Lie, Lie Again: A Novel, page 27
Closing her eyes, she pictured Hugh pulling his phone from his pocket when he felt the buzz of a text. He would be seated across from Lily as she fed the baby, and he’d sneak a look at the text. It’s work, he’d say apologetically. She would nod, a peaceful smile on her face, thinking, Oh, my hard-working husband. He deserves a break on the weekends!
Hugh’s face would burn red. His palms would itch, and he’d dash to the kitchen for a glass of water, gulping the cold liquid until he choked. He’d motion to his throat. Wrong pipe, he’d utter as he rushed for the privacy of the powder room. He would watch the video with the volume down, his stomach screaming with each passing second.
Her phone rang, and she jumped. She hadn’t expected such a quick response. She slid her finger across the screen and tucked her hair to one side before pressing the phone to her ear.
“Hello, Hugh.”
“What the hell, Sylvia?” he hissed. “What is this?”
“I’m fine, thanks,” she said pedantically, as though she were a manners teacher modeling the correct response. “And how are you?”
“No way! I’m not playing games. Tell me what the fuck is going on.”
She waved a hand above the flame of the candle, daring it to reach her palm. It sounded like spittle had flown from his mouth as he spoke. That was so unlike him.
“You’re going to be a daddy again.” She could hear him breathing heavily. Smiling into the phone, she said, “If you don’t want to tell Lily right away, I understand completely. But,” she said, adopting an optimistic tone, “if you think she’d want to know about Hunter’s half sibling, I’m all for it.”
“Oh, you’re not talking to Lily. I’ll tell her you’re crazy and unstable. I’ll tell her to call the police if you show up again.”
A poisonous laugh trickled from her lips. “Oh, Hugh. You’re so funny. Do you even hear yourself? She knows I’m not crazy. We already bonded when I brought the gift over.”
“The hell you did.”
“Okay,” she said with a pitying laugh. “Whatever you say.”
He grunted, and she seized the moment.
“It would be so easy to go through our calendars together over a nice lunch. I’m sure she’d find it odd that the weekends I spent with you match up perfectly with your fake work trips.”
“You wouldn’t.”
“What? Defend myself from your pathetic lies?” Her voice turned harsh. “Don’t test me, Hugh. By the way, how did your conversation with Sammy go? He was so surprised to see me at his place.”
A crash sounded, and the call ended. She hoped the screen of his phone didn’t crack when he threw it. But there’d be more. He would come back, trembling and afraid, seeking reassurance.
Riki finished filling out the documents and fidgeted with the pen. After what felt like an eternity, the nurse appeared. “Come on back. Dr. Hart will see you.”
She bounced from the chair and rushed to the open door. “Thank you so much.”
“Sure thing. Follow me.”
The exam room was small, and Riki sat on the edge of the paper-covered bed. Even though she was bundled in her ski jacket, a shiver ran through her. She wished she were back at home, sitting at her kitchen table grading papers, not in this sterile room with her hand pressed to her neck. Before she could take a breath, the doctor walked in.
He was much younger than she had imagined—thirty at most—but it was his eyes that grabbed her. They were pale hazel, almost gold, against dark lashes. Mesmerizing. “Samantha told me you were an emergency, but don’t worry,” he said, his voice sincere. “We’ll get you fixed up, okay?”
Riki nodded, and her eyes filled with tears. Oh, jeez. A few kind words and she was falling apart. She pressed a hand to her face. “Sorry. It’s just been a rough day.”
“No need to apologize. I’m Dr. Hart.” He stepped forward and shook her hand.
“I’m Riki.”
“Nice to meet you, Riki. Are you visiting for the weekend?”
“Yeah, we came up from LA.”
“Nice. It’s a great city,” he said with a smile. “And don’t worry. You’re in good hands. Go ahead and take off your jacket, and I’ll have a look.” After scrubbing his hands with a vigor she appreciated, he tugged on gloves and removed the tissues that were sticky with blood. Riki tried not to wince as he dropped them into the waste bin. Using a gentle touch, he dabbed her neck with a damp gauze pad before shining a light on it. “How’d this happen?”
