The Lies That Bind

Chapter 5: Indecision

"You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink," Erika stated casually as she looked over my own selection. "Well, at least you're trying something new too."

After over two hours of trying on clothes, I was done. In the end, I ended up with 4 or 5 new dresses on top of the... 5-ish outfits I had picked out. I had spent more than half of my shopping allowance and got talked into opening a Black Cavalier rewards account, I'm sure Ms. Norfolk will be pleased. Considering how much I had, and likely will be, spending in this store alone I'll need it. I wonder if Dr. Kolomna would oppose to supplying me with a credit card. I mean, it would be easier than sneaking money into my mailbox.

We spent the remainder of our outing eating Teppanyaki in the food court; it's some of the best, surprisingly. Westfield has some high-quality mall food! On the way out, I was sure to get some pastries from the Japanese bakery near the entrance. The frilly, pink cupcakes with cat faces on them were calling my name. I cannot resist such a delicacy. Before we parted ways, Rey turned towards me with a look of concern as he handed me the shopping bags he had been carrying.

"Edith," he said calmly, "this has been fun and all, but if you need a job, or even money, you could always--"

I sighed heavily, rolling my eyes. "I'm fine, Rey." I'd never spoken to him about my money woes which led me to believe that Erika must have spoken to him while they were looking for clothes. "Who told you I needed money?"

"Erika," He was quick to cut me off before I went off in public. "Look, your sister cares about you, as do I. You know that. You can't suffer alone, I won't allow you. Let us help you, there's no shame in it."

"I'm fine Reymond, seriously. Don't listen to Erika, she doesn't know what she's talking about, and is only assuming like she always does. Look, if I was poor why would I be out shopping?"

"I guess," He shrugged, but still seemed unconvinced. "But if anything ever happens..."

"I know, Rey. Don't worry, I'm okay." I gave him a reassuring hug which earned me a more honest smile.

On the way back, I took Rey's words to heart. I had planned on chewing Erika out as well for spilling to my best friend, but I thought better of it. Although her intentions were good, I presume, I made a mental note that I would not tell her anything I didn't want spread.

I didn't hear from Dr. Kolomna until Wednesday night simply reminding me of the event and to confirm that I had gotten the money, nothing worth sharing. As I lie in bed that night, I could only wonder as to what spending the weekend with him would be like... what would sleep in his home be like? I couldn't help but think of all of the bad outcomes. Dr. Kolomna didn't appear a crazy, murder-rapist, but looks can be deceiving. Criminals often wait for their prey to come to them. I shook the thoughts away; he wasn't like that... maybe. Hopefully.

I eyed my phone on the nightstand and my mind drifted back to my conversation with Rey. I would have to tell someone this time around; it would be stupid not to. Rolling over to grab my phone, I texted Rey saying I would be "out" and left him with the doctor's address and to come running if I didn't respond within 24hrs after he checked in. And to keep the cat alive as well, I had given Rey a spare key a while back. I just hope he doesn't give Lark whole cans of food like last time. He's big enough! With a yawn, I set my phone down and rolled over with Lark curled up beside me, sleeping soundly.

I fought to hold my poker face as Dr. Kolomna's lips graced the back of my hand when he arrived to pick me up Thursday night. The gesture wasn't new to me by any means, but the sensation of his skin on mine... Hmm... I was feeling the same way I had been that night on the beach when he was hovering over me, but I wasn't going to show it. I mustn't, I hardly knew the man and this "relationship" wasn't something I wanted to build a romantic one off of. Can you imagine? The kids asking how Mommy and Daddy met only to find out their father was a Sugar Daddy, and don't get me started on how this would go down with my family. My father would kill him and then kill me.

The absence of Dr. Kolomna's lips on my hand brought me back to reality. He lifted his head, my hand still in his. "Good evening, Miss Edith." He rumbled. I couldn't help but notice the playfulness in his voice and a minor smirk on his lips.

I retracted my hand and cleared my throat, "Doctor." I replied.

"Mao," came a soft voice from below. I looked down to see Lark standing halfway out the door, purring happily as he rubbed up against Dr. Kolomna's legs.

I immediately freaked out, "Lark!" I screeched and scooped the purring ball of fluff into my arms. My heart raced, and I held him protectively against me. "You know you're not allowed outside!"

Dr. Kolomna chuckled as he watched me baby my cat, holding onto him for dear life. I don't think Lark would willingly leave, but it's one of my greatest fears. I don't know what I'd do without my kitty. In traditional Ragdoll fashion, Lark went limp in my arms, his purr as loud as a car's engine as he snuggled my shoulder.

"Are you ready to go?" Dr. Kolomna asked me.

"Yes, let me just get the cat settled and grab my bag. One moment," I closed the door on him. My eyes went wide as I realized my abrupt rudeness and went back to open the door. "Sorry, please come in." I ignored Dr. Kolomna's amused, dimpled smile as I closed the door after he stepped in before disappearing into my bedroom to get my bag.

"Now Rey will be here in the morning to feed you," I informed Lark, plopping him gently onto my bed. "He'll be checking in on you while I'm away, so you be good, okay?"

Lark was silent and just looked at me as if I was stupid. I rolled my eyes. He'd probably spend the 3 days sleeping on my bed, coating it in fur. He became more vocal as I scratched behind his ears and petted him. I must have petted him for 5 minutes before finally tearing myself away from him.

The drive to Dr. Kolomna's apartment was fairly quiet. With the "no personal questions" rule, the natural conversation was hard to maintain for long. I spent most of my time eyeing him silently from time to time. He had a gorgeous profile, like a Calvin Klein model. My eyes scanned his chiseled jawline towards his chin, only to discover some stubble. Hmm, I do like that. A little facial hair is okay but full on Santa beards are a huge turn-off. I quickly became lost in my own little world and only returned to reality when his eyes met mine once we hit a red light. I immediately shifted my gaze elsewhere. I could feel him smiling at me, with those dimples of his, but I didn't dare to look back at him and kept my eyes on the street. Watching the homeless man pee on the sidewalk was far more interesting.