Lovely Little Lies

by Travis Szablewski

  Lovely

  Little

  Lies

  Travis Szablewski

  Ally

  Tiny flickers of the morning sunlight danced through the lace curtains and along the ceiling of Ally Cunningham’s bedroom as her eyes slowly fluttered open. The sweet, tangy aroma of maple flooded her nostrils as she turned on the empty California king, extending her right arm across the Egyptian cotton sheets and to the other side. Her hand curled around the wrinkled sheets as she slowly turned her head to the right, staring at the vacant space beside her. Ally sat up as the pure white comforter fell from her chest and plopped onto her lap, her long brown locks tangled and matted to the sides of her skull. She brought her hands to her eyes, rubbing them vigorously, as she pushed the comforter from her legs and swung them over the edge of the mattress. Ally’s bare feet pressed firmly onto the cold hardwood floor as she stood up, extending her arms above her head; her toes, pointed, as she reached towards the ceiling, every bone in her back cracking gently.

  Ally’s polished fingers tugged at the short silk nightgown that hugged tightly around her thin frame as she made her way towards the bathroom door in the corner, her feet slowly shuffling beneath her. She reached around the corner of the open door, flipping the light switch, as the master bathroom lit up before her. The cool, white marble floor pricked against her warm toes as she stepped into the bathroom and to the set of double sinks along the far wall. Ally’s eyes lifted, meeting her reflection in the mirror, as she ran her hands through her hair, pushing the tangled strands from her high cheekbones and chiseled jaw. Ally studied her reflection as her stomach tightened in disgust; only thirty…and she already had a soft tint of blue circling her lower eyelids, slightly hidden beneath her naturally long lashes that brimmed her deep brown eyes. Ally reached forward and grabbed a hair tie from the marble counter as she let out a wide yawn, her wine-laced morning breath circling through the air. Ally pulled on her tangled strands, her hairline tightening, as she twisted the hair tie around her long hair and fastened it into a high pony.

  Her mother always told her not to wear her hair up; she always said she’d go bald if she kept her hair tied back too tight. So far, that was the only thing her mother was ever wrong about. She was definitely right when she told Ally she should have finished school. She was definitely right when she told Ally she should have had children before twenty-six. And she was definitely right when she told Ally to think twice before marrying Kendrick Cunningham. If only her mother could see them now…

  The fights.

  The tears.

  The long nights of their backs turned to one another; feeling miles and miles away in their California king. It wasn’t always bad, though. She’d be lying if she said otherwise. Their love was unconventional to say the least. When they hated each other, they did it with a fire in their hearts; but when they loved each other, it was dangerous…a ticking timebomb ready to explode into a million pieces at any given second. Ally never knew the Kendrick she was going to get when she woke up the next day. Ever since they got married four years ago…ever since they moved here to the gated community of Magnolia Cove…she begged him to see a doctor. His bipolar tendencies never truly surfaced until after she said, “I do”. After that, all bets were off. It was as if an earthquake rattled through his heart, shifting every feeling he had towards her in a different direction. Some days were good…but some days she wondered what the hell she was still doing here.

  Ally’s hand glided along the wooden banister as her tired eyes glanced below, staring down at the white carpet floor of the bright foyer below. Ally made her way down the grand staircase; the sweet smell of maple flooded her nose and grew stronger and stronger with every step. She turned from the glass front doors and made her way towards the stone doorway ahead, her footsteps echoing through the room, the sound bouncing off of the vaulted ceiling high above her. Ally inched around the corner of the kitchen doorway…as her eyes settled onto Kendrick’s muscular bare back. Kendrick’s plaid pajama pants hung low on his chiseled hips as he flipped a piece of bacon in a crackling pan; his back muscles tightened as he flipped the sizzling strips of meat.

  “You’re going to be covered in blisters from that popping grease,” Ally smirked softly as she stepped up behind Kendrick and pressed her lips gently against his right shoulder blade. She felt as if she was walking on eggshells with every word she said. Hopefully…today was a good day for him.

