Tell Me Lies

by Michelle Lindo-Rice

  33

  Belinda and Lance pulled into the mall. She’d been quiet most of the ride. Lance had asked her repeatedly what was wrong, but she could only provide one-word answers.

  “I see you’re not in the mood to talk,” he’d finally said before driving the rest of the way in silence. He parked the car. Lips puckered he leaned toward her.

  Belinda pushed him away and climbed out the car. “Boundaries, Lance. We’re friends, not lovers.”

  “I guess I confused this for a date instead of friends hanging out together,” Lance said, exiting the vehicle. He pressed the key-fob for the alarm.

  “Well, I haven’t forgotten you’re all about Sydney.” Belinda tossed her hair and strutted in the direction they were headed for the mall.

  “You’re off base.” She heard him call after her.

  They entered the mall and walked over to check out the movie listings. Lance wanted to see an action film. He balked at the chick flicks. Belinda shrugged. She didn’t really care what they watched.

  Belinda missed Sydney. Thinking of her best friend, Belinda sighed. She was entangled in a web of deceit. She’d slept with Lance and betrayed Sydney, all the while knowing he was obviously still in love with Sydney. Now she avoided Sydney like the Bubonic plague.

  They approached the cashier and she reached into her bag. “I’ll pay for my ticket.”

  “It’s a movie ticket, Bells. Anyway, I don’t do the Dutch thing.”

  “Not even with friends?” she asked.

  He answered her with a firm look.

  She did as he asked and stole a glance at him from under her lashes. Lance was a good-looking man. Ashamed of where her eyes had traveled, she moved them away from his rear end and focused on the movie posters.

  Lance had strong feelings for Sydney. She was certain that was why he was back in town. It made absolutely no sense that she was here with him. She rolled her eyes. She’d told herself she was helping him. That flimsy excuse wouldn’t hold up under a microscope. She was hanging with Lance because of selfish reasons. It was pitiful pining for a man who not only didn’t want her, but was going to ruin her life.

  She fussed with her hair. Lance had made the observation that she wore her hair like Sydney’s, which precipitated a quick visit to the hairdresser and a rapid cut and color change. She wanted to be seen as her own person, but now she felt silly about the change.

  “Our movie starts in ten minutes,” Lance said. “You want popcorn?”

  Belinda shook her head. “I’m not hungry.” Deceit packed her stomach. There was no room for food. “Can I ask you a question?”

  He frowned. “Of course.”

  “Why are you taking me to the movies if you want Sydney?” Her eyes challenged him to answer.

  Lance shrugged. “We’re friends. It’s the weekend.”

  “You’re a good looking man. You could have a date with some other substitute for Sydney.”

  Lance shook his head. “Enough with the Sydney talk. I’m not interested in Sydney like that.”

  Belinda rolled her eyes. Lance was telling her lies. She knew it and he knew it.

  “Can you drop the funk and allow yourself to enjoy the movie please? It’s my first real day off since I started at Fawcett.”

  “Then you should have asked someone out that you didn’t have history with.”

  Lance reached for her hand and it enclosed hers like a warm close. Her heart skipped a beat.

  His eyes pinned her with an intense look. “I don’t mind our history.” He held her gaze for a moment and then turned his head toward the entrance. “Let’s go watch the movie.”

  Lance didn’t let her hand go. She looked around at the people in the lobby. What if Sydney were to see her? Or even someone from the church. Port Charlotte was a small town. Word could get back to Sydney. Lance placed his hand in the small of her back as they passed through the door from the light into the dark theater. From light into darkness. Belinda mused over the paradox. Then Lance’s hand was on her shoulder guiding her to the seat he wanted. It felt good. He felt good, so she willed herself to relax, enjoy the movie, and her time with the man that held her heart.

  34

  Sydney sped back into Port Charlotte and rapped on Noah’s door. Her time with her father had ended early due to his having a bad case of the stomach flu. About half-hour after eating their tacos, Irving had doubled over in pain. He’d rushed to the bathroom, where he stayed for most of the evening. Janine had urged him to stay with her so she could keep track of his fluids. Since Janine used her third bedroom as an office, Sydney had offered her room. Irving hadn’t wanted her to leave, but Sydney assured him they would get together the following weekend. She wanted him to meet Noah anyway and invited them to dinner.