“I ran into the fence on a ski run.”
“Well, the good news is it’s a clean cut. It looks like the impact caused the skin to split, but just in case, have you had a tetanus shot within the last ten years?”
Riki racked her brain. “I can’t remember.”
“We’ll get you one today, then.”
“Is that the bad news?”
“No bad news,” he said, inspecting her wound. His face was so close to hers that she averted her eyes, focusing on the poster that listed warning signs for the flu. Doctors weren’t supposed to be so cute. “You’ll need stitches, but you shouldn’t have much of a scar when it’s healed.” He smiled at her. “I’m good with a needle and thread.”
Riki covered her face with a hand. “Please don’t say those words again. I’m barely past hearing about the shot.”
He laughed. “You’re squeamish when it comes to that kind of thing?”
She peered at him from between her fingers. “Terribly. Can you knock me out or, better yet, just slap some glue on it and call it a day?”
He shook his head and sat on the swivel chair next to her. “The cut is too deep. We’ll get you nice and numb. You won’t feel a thing.”
She looked at her hands, wishing she could believe him. He seemed so certain, but what if he was adept at lying to comfort his patients, and once he got started, it was too late for them to back out? “I’m scared.”
“Don’t be.” He peeled the gloves from his hands and dropped them in the trash before spinning back to her. “Like I mentioned, I’m a great seamstress.”
“Seriously?”
“Yep. I grew up surrounded by strong women who felt it was their duty to teach me how to sew. I can make one hell of a pillow.” He smiled—not with just his mouth but with his entire face. Even his golden eyes seemed to be smiling. As much as Riki had wanted to dart from the building just moments ago, he was making her want to stay.
She met his gaze. “You’re not like other doctors I’ve seen.”
“Should I take that as a compliment?” he asked, his brow arched.
“Yes.”
“Good. You had me worried. Okay,” he said, standing. “I’ll have the nurse come in to prep you, and we’ll get started. It won’t take much time at all.”
She squeezed her hands together on her lap. “Okay.”
“Don’t look so concerned. I haven’t lost a patient yet.” He winked and left the room.
Riki laughed to herself. If he was this unconcerned, maybe it would be okay for her to let go of some of her fear.
Thirty minutes later, Dr. Hart was sporting special magnification goggles and stitching up her wound. There was a little pressure, but that was it. Tom Petty played in the background. When he’d come back in after the nurse left, he’d asked if she was okay with classic rock. “I work better with music in the background,” he’d said.
“I love classic rock,” she’d replied. If there was ever a sign that things would be okay, this was it. Her dad had introduced her to the Eagles, Bruce Springsteen, Fleetwood Mac—all the greats. It was almost like he was here with her now.
“Favorite classic song?” he asked as he worked.
She was positioned on her side with her hair tucked into a glorified shower cap and couldn’t see his face, but it sounded like he was smiling. “Too many to count.”
“Okay. Top three.”
She wanted to smile, but she held it in. “‘Beast of Burden,’ ‘Gold Dust Woman,’ and ‘Sister Golden Hair.’”
He blew out a low whistle. “‘Sister Golden Hair.’ Now, that’s one I haven’t heard in ages. I’m with you on ‘Beast of Burden.’ One of The Stones’ best. Are you an expert skier who was showing off on the mountain when you crashed?”
“God, no. I wish.”
“What happened?”
She told him about the group being fired up to start big and how she had been scared. He listened intently, or at least it seemed that way to her. “And then a nice man helped me down, since I couldn’t find my boyfriend. I still haven’t reached him.”
“Did you try again? He’s probably worried. I know I would be.”
“I’ve called three times,” she said quietly.
“Do you think he lost his phone on the mountain?”
She bit her lip. That hadn’t occurred to her. What if his phone was buried in snow? It wasn’t like he could borrow someone’s and call her. No one memorized phone numbers anymore. “Maybe?” She clung to the idea, because the thought of Chris not caring hurt more than she could’ve imagined. Even though she wasn’t 100 percent sure where their relationship was headed, it was important to know he cared. The fact that he wasn’t there for her when she needed him most was making her feel a little crazy.
