White Lies

by Jenny Lynn

  “And the man here in Chicago?” my mother asked, trying to keep her voice calm but a hint of alarm sneaking in.

  “Turns out he was a paparazzi,” Nicholas explained. “I’m sorry Breanne, but dating me is going to come with a few intrusive reporters and cameras. I’ve been using what influence I can to keep your name out of the press, but I won’t be able to keep it suppressed forever. Especially as we’re seen together out in public more often.”

  “How did you get the story killed?” I asked. Nicholas sighed.

  “You might not like this, I meant to talk to you about it tomorrow.” He paused before continuing. “I promised The Post an exclusive with us at the benefit tomorrow. Obviously this is completely up to you, but I figured it might be a good moment to make our official debut. What do you think?”

  “I don’t mind people knowing I’m with you,” I assured him. He smiled, my parents exchanged looks then continued to watch us.

  “You two seem very happy together,” my father said.

  “I care about your daughter very much,” Nicholas said as he cupped my hand in his on the table.

  “You know,” my mom began. “I don’t think we ever got the full story of how you two met.”

  Nicholas smiled at me. “Well, I was at a meeting with my lawyers, we were having breakfast at a restaurant. Breanne was waiting on our table, I was captivated by her. She was professional and kind, there was just something about her I found entrancing. Anyways, the meeting was going on and on about legal documents I refused to sign. Breanne spilled a glass of water over the documents, ruining them and sending the lawyers into a fit.” Nicholas laughed. “It was an accident, but I like to think Breanne could read my mind. I didn’t think I would ever see her again, but then I noticed her at a lounge when I was out with my sisters. I approached her, and in that moment I decided I wanted to get to know her better. Now, here we are.”

  “That’s very sweet,” my mother said.

  “How about you?” Nicholas asked. “How did you meet, Mister and Mrs. Taylor?”

  My parents smiled and my dad wrapped an arm around my mother’s shoulders, the affection between them easy and apparent. “Nothing dramatic, we were high school sweethearts,” my mom said.

  “I was on the football team, she was one of the top students. My grades were slipping a bit so Sylvia started to tutor me on the side. I flirted but she was all business. When I got my next report card back, my grades were all up. I knew a woman like her would make me a better man, and I asked her out. I never looked back,” my dad said as he leaned over and kissed my mother on the forehead.

  “That’s a lovely story,” Nicholas said. “I think you’re right, a special woman can make you a better man.” I flushed slightly, Nicholas had a way of saying just the right thing to make my heart flutter. I saw the waiter out of the corner of my eye approach our table carrying plates. He set them down in front of us with a flourish and we thanked him. Everything was steaming and smelled heavenly.

  “Bon appetit!” I said as I picked up my fork, piercing a tender piece of gnocchi. It was melt-in-your-mouth soft, butter and cream leaking over my tongue along with the earthy flavor of truffle. It was one of the best pasta dishes I had ever tasted. The table grew silent as we savored our meals, before we slipped back into easy conversation. My parents asked about my studies as well as what business Blackstone Enterprises was involved in. I asked my parents how things were back home and about my grandparents. Nicholas ordered a second bottle of wine, we talked and laughed together as the restaurant started to empty. By the end of the meal, as we nibbled on decadent tiramisu, my parents had invited Nicholas and me to visit Michigan one weekend for a family barbeque. I tensed slightly, not sure if Nicholas was ready for the crowd of cousins and family friends he would be exposed to. He simply smiled and said he would love to.

  Something between us had shifted, and I felt it. I had met his family, and now he had met mine. Our relationship was real and meaningful, there was a substance building to it. As I sat there, looking at Nicholas talking easily with my parents, I realized how deeply in love I was falling for this man.

  22

  My mother woke up early and I came out of my bedroom to the smell of fresh pancakes. My dad was shaving in the bathroom and they had already packed up their bags beside the pull out couch.

  “How did you sleep?” I asked my mom, leaning against the counter.

