Tell Me Lies

by Michelle Lindo-Rice

  Sydney nodded. Oh yes, she had a guess. She knew what was inside that box. Her smile was so wide her cheeks hurt.

  Noah pried open the velvet box and took out the ring. He held it up and studied it for a moment. It was a four-carat Marquis solitaire encrusted with diamonds set in white gold.

  Noah read the inscription, “Sydney, my soul mate,” before ceremoniously placing it on Sydney’s left ring finger. “It’s a perfect fit.”

  Sydney looked at the diamond twinkling on her finger. If the carat size indicated the love, then his love was expansive. Her hand felt heavy from its new occupant. “It’s exquisite, Noah. There are no words,” she breathed out. “I love it,” she said. “It’s about time.” Then she pushed herself up on her tiptoes and kissed him.

  After several minutes, Noah broke the kiss and stepped back. Sydney was glad he seemed regretful for the kiss to end.

  “Do you think it will always be like this between us?” Sydney whispered.

  “No.”

  “No?”

  “It’ll get better, especially once we’re man and wife.” He moved closer to her. “You’ll see, I promise.”

  Sydney shivered. “I can’t wait.”

  Noah chuckled.

  Just before they entered the car, Sydney stopped. “I need to tell you something. Lance and I never slept together.”

  Noah’s eyes widened.

  “I’ve been with one person in my freshman year in college. Since then, I made a vow to wait for marriage.”

  Noah shook his head. That was almost unheard of these days. “You’re remarkable.”

  “What about you?” She lifted a brow.

  “I’ve had experiences,” he wouldn’t say how many, “but my love for God supersedes my love for sex. I’ve been celibate since I started my ministry. I was determined to find the right woman with whom I’d share my life, my heart and my body.” He looked at Sydney. “And I’ve found her.”

  Sydney’s knees went weak at his words.

  Noah cupped both her cheeks in his hands. His voice dropped. “When the time is right, I won’t hold back. You’ll get all of me. Everything I have to give will be yours.”

  “It’s like that?” Sydney breathed.

  “And then some.”

  36

  “Sydney can never know,” Noah said.

  The hulk seated before him shifted in the chair slightly too small for his size. Hunter Fox was an ex-navy seal and Noah’s friend/bodyguard.

  Noah remembered the day Hunter had entered the church in Texas drunk and in despair over the loss of his wife and child. They had died in a fire while Hunter was away on assignment. Hunter had a severe case of post-traumatic stress coupled with regret of not being there to save his family. Noah had ministered to him and then helped him get back on his feet by offering a job as his bodyguard. Not that Noah needed one, but he knew sometimes you had to be creative about ministry.

  But Hunter had taken his role too seriously. He was intense. He’d installed a state of the art security system in Noah’s home and the church. He glared at the members who tried to get close to Noah. Noah had quickly helped him move on to celebrity gigs.

  A white hand, the size of a bear-paw, lifted to assure Noah. “Sydney will have no idea I’m there. I promise.”

  “I bought the condo next to hers in your name. You’ll be able to keep an eye on her. If she knew I did this, she’d kill me.”

  “Better this than her being dead,” Hunter said, in a matter-of-fact tone. “I’ll find Matthew.”

  “He won’t be that easy,” Noah warned. “He has reach and resources.”

  “Not worried,” Hunter said. One bulky arm reached and rubbed his olive-green eyes before smoothing it across his buzz cut. “You didn’t have to purchase the condo though. I don’t plan to be here for more than a few weeks.”

  “I’m hoping you’ll change your mind. Port Charlotte might grow on you.”

  Hunter shook his head. “I’m not setting down any roots. It’s better that way.”

  Just then, there was a knock on his door.

  Sister Ellie stormed inside. “Pastor, I have an issue with the deacons. They’re saying I can’t hold a pageant show in the sanctuary.”

  She stopped. Noah watched her eyes bulge as she scanned Hunter from head to toe. “Who’s this? A new member?”

  “He’s a friend.”

  “Do you live here?” Sister Ellie continued probing. “Are you single? And by single, I mean, no girlfriend. I already learned my lesson with this one.” She pointed at Noah.

