Loving the White Liar (3 page)

I didn’t win the genetic lottery by any means. The one attribute I did have were electric blue eyes like my father, and I was the only one in the family blessed with them. At twenty-seven, I credited myself with accepting what I’d looked like and not only that, owning it.

You know that saying “Wherever you go, there you are?” Well, I took it a step further by deciding wherever I went I was in good company. I liked me and I didn’t need an entourage, a thousand social media friends, or a full calendar of dates to feel important. I didn’t need to be admired.

What was important to me was to keep liking the company I was with. I wanted to be proud of myself. I’d fallen into the bad habit of trying to impress others when I was younger. I’d turned into a vile, self-important, cunt bag and was disgusted. Now, all I wanted was a sense of purpose.

I’d cut my friends years ago to a small circle that included Gerri. Only the women who had sat through my snot-filled cries without turning the focus back to them had made the cut.

Life was short, friends were important, but snot cry friends were for life.

I pulled up my laptop to Google possible new career choices. Going back to school no longer appealed to me. Having a degree for the sake of having one seemed ridiculous. I wanted to do something I was passionate about, even if that meant I’d be in the low earning tax bracket.

After two hours of searching, I came up with a few possible choices: chef, flight attendant (could be fun to travel), dream job (set hand at Happy Gilmore Productions).

The third idea stemmed from a rerun of
The Wedding Singer
playing on my TV. Because, let’s face it, what could be more fun than working on an Adam Sandler movie?

Unfortunately for me, I lived in South Carolina and the headquarters of Adam’s production company were in New York, which for a southern girl seemed like Siberia. I looked up possible culinary schools in the area and decided to check them out further.

I also took two career quizzes to determine what I was best suited for and rolled my eyes at the results.

Nurse or teacher.

I filled out a few applications for available positions I could stomach in the meantime and shut my laptop, no closer to a solution than I was when I foolishly quit my job hours before. I was drifting off to sleep, watching my usual TV LAND marathon when Gerri burst through my bedroom door.

“Hey, you awake?”

“No.” I turned away from her as she sat on the edge of my bed, bouncing up and down.

“Whaaaaaaaaaat?” I questioned as she bounced harder, jerking me around. I would never get that happy place back between reality and dreaming if I didn’t ask.

“He looked at me tonight. I mean
really
looked at me.”

“Oh?” I turned over to look up at her.

She blew out a frustrated breath as her shoulders slumped. “Look, I know I seem like a crazy person when it comes to Mike and maybe I have been, but tonight things shifted.”

I rubbed my sleep-filled eyes. “Did he break up with his girlfriend?”

“I don’t know. I think they are having problems. He ignored the rest of the bar all night. We talked for hours.” She bit her lip and gave me big eyes.

“That’s great, but, Gerri, think about this: he may have just needed a shoulder, okay? I don’t want you getting your hopes up.”

She stood, crossing her arms over her chest. “It’s not like that, all right. Forget it. I don’t know why I even talk to you about it. You were anti-Mike from the get go.”

“Hey,” I said, grabbing her hand as I sat up in bed, giving her my full attention. “The only reason is because he’s attached, okay? I want you to be happy. And I just don’t want you to get hurt.”

She nodded, but I could still feel the contempt. “You know I love you, right?” I added.

She gave me a grudging smile and nodded.

“You know what, Gerri? I admire you. You want him. Well, it’s been months. Go for it. Tell him how you feel and see what happens. I don’t agree with you making a move on someone else’s boyfriend. I can’t stand a cheat, but if he means this much to you, you have to give it a shot.” In a warning tone, I added, “But don’t you dare settle for being a fling.”

She looked at me in with utter seriousness. “I think I’m in love with him.”

“I know.” I felt the fear creep up my spine. I saw heartache in her future and was helpless to stop it. Gerri was beautiful and deserved Mike if she wanted him. I would make it my mission to pay a little closer attention to him next time we went to the bar. I needed to figure out once and for all if she was completely delusional in her affection for him.

“We’ll go after work tomorrow, okay? One beer. You don’t want to seem too eager.”

Her eyes lit up as she thanked me and wiggled her ass in a small dance out the door. And for the brief few minutes before sleep claimed me, I thought about the last time I’d felt that way about a guy. My last thought was of Mr. Sexy iPod before I drifted away.

After our shift the next day, I resumed my routine at the pool in a new swimsuit I’d purchased on impulse. I tried to convince myself I hadn’t bought it in case I had another chance to ogle the hot guy who had graced the pool yesterday. But I didn’t lie to myself. I needed it, anyway. The suit fit perfectly and helped to even out my misshaped bust line. I smiled when I heard the gate open as I finished my laps. I didn’t have to look to know it was him.