  “This is the best day of my life,” she said when Noah answered the door. “Meeting my father was a surreal experience. I keep wanting to pinch myself, but it would hurt too much.”

  Noah cracked up. He reached over to kiss her on the cheek. “I’m so happy for you.” He gestured for her to come inside. “Tell me everything,” he said, leading her into the kitchen. Noah had ordered pizza and wings. They washed their hands and Noah blessed the meal.

  Sydney perched on the stool and filled him in while they ate. She recounted her conversation with her father verbatim. “We cried together a good ten minutes. He felt like home to me.”

  Noah rejoiced with her and they praised God together.

  “How are the plans for the charity coming?”

  “Great. We managed to book DJ Roy Bramwell from the Brammo Entertainment Group. According to Portia, he’s all the rage in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. She called in a favor and he gave us a reasonable rate.”

  Noah nodded. “That sounds great.” His tone of voice showed a significant lack of enthusiasm.

  Sydney laughed. “I know you’ve been out of the party scene for a while. But booking a good deejay is crucial if you want an event people are going to remember and talk about for years to come.”

  This time he smiled. “Then I’m glad you got him. Sister Ellie is quite excited to model some of the fashions.”

  “And snag a man, I bet. Since you’re taken.” Sydney grinned.

  Noah shook his head. “I’ll never live that bet down. Sister Ellie is doing well mentoring the young women. We now have thirty members. There was about seven or eight when she started. Both her and Belinda make an awesome team.”

  Sydney nodded. “I agree. I’ve seen such growth in Belinda. Although …”

  Noah gestured for her to continue.

  She shook her head. “I don’t know if I’m being overly sensitive, but something’s going on with Belinda. I think she’s struggling with something.”

  Noah nodded. “Many new believers struggle with giving up things like sex, smoking, alcohol … it’s a battle. Most times they don’t stop cold turkey. It’s a day by day process. I think Belinda is battling with her own desires. Each step of the way, the devil is feeding her lies, making her feel as if she isn’t changed. It’s normal, but it’s rough.”

  “I think you may be right.” Sydney looked thoughtful.

  Noah felt led to share more of his testimony. “I told you how my parents died. Well, as you can imagine, I didn’t handle their death very well. I started acting out, hanging out with the wrong crowd. Soon, I ended up in juvenile hall. I started hanging with a tough group of guys. We called ourselves The Avengers. We did some awful things. I would’ve continued down the same path had I not met the Lord. There was a Seventh Day Baptist church near my home in Texas. One day, I went inside to check out the service. It was the singing that drew me. A little old lady came up to me, and kissed me. She told me how God loved me no matter what I had done. I gave my life to the Lord, and that’s how I ended up here.”

  Sydney’s eyes were alight with tears for him. Noah was touched by her sympathy. He felt an inner voice tell him to tell all. Noah had given Sydney the bare skin and bones. He hadn’t provided the
meat of the story, but he told himself it was enough.

  “Now, you’re about to have your first television show. God works in mysterious ways. Everything in your past led you here. God allowed you to experience it all for this moment in time.”

  They shared a tender smile before finishing their pizza. Then tidied the kitchen side by side. Since it was early evening, they decided to go to the movies.

  On the drive over, Noah said, “SNN 6 wants to air my show on television. The airdate is scheduled for February. Deacon Shaw is jumping up and down with joy. I’ve never heard so many “amen’s” and “hallelujah’s” in a long time.”

  “Wow. That’s great news.” Sydney clapped her hands. “I’m so happy for how God is using you.”

  “I can’t believe how fast God is moving. Everything is falling in place like a jigsaw puzzle.”

  Sydney whooped. “God, you’re good! Won’t He do it? He sure did.” She said those phrases several times. Each time her voice raised an octave higher. “I need a new outfit to rock on television. And, shoes, of course.”

  “You almost busted my eardrums.” Noah grinned, lowering the windows.