  Hunter’s eyes widened. Noah hid a smile and folded his arms to watch the exchange.

  “Who are you?” Hunter asked.

  “I’m Ellie. And you’re one of the most handsome men I’ve ever seen.”

  Hunter looked his way. “Does she have a filter?”

  Noah cracked up. There was no taming Sister Ellie. But Noah decided Hunter needed rescuing. “Sister Ellie, This is Hunter Fox. He was just leaving, so we can talk about the pageant.”

  “No, he can’t leave just yet. I’m on my way to the warehouse and I need him to help haul and lift.”

  Hunter’s mouth popped open. “Is she for real?”

  “Stop talking over my head,” Sister Ellie said. She touched Hunter’s arm. “If you want to say something to me, I’m right here.”

  “You don’t let me get a word in,” Hunter answered.

  Sister Ellie shrugged. “Are you going to help me or not?”

  “Lady, I don’t know you. I just met you.” He looked at his watch. “Two minutes ago and I’m convinced you’re crazy.”

  Hunter had found his match. Noah stood. “I have to run a quick errand.” Hunter glared, but Noah ignored him. Hunter needed someone like Ellie to invade his orderly life.

  “Do you need me to come with you?” Hunter asked. His voice begged Noah to say yes.

  “No, I’m good. You could help Sister Ellie. That would mean a lot to me.” Noah knew Hunter would do anything for him. Loyalty was his trademark.

  “I’d be happy to help,” Hunter said, through gritted teeth.

  “Great.” Excitement filled Sister Ellie’s tone as she ran down a list of twenty things she needed Hunter to do.

  Noah heard Hunter’s loud groan, but knew Hunter would do as she bid. With a chuckle, Noah walked off. Hunter was a force, but he was no match for Sister Ellie Moore. She was a hurricane and just the person to knock him off his feet.

  He glanced at his watch. He’d make the florist. Sydney was cooking dinner and had invited her parents. He wanted to get flowers for both women.

  Noah’s cell phone vibrated. He’d received a text message from an encrypted number.

  Time to pay up.

  Again the thought to put Matthew in God’s hands presented itself. Again, Noah’s fear overrode his judgment.

  Your threats are meaningless to me. Noah texted back.

  Not to Sydney.

  Noah’s palms felt sweaty. His fingers flew across his keyboard.

  Leave her out of this.

  A picture popped up. It was Sydney leaving the warehouse. It must have been taken days ago. She was with Belinda and Sister Ellie. He received another text.

  The more the merrier.

  A chill crawled up his spine. It was then Noah knew Matthew was serious. He’d go after Sydney. The rule about not hurting women no longer applied.

  37

  “I’m about to pass out from anxiety. My parents are coming to meet my fiancé. What if my father doesn’t like you?” Sydney glanced at her watch and then looked out the window into her condo parking lot. “They should get here in about twenty minutes.”

  She shook her head. “I don’t know why I care if he does or doesn’t like you. He just met me. A few months ago, I didn’t even know Irving Edison was alive.”

  Noah put a calming hand on her shoulder. “He’ll like me. And it’s okay to care what your father thinks.” He scanned the black and white floral print dress she’d ch
osen to wear. She’d worked painstakingly on her curls and had bought a pair of black sandals that sported a huge white bow similar to the ones in the print dress she was wearing. “You look amazing as usual.”

  She placed a kiss on his lips. “Thank you for being here.”

  He smiled. “I feel good you want me by your side. I wish I could erase all your past hurt, pain, and fears. That’s God’s job.” Then he muttered under his breath, “But I’m not going to sit by and do nothing either.”

  Before Sydney could ask what he meant by that, he changed subjects. “How did it go at the warehouse with Belinda?”

  “I went in and did what I had to do,” Sydney said. “Ellie was there and she did enough talking for the both of us. I can’t wait for this whole thing to be over. January 18th can’t get here fast enough.”

  The rap on the door followed by the doorbell signified her parents had arrived.

  Sydney held Noah’s hand and stood. Together they went to answer the door. She shielded her eyes from the sun. “Hi,” she said, suddenly shy. Her parents entered.

