Page 66 of Twisted Lies

After that, the topic moves to markets and streets I know very little about. I tune this out, and instead focus on the body language in the room. It’s nice to blend into the walls and just watch. I learn more by watching than by speaking. Connor is worried about how the new hierarchy has diminished by him coming here. He’s trying to regain some of his position back. Claire is loving watching the game play out. She’s almost giddy from the experience. It’s as if I had never seen her fully alive till now.

Alex is doing the same as I, and I know anything I’ve missed, he hasn’t. He’s not loving this as much as his wife but gives nothing away. I can tell by the small tick in his jaw, but to most, it would be unnoticeable. Elijah doesn’t give off joy or sadness. He gives off confidence, as if he was born to be here and has no doubts. It’s not like Claire enjoys the action; his emotions are more controlled, as if he were prepared for any outcome and would react with equal measure.

I can’t help but wonder what they’re picking up from me. I feel out of place but at home at the exact same time. I have a nagging feeling it’s not a feeling that will go away anytime soon. I glance over at Alex and see him watching me, and I slip a little more into the dark corner.

ChapterTwenty-Three

LILY

Jumping into the pool, I start my laps. I don’t see Elijah’s men, but I know they’re watching me. I’m glad I wore my one piece to avoid the glances at my scars. I’ve become more comfortable with them, strangely. Elijah’s played a role in that, I believe. There’s something about him desiring me even after seeing them, that made me accept me as me. Before, I could not see myself as anything other than the marks on my body. It defined me in a way I never realized till now. They’re a piece of me but not the whole. It’s only a tiny part of my past that I need to accept. It won’t happen all at once, but it’s getting better. The water flows over my body.

I think of my parents and brother in a way that I’ve not thought about in years; they are alive and happy. Emotions I’ve not felt in years bombard me. At that moment, I’m that little girl again. The one who adored her parents and played board games with her little brother. The girl who knows her dad’s job was out of the norm but accepted it only as a child can with the belief her parents will take care of her needs. I picture my mom’s smile as she bakes cookies in the small kitchen with faded wallpaper. My brother playing with old blocks we had gotten from the neighbors fades in, and Dad yelling at the TV about a football game. Memories surface I have not thought of in years.

Reaching one end of the pool, I twist my body and start back the other way. I wait for my last memory, the nightmare one, to appear. It always appears, even when I attempt to block it. But as I reach the end and turn back around once more, it doesn’t come. Instead, good memories continue. Mom burning the Thanksgiving turkey and going to KFC down the street pops up, along with my brother getting stuck in a tree. Details I had forgotten are in full detail. The smiles, laughs, feelings, and small moments added up to make my childhood. Still, the last one hides in the back of my mind. I’m thankful it doesn’t get pulled forward to ruin this moment of pure joy, seeing them again alive.

I realize I’m crying, but it’s getting washed away in the pool. For once, they are tears of bliss. I know the other memories will take hold sooner rather than later, but I’m going to hold onto this moment and never let it slip away; it’s something that will keep me sane when everything else pulls me in the opposite direction.

Only once my muscles feel tight, and I sense an oncoming charlie horse, I climb from the pool. Laying down on the lounge chair, I close my eyes and let sleep take over. I’m emotionally exhausted from everything. Blackness starts, and I fall into it, hoping nothing jumps out at me to ruin the moment.

I jump awake and take in my surroundings. I forgot I had fallen asleep at the pool. Reaching for my phone, I see I’ve only been asleep for forty-five minutes. It feels like longer. The nap was needed, and I feel much better, like I can breathe again. I can now process what happened in the pool. I can’t put my finger on what caused the onset of feelings. It’s as if a dam broke, and nothing I could do would stop the rush. I think I held back the positive memories in the past because remembering them would make the loss harder in a way. For the first time in years, I feel safe letting them come back. I know Elijah will be there to catch me if it gets too much. I worry that I’ll become too reliant on him. Simultaneously, I need to let someone in, and Elijah is the first person I ever wanted to see all of me. I need to try, and if something happens, I’ll just have to cross that bridge. I hear a voice coming from behind me and jump a little.

“I’m sorry. I dozed off.” My voice sounds gruff.

“I hate to interrupt, but the boss called and wanted to meet you for lunch,” Chris says.

At the mention of lunch, my stomach growls. Standing, I wrap the towel around my lower half.

“Lunch is just the thing I need. Thank you for letting me know. I’ll change quick.”

“I’ll have the car ready.”

“Thanks.”

Stepping around him, I make my way to the back door and step into the warm house. After changing into jeans and a basic shirt, I meet the car and driver outside. Angelo, the driver, opens the door, and I slip into the backseat. Angelo is an older man with short white hair. He’s a man of few words but has kind eyes. I have no doubt he’s just as good with weapons as the rest of Elijah’s men. I don’t think anyone in his employ could not hit a target with perfect accuracy.

“Do you know where lunch is today?” I ask. Angelo’s eyes meet mine in the rearview mirror, and for a moment, I don’t think he’ll answer.

“Marco’s,” he responds. I got one more word than anticipated. I nod.

“I’ve not been there yet. Looking forward to trying it. How long have you known Elijah?” I ask.

His eyes move to stare at the road. “Since he was little. I worked for his father.”

I wouldn’t have guessed that. I know he’d found a few of the men who had worked for the family before, but I hadn’t realized Angelo was one of them. He must sense my confusion because he nods and continues. “I was his father’s driver for years. When everything happened, I was allowed to die or work for Adrian Regio. I was weak and had children who needed me and worked for him for years. Once he died, I left. Elijah found me a few weeks ago and offered for me to return.”

I’m surprised Elijah took him back after working for Adrian.

“I can understand your surprise. Most things in this life are black and white. Very little gray. Thankfully I’m in the gray.”

I nod at his remark but don’t pry anymore. There has to be more to the story. It’s a short drive to lunch. He gets out to open the door and then opens the restaurant door.

The restaurant is much like Mamma Mia’s with lots of light. There are a few customers spread throughout. I don’t wait for the hostess to take note of me as I’ve already seen Elijah a few tables away. Stepping into the dining room, I take a moment to appreciate how handsome he is. He takes my breath away. Half the time, I want to hit him upside the head, and the other half, I want to kiss him senseless. It’s a confusing mix of feelings. He looks up as I near the table and stands to pull my seat out.

“You look beautiful as always,” he purrs into my ear as he kisses my cheek.

“Smooth talker,” I reply, but enjoy his words.

“It’s not smooth talking if it’s the truth. How has your day been?” he asks as the waitress drops off a bottle of wine and two glasses.

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