  “Really well, but I’m not sure if it’s because the couch is so comfortable or that second bottle of wine,” she said with a laugh.

  “Probably a combination of both,” I said as I poured myself a cup of coffee. I added cream and sugar then sipped at it. “What time are you heading home?” I asked.

  “Soon, we have enough time for a nice breakfast then we’ll be on our way.”

  I walked over and leaned my head on her shoulder. “Such a short visit,” I said with a sigh. “I was hoping to take you around the city a bit.”

  “I couldn’t get the time off work, dear. A short visit is better than no visit, and besides, don’t forget you and Nicholas are going to come up for a weekend next month. You promised!”

  “Of course mom,” I hugged her. “I can’t wait.”

  She placed a plate of pancakes on the table and I sat down, reaching for the syrup and letting a thick stream spill over my breakfast. I picked up my fork and dove right in, feeling famished. My dad came out of the bathroom and walked past, ruffling my hair on his way to the coffee machine. My parents grabbed their mugs and breakfast and sat down on either side of me. It felt good to be sitting together like this, like it had been when I was growing up. I was a woman now but around them I always felt like their little girl. Safe and loved beyond measure.

  “What do you have planned for today?” my mom asked. I swallowed a bite of pancake.

  “I have class then that gala event tonight to get ready for,” I explained. Something registered in my mother’s eyes and she stood up, walking over to the counter.

  “That reminds me, someone dropped this off for you but you were asleep.” I took the thick black envelope from her hand and opened it curiously. It was a white card, on it in neat black type was an address with a time. I smiled, Nicholas and his romantic surprises.

  “What is it?” my mom asked.

  “I guess Nicholas wants me to meet him later, before the benefit. I have no idea why.”

  “You two are very sweet together,” my dad said. “I don’t think anyone is good enough for my little girl, but that man seems like he comes close.” I laughed and patted my father’s arm. We all finished breakfast and I placed the plates in the sink, I would get to them later. I helped them with their luggage and walked up to the street to their car. As they got ready to leave I flung myself at my dad, he wrapped me in a tight hug. I turned then hugged my mother tightly, she kissed my cheek.

  “Send me a picture tonight,” she asked. “I bet you’re going to look stunning.”

  “And there’s that exclusive article in The Post we can look forward to,” my dad reminded me. I had almost forgotten. They drove off and I stood there on the sidewalk, waving as they pulled away and watching as the car blended in with the surrounding traffic. Once they were out of sight I headed back inside to change and get ready for class. I was slipping into a skirt when there was a knock at the door. I pulled up the zipper then headed over, a delivery man was standing there with a long white box, tied with gold ribbon. He held it out to me.

  “Delivery from Mister Blackstone,” he said with a slight nod. I accepted the box and thanked him, he turned and walked back to the waiting black car at the curb. I don’t think it was possible for me to see an expensive black car and not think of Nicholas anymore. I placed the box down on the table and pulled gently at the ribbon. I lifted the lid and moved aside the thin white tissue paper, revealing one of the most beautiful gowns I had ever seen. It was soft pink with crystals adorning the corset top, then sheer gauzy fabric flowing down. I held it between my fingers, adm
iring it. I couldn’t believe it when I saw the tag, it was a Chanel dress. I imagined Nicholas being presented with a variety of options before settling on this one, and didn’t have to try it on yet to know it would lovely on me.

  I removed the dress from its box and hung it by my closet, to get ready later, then gathered my things to leave for school. On the streetcar I wondered why he didn’t just send the note and the dress together, but maybe the dress was sent right from the store. I was excited to see Nicholas, but a bit nervous about the Post interview. Going public meant something about our relationship and the nature of it.

  I had trouble concentrating all through class, my mind kept wandering. Would there be ballroom dancing at this benefit? I didn’t know the steps. Would food be served, or should I eat first? I assumed I would be staying the night at Nicholas’, did I need to pack anything or were the items I had left at his home last time enough? I was nervous to leave too many of my things in his space even though he had given me room in his closet and a drawer in his bathroom.

