White Lies (A Twisted Fate Series) (Volume 1) Read online

  “Yes?”

  “What happened that day in the house when Alex tried to fire you?” Tears formed in her eyes. “You don’t have to tell me.”

  Picking at an imaginary piece of lint on her apron, Mildred said, “I was in the office cleaning, when I saw this folder on the floor behind the bookshelf. As I placed it on his desk, Alex walked in, his foul mood evident. Asked me what I was doing. I said cleaning. Called me a few names and said to pack my bags and leave. I think he wanted to start something with the first person he saw.”

  “Thank you, Mildred, for staying with me and putting up with all you did.”

  “We’re family, Willow. That’s what family does. You’ll find your way again. I know it.”

  The door shut without a sound as she left me alone with my thoughts.

  I hoped so.

  Why had I fought for my relationship with Alex for so long? Now that I was free from the toxicity, I knew I’d made the wrong choice staying with Alex. I’d helped in a few battered women’s shelters. It was always similar stories. The woman loved him, believed her companion had changed, was unable to leave… until it was almost too late.

  The same held true for the relationship I’d been in. I also wondered how someone wasn’t able to see what was going on. Now, I knew. Sometimes the trees grew so thick around you that you weren’t able to see where you came from or where the path led.

  Seeing the papers, I was not in the mood to deal with them today, even though I knew I should be. Later.

  My real phone rang. It was Marissa. We’d been friends for a long time but drifted apart over the last year since Alex had come back into my life. She was one of my few friends who knew about my marriage.

  Come to think of it, I isolated myself from almost everyone since marrying Alex. He hated crowds, he hated my friends, he hated going out. How had I let this happen? It had been slow, but he’d nearly managed to do it. I used to be extremely active, socially. Now, I painted and had spent an enormous amount of energy keeping my life together.

  Was that his plan all along?

  It wasn’t until I distanced myself from the situation I saw all he’d truly done.

  The phone rang again. “Hello.”

  “Oh, Willow, it’s so good to hear your voice. Is this a good time?”

  I missed my old life as I heard Marissa’s voice. “It is. How have you been? I’ve missed talking to you.”

  “I’ve missed you, too. Willow, I’m so sorry about Alex. I called Carson to check on you and he told me. I know how much you loved him.”

  Marissa had always been a good friend to me. At one point, Alex was truly nasty to her and she stopped calling. We fought, but he won in the end since he removed her from my life. “I did. It was rough, though. Enough about me, how have you been?”

  Definitely time for a subject change.

  Excitement greeted me on the other end. “I’m getting married in six months.” A pause. “Oh, shit. Willow, I’m so sorry. That was unthoughtful of me with what’s going on. I didn’t call to tell you that. I honestly called to check on you.”

  Marissa was always putting everyone else’s feelings first. She was the last of my friends to distance themselves. “Don’t worry about it at all. I’m glad to be getting good news for a change. When did he ask?”

  “Two months ago.”

  Since marrying Alex, I’d missed so much. Regret washed over me. But I was finding myself again. Repairing the damage. I pushed forward. “I’m sorry for everything.” My voice sounded thick with emotion.

  “Willow, don’t you dare think twice about it. You had to do what you had to in order to make your marriage work. The girls and I are still here for you.”

  “I love you guys.”

  “We love you, too!” A knock on the door from her side broke her focus. “Give me ten.” A few words were exchanged, and then Marissa’s voice came back on the line. “Since I let the cat out of the bag, I do have a question for you.”

  I stilled myself for what was to come, hoping Marissa hadn’t seen Alex tromping around town with anyone. With trepidation, I asked, “What’s that?”

  “Will you be a bridesmaid? I know it’s short notice, but I’ve been holding a spot for you.”

  Wow, she was serious. Even though I’d been out of their lives since marrying Alex, Marissa had kept me in her thoughts. Hope flowed through me. I hadn’t lost everything. Alex hadn’t been successful with everything he did. “I would be honored. What do you need from me?”