Dr. Hart patted her arm. “We’re done. You can sit up now.”
“That wasn’t as bad as I’d imagined.”
“It’s going to be sore. Expect some swelling, but it’ll heal nicely. You’ll need to get the stitches removed in ten days.”
“Okay. Do I just go to my regular doctor for that?”
“Yep. I’m guessing you’re not staying here that long.”
“No.” She touched a hand to her neck. “Can I see it?”
He took a hand mirror from the counter near the sink. “Here you go.”
She stared at her reflection. Mascara was smeared beneath her eyes. Her hair was plastered to her forehead, and the two-inch gash in her neck was held together with black thread, making it look like spiders were crawling along her skin. “Frankenstein’s monster,” she said in a strangled voice. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to laugh or cry, but she forced a laugh. “If there’s a snow-queen pageant up here today, I’m thinking I’m a shoo-in for the winner.”
“You’d get my vote. That’s one beautiful bit of wound care. Whoever sewed you up has some mad skills.”
This time, her laugh was real. “A doctor and a comedian. That’s a great combo.”
Taking a bandage, he said, “All right. Let’s get this covered, and you are free to go.”
As he gently covered her stitches, her phone blared, and she startled. Pulling it from her pocket, she looked at the screen. Evelyn. “Hey.”
“Riki! Where are you?” Chris was shouting into the phone.
“Didn’t you get my messages? I called you,” she said, holding back a sob.
“My phone’s dead. I’m using Evelyn’s. Where the hell did you go?”
“I’m at the urgent care. I crashed into a fence.”
She waited for his reaction—a gasp or rushed words of concern—but he was too busy talking to someone else.
“No, dude. Get me another beer. I don’t want to mix my alcohols.” He was still shouting, and Riki could hear the buzz of a large crowd in the background. He was at a bar.
“Chris? Did you hear me? Can you come pick me up?”
“Wha? I can’t freaking drive right now. I’ve had, like, three beers. Where are you? If you’re at the condo, just walk over here. It’s close.”
Biting back angry words, she said, “Never mind. I’ll grab an Uber,” and ended the call.
Dr. Hart had busied himself making notes in her chart while she took the call. He glanced at her now. “There aren’t any Ubers up here.”
“Yeah. I know. He was drunk, so telling him would’ve been pointless.”
He nodded, but she couldn’t tell what he was thinking. His golden eyes reminded her of a lion’s, all-seeing and in control but revealing nothing. “I’m going to come right out and say it. Chris sounds like an ass.”
She sniffed. “He’s really not. It’s just . . . I think he had an idea of how this trip would go, but he forgot he was bringing me, not some super-athletic and spontaneous girl. I’m clumsy and a planner.”
A smile tugged his lips. “Do you want me to take you back to your condo?”
“That’d be great. Thanks.”
“And I apologize for sticking my nose in. I just . . .” He shook his head.
“It’s okay. You’ve been really nice.”
He tapped a hand against the door. “Let me tell Samantha up front we’re done here, and I’ll run you to your rental.”
This time when Riki buckled her seat belt, she wasn’t worried about checking the locks. Dr. Hart had changed from his doctor’s coat, and he suddenly looked like a guy. Like a hot guy who’d jumped right off a Hollister ad. Oh my God, she thought. He’s just spent an hour seeing me with makeup smeared down my face and messy hair. She snuck a look at him as he turned on the engine. His hands were strong but somehow elegant as they rested casually on the wheel. No white-knuckle driving for him.
“Are you staying near the slopes?”
“Yeah. I can’t remember exactly where the condo is, but maybe you can drop me at the lodge bar? That’s where my friends are.” She paused to take a breath. “It’s really nice of you to do this.”
He stole a glance at her and grinned. “You’ve had a tough day. I’m just trying to help it end on a good note.”