  “Breanne!” came an annoyed voice. I looked up, my professor was looking at me as were the students around me. “Could you please join the discussion? What is the difference between sensation and perception?”

  I tried to collect myself. “Well,” I began. “Sensation is linked to physical stimulus. Scent, taste, touch. There is a degree of universal shared experience there, if we all smelled a rose we would all have roughly the same sensation. Perception is what differs at an individual level. Our brains interpret and process in different ways. I might like the smell of the rose, someone else it might make them nauseous. Another person could be triggered to remember the roses placed on the grave of a loved one.”

  The professor nodded. “Keen observation, Breanne,” he said before continuing with his lecture. I made more of an effort to stay focused, but it was difficult. The minutes ticked by until eventually it was time to leave the auditorium and head back home.

  In the hall I ran into Tabitha who chased me down. “I’m sorry, Tabitha, I really need to rush home and get ready for this benefit tonight.”

  “No problem, that’s what I wanted to tell you. My dad bought tickets for our family, I’ll see you there. What are you wearing?”

  “Nicholas picked something for me, you’ll see,” I told her as we walked along.

  “Not even a hint?” Tabitha asked, squeezing my arm. I shook my head.

  “Not even a little one,” I teased.

  “Okay, well this is my next class. I’ll see you tonight!” I waved as Tabitha disappeared inside the door and continued on my way out the front doors towards transit. When I arrived home and walked through the doors I headed straight for the bathroom and turned on the faucet with a creak. As warm water started to fill the basin I poured in a cap full of rose bath oil and a sprinkle of salts. Tying my hair up I started to undress and slip into the rising water. I was determined to be smooth and glowing tonight. I picked up a loofah and scrubbed at my skin all over my body, buffing. I shaved my legs, then relaxed in the slick water for a while breathing in the floral scent. When it was time to get out I towel-dried my body, my skin slightly pink, then I slathered myself in a rich almond cream. Wrapping a towel around myself I wiped the steam from the mirror and swiped my old makeup off with toner. With a clean slate I was ready to apply foundation and blush, smokey eye makeup and a soft pink lip. I worked at an unhurried pace, my reflection changing before my eyes.

  When I was done with makeup, I smoothed my hair then used a curling iron to wrap long flowing waves that trailed over my shoulders and down my back. I pinned up one side, then went to my room to hunt for a pair of chandelier earrings that would work well with the dress. I knew the exact pair. I placed them in, one at a time, then took a set of pink lace underwear from my drawer. I looked over to my closet, it was time to finally put on the gorgeous formal dress. I needed to meet Nicholas at the address he provided soon, but why had he not sent a car? Maybe he used it himself. I took the dress from the thick wooden hanger and stepped into it, sliding it over my shoulders and carefully pulling up the zipper. The woman in the reflection of my mirror was a stranger, I could not believe it was me. I looked like I had stepped out of the pages of a fashion magazine or a fairy tale. A small part of me felt like an imposter, but I pushed that aside instead focusing on how Nicholas was going to react when he saw me in this dress. I knew I couldn’t wait to see him in his tux.

  Since a car wasn’t coming, I took control of the situation. I slipped on tan ankle strap heels and grabbed a clutch then left my apartment, my dress swirling around my legs as I flagged a taxi from the side of the street. One pulled up and I gave him the address on the black card. We drove off, I leaned back in my seat and felt my heart racing in anticipation. The address turned out to be the headquarters of Blackstone Enterprises. I tilted my head in confusion. The card indicated top floor, but how would I get in? It was after hours.

  The envelope still felt heavy, when I reexamined it I found a thin security card. I paid the driver then walked out, pressing the card against a sensor. There was a click and the thick glass door unlocked. I headed for the elevators, the card indicated roof. Nicholas must have wanted to show me the city skyline from this vantage point before we went to the event. The floors counted away until I arrived at the fiftieth floor and stepped out. There were tables and lounge chairs dotted here and there, but everything was dark this time of night except for the glow of the buildings in the distance. I looked around until I saw a silhouette standing by the railing, dressed in a suit. He turned smoothly and as his face came into my view I sighed in relief. It was Nicholas.