  He swerved into a parking spot at Regal Cinemas. Noah turned the ignition off and took her hand. He suddenly seemed serious.

  “When do you want to get married?” Noah used his thumb to draw circles in the middle of her hand and pierced her with a gaze.

  She felt the full force of those baby blues. She opened the door and got out. Noah did the same. They walked inside the theater and Noah purchased their tickets. Then they entered the theater, but Noah held her arm.

  “You didn’t answer my question.”

  “I want to marry you, but I need time. I have to tell Belinda and my mom—er, my parents. Actually, I want to wait until my parents get married.”

  “And when is that?”

  Sydney heard the question but she was frozen midstride. Sydney squinted. Was that who she thought it was? Noah called out to her, but she was in a zone. It was them.

  Her eyes widened and her jaw slacked. “Lance… Belinda?”

  35

  “Lance. Belinda,” Sydney shrieked. Her knees buckled and she held her head. She leaned into Noah to keep from passing out. “I can’t believe this. You’re here. Together. Holding hands. Joking and laughing like …” She shook her head.

  “Sydney, calm down. You’re going to make a scene,” Noah interjected.

  “I don’t care,” she hissed, through gritted teeth. Her voice must have carried because both Belinda and Lance looked their way.

  “Suds!” Belinda dropped Lance’s hand and rushed to where Sydney stood. “This isn’t what it looks like.” She grabbed Sydney’s arm.

  “Really?” Sydney planted a hand on her hip. “So you’re telling me that my former fiancé and best friend are not coming out of a movie theater holding hands? Because that’s what it looks like to me.”

  Noah drew a breath and took Sydney’s hand in his. She squeezed his hand. He took that to mean she’d fill him in later.

  Lance made a well-rehearsed approach and held out a hand. “I’m Doctor Lance Forbes.” Then he looked at Sydney. “Hi, again, Sydney.”

  “Don’t talk to me like you didn’t betray me again.” She snapped at Lance before addressing Noah. “Let’s go. I’m not doing this.” She swung her head in Lance’s direction, then toward Belinda.

  “Let me explain,” Belinda yelled.

  “You don’t have to explain what I saw with my own two eyes.”

  “It’s not what you think,” Belinda continued.

  Sydney turned and gave her a nasty once-over. “So, you’re not sleeping with him?” she asked. “Don’t bother telling a lie because the guilt is all over your face.”

  “I …” Belinda’s cheeks were flushed. Moviegoers were staring at them with open curiosity.

  “You have no right to ask that question,” Lance said. “That’s none of your business.”

  “Shut up,” Belinda said to Lance. “I don’t need you defending me.”

  “Listen, please lower your voices. We don’t need this ending up on social media,” Noah said. “Let’s take this somewhere private.”

  “We don’t need to take it anywhere. Let’s get out of here.” Sydney pulled Noah back to his car. She tapped her feet as she waited for him to open the passenger door. Once inside she screamed. “I can’t believe this. This is déjà vu all over again. How many of my friends does he want? First, Monica, and now Belinda. Monica I could see, but Belinda? Belinda?” She curled her fists. “I should’ve …”

  “Easy. Take some deep breaths,” Noah said. “You might be reading too much into what you saw.”

  “I’m reading it just right.” She folded her arms. “Belinda has been acting funny. I knew she was seeing someone. I knew it. I just never thought…” She dropped her face in her hands and began to sob.

  Noah drove to Gilchrist Park while Sydney fought to bring her emotions under control. He assisted her out the car and they strolled over to the bench overlooking the water.

  Gilchrist was generally packed with families playing basketball, football, grilling, and having birthday parties. Today, however, the park was blissfully scanty. The only person around was a runner, busy listening to his iPod, too caught up in his own workout to give Sydney and Noah more than a cursory glance.

  Noah made Sydney sit next to him on the bench. She leaned on his chest. He rubbed her shoulders. He felt her chest heave from her tears. He was stuck on the word, fiancé. Noah didn’t know why he assumed the engagement was a first for the both of them. He knew he wanted answers. Was she crying for Lance? Or for Belinda?