“Hi,” he said from behind me as I sat at the edge of the pool.

“Hi,” I answered back, shielding my eyes with one hand as I turned my head and twisted to look at him.

Yep, he was better looking than the day before, and I was saddened by the t-shirt he was wearing, until he slid it off with one swift movement. I tried to mask my reaction, but could see a sort of satisfaction overtake his features as I appreciated him. Dark unruly hair, beautiful deep blue eyes, sharp defined features, and a hellishly built body...my reaction to him was electric.

“Beer?” He’d brought a small cooler with him this time and held out an ice-cold beer to me.

I accepted with a “thank you” then cracked the top as he made himself comfortable on the chair behind me. He truly was a work of art. His disheveled, dark brown hair perfectly suited him. Dark, thick brows groomed perfectly by nature’s hand accentuated the deep blue of his eyes. His lashes were so long and thick, it made his eye color seem to look almost purple in contrast. I was attracted to him. I knew this instantly yesterday and he seemed to catch on, taking in my body frame by frame. I pushed my shoulders back and caught his slight smirk as he tipped his beer for a sip.

Taking a sip of my own, I gave myself a few seconds to soak him in before turning back to my legs dangling in the pool. I was suddenly very aware his eyes were on me. My tingling spine and the fact that I was shivering in a hundred degree sun told me so.

“What’s your name?” His voice was smooth and playful, and I smiled at my beer.

“Hilary.” As much as my needy gaze had just robbed me of subtlety, I could still regain some edge with short answers.

“Jayden,” he offered without me asking. “But my friends call me Jay.”

Deciding it was rude to keep my back to him, I stood, beer in hand, and took a seat in the empty lounger next to him. I didn’t miss his observation of my ass just before I sat down.

“Nice to meet you, Jay,” I said, smiling at the palm trees swaying in the breeze overhead.

“How long have you lived here?”

Looking over at him, I saw he was fidgeting with his iPod, his ear buds in. I suddenly felt like he was just being polite and might not be interested in conversation at all.

“A year. We are moving out at the end of our lease. It was fun for a while, just too many parties. I’m becoming an old lady. The all-nighters are way too consistent and I’m a fan of my sleep.”

“Shame...I just moved in and so far you have improved the scenery.” He winked at me and seemed to make a decision that maybe I was worth a conversation as he unplugged his iPod and Modest Mouse started drifting through the air. I thanked him for the compliment with a smile that seemed to please him. The man was beautiful. Large, full lips curved up as I took in his broad chin and Travolta dimple in the middle of it. It wasn’t sharply defined, but it was alluring. It had been a long time since a man’s looks had impressed me this much. I wanted to keep looking at him, but knew I had already been way too obvious. I was practically screaming I wanted to lick him with my eyes, so I averted them back to the palms overhead and disciplined them to remain there.

“Love that song,” I noted as I made myself comfortable, leaning back in the seat and letting the music and beer flow through me.

“Yeah, they’re good,” he said, downing his beer until it was empty.

“On a mission to numb yourself?” I asked with a knowing smile.

“Have to drown out the noise sometimes, you know?” he answered unapologetically as he produced another beer from his cooler and immediately took a sip.

“Well, there is no lifeguard on duty, but luckily for you I can swim like a fish.”

“Good to know,” he chuckled, “but considering the pool is only four feet deep, I think I’ll manage.”

“Well, now aren’t we cocky?” I said, glancing his way. “You never know when you’ll need saving.”

“True. I could fake it just to keep you busy,” he flirted.

Glancing at my phone, I remembered I’d promised Gerri we would go to Mike’s and cursed that promise. I felt ridiculously drawn to the man by my side and didn’t want to leave just yet.

“So how old are you?”

Turning to him, I answered, “Young enough to not be offended by that question. Twenty-seven, you?”

“Same,” he said with a perfect, white smile.

“Really?”

“Yep. I turn twenty-eight in a few months.”

“Which one? Are you a Leo?”

“Yep. August.”

“Huh, mine is end of July.” I winked before spouting, “I guess I’m the wiser of us two.”

“Cool, you could be my cougar.” He was flirting shamelessly now so I stood, throwing my beer away.

“Well, Jay, thanks for the beer. I have somewhere to be.”

He shot up in the lounger and looked at me in question. “Did I offend you? I didn’t mean to, really.”

“Of course not. I just really have to be somewhere.” His face relaxed, but only slightly. For some reason, I felt the need to reassure him. “I’ll see you around. Maybe I’ll bring the beer next time.”

