Pieces of Lies (12 page)

Arriving at Wickburn’s house, I immediately noticed its contrast to the Weston Mansion. Clint’s massive house was whitish stone surrounded by carefully manicured lush gardens and trees, like something for British royalty, whereas Wickburn’s mansion was darker stone with pointed roof tops and hedging all the way around, which gave it a completely encased look of privacy. It was very grand but had a ‘do not disturb’ type of feeling going on.

We were ushered into a room that was floor to ceiling dark wood with a white roof and the largest chandelier I had ever seen. There were twelve round tables seating six people per table, with crisp white linens and silverware, and off to the right, a small string quartet next to an area set up for dancing. It was beautifully arranged. 

Josh and I were shown to a table with two more couples whose faces I didn’t recognize. I found myself wondering why there seemed to be so many different members at these parties and only a few of the same at each one. Was membership that large? And in what circumstances was it decided who attended what? The odd questions circulated in my mind for only a few minutes before I noticed Clint standing across the room, his arm linked with a leggy redhead girl in an emerald green floor length velvet dress. A twinge of jealousy poked my stomach and I cringed.

Josh noticed my movements, “Everything OK Nor?”

I took in a few small breaths, “Couldn’t be better.” I wasn’t about to inform Josh I was having a sit-down meeting with the green eyed monster in my head. I saw Clint’s eyes survey the room and when he found mine, I quickly turned my attention back to Josh.

Dinner was four courses, the first being a green salad with duck confit, caramelized apples and macadamia nuts with some kind of ginger vinaigrette. The second course was sand crab in a tiny puff pastry shell and the main was roasted rabbit with fig sauce. By dessert, I was completely stuffed and could only admire the chocolate mousse in the French vanilla cup. 

There were a few announcements by Wickburn at the conclusion of dessert, during which he welcomed its newest and most promising members. As the wine circulated and we made more conversation at our table, I found myself laughing and smiling, and having a really enjoyable time. Josh kept touching my hand with his as we joked and talked, and by the end of the meal, it was comfortably resting on top of mine, in full view everyone. 

As couples began to use the dance floor, Josh’s fingers intertwined with mine. “Want to dance?” His eyes looked very excited. I nodded, got up, and walked with him to the dance floor, our hands still locked together. Josh spun me around on the dance floor and I started to giggle as he then turned and dipped me. The music slowed and he pulled me close to him in one smooth action. He pressed his cheek up against mine and I found myself shutting my eyes as the closeness of our bodies moved side to side with the music. My mind trailed off to the start of the semester and how much I welcomed Josh’s touch which had, until now, been screwed up by the thunderous intrusion of both the Lappell and Clint into my life. 

Perhaps I should give this thing with Josh another chance.

“Can I cut in?” Clint was tapping Josh on the shoulder. My eyes sprung open at the sound of Clint’s voice. I stopped moving and gave Clint a dirty look.

Josh gave Clint an equally pissed glare. “I think she is happy right where she is, Weston,” Josh was answering for me.

“I’d like to hear that from her, if you don’t mind.” I felt uncomfortable with the weird tension between them and both their voices were beginning to get louder, drawing attention.

“Seriously guys, let’s relax. Josh, just let me get this over and done with OK, I won’t be long.” Josh hesitated but didn’t argue with me and gracefully gave my hand to Clint. He put his arm on my waist and my body tensed. I hated that my body was so responsive to his touch. Josh shuffled off towards the bar, giving Clint another dirty look as he went.

“He is in love with you know,” Clint pulled me a little closer and I shook my head.

“Don’t be silly, he is my oldest and dearest friend, I’m sure he doesn’t see me that way.”
I was lying to Clint and myself
.

“I know what it looks like Norah.” I refused to make eye contact with him. “Do you love him too?” He was so direct with his questions, it was unnerving.

“Josh knows me through and through. He knows the good in me and the bad. I never feel I’m not good enough with him.”

Clint wrapped his whole hand around mine and looked me dead in the eyes. “I don’t think you are good enough for anyone Norah.” He spoke sincerely but I felt wary of him. I knew he was trying to give me some kind of compliment, but it fell flat.

