The Letter of Lies

Chapter 13

Sam

I sit in the car and lean my head against the cool window. Nathalie is next to me typing away on her phone. She locks the screen and look at me before giving me a sympathetic smile. I sigh and turn away to continue looking out at the cars riding by.

I shut my eyes and think about the last few hours. I couldn't catch a break. The vivid memories make me squeeze my fist in anger.

[][]

3 Hours Ago

I grin widely and watch Tessa pop the bottle of wine. It spills everywhere and run down the bottle getting everywhere. "I'm so sorry." She chuckles.

Today we completed the semester and our presentation was perfect. All the hard work was well worth it. I go into the kitchen to grab something to clean up all the mess on the floor. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. I just wished Miranda was here to celebrate with me. But, she hasn't called or even tried to get in touch with me. I didn't know how I felt about it. I was expecting her to pop up on her own accord and demand me to listen to her.

But....nothing.

We clean the mess off the floor together and Tessa pours me a glass of wine. We then sit on the couch together. We sip together quietly. Tessa soons speak, "Thanks for finishing the project with me. It would have been nearly impossible to find another partner."

Tessa begged that we finish our final project together and even do some studying for the final exam. She even promised we would stop being friends afterwards.

Tessa swallows the rest of the wine and stand.

I look at her oddly.

"I may be a bitch but I keep my promises." She throw out her hand for me to shake. "It was nice working with you Sam."

"What are you doing?" I ask in confusion.

"I told you once we're done I'm out your life." Tessa explains. "I understand defeat when it is presented to me."

I sigh. "Can we not just be friends?" I try.

Tessa chuckles while shaking her head. "We can't. I really like you Sam but you're letting Miranda hold you back..."

I roll my eyes annoyed and when she take a seat next to me I scoot away. She frown, "I'm not trying to come onto you again." She laughs embarrassed. "It's hard to let your first love go but sometimes it's for the best. Trust me. Letting my first love go was the best decision I could have ever made. It wasn't easy but I got through it. I can tell Miranda means everything to you but that's probably one of the reasons you can't see how great you and I would be together."

I roll my eyes again. "I love Miranda." I tell her.

She smiles sadly, "Seems like you're trying to convince yourself and not me. No one will think you're the bad guy if you choose to end things with her. I know I somehow make everything about us..." She trails off and I nod my head in agreement. "But this isn't about me and you. It's about what is best for you."

"You don't understand..."

"Have you told her about Ireland yet?" Tessa questions.

"I..."

"My point exactly." Tessa pushes. I frown. "You're afraid she won't let you go. You know how selfish she can be and you love her so much that you will stay if she ask you to."

I run my fingers through my hair in frustration. "Ireland is not a set deal, Tessa. I haven't even done the interview yet. Who says I will even get the job."

"But, if you do." Tessa questions. "Will you leave?"

I pause and open my mouth to answer but no words come out. Tessa cock her head to the side curiously waiting for me to answer. The door is pushed open with a slam and I turn around on the couch expecting Miranda because that is usually how my luck works but no it's a fuming Nathalie with Rose behind her.

Nathalie look like she could kill and I instantly think whatever has happened is Rose fault. But, the tattooed woman face is passive.

"What's wrong?" I ask but Nathalie walk around the couch with anger and she throw her hand back before connecting it with the side of Tessa face.

I stand quickly, "Nathalie!" I scream.

I wrap my arms around the raging beast before she could touch Tessa again. Tessa hold the side of her face in complete shock. She step forward but Rose block her way. Tessa clenches her jaw and I drag Nathalie across the room. "Nathalie what the hell?" I question. She look at me with a satisfying smirk on her face.

Rose speaks instead, "You know I knew there was something odd about Paul just popping up randomly. I was going to let it go and mind my own business but I couldn't help myself. It was you, Tessa." I let Nathalie go and turn to face Tessa. Rose continues. "Miranda is a liar and honestly she would have probably went to the grave with that secret. Who knows. But, Miranda would never be tacky enough to send this letter on this type of paper and use this font..." Rose frown and throw the letter at Tessa feet.

Tessa just look at it but she doesn't say anything. I bend down and pick up the piece of paper.

Paul,

Nathalie and Rose is getting married and they would enjoy having you. Don't worry, everyone has forgiven you. I told them about my trip to your home and how you changed my life for the better. I know you're questioning if you should come or not but everyone will be very disappointed if you don't come. We all welcome you with open arms and big smiles.

