White Lies

by Jenny Lynn

  I walked out of the bathroom and a strong hand caught my arm. I turned and saw Nicholas. I plastered a smile on my face, acting like nothing was wrong. “Come on,” he told me, walking me towards the door.

  “Where are we going?” I asked, looking back into the restaurant at the table where his family was still seated.

  “Upstairs, I arranged for the kitchen to bring us up our meals.”

  “It’s okay Nicholas, really, I’m fine. Your family is sitting right over there.” We were just outside the restaurant when he turned to face me, holding my shoulders in his hands.

  “It’s our last few hours here,” he said, his pale eyes staring straight into my own. “I’m not sharing your company with anyone who isn’t being respectful to you. Even if that person is my mother. I apologize for how she was acting.”

  “It’s okay,” I said, looking down at my feet. “She just wants the best for you.”

  “I know exactly what’s best for me,” Nicholas said firmly. Then he pulled me against him and kissed me. After all of the tension at the table, I leaned into him, enjoying the physical contact and his strong arms wrapped around me. When he pulled away he led me towards the elevators, his hand holding mine, and we went to his suite. Within a few minutes there was a knock on the door. He opened it and a waiter came in pushing a cart into the room with covered plates. Nicholas asked him to bring everything out onto the balcony and after he did, thanked him then handed him a tip. When we were alone again Nicholas gestured for me to head outside, I followed him and took a seat. He poured me a glass of wine then removed the covers from the plates. The food smelled exquisite; I really was famished. Nicholas smiled at me as I gently picked up a piece on my fork.

  The sun was setting and I looked over the scene stretched out in front of us as we sat together, eating our meal in the warm glow. The slight breeze rustled Nicholas’ dark hair, the soft light illuminating his chiseled features. I didn’t know what the future held for us, I hadn’t even expected us to come together the way we had. But I knew I was happy, and that whatever the future held I hoped Nicholas would stay a part of it.

  11

  After a smooth flight, we were picked up by a waiting car and Nicholas instructed the driver to drop me off at my apartment. My bag was removed from the trunk and handed to me, Nicholas walked me to my door.

  “Thank you for a wonderful weekend,” I told him.

  “When can I see you again Breanne?” he asked, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. I tried to go over my schedule in my head, after this weekend I was going to need to get caught up on my studies as well as shifts at the restaurant.

  “I’m not sure,” I told him. “Would you like to come in for a bit?”

  He leaned against the wall and shook his head. “Unfortunately I need to head to the office and get a few things settled.”

  “Right now?” I asked, surprised. “But it’s so late.” He chuckled.

  “I know, but late nights and a busy schedule are all part of being a CEO. That’s why when I do have time away I try to make the most of it, like this weekend.”

  “I still can’t believe this weekend happened. It was all so unexpected.”

  “The best things in life usually are,” he told me. Then he pulled me close and kissed me, skillfully exploring my mouth with his own. He made my heart beat faster, my head spinning. He had such an effect on me, I was helpless to resist him. When he finally broke contact he looked down at me, a content look on his face. “This week,” he told me. “Any night, just let me know when you’re free.”

  “I will,” I told him. He pressed his lips to mine, gently, one more time then he turned and walked back to the car and got inside. As the sleek black vehicle pulled out into traffic then away I realized I had been holding my breath. Sighing, I opened the door and headed inside. I went into my room and put down my luggage then checked my phone. I had a few texts from Sandra telling me I missed a busy weekend, and that I owed her one. I wrote back thanking her and telling her I would repay the favor whenever she needed it. There was also a text from Tabitha.

  Are you back yet? Want to grab a drink after class Monday? I’m dying for details!

  There was no way she was going to let me off the hook, she was going to absolutely lose her mind when I told her that Nicholas and I hooked up or the romantic dates he had taken me on. I wrote her back confirming plans.

  I just got back, and yes to a drink. Meet you at Early Mercy around seven tomorrow?

  I glanced at the clock, it really was late and I had a morning class. I stripped out of my clothes and changed into pajamas then headed to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth. I crawled into bed and snuggled against my pillow, my room and bed warm and familiar after the weekend away. In no time I drifted off into a deep sleep.

  The alarm popped to life, an upbeat song coming through the speakers. I stretched feeling refreshed and ready to start the day. Heading to the bathroom I turned on the shower, removing my clothes and letting the warm water run all over my skin. I washed my hair and body, letting my mind wander to Nicholas. I needed to check my work schedule for a free night, and couldn’t wait to see him again. It hadn’t even been a day and already I missed him. It was all so new and exciting, I found myself craving his touch and the way he looked at me. Stepping out of the shower I flipped my head and dried my hair roughly, letting it fall in soft natural waves down my back. I did my makeup then wrapped myself in a towel. I went back to my room and I pulled on a pair of dark jeans and a white t-shirt. Ready, I gathered up my books and bag then headed out the door.

