Deception Read online

I shook my head. “No, I have the morning shift. I get off at three.”

  “Perfect. What’s your address? I’ll have my car pick you up tomorrow.”

  I hesitated. “Why don’t I just meet you here?”

  He gave me a questioning look but nodded. “All right. I’ll send the car for you tomorrow at five then.” He pulled a fifty from his wallet and handed it to me as he stood. “Good night, Claire.”

  “Let me get your change before you leave,” I said as I stood.

  He waved me off. “Don’t worry about it.”

  I watched him walk out of the diner with his money still clutched tightly in my hand. What had I gotten myself into?

  “Claire, a man just dropped this off for you,” Sarah said as I stepped out of the restroom.

  I took the box from her and set it on the table next to me. “Did he say who it was from?”

  “Nope. Hurry up and open it! I want to see what it is.” She gestured to the box.

  I laughed at her impatience. “I wonder what it is.”

  “Open it and see! Jesus, do you need directions?”

  I stuck my tongue out at her as I untied the ribbon around the box. I cautiously lifted the lid, unsure of what I’d find inside. My eyes widened in surprise when they landed on a pair of pale blue heels. I lifted them carefully and noticed another box. I set the heels aside and opened the other box. I picked up a pale blue dress. It was gorgeous and far more expensive than anything I’d ever worn before. It was strapless with a ruched bodice. The skirt had hanging sashes all the way around it. I held the dress up against my chest, unable to believe that I was holding something so beautiful.

  “Oh my God! Who bought you that?”

  I looked at the tag and nearly fainted when I saw the designer’s name. “Robert. I don’t know anyone else who could afford a dress like this. Holy shit, Sarah. I don’t even know what to say.”

  “Don’t say anything. Go climb that man’s body like a monkey and pray that he sends more shit like that!”

  “Sarah!” I said, embarrassed by her words.

  “What? If a guy sent me something like that, I wouldn’t think twice about thanking him properly. You scored with this dude, Claire. Hot damn.”

  I shook my head. “I can’t accept this. My God, it probably cost more than my car.”

  “You can and you will accept it. It’s a gift, Claire. You can’t just send it back. What the hell did you do for him to get you something like this?”

  “Nothing, except agree to have dinner with him tonight.”

  “Marry him,” Sarah deadpanned.

  I laughed. “You’re an idiot.”

  Sarah watched as I carefully placed the dress back in the box, and then I put the shoes in as well. I closed the lid, carried the box to the back room, and placed it in my locker. My thoughts were muddled with confusion as I debated on what to do. I was both mortified and flattered that Robert had bought something so expensive for me. I wanted to keep it, but I wasn’t sure if I could.

  I shook my head and walked back to the front of the diner. I would think about it and decide once my shift ended.

  I can’t believe I’m keeping it. I stared at myself in the full-length mirror of the gym dressing room.

  After my shift, I’d hurried back to the gym to get ready for my date. After showering, shaving, and lathering every inch of my body with vanilla-scented lotion, I’d changed into the dress Robert had purchased for me. It fit perfectly. I couldn’t help but smile at that. What were the odds of him knowing my exact size? After slipping into my matching heels, I’d sat in front of one of the mirrors and attacked my hair. I’d counted my blessings that the gym had outlets for my hair dryer and straightener. After making sure that my hair looked okay, I moved on to makeup. I had very little to choose from. I didn’t wear makeup often, especially since money was so tight.

  I had to admit that I looked good. The small amount of eyeliner I’d applied made my blue eyes pop. The dress clung to my tiny frame down to my waist before flaring out. The heels made my legs look longer than they were. I couldn’t help but wonder what Robert would think when he saw me.

  Once I was satisfied with my appearance, I headed over to the diner to wait on Robert’s car. I took my time walking, afraid that I’d kill myself in my new shoes. I was used to my ratty old sneakers. I wobbled a few times, but I finally arrived at the diner without embarrassing myself.