  “I’m more worried about being covered in bruises from you beating the hell out of me in bed last night,” Kendrick laughed as he turned from the stove, looking down at Ally in front of him.

  “What do you mean?” Ally grinned as Kendrick wrapped his hands around her waist, pulling her closer; her pelvis pressed tightly against his hard v-line that peeked out from the waistband of his pajama bottoms.

  “You were tossing and turning all night. I wasn’t sure if you were having a nightmare or you were just restless. You got me a few good times,” Kendrick teased as he pointed to his broad shoulders with one hand, the other still around Ally’s tiny waist.

  “I’ll make it up to you later,” Ally smiled coyly as she lifted her arms, draping them around Kendrick’s shoulders as she stood up onto the tips of her toes, kissing his soft lips.

  “Promise?” Kendrick winked as he gently nibbled on her bottom lip, tugging it gently.

  Thank God.

  It was a good day.

  “You didn’t have to get up and make breakfast. You could have slept in since it’s your day off,” Ally said as she stared into Kendrick’s blue eyes and ran her hands through his short blonde fauxhawk.

  “I actually have to go in at ten anyways. Doug called and said we’re closing on the McMillian report. They need me there,” Kendrick said, his voice laced with defeat.

  “Oh, well…damn. I took off today. I was hoping we could spend the day together,” Ally said sadly as she pulled her arms from Kendrick’s shoulders.

  “You know I wanted to,” Kendrick said as he grabbed her hands and squeezed them tightly. “But you know how long we’ve been working on this. I promise…I’ll try to be quick. Maybe we can get a late dinner tonight?”

  “Did you forget? It’s girl’s night,” Ally said as she stared down at her feet.

  “Well, after…we can maybe order a pizza, rent a movie, take a nice long bubble bath,” Kendrick grinned, his bright smile beamed down at Ally as he bit his bottom lip. “I’m going to go change and then go for a run; do you want to come?”

  “As long as you’re not scared to lose again,” Ally teased as she moved around Kendrick and grabbed the fork from the stove top, turning the bacon strips over.

  “You only beat me by twelve seconds last time,” Kendrick laughed as he shuffled towards the kitchen doorway.

  “I’d get to stretching,” Ally laughed as Kendrick made his way out of the kitchen and out of sight. Ally turned to the center kitchen island behind her and grabbed a plate lined with a paper towel. Ally brought the plate forward and stuck the fork beneath the bacon strips, transferring them onto the paper towel.

  BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

  Kendrick’s ringtone echoed through her ears as she placed the last piece of greasy bacon onto the plate and removed the pan from the burner. Ally spun around, her eyes scanning the counter for Kendrick’s cellphone…to see it along the counter beside the refrigerator. Ally rushed to Kendrick’s phone that vibrated gently on the marble countertop…and grabbed it tightly. Her eyes darted down to the touch screen, looking at the contact information.

  Restricted.

  “Hello?” Ally said as she slid the answering bar on the iPhone and placed it against her ear.

  “Oh…I…”

  “Who…who is this?” Ally
asked, confused, as the female on the other end of the line breathed into the speaker.

  “I’m sorry. I think…I think I have the wrong number.”

  CLICK.

  And just like that…she was gone.

  Connelly

  Connelly Campbell quickly ran her hands through her long blonde hair once more, taking one last look in the bathroom mirror. She grabbed the ends of her long-sleeved pink and white plaid shirt and rolled them up three times, bringing them up just below her elbows. She didn’t have the time to mess with makeup today. She was already late enough. Sure, she was her own boss; but she hated being late…for anything; it set her anxiety on fire. She quickly shoved her hands into her jeans pockets and made her way through the bathroom door and into the second level hallway. Connelly rounded the edge of the balcony banister and rushed down the staircase, taking two steps at a time. Her bare feet slammed onto the cold wood of the foyer floor as she rushed forward towards the kitchen doorway, nearly running.

  “Do you have time for coffee, at least?” Silas Campbell asked as Connelly stepped into the kitchen. Her eyes darted to him as he stood at the kitchen counter, pouring a pot of coffee into his large silver thermos.

