwork.”

  Hearing him use God’s name made her take another step forward. “How long will we be afloat?”

  “Sydney, stop asking so many questions,” Noah said.

  Noah guided her into the box next to him. Sydney glanced around and her stomach unclenched, slightly. “It’s bigger than I thought.”

  “This particular balloon can hold up to six people. We have some that can hold about twenty people.” The pilot busied himself with getting them off the ground.

  Noah gestured to the small table and two chairs. There were silver platters on top. “We’ll have breakfast in the sky.”

  Sydney lifted the platters and eyed the eggs and Belgian waffles. Her stomach growled. “This is a lovely idea. I hope I won’t be too nervous to eat.”

  Noah took a seat and she did the same. Light jazz music filled the box. The pilot took his position and they ascended. Sydney clutched Noah’s hand.

  He pulled her to stand and they went to the edge of the box. Sydney felt the wind across her face. She was glad she’d put her hair in a bun. Sydney leaned against Noah’s chest. “When you told me to wear sneakers, I thought we were going hiking or something. Never would I have imagined this.”

  Noah squeezed her tight. “I want us to experience new things together.” A bird flew by.

  “Wow,” Sydney breathed. “That was close.”

  They were just above the treetops. Sydney looked down. “It’s beautiful. I just knew I’d be scared, but I’m enjoying this.”

  She felt Noah’s head nod.

  By then, the sun peaked above the horizon. The splash of orange and yellows made her breath catch. Sydney could only utter an eloquent, “Wow.”

  “There isn’t anything like God’s handiwork,” Noah pulled away. “Let’s eat. I’m hungry.”

  Sydney laughed. She could stand there for hours and take in the scenery. But typical man, Noah’s mind was on the food. She joined him. They prayed and blessed the meal.

  Sydney ate a small portion of eggs and about a quarter of the waffle. Noah finished his and the rest of her meal. He poured orange juice in their flutes.

  The pilot had now guided them over the water. He dipped low enough for them to spot the dolphins and manatees.

  Sydney knew her eyes were wide with wonder. She lost track of how many times she awed and oohed at the majestic view.

  “Did you know dolphins are able to see inside the bodies of other dolphins and creatures?” Noah asked.

  Sydney shook her head. “No. I didn’t know that.”

  “Yes. They are really amazing. I find them fascinating. They have a curved lens so they can see inside and outside of the water.” He tapped his nose. “They also have signature whispers that they use to communicate and identify themselves. Scientists believe they call each other by names like we do.”

  Sydney cocked an eyebrow. “I’m impressed.”

  “I could spout more facts, but I don’t want to bore you.”

  Sydney shook her head. She doubted she’d ever find Noah boring. He was too charming for that. “I love learning and I love a knowledgeable man. Where did you go to college?” Her brows furrowed. “I’m taking it for granted. I should ask if you’re a college graduate.”

  Noah nodded. “I went to Liberty University and earned my bachelor’s online. I took a few counseling classes, but I haven’t gone any further. I went to col
lege in my late twenties after I earned my G.E.D.” He reached for his backpack. “But experience still is my best teacher. And I learned a lot about being a man from my grandfather.” He looked at his watch. “It’s almost time for us to land. So, tell me about your family.”

  “It’s just Mom and me,” she said. “My father died before I was even born. Mom said he was an athlete.”

  “It must have been hard growing up without your father.”

  “It was fine. I had a lot of love and a great childhood.” She swung her head his way for a second. “What about your parents?”

  Noah appeared to tense up before her. “They did the best they could.”

  Six words. That’s all he had to say about his parents? He must have seen the question in her eyes.

  “I know I’m not saying much, but I know they loved me.” He smiled. “They spoiled me rotten. That’s why their death shattered me. I would’ve lost my way if it weren’t for Gramps.”

  “Did you always know you wanted to be a pastor?”

  He gave an awkward chuckle. “No way. I was messed up for a couple years after my parents’ death. I joined up with the wrong crowd until Gramps came and set me straight. I always had the gift of gab though, so to speak. When I spoke, people listened. My pastor saw it and took me under his wing.”

  “How did Gramps set you straight?” At her question, she noted Noah clenching his fists.

  “You don’t have to answer that. It’s one of my bad habits as a lawyer. I’m always questioning everybody and everything.”

  He gave an awkward smile before looking away.

  Sydney wanted to ask him more about his parents, but Noah seemed uncomfortable. She wouldn’t ruin their date. Besides, her mind was registering an important fact. She looked down. They were heading close to a field in Punta Gorda. “This isn’t where we parked. Isn’t he taking us back?”

  Noah shook his head. “No, they have chasers following our path. The pilot will give them a general location when we land. Then we’ll get a ride back to our cars.”