Started With a Lie

Chapter Eight

            “It’s fine. I’m used to it.” I give her a reassuring smile. “I’ll just hang out with Candy or something.” I drink the rest of my hot chocolate and wipe my mouth with my sleeve. “I’ll go work on some homework, now.”

            “Okay, sweetie.” Mom gives me tender look. “Don’t work too hard.”

            I place my cup in the sink. “Right back at you.”

Candy comes over around seven. She brings bags of popcorn and her sleeping bag. Mom said it was okay if she stayed over for the night since it’s winter break. There’s no curfew.

            We’re in my room deciding which movie we should watch over from my stack of DVDs. Her sleeping bag is set near my bed and she’s in her Mickey Mouse pajamas. Maybe a girls’ night is what I need to relax.

            My phone rings, bringing me out of my thoughts.

            The caller I.D. says unknown. I don’t know if I should accept or decline the call. What if it’s some creep? Candy sends me a confused look when I don’t answer it. It’s probably one of those companies calling, anyways.

            “Probably some stupid advertisement,” I say as I go back to the stack of movies. Candy nods in comprehension. My phone rings again. Usually, companies don’t call twice. It must be somebody, then. What if it’s Peter using a different number to call me? It could also be an emergency call.

            Not taking any chances, I pick up. “Hello?”

            “Miss Ivory.” My eyes widen. It’s Lee. I can tell. I look over to Candy and mouth that it’s Lee. Her eyes widen as well as she scoots closer so she can hear. I put the call on speaker.

            “Yes, Lee?” I remain cool. I can’t give away anything by my voice. He can’t know that I actually, kind of, missed him—if that’s possible. I only met him once. I can’t miss someone who I’ve only met. Impossible, I think logically.

            “How are you doing?” Lee asks, his voice completely unreadable. Did he really just call me to ask how I was doing? Something inside me lightens up. Does he care about me? “I need a favor.”

            I shatter. There goes that thought.

            He only called me for a favor. Not for me. It feels like a flower just bloomed inside me but just withered away in the blink of an eye. Must be the stress. “So?” I say to him.

            “Can you oblige?”

            “It depends,” I say. “What’s the favor?” Candy moves her hands, indicating me to keep the conversation going with Lee. I nod back.

            “I need you.” My breath is taken away for one second before realizing that he needs me for his favor. I fix my composure. I need to stay completely in control at all times. “Ivory?”

            “I’m here.” I sit down on my bed. Candy takes a seat next to me. “What do you need me for?” Now, I’m curious. Lee even said himself that I could never give him anything because he is rich and can afford everything he needs by himself. So, why does he need me now?

            “You know the night of the party?” he asks. I nod, even though he can’t see me. “There were very important business partners who attended. I’m currently in a deal with them right now. But there’s been a problem.”   

            “Why would you need me to help you in a deal?” I ask, confused.

            “You see, they think you and I are together. They are asking to meet you. It seems you remind them of their daughter,” he explains. “Now, here’s what I need you to do. You need to come here and tell them that we broke up or something. Just tell them we’re not together anymore.”

            “I don’t understand,” I say. “Why can’t you do it? I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t make a difference if you said it.” I cross my legs on the bed and sit comfortably.

            “You don’t get it. They wouldn’t listen. Besides, I’m Lee Richardson. I can’t just say such nonsense things like that,” he says.

            “So it’s your pride?” I smirk. What a jerk.

            “Well… yes.” Lee pauses, waiting for my response. “Can you do it? You owe me. I gave you shelter and your needs. It’s time to help me. You’ll meet them at my birthday banquet in two days. You’ll have to leave tomorrow so we can discuss some things.”

            “I don’t know,” I say, chewing on my nails. I notice and put my hand down to keep myself from biting my nails. Should I go? Should I help Lee? “I really don’t know, Lee.”

            And then he says one word. A word I never expect him to ever say to me sincerely. A word that makes my heart swell and forget my doubts.

            “Please.”

It's the weekend. Woot-woot. More time to write for me. c:

I can't believe I uploaded this today. I uploaded Chapter Seven just yesterday. I must be on crack. Just kidding. My fingers are freezing. I need some heat. Anyways, my laptop broke again. Boohoo. Thank God, I backed this story up,t hough. I seriously need a new laptop. 

OH! And thank you for Teen Fiction # 19 and Humor # 5. Wow. I still can't believe it. Thank you to all of my fans and readers! Please keep on commenting, voting, and fanning for more updates! 

xoxo,

Gossip Girl. (Justkidding. Just wanted to say that. xD)