  When I walked in the front door, Junie was standing at one of the nearby tables. She glanced up at me before returning her attention to the customer she had been talking to. I watched as she froze and turned back to me with a look of shock on her face. She quickly excused herself and walked over to where I was standing.

  “Claire?” she asked when she stopped in front of me.

  I grinned. “Come on, Junie. I don’t look that different.”

  “I can’t…wow, you look amazing!”

  “Thanks.”

  “I love that dress. Where did you get it from?”

  “Uh…Robert gave it to me. I’m having dinner with him tonight.”

  Her expression instantly turned sour. “I should’ve known. Please listen to me, Claire. I don’t know why, but something about that man bothers me. I want you to be careful.”

  “I will. I know you’re still going to worry no matter what I say, but I really do think Robert is a good guy.”

  “Maybe you’re right.” She glanced behind me. “I’m betting that car is for you.”

  I turned to see a black Cadillac idling outside the front door. “Probably. Wish me luck.”

  Junie surprised me when she hugged me tightly. “You don’t need luck, sweetheart.” She released me and shoved me toward the door. “Just be careful.”

  I waved as I walked to the door, and then I stepped outside. An older man was standing next to the car. I walked over, unsure of whether or not this was my ride.

  “Claire?” he asked.

  “That’s me,” I said shyly.

  “I’m supposed to take you to Mr. Evans.” He opened the back door.

  “Thank you.” I slid into the backseat of the car.

  He closed the door and walked around the front of the car. Once he was situated behind the wheel, he pulled out onto the main road. The ride across town was silent. I almost wished that he’d turned on the radio. Silence made me nervous.

  I fidgeted as we crossed into the wealthier side of town. We pulled up to a restaurant I’d never heard of and stopped. The driver was out of the car and opening my door before I could even blink. I climbed out, careful not to trip over my heels, and stared up at the building.

  “Mr. Evans is waiting for you inside.” He closed my door.

  “Thank you.” I walked to the door and pulled it open.

  The outside of the building was plain, nothing more than bricks, but the inside was another matter. I was in awe as I took in my surroundings. The diner was a hole-in-the-wall compared to this place. The floors were a black marble, and the walls were a deep red color. The restaurant was massive with four crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.

  “Can I help you?” a woman asked.

  “Um…yes. I’m supposed to meet Robert Evans here.”

  “Of course. Follow me.”

  I hurried to keep up with her as she led me to the other side of the room. I noticed that she had no problem walking in her high-heeled shoes. I was instantly jealous of her. As we approached a table, I saw Robert smile as he stood.

  “Claire, I’m so glad you could make it. You look beautiful.” He hurried to help me sit down in a chair.

  I was amazed as he pushed my chair in for me. I hadn’t expected him to be so polite. Then again, this was Robert. Of course he was as polite as he was charismatic. I was so out of my league with him.

  “Thanks. You look nice, too,” I said.

  As he sat back down, I drank him in without caring. He was wearing another suit tonight, one that had to have been tailored just to fit him. He looked strong and conf
ident in it, something I wished I felt. Despite our age difference, I couldn’t keep denying the fact that I was attracted to him.

  “I was right. That dress looks gorgeous on you.”

  I gave him a weak smile. “I love it, but you didn’t have to buy something like this for me. It’s too much.”

  “Nonsense. It was worth every penny,” he said as a waiter approached our table. “I already ordered for you. I hope that’s okay.”

  Truthfully, it wasn’t. I would rather have ordered for myself, but I didn’t want to hurt his feelings by telling him so. As the waiter set my plate down in front of me, I decided that maybe it was a good idea that he’d ordered. I had no idea what I was about to eat.

  “Um…what is it?” I asked, feeling like an idiot.

  “It’s grilled eggplant involtini. It has roasted tomatoes, capers, kalamata olives, Green Glades mozzarella, parmesan, and fontina barley risotto,” the waiter said.

  He reached for the cloth napkin sitting in a wine glass in front of me. I stared at him in shock as he unfolded the napkin and placed it on my lap.