What a nice guy, she thought. He was so much more of an adult than a lot of guys she knew. Confident and capable. “Thanks.” She leaned her head against the soft leather of the seat. “You’ve accomplished that. In fact, listening to music with you while you . . . well, while you stitched—that word still grosses me out—was strangely the best part of the day.”
He laughed. “That is strange. But good. Makes me happy.”
A warm feeling ebbed through her as she gazed out the window. The light of day had been replaced by a blanket of darkness. “It’s so pretty. I could look at the falling snow for hours.” She clasped her hands in her lap. “You’re lucky to live up here.”
“It is magical. That’s for sure. You said you live in LA?” he asked as they pulled into the lodge parking lot.
“Yeah, I . . .” She stopped midsentence and leaned forward. A group of guys, hands shoved in pockets and heads down, was crossing to the bar. It was hard to determine if it was her group or not, but as they drew closer, she could tell it wasn’t them after all. “I thought those guys were my friends, but I guess not.”
“Do you want me to help you find them?”
Yes! Stay. But an image of an annoyed look on Chris’s face popped into her mind, forcing her to decline his offer. “Thanks, but I’m okay.” She bit her lip, wondering if she should say, If you’re ever in LA, give me a call. Here’s my number. The thought alone made her heart race so fast, she knew it was a bad idea. What if he looked at her like a child and gave her a pitying smile? He was clearly just a nice guy. So instead, she said, “Have a good night.”
“You too. And keep an eye on your stitches. Take it easy, okay?”
She let herself out of the car and walked into the lodge. Calvin spotted her first. He waved a hand high above his head and called her name. Riki straightened her jacket and strode toward the table. Evelyn hopped from her seat and rushed toward her. “Oh my God! We were so worried. I saw I had a missed call from you when I finally was able to charge my phone. Where’d you go?”
“I was at the urgent care. I texted Chris and called him too. I guess his phone died.”
Evelyn gripped her by the arms and scanned her up and down, looking for a sling or cast, Riki presumed. “What the hell? Are you okay?”
“Yeah. I had to get some stitches.” She pulled down the zipper of her jacket enough to give Evelyn a look.
“You poor thing!” She led her to the table, a firm grip on her arm. “Chris! Did you know your girlfriend was injured?”
He looked up with a droopy gaze. “Huh? Oh, hey, Riki!” He scrambled off the barstool and tripped his way to her. “Where’d you go? I checked the condo, but you weren’t there.”
Riki sighed. Evelyn glared at Chris before wedging her way back to the empty stool next to Liam. “I tried telling you, but you were too busy ordering drinks.” She revealed her puffy bandage, half hoping he’d pass out.
A nervous laugh fell from his lips. “What?”
“I got hurt, and I tried calling you, but you weren’t there.” The entire group was now leaning forward over their drinks, edging in to hear. She felt like a circus freak.
“Dude, you suck,” Eddie said loudly. “I told you that you should’ve waited when she didn’t show up after that run.” He shook his head and turned his eyes to Riki. “If I were dating you, I would’ve waited.”
Chris eyed him, and for a scary second, Riki thought a fight might break out. But then Chris eased out a chuckle. “A girl like Riki would never date a guy like you. And, dude, we got separated in the snow. It happens.” He grabbed Riki by the hand and led her to the semiquiet foyer of the bar.
Relief and rage stormed inside Riki. Rage won. She pulled her hand from his. “A stranger had to take me to the urgent care. And the freaking doctor brought me back here. I kept telling everyone that you would call, that it would be fine, but you didn’t. And it’s not fine, Chris. You just left me because Evelyn mentioned Brandon. What the hell is that about?” He shifted his feet and hung his head like a contrite little boy. “Can’t you even say something?”
“I’m sorry, okay? It pissed me off, and I needed a minute. I thought you would be right behind me! And when we got to the bottom, I realized you weren’t with us.”
“But you kept skiing.”
“I—”
“Never mind. You’re drunk, and I want to go back.”
“I’ll walk with you.”
“You know what? Don’t bother.” She pushed past him and headed back to the table. “Hey, Calvin? Can I have the keys? I’m going back to the condo.”
