Fake it Baby_A Best Friend's Brother Romance

by Tia Siren

  “I’m telling you, the itinerary this year is almost unbearable,” said one round faced man in a short sleeved white shirt buttoned as far as it could go. His fat, red cheeks jiggled as he stuffed a fork full of beans into his mouth. Each time he did this, he would nudge his thick black rimmed glasses back up on the bridge of his nose with the knuckle of his finger that held the fork.

  “Well, I for one, am not about to put in any more hours than I have previously. I am all for helping my students when they need help, but do they really expect us to work more overtime?” The woman across from the fat faced man looked very young. She couldn’t have been teaching for very long. Edward looked at her and felt she could have been very attractive if she did something with her hair. It shot down off her head in straw-like spears, lifeless and dull. Her complexion was pale except for the dark circles under eyes of deep blue. He wondered what could have made such a woman look so tired and beat up.

  In fact, looking at the others at that table, they all seemed quite lifeless and dull. There was no color to their clothing, their faces or their conversation. Edward looked down at his deep blue dress shirt and dark gray tie and wondered if he stuck out like a rose in a daisy patch. He looked around the large room and saw a few others with similar color.

  “You’ll never guess who I saw the other day,” said an unfamiliar voice.

  “Who?”

  Edward vaguely registered what the pale woman was questioning until her question was answered.

  “Gracie Honor.”

  Edward snapped his head back around and gave his full attention to a large woman sitting on the other end of the table. She reminded him of Mrs. Puff from SpongeBob SquarePants from the sound of her voice to her physique.

  “Isn’t that the woman who completely lost it last year in the middle of her class?”

  “Yep. That’s the one.”

  Edward hung on every word, trying not to look as interested as he was.

  “I thought she got fired?” the pale woman whispered.

  “Nope. Not yet. They haven’t been able to pin her on anything concrete. I think they are hoping she’ll eventually quit but she just won’t leave. They have had to escorted her off the campus twice already due to problems. Rumor has it that she’s messing around with one of the security guards.”

  “Oh, yes. I heard about that. Ronald Gluck I think.”

  “That’s him.”

  Edward’s eyes were glued to them as a hard lump formed in his stomach.

  “Why would she be interested in Ronald Gluck?” The pale faced woman cringed. “Have you seen him? There is nothing even remotely attractive about that man.”

  “He does have access to all of the buildings and maybe that is how she keeps her job here.”

  One of the professors caught Edward looking too interested and before he could tear his eyes away, the man smiled.

  “Hello. You must be new here.” He reached across the table and offered Edward a hand shake. “I’m Professor Niles.”

  “Hello.” He shook the man’s hand and all eyes were on him. He took a short breath and forced a smile. “Eddie… um, Professor Caldwell. I just started here this month. Part time.”

  “Oh? What do you teach?”

  “Business and economics.”

  “I remember seeing you a few days ago,” said another. “How do you like it so far?”

  “It’s quite lovely. Everyone has been quite gracious and kind.”

  “Well, I’m sure you won’t have a problem making a good impression here.”

  Edward looked at the pale woman and saw a glimmer in her eyes as she smiled flirtatiously with him.

  “Thank you,” he nodded.

  “Just stay away from Gracie Honor,” the large woman said, nudging the woman next to her.

  “I have already met her,” he said, hoping for some more information. “She seemed nice enough.”

  “I hope your involvement with her was minimal,” said the round-faced man. “You don’t want to get mixed up with her.”

  “Is she really that bad?”

  “She is psychotic. Serious mental problems. She has been demoted more times than I can count.”

  “Whatever happened to that murder charge?” asked one of the others.

  Edward’s eyes widened. “Murder?”

  “The pale woman leaned in and lowered her head. “Three years ago, one of the professors here was found murdered in his class room. They found out he was having an affair with Gracie but tried to break it off with her.”

  “Wasn’t he married?”

  “He was. He told someone Gracie was erotic and sexy. A real freak in the bed, but he needed to make things right with his wife. A few days later he was dead.”

  “Maybe his wife did it.”

  “She didn’t know about the affair until after he was dead.”

  “I heard she didn’t find out until months later when Gracie was questioned in court about it.”

  “So, what happened?” Edward heard himself ask the question, but it sounded like it came from someone else.

  “Who knows?”

  “It’s a mystery, really. She got off scot free and still teaches randomly here and there.”

  “I honestly don’t even know how she lives off what she’s making. She barely works enough to say she’s even working.”

  The conversation around Edward slowly faded away and deep down he felt like he was in trouble. He needed to find Eva and do what he set out to do. He needed to get out of there before Gracie decided to sink her teeth so deep into him he wasn’t able to get away. He took a few more spoonfuls of his soup and looked at his watch.

  “Oh, my. I’m sorry but I do have to run.” He stood up and grabbed his tray. “It was very nice meeting all of you. I hope to see you again soon.”

  “Yes. Take care.”

  “We will be here tomorrow if you’d like to join us again.”

  Edward had to give credit to the pale woman. She wasn’t very colorful, but she did try to get his attention.

  “Thank you. I will try to be here.” He nodded and walked away.