-Miranda Grayson

I furrow my eyebrows. This didn't sound like Miranda at all and Rose was right, not that I liked the truth but Miranda would have probably went to the grave with that secret. I sigh and rip up the letter. I look at Tessa with hatred in my eyes.

"I did it for you." She tries to explain but I ignore her.

"You're insane." I say.

Nathalie grab my hand and say, "Come on. We have a flight to catch."

Rose smirks and throw up her middle finger at Tessa, "Dumbass."

[][]

Once I arrive at the dinner everything goes well and Miranda pops up and everything seems to fall apart. I sit next to her as she rages, "Sorry is not going to cut it." Miranda seethes. "How am I supposed to handle you being so far away? I need you here, Sam. I can give you any job you want but not across the world..." I watch her stand pace. "No, no. That's selfish of me. I can move with you. I can make trips back and forth until you decide to come back and if you choose to stay then we'll stay. I'll just open a third international location there. We need to expand anyway..."

"Why aren't you saying anything?" She ask. "I forgive you for lying. I'm not mad. I just wish you could have come to me...

"I don't want you to come." I whisper. It's out my mouth before I can stop it. Miranda argues with me and I try to get her to understand. This whole time I've been scared to make the wrong decision that I was jumping back and forth. It wasn't fair to Miranda. I needed her to understand that I needed to do this alone.

"You don't love me anymore?" Miranda ask.

"I'll always love you, Miranda." I tell her.

Miranda pause and there is this glint in her eyes like a light bulb just went off. "It's not the same." She say to herself in shock after a few moments.

"What?" I ask in confusion.

Miranda run her fingers through her hair before grabbing the nearby napkin and wiping her ruined mascara underneath her eyes. She stand with elegance and fix her dress before grabbing her purse. "How long do I have?" She ask.

"What?" I repeat. I was lost at the change of events.

"How long do I have to make you fall in love with me again?" She ask her coffee brown eyes holding determination. I don't have a answer because I'm flabbergasted at her question.

I watch Miranda walk away and I'm left alone.

[][]

The next day is busy. Austin and Nathalie is up early and preparing for the wedding that is only a few days away. I haven't heard from Miranda in two days and I was feeling emotional. Nathalie calls my name and I look up in confusion.

"Are you listening?" She ask.

I nod my head but I knew she could see right through me. Austin gives me a sympathetic smile before grabbing his things and leaving the two of us alone. Nathalie take a seat next to me. "What's wrong? Are you paranoid about your job offer. You did great, Sam but it won't be the end of the world if you don't get it."

"I know." I reply.

Nathalie sigh not believing me one bit. "I talked to Miranda and she told me you broke up with her for real this time."

I open my mouth to explain but Nathalie shake her head. "I will never come to understand the two of you but Miranda loves you. You know, I know, everyone know it. Whatever decision you choose to make I'll be here for you and for her. I'll try my best. But, Sam this time it's all up to you. If you let her go she will respect your wishes."

I nod my head sadly.

"What are you so afraid of?" She ask.

"Making the wrong decision." I say. "I don't want her to hate me."

"She will never hate you." Nathalie pull me in a huge. "No matter what. Miranda will always love you."

I sniff trying to stop the tears and lean my head against Nathalie shoulder. There is a knock at the door and Nathalie moves to answer it. "Rose?" The concern in Nathalie voice catches me off guard. I stand and head for the door and I can't help the snort that leaves my lips. She is dressed as a peasant from the Renaissance. She has a frown on her face.

She roll her eyes and open up the scroll. She then clear her throat and get onto one knee and hand me flowers and a letter.

I open it and read quickly,

I know how much you love Game of Thrones and thought this would cheer you up. Don't worry you will get the job! Rose embarrassment is a bonus. Please take a picture.

-Miranda

I look down and Rose stand before singing. I cannot stop the laughter from spilling from my mouth. I snort so hard and Nathalie cannot stop herself either. Rose frown but she continue to sing. I stop her and she cross her arms over her chest.

"Baby." Nathalie step forward and kiss Rose. "What have my mother done to you."

"I can't speak on details. My deed is done. Goodbye." Rose turns and walk out the door.

I look at Nathalie in confusion and we both laugh along with each other.