“You barely know me Clint.” I loosened my hand from his grip. “And besides, it looks like your parents have a whole troop of potential suitors in mind for you.” My eyes drifted over to Clint’s date who was standing across the room, giving us both a look that would kill.

“Oh Victoria, she’s a family friend. She knows I don’t like her like that,” and he glanced over to her staring at us.

“Are you sure?” I said doubtfully.

Clint rolled his eyes but then returned to looking at me with gentle need.

“You don’t even know what you want Clint. I don’t like what game you are playing, but you can’t come and go with me as you please.”

He straightened a little. “That’s rich Norah. You are playing games with Josh. You know how he feels about you and you let him lead you around this dinner as if you are his girlfriend.”

Was I?

“I beg your pardon. Josh is my best friend and we have always been this way with each other.”

Clint looked at me seriously. “Perhaps that’s the problem. Do you even want Josh that way?” He asked me straight out, and I was frozen, without an answer. I knew that I couldn’t answer because I didn’t know for sure.

“Answer the question Norah,” Clint demanded.

I bit my lip as it remained sealed. In Clint’s embrace, all I could think about was tearing off his clothes and kissing him passionately until space and time evaporated all around me. My need for him was undeniable, yet I continued to fight to keep it hidden because I was scared he didn’t feel the same way. Now he was seeking questions about my relationship status with Josh like he was a jealous boyfriend.

As he held me, I could feel the electricity between us sparking. We became very conscious of our touch, the closeness of our bodies, wanting to be embraced more and more. As if taking cue from the magnetism we both felt, Clint suddenly leaned in and tried to kiss me, in full view of our dates and the Lappell. At first I resisted, pushing him away with my hands, but then his eyes met mine, and like a switch, my whole body melted into his and just gave in as our lips connected. Our hands ran down each other’s backs and then up through each other’s hair. I was completely lost in the moment as our mouths passionately consumed one another. 

We had both closed our eyes and when we finally opened them, we both became instantly aware that in our passion, we had forgotten we had an audience. I looked around for Josh, who was striding over to us with a look I had never seen on his face before and I instantly felt ashamed. He walked right up to us and stood directly between me and Clint, staring down at me. Then with a hard coldness in his voice, he said abruptly, “I’m leaving now. I’m borrowing a car. Are you coming?”

I was too scared to say no and just nodded in response. Josh grabbed my hand and led me away. I didn’t even look behind to see Clint’s stunned expression as Josh practically dragged me out of the room.

When we got back to my apartment, I didn’t get out of the car. Josh turned off the engine and waited. “Aren’t you going to say something?” I asked. I honestly didn’t know how he was about to react.

He gripped the steering wheel tightly as he spoke. “Look, I knew I blew it with you when I didn’t tell you about that party and when you walked in on me and Stephania. I know how you feel about deceit and loyalty, and that I basically pushed you into his arms. I only have myself to blame.”

I reached out to touch Josh, but he flinched and moved away from me. “Josh,” but he kept talking. 

“No Norah, let me finish. Clint is wrong for you, and if it takes you going out with him to realize that, then I’m not going to stop it.  And when he makes his mistake, and he will Norah, I will be waiting for you, because even though I fucked up, you know and I know, that you do trust me and what we have runs deep. It’s so much more than just friendship and you are just scared to take it further.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I got out of the car and leaned in. “Josh, I’m not asking you to wait for me.”

He looked at me sadly, “I know that Nor, I’m waiting for you because I want to. I’m waiting for you because I know you will come back to me. I know you want me too.” 

After saying that, he turned on the engine, waited for me to back off the car, and then sped away, leaving me staring off into the darkness.

That night I tossed and turned in bed as Clint’s kiss and Josh’s declaration fought in my head. Going backwards and forwards, I finally concluded that I couldn’t ignore my feelings for Clint anymore. I had to know what was growing between us and why I felt so drawn to him in every kind of way. I told myself I shouldn’t fight it. There was some kind of chemistry between us and I decided, if given the opportunity, I was going to go for it with Clint wholeheartedly. No more tip-toeing around and going to and fro with my emotions. Josh was right; I needed to follow through with exploring my feelings for Clint if I was to going to know it was him I really wanted. I just had to wait and see if Clint wanted me too.