  Noah handed her a handkerchief from his pocket. His years as a minister taught him to always have one handy. When he heard her sniffles, he gently asked, “Ready to talk?”

  Sydney nodded. “I know you need an explanation. First, I need to tell you these tears are not about Lance Forbes, they are about Belinda.”

  Inside, Noah relaxed. “I’m listening.”

  “I don’t understand how she could do this to me. We’ve been friends for twenty years. How could she … and with Lance?” Sydney sobbed.

  “I don’t know, but I know Belinda loves you.”

  Sydney choked up. “Then why? Why didn’t she tell me?” She looked up at him as tears streamed down her face. “Why him? Of all the men she could have, why the man who hurt me the most?”

  Noah drew her into his arms. “Maybe you should call her and ask her.”

  On cue, her cell rang. It was Belinda. Sydney pushed the END button.

  Noah stroked her shoulders. “Oh, Baby.”

  Sydney’s shoulders shook under the weight of her tears. “I feel like someone pushed a knife into my heart and twisted it.” She touched her chest.

  Noah placed a gentle kiss on her lips.

  She touched her lips. “How can I feel your trust, your compassion in such a quick kiss?” She shook her head before saying, “Let’s walk.” With a nod, Noah hoisted to his feet and stretched his legs.

  Sydney gripped his hand. Noah wiggled his fingers, hinting she needed to loosen her grip. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize …” She loosened her hold before squaring her shoulders. “Lance and I dated for two years before we got engaged. I planned a wedding and invited almost all of Port Charlotte. But on our wedding day, he ran off with one of my bridesmaids. A woman named Monica Riley. I had to break the news to everyone that the wedding was off. In a town this size, it made the newspaper.”

  Noah clenched his fists. “He was a coward to let you face the crowd on your own. I’m sorry you had to go through that.” He enfolded her into his arms.

  “Belinda saw my humiliation. She knew what Lance put me through. How he made me doubt myself. Yet, she’s holding his hand?” Sydney shook her head. “What kind of a friend is that?

  “That’s what was wrong with her. She was seeing Lance and she knew she couldn’t tell me that. She knew I’d have a problem with it.”
Sydney gritted her teeth. “She didn’t even have the decency to tell me to my face. She probably never would’ve told me if I hadn’t caught her.”

  “You don’t know that,” Noah said.

  She shook her head. “I know her. She wasn’t going to tell me.”

  Noah seemed to search for words before speaking. “I saw the pain on her face. She doesn’t feel good about hurting you.”

  “Good,” Sydney snapped. “I wonder how long this has been going on…” Sydney buried herself deeper in his arms. Her cell rang. She ignored it. “I’m done with her.”

  “Sydney, I know you don’t want to hear this and your emotions are all over the place, but you can’t be done with Belinda. You’re both working on the charity event, so you can’t be done with her.”

  “Ugh! Don’t remind me. I don’t think I can do it.”

  “You can’t back out. This event is bigger than the both of you. It’s a good cause and you have to honor your commitment. Think about what God—”

  She backed out of his arms. “Listen, I don’t need you to preach at me right now. I need you to be here for me and hold me.” Her lips quivered.

  Noah enfolded her back into his arms and patted her back.

  She sighed. “I know you’re right. I don’t want to have anything to do with her, though.”

  “Sister Ellie will be there and I’m sure Portia will be glad to help.”

  She looked up at Noah. “Thanks for listening. I’m so glad I have you. I feel secure with you. I feel loved.”

  “Because you’re loved. I love you.”

  Sydney smiled. “I’ll never tire of hearing you say you love me.” She looked at him with trust in her eyes. “I love you.”

  By then dusk had fallen.

  “I wish I could remain here forever, but we need to get home,” Sydney said.

  “Yes, we have church tomorrow. But wait! There’s something I must do.” Noah reached into his pants pocket and took out a small velvet box.

  Sydney’s hands touched her cheeks. Tears lined her eyes.

  “Can you guess what this is?” He winked. “I know you said you’d marry me, but you’re missing a very important item to make it official.”