  Yep, I’m way out of my league here.

  “Oh, okay,” I said, trying not to be embarrassed. I still had no clue what I was about to eat, but I’d made enough of a fool of myself to ask for more of an explanation.

  “Try it. If you don’t like it, we can order something else for you.” Robert took a drink from his wine glass.

  I reached down for my fork, but then I stopped and stared in horror at the multiple forks, spoons, and knives sitting next to my plate. I had no idea which one to use. Feeling like a fool, I grabbed and picked up the fork on the outside along with one of the knives. I prayed they were the right ones.

  I cut off a tiny bite of the eggplant. Hoping that it wouldn’t taste horrible, I took a bite. I was pleasantly surprised when I liked it. “Wow, it is good.”

  “I thought you’d like it.” He picked up his own fork.

  I was relieved to see that he’d picked up the same one as me.

  We ate in silence for a few minutes. I glanced around the room, taking in the other guests. Our table was in the corner, several feet away from the closest table. The people I saw were dressed similarly to Robert and me. Most of them were also wearing suits and dresses. I stared down at my plate. I was terrified to know how much our dinners would cost Robert.

  “So, I think we’re supposed to get to know each other better over dinner,” Robert said.

  “That was the plan,” I joked.

  “Well then, tell me more about yourself.”

  “What do you want to know?” I asked.

  “Anything. Everything. What’s your favorite food? What annoys you? What are your hobbies?”

  “Let’s see…my favorite food is pizza for sure. People who talk too much annoy me. I don’t really have any hobbies, except for reading. I love romance novels and paranormal books. I’m pretty sure the local librarian knows me on a first name basis at this point. I’m there once or twice a week. What about you?”

  “I don’t really have a favorite food, but if I had to choose, I’d probably go with steak. You can’t go wrong there. As for what annoys me, most of the time, it’s my coworkers and other lawyers. They’re all so…full of themselves—I mean, the lawyers. I hate attending social functions with any of them, but it’s a must in my line of work. I never know when I’ll need a favor from one of them. I also like to travel. Actually, I just got back from a trip I took to London a few weeks ago.”

  “I’ve always wanted to visit there. I love history, and the entire country is just packed with it.”

  “I’ll take you there sometime,” Robert said.

  “What? Oh no, I didn’t mean that. I just think it would be cool to go explore. I’ll never be able to afford a trip like that.”

  “You wouldn’t have to pay for anything. I’d take you.”

  I glanced away, suddenly uncomfortable with where the conversation had gone. It seemed like it always came back to money—the fact that he had a lot of it, and I had almost none.

  “Did I say something to upset you?” he asked.

  “No…well, yes.” I sighed. “I suppose I might as well say it now. Robert, I know you must have a lot of money. It’s pretty obvious that I don’t. When you say things like that, it makes me uncomfortable. It’s embarrassing to spend time with someone like you when I’m dirt poor.”

  He frowned as he put his fork down. “Listen to me, Claire. I don’t care how much money you have in your bank account. Truthfully, I never even really thought about whether or not you have money.”

  “You might not have considered it, but I have. I like you, Robert, but I don’t want you to look down on me. Also, I don’t want you to think that I’m spending time with you because you have money.”

  “I would never look down on you. I don’t know you very well, but from what I can tell, you’re not a gold digger. When I look at you, I see a beautiful young woman who’s trying to get her life in order. Your kindness radiates around you like an aura. I would never assume you’re trying to use me.”

  I bit my lip. A beautiful young woman. “I’m also a lot younger than you. Does that bother you?”

  He shook his head. “It doesn’t. The moment I laid eyes on you, I knew I had to get to know you. Yes, I’m older than you, but I’m not worried about it.” He hesitated. “Unless it’s going to be a problem for you.”

  “It’s not a problem. It’s just that we’re in totally different places in our lives. You’re so much more experienced in life than I am. I’m confused as to why you’re interested in me. You have built a life for yourself, and I’m just starting. Spending time with me is like taking a step back.”