  “Dad, I’d like you to meet my fiancé, Pastor Noah Charleston.”

  “I’m pleased to meet you, sir,” Noah said.

  The two shook hands. Irving gave a cool nod. Then he scanned the room.

  “You have a beautiful place,” Irving said. He held out his hands.

  “Thank you,” she said, while pondering his not so warm greeting to Noah. “I have dinner all set. So, I hope you’re hungry.” She gestured toward the dining area. They lingered by the spread. She had lilies on display and sparkling apple cider on ice.

  “I can’t wait to try my daughter’s cooking for the first time.”

  “Sydney cooking a meal is a rare event,” Janine joked. “Noah, has she cooked for you?”

  “Yes, she made breakfast for me and my grandfather,” Noah said. He rubbed his stomach. “I wish she’d do it more often.”

  Sydney laughed. “I’m usually swamped with work. Besides when I cook, I make enough to feed an army. It’s easier to pick up something for one. Anyway, I made pot roast with mashed potatoes and green beans. I bought the cake from Publix though. I draw the line at dessert.”

  Everyone chuckled, but her father remained silent. Sydney felt uneasy. She didn’t know him well enough to gauge his emotions.

  “I’ll go check on our meal,” she said.

  “Do you need help?” Janine asked.

  “Yes, thanks, Mom.” As soon as she entered the kitchen, she confronted her Mom. “What’s up with Dad? He’s barely spoken a word.”

  Janine shook her head.

  “Yes, you do,” Sydney said. “Tell me.”

  “I think it’s because Noah’s white.”

  Sydney’s mouth hung open. “That’s ridiculous. I can’t believe he’d have a problem with that. He seemed cool.”

  “I just think he’s… careful and I understand why. I told him on the way over and he asked if there weren’t any good, black brothers around.”

  Sydney blinked. “Wow. You raised me to see people as people. Love has no color.”

  “I said the same, but Irving has been racially profiled. He grew up in a different era. Although, this country seems to be moving backwards instead of forward.” She pleaded with Sydney. “He’s scared for you.”

  “I can take care of myself. A few months ago, Irving didn’t exist to me, and now he’s all in my love life.” Sydney grabbed the pot roast. “Bring the mashed potatoes.”

  “I know we’ll have many people come against our relationship,” Noah was saying when she re-entered the room, “But I love Sydney. I’m prepared for the ignorance.”

  Sydney gritted her teeth. “It’s not anybody’s business who I love.” She plopped the pan on the table and sat next to Noah. She frowned at Irving, but he shrugged.

  Noah patted her hand and gave a look, which said, “I’ve got this.” Sydney relaxed.

  Her mother placed the mashed potatoes on the table and then went to get the green beans. Then she slid in the seat next to Irving. Like Sydney, she kept quiet during Noah and Irving’s conversation.

  “I agree. But, it’s tough. Marriage is hard enough without having to deal with hate and bigotry. People will roll their eyes, make nasty comments,” Irving said. “It’s tough.”

  “I appreciate your frankness, Irving,” Noah said. “In fact, I’d be surprised if you never brought it up. Race will always be an issue when others see me with Sydney. There’s no use denying it. I’m going to be called hateful names for loving her, but I’m going to love her. I promise I’ll do anything, anything to protect her and keep her safe.”

  Irving softened. “How can I not respect the man who loves my daughter? I can see it in your face.”

  “I do,” Noah said. “I hope we will have your support.”

  “You do,” Janine said.

  “Can we eat now before I get indigestion from all this heavy talk?” Sydney chimed in.

  Noah blessed the meal.

  While they ate, Janine said, “Irving and I are getting married. Noah, we would like you to officiate?”

  Before Noah could answer, Sydney spoke up. “You want Noah to marry you? But Dad was just saying he had a problem with Noah.”

  “I don’t have a problem with Noah. I was concerned, but not anymore,” Irving said.

  “You two are so much alike,” Janine said. “You’re both stubborn.” She took a sip of the sparkling apple cider and said, “Noah, you didn’t answer my question.”

  “I’d be honored.”