  “Nothing, the dress shop had your measurements on file, so you have a dress being made. We’ll have to get fitted.” She sighed. “I hate talking about the wedding. I feel like I should be there for you. Can I do anything?”

  “Trust me. I need the distraction. I want to be there for you guys.”

  A pause stretched on noticeably long. “We’re having a weekend getaway in two days at Martha’s Vineyard. It’s a huge group of us going.”

  “Just girls?”

  “No, the whole gang.”

  That sounded heavenly—seeing everyone again. Maybe that would jolt me into moving forward faster. “Do you mind if I bring Carson?”

  She squealed. Actually squealed. “I love Carson. Yes, bring him. It’ll be like old times.”

  Through our school years, we all hung out together. Generally, Carson and I went together unless we were seeing someone. “It will be. I can’t wait.”

  Marissa went on to say, “Okay, I’ll send over the details of where we’re staying. I’ll put you down for two bedrooms in one of the houses.”

  “Sounds perfect!”

  A weekend with my friends was enough to lift my spirits. Though hard times had fallen, my true friends were still there for me.

  Ignoring the pile of paperwork, I made my way down to the kitchen. The smell of oregano and cheese greeted me. I was ravenous. Carson was there serving two plates in business slacks and a dress shirt. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, and I could tell he was stressed from the way he held his shoulders. “Hey there, I was about to come find you. Mildred made my favorite.”

  “She told me. She hopes you tackle her. I’d watch your step.”

  The serving spoon stopped halfway between the ravioli and the plate. His eyes widened. “You’re fucking with me.”

  I shook my head and tittered, “I swear. Scouts honor.” I pressed on. “Want me to see if she wants to come to your place and play house?”

  The giggles came unbidden from me. They escalated at the look of horror on Carson’s face. “Willow, she’s like a mom to me. You’re scaring me. That’s just… no.” He shook his head.

  A snort broke free. “Your face.”

  Carson placed the spoon back into the warming tray and shivered. “It’s good to see you happy again.” He walked closer. “Are we good?”

  “We are. I’m sorry I snapped at you. It’s just… I shouldn’t have done that.”

  Strong arms came around me. “I understand. You’re strong to be handling all this. Just know I’m here.”

  “Thank you. Now let’s go upstairs on the back deck and eat our ravioli while you tell me about what happened in the hotel empire world today.”

  “Wake up, sleepyhead.”

  Groggily my eyes opened. The plane was quiet. We weren’t moving. “Did we land?”

  “Yeah, about five minutes ago. I had to finish a phone call with my European managers.”

  The drive to Martha’s Vineyard was around five hours with an hour long ferry ride on top of it. With work piling up, Carson suggested we fly so he could get some work done. As soon as we boarded, I went to the bedroom at the back of the plane and fell fast asleep.

  The interior was masculine and trendy, exuding power. Sleeping was the easiest way to get rid of the nerves of flying. Popping my neck, I sat up. “Is everything okay over there?”

  He dragged a hand down his face. “It will be. I checked on you a few times and you were out. How are the nerves?”

  “Good.” I
stretched and felt a cool breeze on my stomach where my shirt rose. Quickly, I pulled it down. “It’s a lot easier when you fall asleep before takeoff. I like the new plane with the bed.”

  When Carson took the hotels international, the company invested in this plane to expedite his travels. “I’ll let Dad know you approve of the purchase so we won’t have to return it.”

  I swatted him on the stomach. “You’re crazy. I like this one better than your other one. I didn’t wake up once.” My voice turned serious. “Carson, if you need to travel for work, you know I’ll understand, right?”

  “I know. I will be soon. I’m able to still manage things if you want me to stay with you a little while longer.”

  I was relieved. It helped having him around. “Yeah, I’d like that. At least through the week, if that works.”

  Hopefully by then we’d have a few more answers.

  He looked at his phone and responded to a message. “Are we ready to head to the house?”

  “Yes.” I had left out a teeny tiny detail of who might be staying in our house with us. It was hard maintaining a straight face.

  Skeptically, he raised a brow. “What are you hiding from me? I know that look, Willow.”

