Page 70 of Sweet Deception

"It's not a bad thing. You're a good person, Kylie. My life has been … difficult as an orphan. It toughened me at an early age. But you? You have wonderful parents who soften your falls. They've taught you to be kind and to treat others with respect." She points at her chest. "I was taught to look out for myself because no one else would."

I swallow, pained at what she revealed.

Talia smiles, then points at my face. "See. You want to hug me right now, don't you?"

A laugh bursts out of me and her lips tip up in response. "I can't help it. I hate you didn't have what I did growing up," I admit.

"That proves my point. I envy you that, but a part of me doesn't." She shrugs one shoulder.

I frown. "Okay, you makethatmake sense."

She sighs. "Don't get me wrong, out of the both of us, you won—"

"Talia—"

"Let me finish. I'll tell you what I mean by that." She arches her brow.

Blowing out a breath, I nod.

"What I mean is, would I prefer having what you had growing up? Yes, one hundred percent. But I can also see the advantages my life has provided me." She pauses and glances at the flowers as she takes a deep breath before bringing her gaze back to mine. "I'm tough and nothing scares me because I've learned I can take any hit and keep on going. Being an orphan created this need in me to succeed and it's given me the courage to take risks. But the most important lesson I've learned, Kylie, is to never rely on anyone but myself. I don't trust anyone because I've learned not to. And you know what? That knowledge has saved me so many times." She looks off to the side and clears her throat before turning back to me. "If I can pass any advice on to you, it would be to guard your heart. Love is rare and, in my experience, when a man is doing something sweet, he's doing it to get something back. And Kylie, that's what men do. They shower us with pretty things and give us sweet words because they know what they'll get in return. Don't let a sweet gesture," she pauses to tap a flower petal. "fool you into thinking someone cares. You need to guard your heart because no one else will."

An overwhelming sadness hits me from Talia's speech, and I try hard not to let it show. The glimpse she gave me into her past makes my heart ache for the little girl she once was. Everyone deserves to be raised with love and to hear she didn't have that makes me want to cry. As much as I want to tell her how sorry I am for what she's been through, I refrain because I know it's the last thing she wants from me.

Talia stands, taking her coffee with her, but pauses next to me. "Keep your soft heart, but also guard it. That's all I'm really trying to say here." She pats my shoulder and moves to walk away, but I grab her hand, stopping her.

"I realize this is silly to say when you just told me you don't trust anyone, but you can trust me, Talia. If you ever need anything, I'm here and I care. I heard what you said, and I'll work at guarding myself more, but I also think you need to work on allowing others in. You say you aren't scared of anything … well, it seems to me you're scared of people getting too close. I get that it's justified, but there are great rewards when you take the risk." I give her hand a reassuring squeeze.

She gives me a penetrating gaze before she nods, then turns to leave, taking her coffee back to her room. I turn back to the flowers to caress a petal, feeling more down after hearing Talia speak of her past.

She's right, though. I need to keep my guard up.

My phone pings with a notification and I snatch my phone to see it's from my mom.

I miss my daughter. Is she available for her mother today?

OH. THE GUILT! It so happens that I am free today. What do youhave in mind?

I am feeling guilty. I've put off seeing my parents, keeping communication to texting. Mom's thrilled I'm seeing someone and only asks how things are going. Every. Single. Day.

Your dad's work buddies are treating him to golf today. I'd love to spend this free time with my daughter. Can I pick you up in an hour for lunch?

That sounds great! See you in an hour. Love you!

Love you too, baby!

I guess it's good I wasn't hungry. Tossing my food in the trash, I head to my room, stopping to knock on Talia's door first.

"Yeah?"

When she doesn't invite me in, I speak through the door. "Hey, I just wanted to give you a heads up. My mom's stopping by in an hour to take me to lunch."

"Okay. I've got a lot of studying to do, so I'll see you later."

"Sounds good." I pause, debating on inviting her to lunch with my mom, but the timing isn't right, so I move away from her door and proceed to my room to get ready.

***

"Here you go, ladies." After Mom and I settle into our chairs, the hostess hands each of us a menu. "Your server will be with you shortly. Enjoy your meal."

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