  My first class of the day was social psychology and it was one of my favorites. I took notes as Professor Blaine talked through peer pressure and social construction. It was fascinating how different cultures had unique codes of conduct and practices which needed to be taken into account from both a social and an individual level. When an individual acted against the social norms of their community it made them stand out, sometimes in a negative way. I wondered if this was why Nancy Blackstone was so cold towards me, the fact that I didn’t come from a wealthy family or have the same social standing that her family did. When I tried to view the situation from a purely social reaction it was easier not to take it personally. I was different, and while that was the thing that made Nancy and Lilly look at me with disdain it also happened to be the thing that Nicholas liked about me. I was not just another pampered socialite, the type of women he must have grown up surrounded by.

  Between my morning and afternoon class I spent a few hours in the library studying and getting caught up on my readings. I checked my emails and noticed Mark had emailed this week’s work schedule to the team. I was scheduled to work tomorrow then Thursday, Friday and Saturday giving me Wednesday and Sunday off. I pulled out my phone and sent Nicholas a message.

  I’m free Wednesday and Sunday, when would you like to see me?

  I returned my attention to my book when after a few minutes my phone chimed seeming supernaturally loud in the quiet library. Another student at the table next to me turned their head and I quickly switched my phone to silent. I checked and saw it was a reply from Nicholas.

  Both days. I’ll send a car around to pick you up Wednesday at five, then we can make Sunday plans.

  I smiled, already excited to see him. It was all so new, all so unexpected, but for now I needed to stay focused on class which I had fifteen minutes to get to. I gathered my things and left the library, heading to my next lecture. The afternoon flew by, I furiously took notes and absorbed the discussion points. The history of philosophical thought was fascinating to me, centuries of mankind pondering why we do the things we do and think the way we do. Questioning was a step on the path of self-discovery, the building blocks of human nature. When the lecture was over I followed the crowd of other students out of the hall then I kept going as I made my way to Early Mercy to meet Tabitha. I was looking forward to talking to her about my weekend and getting her perspective, especially about how I sh
ould deal with Nicholas’ mother. Tabitha grew up attending private schools and debutante balls, if anyone understood that world she would.

  Walking into Early Mercy there were crowds of people seated at tables around the space, talking as music streamed over the sound system mingling with the conversations. The walls were blood red and strings of lights were stretched across the ceiling like stars. I looked around and saw Tabitha seated in the corner with a drink in front of her. She waved and I waved back, pointing to the bar. I walked over to get a drink. The bartender was helping a group and I waited, scanning the rows upon rows of bottles along the back wall. There were so many choices, I wondered how many drinks they needed to memorize how to make.

  “What can I get you?” asked the bartender when he walked up, snapping me from my trance.

  “Could I get a manhattan?” I asked. I wanted a drink I could sip and make last.

  “Coming up,” he said as he turned around and grabbed from the wall of bottles. He moved with speed and efficiency as he poured into a glass, then placed the dark drink down in front of me. I paid then picked up the cocktail, walking through the crowd towards where Tabitha was waiting for me. I sat down and smiled at her.

  “Been here long?” I asked. She shook her head.

  “I got here about fifteen minutes before you did.” I took a sip of my drink, the flavors sharp and complex. I sighed, it was exactly what I needed after a long day.

  “You look pretty happy and relaxed,” Tabitha remarked. “How about you tell me all about your weekend away?”

  “What do you want to know?” I asked. She leaned forward, staring at me.

  “Everything. Now spill it!”

  I took another sip of my drink, deliberately stalling to draw out the tension, teasing her.

  “Where should I start,” I said as I tilted my head and looked up, contemplating. “The helicopter ride he took me on, the romantic horseback ride then a picnic by the water… or our first kiss?”

  Tabitha threw her hands to her mouth and stared at me wide eyed. “You kissed?! Tell me how it happened.”

  “I was dressed in my gown for the wedding, then decided to get some air on the balcony. He was outside too on his balcony, wearing his suit. There was a lingering moment between us, then I went to see him and it happened. It was incredible,” I said, sighing as I relived the moment in my mind.

  “I knew it, I knew this would happen between the two of you. Was that it? Just one kiss?” Tabitha was on the edge of her seat.

  “That kiss changed everything,” I told her. “It happened after I gave him back the money. It just felt wrong with what was developing between us. And, well… one thing led to another.” Tabitha squealed loudly, a few heads turned our way and I shushed her, laughing. She was causing a scene.

  “You slept together?! Was it good? Oh my god, you’re blushing, It must have been good. So what does this mean, are you going to see each other again?”

  “We have a date Wednesday,” I said.

  “That must have been quite a weekend,” she told me. “You went away with a stranger and came back with a boyfriend.”

  “I wouldn’t go that far,” I said. “It’s all still so new, I don’t know what we are. And I’m not sure his family approves of me.”

  “Why, what happened?” she asked.

  “There’s this girl named Lilly that had her sights on him, she was pretty confrontational with me all weekend. She’s something else.”

  Tabitha waved her hand dismissively. “I grew up around girls like that, they turn into monsters when there is something they can’t have since they’re used to getting everything they want. I wouldn’t worry about it, clearly that’s not Nicholas’ type.”

  “His mother isn’t so easy to ignore. She insinuated I was with Nicholas for his money.”

  “If that was true, you would never have given him back the cash he gave you to be his wedding date,” Tabitha reasoned.

