Truth or Lies? by A. Gomez (books to get back into reading TXT) 📕

my hand. “Ben, I hope I haven’t made a mess of things.” I sat up to look at him. “I think I just threatened your boss. I just hope I haven’t put anyone at risk because of my stubbornness.”

He was pinching the bridge of his nose, quietly chuckling, “Josh did say you were a wily one.” He placed his elbow on the arm of the chair and rested his chin on his thumb and index finger. I hadn’t noticed that Ben needed a shave. Had I been so consumed in my own world that I hadn’t noticed anyone else? “I was getting nervous for a minute there, you might give me away,” he said, sheepishly.

“I would never do that to you or Belín, Ben. I really didn’t want to say what I said to Conny either but there’s no way I’m missing this therapy tonight,” I sighed.

Patti,our newest therapist, walked in, looking dressed to kill. She was an attractive blonde, a platinum blonde with light grey eyes. She was just a little older than me but looked the same age. She was dressed for court but her dressed for court was more of a dinner party look than a business look. She always said this way she was guaranteed to get a date with yet another lawyer, investigator, judge, or what have you. I admired how uninhibited she was and she was never afraid of risk. However, that had gotten her into some messy situations with a few beaus. Ben politely stood up as soon as she walked in.

She gazed at him with a coquettish smile flirting on her face. “Hello there,” she said, her voice a pitch lower. “Are you one of the agents that has to watch Isabel?”

“Yes, ma’am, I am. Special Agent Davis—it’s a pleasure to meet you.” He offered his hand so she could shake it. Ben was always the consummate gentleman.

Patti didn’t take her eyes off of him as she took his hand. “Doctor Patricia Peaches, the pleasure is all mine,” she replied, her body language screaming take me, I’m yours. “Isabel.” She reluctantly took her eyes off of him so she could turn and talk to me, but holding his hand. “Apparently, I’m doing group therapy this week and I’d like to know if you have any information on some of these kids you’d like to share with me?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be there with you. You were just misinformed,” I told her.

“Oh, thank goodness!” She let her head hang, exhaling in relief, “I’ve been subpoenaed and I may have to be in court all day. Which means I won’t have time to prepare for tonight.” She turned her attention back to Ben. She was still holding his hand as she asked, “Will you be with us this evening? I feel safer with you here already.”

Ben smiled politely, looking at his shoes.

“I really admire how you put your own safety and life on the line for someone you barely know. It takes a lot of courage and bravery to do that, not to mention a big heart.” Patti was flirting, finally releasing his hand.

“If you’re quite finished gushing, Patti, Davis and I have some work to do,” I interjected.

“Work, huh?” she snorted, sounding annoyed. “Or maybe you just want him all to yourself.”

“Maybe,” I answered, raising my eyebrows at her, smirking. She spun on her heels and walked out, not bothering to say good-bye.

“I’m sorry, Ben,” I said, regretting my curtness with Patti. “I should’ve let you handle that. I didn’t mean to interfere. I’m getting brilliant at jumping the gun lately.”

Ben just smiled patiently at me. “Did she say her name was Patricia Peaches?”

“Yes, Patti Peaches for short,” I said, the sound of her name making me giggle. “I’ve always told her she has the perfect porn star name.”

Ben started guffawing uncontrollably. His laughter was so loud the receptionist looked up from her desk at us, puzzled. His laugh was tickling me so much I began to laugh with him. Still laughing, Ben walked to the windows that faced the Chicago skyline and opened one set of blinds just enough. He gradually stopped laughing and stood there looking out the windows, probably admiring the view. The sun was starting to peek around some of the buildings and shine into my office. I powered up my computer so I could get my day started. Today would be a lot of paperwork and getting ready for tonight’s therapy. I hadn’t checked emails all weekend so I decided to begin with clearing those out first.

I glanced at Ben who was still gazing out the window. He didn’t seem to be searching for anything. He looked pensive, staring at the other buildings unseeingly. I hoped I hadn’t offended him with my behavior earlier.

I leaned back in my chair, looking at his back. “Ben.” My voice was low. “Is everything all right?”

He didn’t answer right away. “Isabel, I know you and your cousin are very close so I need you to know I would never betray her trust.” His voice seemed tense. “I would never do anything to hurt her.”

“That has never crossed my mind, Ben,” I answered, feeling a little stunned at his admission. “I’ve always considered you a perfect gentleman and one of the most honest men I know, besides my father.”

He slightly turned his head. “Thank you, Isabel,” he continued. “It was important for me that you know,” he continued, gazing out the window.

The Patti situation must have brought this declaration of his to the forefront. “Besides,” I began, “If anyone is going to have a hard time with y’all’s relationship it’s probably going to be you. Good luck with trying to make her stay put in one place, she’s always chasing a story.” I peeked up at him through my eyelashes, waiting for a reaction. “And who knows what kind of trouble