  “This is an interesting place for you to ask me to meet you,” I told him as I started to walk over. Nicholas looked suddenly confused.

  “Breanne, I thought you asked me to meet you here,” he said.

  A terrible chill spread over my body and I could hear footsteps behind me. I gasped as a strong hand grabbed my arm and pulled me back, further from Nicholas.

  “You’re both here because I arranged for you to be here,” said a voice. I turned, taking in the familiar lines and angles of his face.

  “Liam?” I asked, confused. Then I noticed the gun in his hand.

  23

  Nicholas took a step towards us. “Liam, what the hell are you doing? Let go of her!” Liam lifted the gun so that Nicholas could see it, then pressed it against me. I gasped, the cold metal against my skin. I was shaking, I had never been more terrified in my life. Why was Liam doing this?

  “I gave you a chance, Nicholas, to put me in charge. I helped build this company alongside your father, took us into areas and industries he never would have tried if it wasn’t for me. I made this company billions. And this is how I’m repaid? The great Simon Blackstone leaves control to his impetuous and unprepared son. Nepotism at its finest.”

  “That was between you and my father, I had nothing to do with his decision.”

  “You’re right, it was between him and me. And look how that turned out for him. Not so well,” Liam said with a snide chuckle. Nicholas looked shocked for a moment, then his features hardened.

  “What did you do to my father?” he asked through gritted teeth.

  “Your father had a heart attack, Nicholas,” Liam said flatly. Nicholas continued to stare at him. “The pills I slipped into his scotch brought it on, of course, but it was a heart attack at the end of the day.”

  Nicholas lunged forward and Liam bent my arm painfully behind my back, the gun at my temple. Nicholas stopped in his tracks.

  “Breanne has nothing to do with this, let her go,” he commanded. “You and I will sort this out.”

  “Always the negotiator, right, Nicholas? It’s a shame those hired idiots couldn’t finish you off in Spain. It would have been quick and painless in your sleep.”

  “So that was you,” Nicholas shouted, shaking.

  “It was,” Liam admitted. “And it almost worked. But life gives us second chances.”


  “Why did you ask Breanne to be here?” Nicholas asked.

  “Well it just so happens that Breanne here is going to help me settle this with you once and for all.”

  “How is that?” Nicholas asked. A twisted smile spread across Liam’s lips.

  “You’re going to jump to your death from the roof of Blackstone Enterprises, Nicholas, or I’m going to put a bullet in Breanne’s skull.” The color drained from my face, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

  “No, Nicholas, please don’t!” I shouted. “Liam you won’t get away with this.” I struggled against him, but he gripped my arm tight behind my back.

  “Breanne has nothing to do with this, let her go. Point the gun at me,” Nicholas repeated. He had his hands up, walking slowly towards us. Liam shoved the gun against me harder.

  “Stay right where you are,” he spat. “Breanne happens to be my leverage. I know how much you care about her, now, unless you want her blood on your hands you’ll do the noble thing and jump. Then I’ll let her go.”

  “There’s no way I believe you won’t hurt her,” Nicholas was staring daggers into Liam’s eyes. I had never seen him so angry, his fists were clenched tightly at his side. “How would I know you wouldn’t shoot her as soon as I jump.”

  “You have my word, although I’m sure that’s not worth much to you at the moment. I can understand that. The police will be called. I’ll tell them how you and I met here to discuss business when Breanne showed up. She felt like an outsider in your world and wanted to end things with you. Overcome with grief, losing your girlfriend so soon after losing your father, you simply snapped. You jumped to your death.”

  “I’ll never back up your story,” I snapped at him, still twisting and trying to get away. Trying to get closer to Nicholas. Liam hit me with the gun and I gasped, crumpling to the hard concrete floor. He stood above me, the gun still pointed to my head, and I started to sob. I didn’t see how we were going to get out of this.