  Edward sat on the steps leading up to the history building and waited for Eva to finish her class. When she appeared through the front doors, he smiled and stood up to greet her.

  “Eddie,” she said, smiling. “What a pleasant surprise.”

  “I hope you don’t mind. I asked about your whereabouts so I could see you again.”

  “I’m quite flattered actually.”

  “I wanted to apologize for last night.”

  “Please, don’t worry about it. I was actually somewhat worried about you.”

  “For…?”

  “Gracie Honor?” she quickly looked around after whispering the woman’s name.

  “You know about her too?”

  “It’s how legends are made. Everyone talks about her. I’m sorry I didn’t stick around, but that woman frightens me.”

  “Have you ever had an encounter with her?”

  “No. I try to avoid being around her at all costs. I actually changed my entire schedule around last semester because she taught one of the classes I needed.”

  “But, everything you’ve heard is only rumor?”

  “I guess. I have never actually looked into it.” She shrugged. “I would just rather be safe than sorry.”

  He looked at her for a long time until her cheeks turned a light shade of pink and she grinned looking down at her feet.

  “How about that dinner?” he asked. “Are you free tonight?”

  “I am.”

  “There is a small Italian eatery called Branca about twenty-five minutes from here. Can I pick you up around six?”

  Her grin broadened as she dropped her backpack at her feet. She squatted down and opened it, digging around inside. She ripped the corner of an assignment paper and pulled a pen from the front pocket. She glanced up at him and smiled wider as she scribbled on the small piece of paper.

  “This is my address and phon
e number. I don’t always answer it, but it’s better than waiting for me outside my classes.”

  Edward chuckled and took the paper. “I will see you at six.”

  “I look forward to it.” She grabbed her bag and walked by him, eying him playfully and not looking back once she passed him.

  He watched her walk away as his heart filled with warmth.

  Chapter 22

  He went back to his flat to get ready for his date with Eva, happy that it was finally going to happen. He whistled while he showered and dressed in the same jeans, white t-shirt and jacket he wore when she met him in Paris. After a second look in the mirror and a run of his hand through his hair, he smiled at the reflection and walked out the door.

  As he turned to step onto the street from his stairs a large man ran up from behind and grabbed a hold of him. The man spun him around and got in his face. Edward smelled whiskey strong on his breath along with tobacco and a strong bad breath odor that made Edward want to vomit.

  “Are you Edward Caldwell?” The gruff voice spat at him.

  He leaned back and looked at the man’s face. There was a familiarity there but he couldn’t place it. “It depends on who’s asking?”

  The man growled, pulling his hand back and in slow motion Edward saw the large fist come at his face. He could have ducked or moved to the side, but he felt frozen where he stood as if he was watching it all happen from the sidelines. When the man’s fist struck him, he knew instantly that it broke his nose. The pain shot through his head as he fell to the ground.

  “Ah!” Edward yelled, putting his hand over his nose. He struggled to get up as blood covered his hand. “What the hell, man! Who are you?”

  Just as he stood and looked at the man, another fist slammed into the side of his jaw catching him off guard and sending him to the ground again. He decided to stay there until he could grasp what was happening.

  “First my wife,” grunted the man, “then my sister?”

  Edward attempted to look up at the man, until a large boot slammed into the side of him sending him onto his back. Pain seared through his side and he knew if he didn’t get away from this guy he was going to beat the hell out of him.

  He coughed and grabbed his side, rolling away from the guy. “There has to be some miscommunication. I think you have the wrong person.” Edward put his hand up, telling the guy to give him a minute so he could figure out what was happening.

  The big man had other plans. “Does Talita Honor ring a bell?” Another boot sent Edward rolling the other way, his face hitting the concrete sidewalk and scuffing his forehead. The name Talita repeated over and over in his head.

  The cruise, Talita, yes. I thought we had something until I found out she was married. He quickly looked up at the man, his eyes growing wide.

  “Yeah,” said the man. “Now you know who I am.”

  “Oh, fuck! No, wait a minute!”

  It was the last thing Edward was able to say. With every kick into Edward’s side and every fist in his face, thoughts of Talita being close to this guy blazed into his mind. If Talita was his wife then who was his sister?

  The man proceeded to beat on Edward until everything in his world started to fade. Just before he passed out, Gracie’s face entered his mind. Gracie Honor.

  Edward felt the pain surround his ribcage and throb through his face before he tried opening his eyes. He tried not to move as he mentally managed the pain and put together where he was. He cracked his eyes open enough to look around. The dimly lit room was very clean and very white. He opened his eyes further and looked around. He was in a hospital bed with a curtain partially drawn around him, the door half open and an occasional nurse or visitor walking by. He tried to take a breath but it hurt too much.

  “Mr. Caldwell. You’re awake.” A pale yet plump nurse stood at the foot of his bed with a smile on her face. “That’s good news.”

  “Where am I?” His tongue felt like it was pasted to the roof of his mouth.

  “You are at Warneford Hospital, on the third floor, in my care. I am Nurse Tuttlebaum and I will be looking after you until the morning.”

  “How long have I been here?”

  “Only about an hour.” She walked to his side and looked at him with sincerity in her eyes. “How are you feeling, Mr. Caldwell?”

