Loving Lies(24)
CHAPTER SEVEN
Alyssa
Missing Blake should not bother me. But Christ, it does. He’s been gone for two weeks. He’s called me twice weekly and texts me daily. I can’t believe his father’s dead. For a second longing to reach out to my own father hits me. It’s not like I haven’t wondered about him but the death of Blake’s father has made me question how I’d feel if he died. I find out about it through the media and god that’s a sad thought. My father when I was young was a little girl’s dream. I never went without but he often wasn’t there because of business commitments. All that changed when I became a woman and he realized he could use me to get what he wanted. Maybe we all change. Hell, I know I’ve transformed myself and I’d like to think I’m a better person but maybe I’m not. Maybe I use people just like my father. Thinking of the simple proposal to have a summer fling with Blake does make me wonder if I’m the one using him.
I know Blake was pissed at the message but no way did he expect his father to die on him. I almost wish I could be there with him, but I can’t leave my job. Part of me also wishes I could forget him or that he’d forget me, but that’s not what seems to have happened.
Our texting has gotten longer and I even look forward to his calls.
I’ve been working my ass off, taking every extra shift I can get. In my spare time I’ve been taking pictures and tonight I developed my first batch. The ten by eight sheets of paper hang on the clothesline—testimonials to my works of love.
A knock on my door reminds me I’ve been sharing the building with Kat and Noah.
I open the door and let Noah into my space. He’s a good looking guy who seems to only have eyes for Kat. That certainly wasn’t the rumor floating around when I arrived. A few of the staffers had pointed him out to me, saying that he was a lady’s man. It was a warning I heeded and I wonder if Kat knows.
He steps inside my space and I try hard not to cringe. “These are amazing, Alyssa. Wow.”
“Thanks,” I say, wishing he’d go away. I’m not comfortable showing off my work.
“Listen, will you do me a favor?”
“That depends.”
He blushes, which makes him look slightly younger
I raise my eyebrow, urging him on. I’m hoping he’ll get the hint I want him to leave.
“Don’t touch that,” I say, slapping away his hand which was about to dip into my solution.
“Okay, okay. Listen Kat’s totally stressed about this big anniversary party she’s having to throw for a client who is a royal pain in the ass. Will you help her out?”
“Yeah, sure. What can I do?”
He grins and I realize I spoke too soon.
“Simple. This person wants us to transform the party room into a classy joint and she’s asked for us to showcase some scenery pictures. I’m thinking yours are perfect.”
“Mine?”
“Yeah, yours. They’re breathtaking. I’m not just saying that. They’re really good, Alyssa.”
“No they’re not. There just photos of things I like.”
Noah moves into my space and I pull him back from touching a photo drying on the line. “Alyssa they’re great. Do this for me and if not for me for Kat. It’s killing me to see her so stressed out. What have you got to lose?”
My dignity. “I’ll think about it,” I say and like I’ve just promised him the world he turns all charming.
“Perfect. You coming to the Cave tonight?”
How could I forget it’s another Saturday night? “Naw, probably not.”
“Come on. You’re all work and no play. It’ll be fun. Kat, Amy and most of the staff are coming. You don’t have to stay late, just come for a bit.”
“I’ll think about it. Now, get. Time to lock up.”
He’s right behind me as we move out of my lab and I make sure to lock up.
Noah walks me back to my building. He comes in and knocks on Kat’s door. I don’t stick around. I’m locked tightly in my room thinking about Blake when I get a text from him.
He’s asking what I’m doing so I text him the usual, nothing.
A minute later another knock interrupts me. Why can’t I just be alone?
“Answer it, Alyssa.”
There are days I hate my fake name. I groan and get up and open it to find Kat and Becca, the waitress who’s become a good friend over the weeks, standing there with drinks in their hands.
“Get ready. We’re going to the Cave.”
I flop back down on my bed as they step into my room to shut the door behind them. Technically we’re not allowed to drink in our rooms and like all good rules, we ignore it.