Page 7 of King of Lies
“I know,” Fran says. “I do too. But what if it’s everything she’s ever wanted?”
I don’t know what they’re talking about. I have to shake my head to clear my thoughts and still, nothing makes sense. I can’t make heads or tails for any of it. I realize I can’t let them keep talking about me like this, so I have to make my excuses, because if I just sneak out they’ll find me and probably ground me even though I’m too old to be sent to my room.
“Hey guys, you know you can throw away the junk mail,” I joke as I head back into the kitchen. They jump apart and glance around, trying not to look like they just got busted having a very cryptic yet confusing conversation about me.
“I want you to make an informed decision before you head to the polls,” Fran says. “It’s important to know who you’re voting for in any office, but the presidency is huge.”
“And you think Chancellor and Carter are it?” I ask sarcastically.
“Maybe.”
“Doubtful,” I laugh. “I don’t think I’d vote for either of them as dog catcher.”
Paul looks like he’s about to bust a gut. His eyes twinkle and his lips twitch.
“What?” I ask.
“Nothing.”
“Anyway,” I start. “I have the opening shift tomorrow at the shop so I’m going to get going.”
“We love you,” Fran says as he pulls me into his arms. “Let’s have a sleepover soon. Facials, pedis, and champs!”
“Sounds good.”
“Love you, girl,” Paul says.
“Love you, too.”
“Don’t forget your leftovers.”
“Thanks.” I grab my Tupperware off the counter and head for my purse.
I climb in my car and wave to my uncles, who are standing on the front porch, and I drive back to my little apartment, wondering for the first time in a long time, what’s happening? I just don’t even know. It feels a little like my life is spinning out of control but that can’t be right, can it?
I park my car and climb the external stairs that lead to my apartment. My keys jingle in my hand as I let myself in. The front door clicks behind me, darkness and silence settling in as I stuff the leftovers into the fridge.
Usually, it doesn’t bother me. I’ve never been one who minded being alone. But tonight … it doesn’t feel like I’m alone. It feels like I’m lonely. Like I’m missing something or someone. There’s no one here to fill the silence. Not a lover or even a dog. Maybe it’s time I consider getting a cat or a goldfish.
I change out of my work clothes and drop them into the hamper before pulling on pajamas that are probably better fit for a toddler or an elderly grandma. The flannel pants and button-down top like the matching sets Lucy and Ricky wore on their show while sleeping in twin beds.
I brush my teeth and wash my face and wonder if my leftovers will make it until tomorrow night’s dinner or if I’ll eat them in the middle of the night. Or for breakfast. My uncle wasn’t kidding when he said that his roast is my favorite meal. I could eat it every day of the week and still love it.
I grab my e-reader from its charger and curl up in my bed. I may not have anyone to share my life with but I have books, and that’s good enough, right? It’s okay that I didn’t take that man’s offer for dinner or coffee. I’m sure it wouldn’t have worked out anyway. And if that’s the truth, then why does it bother me so much that after he pried my name from me, he never told me his?
I read until my eyes blur and then set my reader aside, my chaotic thoughts not quiet but muted and then I fall asleep. When I dream, I dream of strong arms and clear blue eyes fringed with thick black lashes.
Chapter 3
Change your mind
My alarm rings, waking me from a restless sleep. For hours, I tossed and turned, wondering if I’d made a mistake.
Yesterday was like a fairytale. Never in my wildest dreams, would I have imagined myself literally falling into the arms of a handsome man who then, in turn, wanted to date me. Because that’s not real life. That’s the stuff from the pages of romance novels. I know, because I read them, along with every other type of book I can get my hands on. But my heart has always been held by romance.
There’s always been something that struck a chord with me about two people falling in love, against the odds and finding a way to make it all work out because the fates have decreed that they be together. Maybe it’s because my parents had a great love—not that I know much about it—but my uncles have always told me stories, memories of when they were alive. In fact, I wear the ruby earrings my dad gave my mom on their anniversary one year. I wear them every day and I have since my uncles gave them to me as a college graduation present. The slim gold watch my dad gave her as an engagement present, I’ve worn since I graduated high school, and the charm bracelet, since my sixteenth birthday. So thankful for these treasures that they’ve preserved for me and the memories they share with them.
Once, Paul told me they were saving Mom’s diamond tennis bracelet for my wedding day. At the time, I had laughed because who would marry me? I’m a shy book nerd who double majored in library services and ancient civilizations. I never once went to a party while I was at school, much to my uncles’ chagrin. They would have been beside themselves with glee if I had broken down and gone to a party. It was just never my scene.