  “Are you kidding? There’s always time for coffee. I’d never sell another damn bouquet in this town again if I didn’t have coffee,” Connelly giggled as she made her way to the fridge and pulled the glass door open.

  “Why are you in such a rush? I thought Piper was opening today?” Silas asked as he grabbed a mug from the dish rack beside the sink and began to fill it up.

  “That’s enough! That’s enough!” Connelly said as she rushed towards him, a bottle of cinnamon creamer in her hand.

  “I forgot; you like coffee with your cream,” Silas laughed as he placed the coffee pot back onto the burner. Connelly sighed as she took the mug from Silas and placed it on the counter. She pressed her hands against the front of his uniform shirt and smoothed it down, struggling to straighten out the wrinkles.

  “I have inventory today so the earlier I start, the better. I really don’t want to be there till three a.m. like last time,” Connelly said as she glided her hands along Silas’s police uniform, harder and harder.

  “Honey, I’m sure the guys won’t mind a few wrinkles,” Silas teased as Connelly smirked softly.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t have time to iron it. It’s just been so crazy at the shop,” Connelly sighed as she twisted the cap off of the creamer and poured it into the coffee mug, the liquid turning a soft tan color.

  “Now, remember, I won’t be home till late tonight. I have to be at court at four for the Ramirez hearing,” Silas said as he sipped from his thermos.

  “That’s fine; me and the girls are getting together at Victoria’s. Did you not shower?” Connelly sighed as she licked her hand and moved it towards Silas’s short black cowlick sticking up on the corner of his scalp.

  “Yes, ma,” Silas said in a high-pitched voice as he pushed her hand away in disgust.

  “Don’t be a douche,” Connelly laughed as she grabbed a spoon from the counter and stirred the coffee, swirling it around in circles in the cheetah print mug. “Speaking of which, I need tampons!” Connelly exclaimed as she turned and grabbed a shopping list taped to the glass door of the refrigerator.

  “No, no, no,” Silas said as he shook his head and snatched the list out of her hand.

  “What?”

  “I’ll get it after work. Just go…” Silas smiled, his stubbled cheeks tightening as two dimples formed.

  “It’s really no big deal, I can. I don’t want to make you buy tampons,” Connelly joked as she reached for the list. Silas quickly stepped back, moving his arm behind his back, the list in his hand.

  “Baby, we are thirty-two years old; I think I can handle buying tampons,” Silas smiled.

  “Are you kidding me? You get embarrassed going in to get condoms,” Connelly joked as she rolled her eyes and walked towards the kitchen doorway.

  “I get insecure! I feel like the cashier is judging me because I don’t get Magnums or something,” Silas said with a shrug.

  “Now you know how a girl feels buying jumbo tampons,” Connelly smiled coyly as she sent a wink to Silas.

  “Excuse me, pretty little thing,” Silas said as he leaned against the counter and brought his pointer finger to his lips.

  “God, you’re worse than a girl,” Connelly teased as she rushed back to Silas and kissed him softly on the lips, his stubble prickling against her soft chin.

