Pieces of Lies (8 page)

This time I fastened my black hair up in a high sleek bun. Pinning my hair up always brought out my cheek bones and eyes. I emphasized my eyelashes with numerous coats of mascara and put on a dark cherry-red stain to my lips with some gloss.

“You look stunning,” Josh complimented as he held the limo door open for me as I climbed in again. I shivered with the sense of déjàvu.

“Thank you,” I smiled. This time I didn’t lean in towards Josh in the limo, but sat opposite him, discussing what was expected with the new test for the night. Since the conversation at this party was supposed to give you some kind of hint to solving a mystery, Josh explained that I would have to pay more attention to what was said by the senior members if I wanted to help. It sounded like an adult game of
Clue
, a concept which I loved. Maybe this would be fun after all.

Arriving at the Weston mansion once again, I felt I was more prepared for the atmosphere and the people. As we walked in, Josh didn’t take my hand as we entered the ballroom. Instead he held out his arm, allowing me to link with his. It felt formal, as if he was officially introducing me to the club as a friend rather than a ‘virgin conquest’. This time I felt I could really be a part of Josh’s new world and would not allow it to become any kind of wedge in our friendship.

The ballroom was set up similar to the previous party but this time the servants wore brightly colored vests as they carried the trays with hors d’oeuvres and champagne. They looked paint-stained and very festive. I wasn’t sure if this was part of the whole theme of the evening, but it was fun to look at nonetheless.

The room went from whispers to being hushed as the new recruits were broken into four teams spread out around the ballroom. They were told that each group had to figure out a clue word amongst the conversation with the senior members. Josh and I were with two other couples who I was introduced to as Beth and Easton, Justine and Marcus, as well as some older members of the society, Denis, Robert and Glen.

We sipped champagne and the conversation flowed, mainly about politics from the older members. Trying to figure out a ‘key’ word was going to be a lot harder than I thought. 

I scanned the room to see if I could spot Clint anywhere. He was standing with the fourth group near a corridor. He was already staring at me when our eyes found each other from across the room. I didn’t want him to see that I was searching for him, so I instantly turned back around when I realized he was looking for me too. I really wanted to walk over to him and ask him why he ran off after our gun range date and two of the most intensely filled kisses I ever had in my life, but then, I got distracted by the names of the three politicians that Denis was boring the group with.

“Wait a minute, I know those names. They went to jail for ballot fixing, money laundering and tax evasion.” Denis raised his eyebrows and glanced over to Robert and Glen, who seemed impressed at my knowledge of all three criminals.

“That’s right, I’ve seen their stories in the news,” Easton backed me up, “but that doesn’t mean anything. They all went to jail for different reasons.” There was silence again in the group as our minds worked furiously trying to decipher the hidden meaning.

“Oh, I know how those names correspond.  They are all getting out on parole next week,” I announced and everyone stilled and stared at me with the most curious glances. I guess they were wondering how I could possibly know that kind of information, given I was merely an art student and a guest for the evening. It was no one’s business that I followed nearly all the criminal cases in the media.
I had my reasons
. Josh was the only person who didn’t look surprised and just patted my back.

“She’s right, they all get out on parole around the same time.” Josh was beginning to see where I was going, and I knew, like me, he was also up to speed with what was happening in the news.

Josh continued, “Which means… they are all going to be set free. And what one word sets you free?” The group smiled and we all said in unison, “The TRUTH.”

The older members clapped softly. “Well done gentlemen, and Miss Ross,” Denis praised. Josh looked very pleased and gave me an appreciative glance with his eyes before he rushed over to the other groups to see if they had figured out their key words.

The new recruits assembled in the middle of the ballroom with the older members across to the right side near the bar, closely observing the boys at work. Josh grabbed my hand, leading me into the middle of the room with the recruits. “Let’s see if she can help. Give her the words.” Josh motioned to a boy whose name I think was Elliot, but I wasn’t sure. “OK, we have REALIZE, LIE, ART, TRUTH.”