  “I never should have taken it in the first place,” I sighed.

  “How were you supposed to know what was going to happen between you two? This was just supposed to be helping him out and him compensating you for your time. But once you spent time together it turned into something more. I wouldn’t worry too much about it.”

  “How are we ever supposed to have a future if his mom just thinks I’m some gold digger, though?” I asked, desperate for advice.

  “The only way you’ll change her mind is by being yourself. She’ll eventually see everything in you that Nicholas does. Breanne you’re smart, beautiful, hard working and kind. Just give it time. If not, what matters is what Nicholas thinks about you.” She reached across the table and gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. I smiled, feeling a bit better. We stayed out for hours talking about my weekend and the guy in Tabitha’s English class she had a crush on. It felt good to be back in my city, out with my friend and enjoying her company. Life was looking up.

  12

  I glanced at the display as I was changing, then answered the phone. “Hi mom,” I said as I wiggled into my skirt, the phone between my ear and shoulder.

  “Hi honey,” she said. “How are things?”

  “Good, busy as usual with classes and work. I’m actually on my way to the restaurant now.”

  “I wanted to ask how your weekend in California with your friend was. You never told me who you went with.”

  “Um, well,” I began. “I was a wedding date for this guy I met.”

  “A guy? Are you dating someone new?” I heard my father’s voice off in the distance and my mom shouted back that she was asking me.

  “It’s still really new,” I told her. “But he’s a great guy, you would approve.”

  “Are we going to get to meet him when we visit?” she asked.

  “We’ll see mom,” I told her. “Look, I’m sorry to cut the conversation short, I really want to talk to you, but I need to get to the restaurant for my shift. Can I give you a call later?”

  “Of course honey,” she told me. “We worry about you, you’re always so busy these days. Make sure not to burn yourself out.”

  “I will, I promise mom. I can’t wait to see you and dad.”

  “Us too,” she told me. “Love you, Breanne.”

  “Love you too, mom. Say hi to dad for me. Talk to you later.”

  I hung up and grabbed my bag, heading out the door and onto transit. I was reading ahead in one of my textbooks when my phone buzzed against my hip. I pulled it out, it was a text from Tabitha along with a link.

  Your boyfriend looks totally hot in a suit

  I clicked open the link and was brought to an article in the Business Times. It was an interview with Nicholas about the direction he was taking Blackstone Enterprises in, his focus on exploring emerging technologies and investing in new talent. There was a lot of business speak, and a photo of him seated in his office dressed in a sharp looking grey suit. I smiled, looking at the picture. He really was a gorgeous man, the serious and stern look in his eyes getting my heart racing. I couldn’t wait to see him again, to feel his lips moving over mine and his hands trailing along my body. I glanced up and leapt from my seat, I had missed my stop. I pulled the cord then hopped off, walking quickly as I backtracked a few blocks to the restaurant.

  Heading up I made my way to the waitress station and wrapped an apron around my waist. Sandra walked over and smiled at me.

  “Hey, welcome back,” she told me. “How was your weekend?”

  “Exactly what I needed, thank you again for covering for me.”

  “Anytime,” she told me. “I know you would do the same for me.”

  I made my way over to my section and took orders, bringing drinks and food. We were fairly steady through the evening and I had a table of twenty out for a birthday party to look after in the back room. I thought about the last time I was in that space, the first time I met Nicholas, and everything that had happened since that moment. Who would have known that chance encounter would have turned into what
it did. I certainly didn’t.

  I was carrying a tray of drinks to a table by the window when shouting behind me made me turn my head. There was commotion in the kitchen, then I heard an alarm start to blare. Putting down the tray I craned my neck, trying to figure out what was going on. That’s when the thick, black smoke started to pour out of the kitchen, creeping towards the dining room.

  “There’s a fire,” Mark came out and said loudly over the screeching of the alarm. “Please, everyone calmly make your way out of the restaurant.”

  People leapt up from their seats, forming a crowd and moving towards the entrance. There was a bustle and slight panic as the air quickly grew smokey. Bodies were cramming together, bumping into each other as we all made our way outside, away from the fire. I joined the crowd as we filed into the stairwell, gripping the handle as bodies bumped into me, marching down to the safety of the ground floor. I glanced up above me and felt slight panic when I noticed smoke starting to spill into the stairwell, as if it was following us. I took a step while still looking up and lost my footing, crashing down hard on the stairs. I was still wearing my heels and the rush down the stairs was proving difficult. People rushed past me and I gripped the handle, trying not to fall down the stairs as the crowd passed me. I felt a wave of panic, I couldn't get to my feet again and there were so many people closing in around me. With pain shooting through my leg, I finally managed to pull myself up and continued down the stairs, placing my feet carefully. We reached the bottom and everyone gathered out on the sidewalk as the fire truck pulled up to the curb. The crew jumped out and got to work, rushing into the building with their equipment. I searched through the crowd until I found Sandra and Mark talking with the kitchen staff.

  “What happened?” I asked, slightly breathless from the rush down all of the stairs.

  “Grease fire,” the head chef Bishop told us. “It got out of control and spread so fast, we couldn’t put it out.”