Chapter 7

Bring Me to Life

I had some research to do at the library and had meetings with Pierra, a family friend and the gallery administrator, so the next couple of days were spent with me rushing around from one place to the next. I was surprised when, on coming home from the library later in the week, I found Clint at my apartment door. 

“I’m sorry to just come over. You don’t have a cell phone, don’t answer email and I tried calling your apartment and no one picked up. I need to see you.” Clint seemed apologetic.

“I’ve been busy.” I opened the door but he stayed out in the hallway, waiting for me to say he could come in. “I’ve got to do some painting now anyway.”

Clint leaned against the door. “Look, about the dinner Norah. I didn’t mean to come between you and Josh but,” He pounded on the door with a clenched fist. “Fuck it, I did mean to come between you and Josh.” I felt my skin come alive with goose bumps as I listened. “Norah, you are all I think about. You make me forget who I’m supposed to be, and let me be who I want to be.”

I smiled at his confession and walked back to the doorway so I coud talk to his face. “I like you too Clint.” He breathed heavily hearing that and stepped forward into the apartment.

“This is different for me. You are in my head so much that I can’t even think straight anymore. I need to get my focus back and I figure the only way that will happen is if you agree to be mine.” I eyed him, those words annoying me.

Sensing my distaste, Clint changed his approach. “Not be mine, I mean, be my girlfriend, exclusively. We exclusively date each other. Just us. No one else. OK?”

I tilted my head and stared at him. I allowed the silence to stretch on, torturing him without an answer. 

He deserved to wait.

“Yes,” I finally announced and turned and walked down to my bedroom hallway, leaving Clint standing with his mouth open at the front door.

Clint shook his head for a minute and finally followed behind me, shutting the door and yelling towards me. “Wait, did you say yes?”

I paused in the hallway and turned back to him. “Yes Clint, I said yes. Do you want me to say it again, yes. Let’s try this. Us.” He looked baffled and happy at the same time.

“Well, ummm, that’s great. I should go and let you get back to your painting then.” He seemed unsure what to do. I don’t think he expected me to be so agreeable.

“No don’t leave. Stay. You can watch me paint if you like.” I started walking towards the paint room.

“But Norah, you paint naked.” He continued to follow me.

“Yes Clint, I know that.”

His eyes expanded, feeling the full weight of what I just said. I was about to let him into part of my world. It was my way of declaring my real feelings for him because I was letting him watch me bare my soul. It was the most romantic thing I could say without saying it. I could hear his breathing quicken as he followed me and before we went into the room, he grabbed me, spun me around and kissed me passionately, allowing his lips to linger on mine as we finally embraced a new relationship.

When he let go of me, I opened the paint room door and pointed to the table with my iPod. “You can go sit over there if you want. But I should warn you, if you are worried about your clothes, then it might be a good idea to go because there can sometimes be a significant amount of splatter.” He went over and sat on the floor next to the small table and drawers, not saying anything. Perhaps he thought I was going to change my mind. I took off my boots first and set them outside the paint room door.

Clint then watched as I laid out my flat canvas and set out a series of paints ready for application. He looked me solely in the eyes. I saw him swallowing. His mouth pushed forward like his breathing had increased. 

I first took off my black tank top and stood in my black bra. Clint’s body shifted. With both my hands, I reached around and undid my bra and stood for a few minutes, looking at Clint, allowing him to get comfortable with my bare chest. He didn’t move but his eyes moved from my breasts and down my body and then back up again. 

I then tossed the bra over next to the table and began unbuttoning my jeans. I pulled them off swiftly, throwing them over to the corner of the room near my bra. I then removed my black, boy-cut panties and then stood holding them, letting my naked body be fully exposed to Clint. He clutched his knees in his seated position, his eyes moving along my body, examining my limbs. He looked back at my eyes nervously but I smiled at him so he could see how relaxed I was with him looking at me fully exposed. Strangely, I wasn’t nervous; I was turned on by his eyes that brushed up and down my body, over and over again. I threw my panties over to my jeans and top and then turned back to where I laid out the paints. “Can you press play on my iPod please?” I pointed to the table and Clint’s arm reached over and fumbled to find the play button. I smiled at his obvious nervousness. After a few moments I was surrounded by
Show Me How To Live
by
Audioslave
and began my painting process.