The boys came up with theory after theory but nothing seemed to fit the four words. I glanced over to Clint who was now standing with the senior members and my mind drifted off to our moment in front of Chagall’s
Three Candles
. I smiled at the memory and of the beautiful piece of art that became our very first romantic moment. Then it hit me, the brightly colored vests, “I’ve got it, I’ve got it!” There was instant silence and everyone turned their attention to what I was about to say. Aware of all the eyes focused on what was about to come out of my mouth, I looked again to Clint, who was now grinning broadly. 

Did he do this on purpose?

“Art is a lie that makes us realize truth.” Everyone continued to stare at me with questioning looks. I huffed in frustration. “Picasso said it. Your answer is Picasso.”

The boys all made that ‘O’ sound and then laughed as if they all knew what it meant. They whispered amongst themselves and then one of the boys said out loud, “Alright, let’s go do it.” 

Josh pulled me aside and said in a hushed voice, “I can’t really go into details, but we have to go brand something from a rival society whose mascot is nicknamed ‘Picasso’. Will you be OK to get home, because this could take all night? The limo will be able to take you back to your apartment.” Josh’s eyes gleamed mischievously.

“Of course, go do your thing,” and I waved him away with my hands. The new recruits filed out of the mansion, plotting and planning as they went. I swung myself around and headed towards the bar. I might as well try and enjoy myself a while longer before heading home.

As I thanked the bartender for a new glass of wine, I was tapped lightly on the shoulder. When I turned around, a senior member of the society stood before me. “Are you Joshua Hollow’s friend, Miss Ross?” I turned to face the handsome man in his late forties, dressed in a very expensive Burberry suit. You could tell he used to be very attractive as a younger gentleman as his features were still remarkably striking.

“I am,” I said, and he held out his hand.

“I’m Arthur Wickburn, president of this chapter of the Lappell. It’s a pleasure to meet such a beautiful young woman, and so intelligent as well. You are quite the package.” I blushed as I shook his hand. He had quite an effect. 

Some men really do age like fine wine.

“Can I convince you to take a spin with me on the dance floor?” I loved the way he spoke, it felt so formal.

“Yes, that would be lovely,” and allowed him to lead me onto the dance floor.

The string quartet that was seated by the corner of the ballroom was playing various symphonies that were perfect for waltzing. Arthur was quite the polished dancer. He moved skillfully and I found myself swept up in the movements as he led me around the floor. As the music slowed he steadied us into a slow dance. “Have you given any thought to joining us Miss Ross? I think you would make a marvelous addition.”

I laughed at his humor. “My, you are funny, but I think you have plenty of talent among your group already.”

Arthur nodded slightly. “Ah yes, Mr. Hollows. He was quite the find. His IQ is extraordinary and his test scores are some of the best we have ever seen. He doesn’t do anything without thinking it through first.”

I smiled, thinking about Josh’s aspirations in business. “Yes, he certainly will do great things.” 

Arthur spun me around, “Oh I’m sure of that.”

As we swayed, an interesting question popped into my mind, “Why do you recruit so close to graduation? I mean, wouldn’t it make sense to recruit when they are freshmen?”

Arthur smiled a little, “The Lappell likes to ensure certain things about its members before we recruit, so we usually cannot determine a member’s potential until closer to graduation, although there are always exceptions.” 

The music slowed to an end and I released Arthur’s hands. “Thank you Arthur, but I think I need another drink.”

As we walked back to get a glass of wine, we were met at the bar by Clint who was leaning over the counter top, drinking his champagne. “Ah, Miss Ross, have you met one of our group leaders, Clint Weston?”, and he motioned for Clint to shake my hand.

I lifted my palm and backed away. “Oh we met at his last party, right Clint. What kind of party was that exactly?”

Clint looked me up and down and ignored my question, knowing I was trying to bait him, “You look really beautiful Norah.” My body shivered with his compliment; he looked at me so sweetly.

“That’s great that you two have met. You should give her a tour Clint. Have you seen some of the artwork here Miss Ross? It’s quite the collection,” and Arthur walked off to another older member of the Lappell who was waving at him from across the room.