  I tried to contain my happiness, but there was no holding it in. “We’re sharing a house with Brie, Rosie, and Kurt.”

  Carson’s eyes snapped to mine. “Oh, hell. Rosie? Are you fucking with me?”

  I snickered. “No, I promise. I think Marissa is trying to give her one last shot with you.”

  “Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. I’ll never get any work done with her antics. You’re going to have to be my wingman.”

  Tapping my finger to my chin, I said, “Come up with a good bribe and I’ll think about it.”

  A megawatt grin spread across his face. “I know just the thing.”

  “What?”

  He shook his head. “Not ready to divulge yet.”

  Oh geez, here we go again. Thank goodness my phone chirped with a text message, distracting me. I hated when he baited me.

  Marissa: Have you guys landed?

  “It’s, Marissa.”

  He deadpanned. “Ask her to change the house.”

  “Nope. It’ll be fun to watch you suffer some or get my bribe.”

  Singsonging, he responded, “Payback’s a bitch.”

  “Yes. Yes, it is. I think I’m paying you back for the time you put food coloring in my toothpaste in college.”

  Now, it was Carson’s time to laugh. Ass.

  The pilot came on the intercom asking for Carson. I took the time to respond to Marissa.

  Me: Yes. We’re about to get in the car and head that way.

  Marissa: Yay! I’m jumping around like crazy. Hurry your ass along.

  Me: We will. Can’t wait to see everyone.

  Faintly, I heard Carson talking to the captain. I took out my burner phone from Tack, figuring I had a minute or two.

  Me: We’re in Martha’s Vineyard about to head to the house.

  Tack: Be careful.

  Me: You, too.

  Tack and I hadn’t talked since the other day when I came home from the beach house. We’d texted, but that was it. I wasn’t sure what I thought about the whole “Tack” thing. On the one hand, I looked forward to talking to him again. On the other, I’d become comfortable with him faster than I’d anticipated. If Tack wanted to hurt me, he had the opportunity. I hoped trusting my feelings turned out to be the correct choice.

  I gathered my things and met Carson in the main area of the plane. Today he was casual in his shorts, Sperry’s, and Polo shirt. “Are you ready? The luggage has been loaded in the car.”

  “Yes.”

  After thanking the captain, we got off the plane. A nice shiny red sports car waited for us. As soon as we left the tarmac, his phone rang.

  “Whitmore… yes… that’s unacceptable, Beatrice… you know my expectations…”

  Carson always answered his phone with his last name. It sounded more… intimidating, with his raspy booming voice. Tuning out all the business talk, I watched out the window as we passed through the area. I loved how green it was. From the airport, we were about an hour away from the tip of the island where we were staying. The hum of the engine had me nodding off again.

  Tapping on the window caused Carson to curse and me to jolt awake. Rosie was peering in my window. “Willow! Oh my gosh! Willow! It’s you!” Then screeching. “Carson! You came! My day is made!”

  I was not prepared for her as I woke up, blinking my eyes a few times. A white two-story house with burgundy shutters sat to the left of the driveway.

  More banging. “Hurry and get out! I need to see you!”

  This. Was. Too. Much.

  Carson muttered, “This was your idea.”

  It had been a bad idea. I should have asked for another house.

  The window still hadn’t been rolled down, and my eardrums were about to rupture. I chanced a sideways glance over at Carson, and he was tense as he muttered, “Fucking, Rosie.”

  Jumping like a jack rabbit, she rounded the hood.

  “Oh, shit! Willow, you better save my ass.”

  A giggle escaped. I saw my opportunity and got out of the car. Before shutting the door, I winked. “I think you’ve got this, macho man. You reduce scary businesspeople to puddles of nothing in a boardroom. You can handle her.”

  I heard him calling after me through the window. Marissa engulfed me in a hug. “I missed you, Willow. I’m so excited you’re here. Everyone is. It’s good to see you.”

  A part of my broken heart mended as I pulled back to look at my friend. “It’s good to be seen. Congratulations!” I looked over to Clay. “You’ve got yourself a fantastic girl.”

  My friend’s brown eyes sparkled with love as Clay swept aside some of her dark hair and kissed her cheek. Her skin glowed.