“How about tomorrow, same time?” I felt a warmth spread through me as he asked, his face transparently hopeful. I nodded with a “sure.”

“Cool, see you tomorrow.” I gave him a little wave as I gathered my bag then walked out just as I heard a “Yo, Jay.” A group of guys dragging larger coolers were on their way to meet him from the other side of the fence.

His eyes were still on me as he answered, “Sup.” He winked at me again, and keeping my eyes on him, I ran into the fence, banging my knee loudly.

“Ouch. You okay?” I looked up to see the guys entering, one of them stopped to check out my throbbing knee. My eyes were watering from the pain, but I brushed it off quickly to avoid further embarrassment.

“I’m cool, thanks.” I looked up into a set of deep green eyes and felt my body sigh. Gorgeous Jay had gorgeous friends. If Gerri needed an intervention from her obsession with Mike, I decided our meeting would take place at the pool.

He gave me a smile and picked up his heavy cooler, his muscles accentuated by the weight of it as I held the gate open for him. “Thanks, beautiful.”

Wow.

“Welcome,” I replied, knee still pulsing. I was tempted to look back at Jay but decided against it, knowing I would have my chance tomorrow. I made it down the stone path a few feet before I heard, “Forget it, Randy. I’ve got dibs.” I smiled broadly. That voice belonged to Jayden.

“Did you see that perfect ass? Damn,” the voice that belonged to Randy bellowed. I stood still, chuckling as they assessed my looks. I felt the pride in my step as I crept along, hoping for more.

The last guy, who I didn’t get a good look at, added his two cents, but I was too far away to hear it. I decided I’d heard enough of the confidence boost and made my way home. I burst through the door calling for Gerri. She walked out of the bathroom smiling and completely beautiful. Her pixie-like, spiky hair done perfectly as well as her makeup as her eyes measured my mood. She was so nervous, I instantly wanted to put her at ease.

“I love you for doing this, Hil. Seriously.”

“It’s nothing, Gerri. Just promise me you won’t get mad if I keep it honest, okay?”

“Promise,” she said, shooting me a scout’s salute.

“I just met the hottest guy at the pool. We are meeting tomorrow.” I beamed with my announcement as she gave me a look that screamed
finally!
.

“I know it’s been a while,” I said, “and I’m almost certain this guy wants nothing but ass. But I’ll tell you right now, I might be willing to be used by this one.”

“That’s even bigger than you having a date. Ms. Romance having casual sex, that’d be a miracle. Do tell.”

I filled her in as I showered. For the first time in a long time, I dressed up. I was feeling beautiful from the comments of the guys at the pool. I could have been offended at the way they ogled me and practically rated my looks, but honestly, I was flattered.

I took my time dressing in a tube top that showcased my newly browned shoulders and curled my auburn hair to make it thick and wavy. I put on a full face of makeup that included bronzer, blush, and thickly lined lids, and practically danced to the door. It had been way too long since I’d had a man’s attention. I didn’t know Jayden well enough to truly be happy about my impromptu date, but what I did know was I liked what I saw. I liked his name. And I hoped that tomorrow I’d be as at ease as I was with him today.

Mike’s was unusually busy, so I bided my time playing a couple of games of pool with Gerri until I could casually strike up a conversation with him at the bar.

Upon our arrival, I did notice his eyes light up and directed at Gerri when we walked in. Maybe she was right. Maybe something had shifted since last night, but the protective friend in me was determined to assess the situation.

Gerri had been burned badly by her last boyfriend, Blake. He’d drug her through the mud in the years they had dated. Gerri had realized too late, after she’d given him two years of her unwavering love, that he was worthless. He’d bled her heart, letting her down time after time when she’d needed him most. He’d proven his status as the world’s biggest piece of shit by dumping her on Thanksgiving Day in lieu of finally meeting her family.

Weeks later, she discovered he’d been screwing a much older woman for the last six months of their relationship. He’d pulled up to their favorite restaurant in his new girlfriend’s Mercedes with her in tow. Gerri, still torn to shreds from the loss of what she thought was love, approached them mid–dining, asking point blank how long they’d been dating. The woman thinking it was an innocent enough question had clung to his arm, boasting proudly and clueing her in.

“You two look very happy,” she told them as she looked directly at Blake.

He refused to meet her eyes, motioning for his unsuspecting replacement to keep quiet. He’d never once messaged her after that to apologize, or attempted to make contact in any way. I’d had to pry her off the floor of our apartment that night as she sobbed. The carefree girl I’d met had taken a hit, and though her smile was still breathtaking and her personality still had the same bounce, after that she’d never really been the same. He’d taken a piece of her and it was evident she might not get it back.