  “Call me Eddie. Please.”

  She tried to raise the head of his bed. When he winced in pain, grabbing his side, she stopped. “Not so good I see.”

  “I’m okay. I just need a minute.”

  “Well, Eddie.” She blushed at the informality he allowed. “If you are up to it, there is a police officer in the lobby waiting to speak with you about the incident.”

  Edward nodded. He closed his eyes and put together the events that led him to this hospital.

  “Edward Caldwell?” A blue suited police officer entered his room and walked up to his bedside. “I am Officer Kent with the Saint Aldates Police Department.”

  “Hello.”

  “Can you remember what happened to you?”

  He attempted to lick his lips but the lack of saliva only succeeded in sticking his tongue to what felt like a fat lip. The nurse hurried to get him a glass of ice water. She raised the head of his bed a few inches and only allowed him a sip which seemed to dissipate before it reached his throat.

  “I was leaving my flat to meet a friend for dinner.” He closed his eyes. Eva. He wondered if she was still waiting for him. “Someone jumped me when I got onto the street.” He remembered what the man said to him just before he blacked out.

  First my wife, then my sister. Talita Honor. Edward shook his head. How did her husband find out about him? Sister… “Oh, God.”

  “Are you okay?” asked the officer. “What can you tell me?”

  His sister is Gracie? Could this really be that coincidental that I get wrapped up with two women from the same family?

  “Mr. Caldwell? Do you know who did this to you?”

  “No. I didn’t see him.”

  “He didn’t take your wallet or watch. You still have your phone.”

  “Maybe something spooked him. I don’t know.”

  “Mr. Caldwell, is there anyone who you can think of who might want to harm you?”

  He shook his head.

  The officer hesitated. He knew Edward was lying.

  “Okay. I’ll let you get some rest. If you can think of anything more, or you want to tell me what really happened, I’ll leave my card here for you.”

  Edward nodded, keeping his gaze on the sheets that covered him. The officer stood there hoping to hear more but turned and left the room when he realized Edward wasn’t talking. The nurse fussed over him, pulling his covers up and checking his vitals.

  When Edward got his strength up he attempted to sit up and swing his legs over the side, but there were bars on the sides of the bed that prevented him from going too far.

  “Oh, Eddie. No, no, no. You need to stay in bed. The doctor will be in shortly to talk to you.”

  “Put these down, please.”

  “No, sir. I cannot do that. You have broken ribs and a concussion. You need to lie back and rest.”

  “What I need is to get out of here. If you don’t help me do that, I will end up hurting myself even worse than I am. You wouldn’t want that, now would you, Miss Tuttlebaum?” He looked up into her eyes and pleaded with her.

  “But you are in bad shape. Why do you need to leave so suddenly? I will take good care of you. Are you in trouble?”

  “Not yet, but if I stay here I could be. Now if you would please….” He motioned to the bars and waited for her to lower them.

  “Let me at least get the doctor in here so he can talk to you.” She scurried out of the room only looking back at him once she got to the door.

  Edward pressed his arm into his side as he slid himself out of the bed and onto the floor. Once he got his footing underneath him he took a breath and searched for his clothes that were sitting in a chair in a plasti
c bag close by. By the time the nurse had gotten back into the room, Edward was dressed. He slipped his watch on his wrist and pocketed his phone.

  “Eddie, please.” She rushed to his side and tried coaxing him back to the bed. “The doctor is on his way.”

  “I don’t have time for all of that.” He felt himself getting annoyed at the woman and tried pushing her away. “I just want to go. I have to meet someone.”

  “Well,” she said in a huff. “If you are going to leave against the hospital’s wishes, Mr. Caldwell, you need to sign a waiver stating we are not liable….”

  “Fine. Get it,” he snapped. He grabbed a pen sticking out of a front pocket on the nurse’s chest before she turned away from him and waited for her to show him the paper.

  Annoyed, she walked out of the room only to reappear with a single sheet of paper on a clipboard. Without reading it, Edward signed his name and walked out of the room. The only thing on his mind was to get to Eva. He couldn’t stand the thought of standing her up twice and possibly losing her again.

  He limped down the hallway with Nurse Tuttlebaum standing in the doorway of his room looking after him. When he got into the elevator he leaned against the wall and pulled his phone from his pocket. With the push of a few buttons he held it to his ear and listened to it ring until Eva’s voice told him how sorry she was that she wasn’t there and to please leave her a message. He waited until she was finished her message and when a small beep sounded he hung up his phone.

  The elevator door opened on the ground floor and he tried walking as tall as he could without divulging the pain that seared through him. He walked out the front door and left in the first taxi cab he could get to.

  The apartment where Eva lived looked dark, too dark for anyone to be home. He looked at his watch and realized he was almost two hours late. Where would she have gone? He thought about the restaurant he wanted to take her to? Would she have gone on her own or did she skip dinner all together and go to bed?

  “Can you wait here for just a minute?”

  The cab driver nodded and Edward pulled himself out of the cab. The stairs to her front door were difficult for him to accomplish and he knocked on the door more times than he should have just so he could get up the strength to make it back down the stairs without falling.