Page 42 of King of Deception

“A girlfriend who doesn’t know your identity that also comes with stalker baggage? What’s happening here? Is she really that great?”

“I—” I let a sigh escape from my lips. “I was gonna tell you all about her, but—”

“The guys.” He shot me an understanding look.

“Well—”

“They’re busy now,” he sat back, placing one leg over the other. “So?... Tell me.”

“She has absolutely no idea, man. She thinks I’m a waiter.”

“And how’d that happen?” his eyes regarded me with suspicion.

“An honest mistake at my cousin’s wedding.” I shook my head. “I just let it continue.”

“And the mistake became a lie.”

“I’ll tell her—”

“When?”

“Not tonight. Listen, she’s really upset about the way her ex is behaving, and all I want is for her to have a good time.”

“You know anyone you invite is always welcome. I just don’t want you to regret anything.”

“I know.”

“What’s her name, by the way?”

“Ella Rose.”

He scoffed, jeering at me out of the corner of his eye. “Are you sure you didn’t make her up?”

The party started slowly like most, with a few people trickling in, gathering in groups by the pool, in the garden, and out on the terrace. An hour later, Ella texted me.

Sooooo sorry! Never-ending meeting, but I’m leaving the office now. I’ll see you in a bit.

Smiling, I typed, It’s okay. Take your time, and please drive safely.

When she finally arrived, I was at the door waiting for her. Walking in, she nonchalantly examined the place, and I didn’t know if she really wasn’t all that impressed or only pretending not to be. That was, until she asked, “What does your friend do?”

“He’s a lawyer.”

“Wow.”

“Well, I’m not telling it right. He inherited his father and uncle’s law firm, and now, he pretty much runs it.”

“No partners?”

“None with their name on the building yet,” I winked.

“How did you two meet?”

I led her toward the bar. “Through college friends.”

“You go way back, then!”

“We kinda do, yeah.” I pointed at the bar. “So, what will the lady be having?”

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