  “Quite the contrary, Claire. Spending time with you is refreshing. Did I ever expect to be attracted to someone so much younger? Definitely not, but I promise that I’m quite attracted to you. If it’s not a problem for you, it’s definitely not a problem for me.”

  I was flattered by his words, but my uneasiness wouldn’t leave me. “I’m not even old enough to drink.”

  He laughed. “Well, there goes my plans to get you drunk and have my way with you.”

  I couldn’t help but laugh with him. “I’m being silly. I know.”

  “Not at all. I think something great could come out of this if you give it a chance. You just have to put your doubts aside.”

  I thought carefully on what I was about to say. “I think you’re right. I like you, Robert, but I could see myself falling for you fast. If we do this, I want us to take it slow. Is that okay with you?”

  “Of course, Claire. I never want you to feel pressured.”

  I smiled. “All right then.”

  “Just so we’re clear, this conversation is me staking my claim on you. If we’re doing this, I don’t want you seeing anyone else.”

  “Of course not! I’m not like that,” I said, horrified he felt the need to clarify that to me.

  “Good. I just want to make sure that we’re on the same page.”

  As dinner progressed, I forced myself to relax. Now that we’d talked about the important things, our conversation turned light and playful. I laughed more over dinner than I had in a long time. Robert seemed to do that to me. I was always smiling or laughing when he was around. He made me happy.

  My only concern was that he’d want to take me home at the end of the night. I didn’t want to start our relationship with lies, but I couldn’t bring myself to tell him the truth. Regardless of what he’d said, I was ashamed about my lack of money. If he knew that I was practically homeless, he might insist on helping me, and I wouldn’t be able to handle that.

  After we finished dinner and dessert, Robert paid the bill, and we left. He kept his hand on my lower back as we walked out of the restaurant and to his car. I smiled at the simple gesture. No one had ever paid attention to me the way Robert did.

  Once we were in his car, he turned to me. “Do you want me to take you straight home or back to the di
ner?”

  “Um…the diner. My car is parked there.”

  He opened his mouth to say something, but then he seemed to think better of it, and he nodded instead. While steering the car toward my work, he reached over and turned on the radio. I frowned as classical music began playing softly from the speakers. I wasn’t a fan of classical, but I doubted that he’d appreciate if I asked him to change it to rock music. Something told me he wasn’t a fan of rock or heavy metal music like I was. I grinned at the thought of him listening to Korn, Crossfaith, or even Pop Evil.

  I looked around the inside of Robert’s car. The interior was spectacular, especially when I compared it to my car. The seats were leather and heated. His steering wheel had controls all over it. I couldn’t even begin to guess what they were for. My car was so old that it had a tape player in it. His had a CD player and a large screen with different options all over it. My fingers itched to touch the screen and see what kind of technology was on it, but I held back. His car was exactly like him—luxurious and expensive. I almost snorted when I thought about my car. It was just like me—worn-out and barely holding on.

  We pulled into the diner parking lot, and he shut off the car.

  “Where’s your car?” he asked.

  I pointed to my poor car where it was parked on the far side of the lot. “Over there.”

  He frowned. “Oh…wow.”

  I chuckled. “It’s a clunker, I know, but it gets me to where I need to go.”

  “It’s very…colorful.”

  “I call it my Christmas car since it’s red and green.”

  He laughed. “Please tell me someone didn’t buy it as a Christmas present for you.”

  “Like any of my foster parents would buy me anything like that.” I snorted. “I saved every penny I could, so I could buy a car. Have you ever tried to ride the bus around Morgantown? It’s not fun, especially if you want to be on time.”

  “Truthfully, I’d be more afraid of your car breaking down than taking the bus.”

  I shrugged. “It has once or twice, but luckily, the repairs weren’t horrible.”

  “Claire, you’re probably not going to like what I’m about to say, but I’m going to say it anyway. I’m not comfortable with you driving that car. I want you to use one of mine until you can save up for one that’s not quite so…unstable.”