  “Then I guess it’s settled. I’ll let you know the date,” Janine said. “Now let’s talk about something else. I’m here to have a good time.”

  38

  “It was great meeting you,” Noah said to Irving and Janine.

  Their car was parked next to his. He waited for them to depart before turning to wave at Sydney. He got into his vehicle and drove to the nearby Publix. Hunter was already there and waiting on him.

  “What do you have for me?” he asked, as he got into Hunter’s truck.

  “He’s like an eel. Matthew doesn’t stay in the same location for long. He doesn’t care if it’s four-star or a one-star hotel, he just keeps moving. He’s been at the Four Points, the Days Inn and the Knight’s Inn. Right now, he’s at the Wyvern.”

  “Keep an eye on him. Has he been anywhere near Sydney?”

  “No, but he could have other people watching her.”

  “What about Belinda or Sister Ellie? I don’t want them getting hurt, either,” Noah said. “Matthew showed me a picture of all three women together. That’s a loaded threat.”

  Hunter shook his head. “It’s hard to read the mind of a psychopath.”

  “I agree.” Noah’s stomach clenched. “He sends a text saying it’s time for me to pay up and then nothing from him.”

  “He uses disposable phones,” Hunter said. “He tosses them as he’s done. I’ve fished one out of the trash outside a McDonald’s and another from a Wal-Mart.”

  “I think he’s doing this to me on purpose to keep me on edge.”

  “That’s how these men operate. They have the patience to commit evil. It could be days or even months before you hear from him.”

  “What do I do in the meantime?” Noah asked.

  “We wait.”

  “I don’t have time to wait,” Noah said. “I need for this to be all over.”

  “And ruin his fun?” Hunter asked. “That would be too easy.”

  Noah released a breath. “I’ve never been this scared in all my life.” The Spirit prodded him to pray and to depend on God. But Noah was too scared to listen to His voice. Noah had to do something. “I’ve gone against some tough dudes in juvie and I didn’t feel like this. If Sydney gets hurt because of me…”

  “She won’t.”

  “Hunter, I need a little more than your stoic calm. I need to know these women won’t get hurt,” Noah pleaded.

  Hunter shifted. “Then maybe you shoul
d tell her so she can be on the lookout.”

  Noah shook his head. “She’ll ask too many questions. There are things I haven’t told her.”

  “Ah, I see.” Hunter rested his head against the leather seat. Besides his grandfather, only Hunter knew his whole truth. “Thanks for setting Ellie on me, by the way.”

  Despite the dire situation, Noah chuckled. “You’re welcome. She’s just what you need.”

  “She seems to think so,” Hunter said. “She follows me home and insists on cooking me meals. I have enough plastic containers to see me through another year.”

  Noah laughed. “You realize it’s only when you’re talking about her that you use so many words.”

  “That’s because she’s exasperating.” Hunter shook his head. “I’ve never met anyone like her.”

  “Ellie is special,” Noah said. He tapped Hunter on the shoulder. “It’s okay to love again.”

  “Oh no. Don’t even go there. Love is out of the question,” Hunter said. He shifted gears. “I did find out something else of interest.”

  Noah raised a brow.

  “His mother. I found Matthew’s mother.”

  “His mother?” Noah’s brows furrowed. “He has a mother? I didn’t know he had any family.”

  “She lives in Arizona. I’d like to go down there and have a chat with Momma Shadow. I’d only be gone for a day or two.”

  “Yes, but don’t hurt her.”

  Hunter’s eyes widened. “I’m surprised you felt the need to say that.”

  Noah gave him a look.

  Hunter shrugged. “Okay, no roughing up the old woman. I get it. She’ll talk to me. I can be charming if I put my mind to it.”

  “Yes!” Noah exclaimed. “Finally, some good news!”

  39

  “Why do you care what I think?” Belinda curled her lips. “You don’t need all of this just for you.” Belinda didn’t know why she’d let Lance persuade her to go anywhere with him after the fiasco at the mall. But Sydney had cut her off, and Lance was all she had. Or so she told herself. It had nothing to do with her feelings. Nothing at all. So, here she was touring a house Lance insisted she see.