  “I know. I’m damn lucky to have her.”

  Carson joined us and glared at me while I gave him an oh-so-sweet smile. Rosie was staring up at him all googly-eyed on his other side. It was no surprise she remained single with her obnoxious compulsive tendencies. She was adorable with her five-foot petite frame. Her blue eyes were expressive as she looked at Carson with longing.

  Everyone exchanged pleasantries. I felt alive. Marissa and Clay had rented out five houses next to each other. Her family owned the global Cream Factory ice cream chain. Yesterday, I’d offered to pay for our house. So had Carson. Of course, she’d declined.

  Entering the house, we found more friends who greeted us. With Carson’s hectic schedule lately, he’d been around as much as I’d been over the last six months. This trip was good for both of us.

  The house was cute, with two bedrooms upstairs and three bedrooms downstairs. Rosie was upstairs, which meant Carson would be downstairs. Taking my bag, I headed for the stairs and gave Carson a cheesy grin. He knew what I was doing.

  Rosie called from above, “Carson, where are you sleeping?”

  Everyone giggled as Carson made a run for me. In one fell swoop, he scooped me up and grabbed my suitcase. I was in hysterics as he all but shoved me into the room next to his, fearing Rosie would relocate. Kurt and Brie were in the other room down here.

  Rosie was still calling Carson’s name. Carson stood in my doorway, panic filling his eyes. I was a terrible friend, but I loved torturing him sometimes. And like Carson wouldn’t do the exact same thing if given the chance.

  I playfully whispered, “I’m going to offer to switch rooms.”

  “Oh, Carson. Where are you?” Rosie’s voice sounded so… scary.

  This was more therapeutic than I ever imagined, giving me a reprieve from my new reality. It had been a great idea to get away. My focus now was to create as many positive moments as possible to replace the bad and distance myself from the loss.

  He shuddered. “I’ll give you an all-expense-paid trip to Italy if you’ll be my wingman.”

  Not hesitating, I stuck my hand out and he took it. “Deal. I
think this is your best bribe yet. Even better than the spa day.”

  I beamed, and Carson gave me the evil eyes as Rosie appeared. “There you are. There’s a room next to mine if you want to stay there.”

  Carson mouthed the word Italy knowing Rosie wouldn’t listen to a word he said.

  “Oh, that’s sweet, Rosie. Carson and I already picked rooms down here. He’s helping me with some estate stuff. It’ll be easier if we’re closer.”

  Disappointment filled her face when Kurt called from the front. “Rosie, we’re headed to the store. Do you still want to come?”

  “Yes!” Sashaying up to Carson, she fluttered her eyebrows. “I’ll be back before you know it. Leave your bedroom unlocked if you want me to come in.” She turned without a word. No doubt… Rosie was a weird chick.

  Carson breathed a sigh of relief. “Thanks, wingman. She is off her rocker. I hope to hell these doors have deadbolts.”

  “Anytime. I think I’d like to sketch a sunset of the Duomo from a rooftop.”

  He chuckled. “Sure thing. This trip is going to cost me a small country.”

  “Well… there’s always sleeping in the room next to Rosie’s.”

  He shut the door on another muttered curse. I couldn’t stop giggling as I unpacked alone. Even without the bribe I would have helped him, but it was fun to playfully blackmail my friend. And now I was going to Italy for free.

  Reading in the chair near the bedroom window, my door burst open and quickly closed behind Carson. He was slightly out of breath. Clicking the lock, he leaned against the door and closed his eyes. “I’m going to hire a bodyguard before this weekend is over.”

  “What’s going on?”

  “Rosie.”

  I whispered, “Did you forget to lock your door?” To keep from laughing, I mashed my lips together. He was obviously in distress. A knock sounded and Carson’s eyes grew wide.

  “Willow?”

  The sweet feisty redheaded Rosie sounded so innocent. “Yes?”

  Carson tiptoed to me.

  “Have you seen Carson? I saw him come into the house, but then lost him. I wanted to show him something I bought him at the store.”