“You have no fear about what you say, I find that remarkable.” Clint passed me a glass of champagne and I took a sip.

“I don’t think being polite for polite’s sake makes you a better person. I try to be as genuine as I can afford.”

He leaned in, “It’s interesting that you say that. Are you implying you have secrets Miss Ross?” He was flirting with his eyes.

“No more than the Lappell,” and I started to walk off in the other direction. To my surprise, Clint followed until he was walking beside me.

“I was impressed with how quickly you put those words together Norah.”

I looked at Clint, not convinced. “Somehow I think you knew I would catch on, like you wanted me to be involved, especially since your recruits seem to be nothing more than business and law majors.”

Clint only smiled in agreement. “Then I guess it was a good thing you were here.”

“Hmmm… perhaps.”

Clint continued to walk beside me, not leaving the conversation alone like I thought he would. “Would you like to see the gardens? They are lit up in the evenings and most people find them quite lovely.”

I knew I was just asking for more mixed signals which would only confuse me further, but I couldn’t resist his invitation. My body was twitching to be close to him again, and it really did sound nice. “Yes alright, lead the way.”

I took Clint’s arm. He flinched when I touched him. I could sense our physical attraction growing instantly just from my grip on him. The pull of our bodies made me want to be even closer to him and I naturally gravitated inwards towards his arms until his hand moved and sat around my waist. He was very quiet as we walked along the corridor and to an entryway that lead outside. I felt his fingers gently caressing my hip in small sensual movements. It felt very intimate as we strolled quietly to the outside stairs with only the closeness of our bodies speaking for us. I should have been angrier about how things were left from our date, but suddenly I didn’t feel angry at all, only relieved that he was touching me and that we were together.

Taking in the view of the garden, my mouth fell open. It was a spectacular display of hedge work and various stone pathways amongst large trees and flower beds, all lined with various kinds of lighting from twinkly fairy lights to bigger garden lamps which illuminated the base of some of the bigger trees and flower beds. It looked magical. “Clint this is…” His fingers expanded and his whole palm rested on my waist. My breathing quickened even more.

“We are holding a ball out here later this month.”

It was such a gorgeous sight. “It’s a perfect spot for one.” I noticed the gardens backed onto a lake, the water catching the light reflecting off the garden’s luminosity. “Do you have a boat as well?”

We continued to walk through the gardens and towards the water. “We do, but my older brother Leo has actually taken it out for a few weeks.” My feet started to ache in my heels and I leant down to adjust my feet in my shoes, my dress sliding along my skin as I moved. I caught a glimpse of Clint’s eyes darting as the material shifted position along my chest. “Are your feet sore, do you want to sit a while on the mooring?”

I sighed happily, “That would be brilliant, thanks.” Clint led the way a small distance to a mooring. As we sat, I removed my heels and let my feet hang over the edge, missing the surface of the water by inches.

The quietness of our surroundings, paired with the crisp evening air on our faces, made us relax. We found ourselves talking through the night about our studies and what we hoped to do after graduation. I found it remarkable how easily we could converse and share bits and pieces about our likes, dislikes and future aspirations. Clint talked about his family’s business and how he was being groomed to take over, but that he really wanted to pursue finance independently in New York. 

Watching him talk about what he wanted for himself and his future, I found myself completely enchanted by his vulnerability and softness in the way he spoke. He had a depth of character I had dismissed purely because I had stereotyped him due to his playboy status and wealth. Right here, right now, he seemed so sensitive and genuine, and as he continued to talk, I imagined listening to him for many years to come. The idea felt peaceful, which only made me curse myself for feeling like I was getting attached.

There was a break in conversation, and as Clint leant back on on the mooring, his hair fell forward and across his face, partially covering his eyes. I gently moved his hair that fell across his forehead, in a very tender and slow motion. In that instant he moved so he could grip my hand that was still on his face. He held it, staring at me. I loved it when we looked at each other. Time felt like it was standing still just for us.