  “That’s why you love me,” Silas smiled as Connelly spun around and rushed out through the kitchen doorway.

  ~~~

  Connelly squinted as the bright morning sunlight shimmered down from above. Her eyes scanned the downtown area of Harmony as she slammed the door of her white Tesla Model 3 and made her way towards the entrance of Campbell’s Flower Shop. It had always been her dream to own her own shop…just like her mother did back in Washington…when she was alive. Those were the best memories she had of her mother; the both of them, playing with different arrangements…the sweet smell of roses and her mother’s Chanel perfume. But then the cancer came…and took everything…including the shop. Ever since that day…ever since she held her mother’s trembling hand as she took her last breath, she promised herself that she’d follow in her footsteps; she’d keep her spirit alive…one way or another. So, when her and Silas got married six years ago and moved to the gated subdivision of Magnolia Cove right outside of Harmony, she set her sights on a tiny vacant building; set right in between Cool Beans Café and Wilson Jewelers. Before, it was an old diner that closed down in nineteen-eighty-one…and collected dust…until she found it; until she made it her baby.

  Connelly pushed the glass door of the flower shop open as a bell sounded off above her, echoing through the vacant shop. Connelly’s eyes settled onto Piper Goodman who stood behind the check-out counter; her small hands constructing a colorful bouquet of sunflowers and red roses. Connelly stepped behind the desk and sat her black Louis Vuitton purse onto the countertop as she smiled to Piper beside her.

  “So, how did last night go?” Connelly asked, almost too excited.

  “God, don’t even ask,” Piper groaned as she shook her head to herself and shoved a sunflower into the bouquet that sat in a crystal blue vase.

  “Was it that bad?” Connelly asked, stunned.

  “I knew it was going to be awful as soon as I sat down in the restaurant,” Piper said as she turned towards Connelly and grabbed a pink apron with the shop logo embroidered on the front and tied it around her tiny waist.

  “How?”

  “He wasn’t even there! He was fifteen minutes late! I was seriously about to walk out and then he showed up,” Piper sighed as she tied the apron and brought her hands up to her long, curly black hair and tied it back into a ponytail.

  “Well, he could have had a good excuse,” Connelly shrugged as she tried to keep Piper positive. Connelly met Piper right after the grand opening of the shop. For a nineteen-year-old, Piper had her life together; she didn’t party, she didn’t drink, and she always showed up early. Fresh out of community college, she came in and asked for a job…and ever since, she’s been her best…and only employee.

  “OK, well then how about this; he made me pay,” Piper said as she rolled her eyes.

  “Oh, God; he was so sweet, too; and cute,” Connelly sighed as she leaned down and grabbed a large binder on the bottom shelf.

  “Yeah, well, that’s the last time I say yes to a guy I meet at work. Shit, the flowers he bought were probably for his wife or something,” Piper giggled as she grabbed a long-stemmed rose and placed it into the vase.

  “Well, don’t give up. You know how long it took me to find a guy like Silas? You know how many…jackasses I had to date before I found a good one? I mean, he’s still a jackass…” Connelly giggled as Piper laughed, a soft snort ringing from her nose.

  “After a while, you start to think something is wrong with
you. You start to think you’re messed up or something,” Piper said softly, defeated.

  “My mom always told me that you have to pick through the weeds before you get the flower,” Connelly nodded as she patted Piper’s shoulder.

  “Did she get that off of a greeting card?” Piper giggled as Connelly grinned.

  “Probably so…but as corny as it sounds, it’s the truth. You can’t rush anything. You can’t look for it. When it happens, it just…happens. Something clicks and before you know it, you find someone that you can’t imagine your life without. You can’t ever imagine going on a date again or doing anything in this life without them by your side. I wasn’t looking for Silas and he wasn’t looking for me. I was just hanging out with my friends at the bowling alley…and the next thing I knew, we were moving in together,” Connelly said. “You still have your good days and your bad days, no matter how perfect you might be for each other. We are FAR from perfect. But I’d rather have a hundred bad days with him than a million good ones with somebody else.”

  Victoria

  Wind whipped through Victoria Hampton’s shoulder length blonde hair as she tightened her hands on the wheel of her red Mercedes-Benz SL, the convertible top wide open as the sun beamed down onto her tan skin from above. A pair of Dolce and Gabbana sunglass covered her green eyes as her car glided smoothly around a tight curve along the outskirts of Harmony, making her way back towards Magnolia Cove. Victoria stared forward through the tinted windshield as her Gucci platform sandal pressed gently onto the brake, the entrance gate of Magnolia Cove just a few feet ahead. Her car came to a sharp stop…as she pulled her sunglass from her face and smiled to a young man standing inside of the glass security box. Victoria smiled widely as the window of the box to her right slid open…her eyes staring back at Robbie Perkins.

  “Double cheese with no pickle; just what you like,” Victoria grinned as she grabbed a wrapped sandwich from her passenger seat and extended her arm out over the edge of her driver’s side door, motioning it to Robbie.