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

house with her husband and they are looking to start a family.” She joined me on the couch. “And you look like you just lost your best friend.”

I sighed. “I suppose I do feel like I have,” I confessed. “I’m leaving Josh here alone and I don’t want to leave him in the state he’s in, Mom. He needs help with everyday things. Just opening the door seems to be a chore for him.” I gave her a warm smile. “Vanessa told us about the house but I didn’t know they wanted to start trying so soon.”

“Honey, speaking of that dear boy, I’m supposed to give you something.” She went to my desk to fetch something out of her tote and whispered something in Spanish to Belín. Belín nodded and stalked over to the agent on my computer, telling him she needed to use the restroom. He stopped what he was doing and escorted her to the ladies’ room. I snickered at the thought of him waiting for her outside the ladies’ room. Ben must want eyes on her 24/7. I was so glad it hadn’t gotten to that point with me. I didn’t think I could go if I knew someone was outside listening and waiting for me.

My mother rejoined me on the couch with a card and a little box in hand. My heart constricted. It was the same box and card I found not too long ago in Josh’s bag. She handed them to me, eager to see what his gift was. I opened the card first and read it again. It was as if I was reading it for the first time. Tears pooled in my eyes, blurring my vision and then spilling down my cheeks when I blinked. Why did I care so much for this man? It was too soon for me to say it was love. Wasn’t it? I opened the little box and there was the beautiful heart necklace. I held it up to the light and watched the diamond sparkle. It was so delicate, so perfect, so beautiful. My mother helped me put it on. She told me to fix my hair and handed me a lip gloss.

“Fix your face just a little, honey. I want to take your picture. This is such a lovely gift, I want to send this picture to your father and one to Joshua as well.” She hurried to her purse searching for her cell phone. “Did Josh mention the story behind this necklace in his card?”

“No,” I answered, surprised that he told her and not me. “He didn’t mention anything about a story.”

“Oh, honey, it’s such an endearing story, I’m sure he wants to tell you in person.” She aimed the phone camera at me, telling me to smile just enough to where my dimple showed. Pleased with the picture, she sent it to my father and Josh.

“Mom, it seems as though he’s using you as his own personal therapist,” I said, sounding concerned. “Do you know the reason why he didn’t call his mother?”

“Yes, honey, I do.” She looked into my eyes, moving a stray hair out of my face. “Don’t worry about Josh, honey, he’s fine. He and I talked through his thoughts and feelings regarding that and yes, I think he did need me as a therapist for a bit, but who doesn’t need a little help every now and again?” She gave me a reassuring smile and took my hand in hers. “Angel, Josh is so completely in love with you he can’t see straight and I believe what he’s feeling for you is indeed genuine. Also, because his feelings for you are so strong, he will do whatever it takes to get himself up and running so he can be there for you, so he can be your white knight that saves you once again. He’s a strong young man both mentally and emotionally, honey. And this is me talking as your mother and not as his therapist.”

I closed my eyes and laid my head on her shoulder. “Thanks, Mom, you always know the right thing to say.”

“Well, I’m glad to hear that, honey. As a teenager you always thought I didn’t know what I was talking about and you would always say that I didn’t understand you. Better late than never, I always say.” She grabbed my chin, lifting my head up so I could look at her, giving me an “I told you so” look.

I giggled softly. Feeling wide-awake now, I returned to my desk and finished what I was working on. I glanced at my mother lovingly, admiring her patience. She was scrolling through her phone, answering emails no doubt. I hoped I was able to be as patient and understanding as her if I ever had children.

Ben strode back in with Samson, Belin and the other agent right behind him. Samson pulled on his leash, excited when he saw me. Ben took his leash off and let him run to me. I took him to the couch, broadly smiling at his excitement. Samson jumped on the couch and I plopped down next to him as I pet him and scratched behind his ears. I rubbed his belly, stopping only to rub his head. He rolled over, giving me his paw trying to tell me more. I laughed at his cuteness and rubbed his belly some more. My mother scooted off the couch to give Samson more room. He kept bumping her and wanting her attention as well. I thought she was getting annoyed. She sat down on one of the other chairs to resume her perusing through the phone. I wondered if she was talking to Josh via text right now or my father. My expression changed as I began to miss Josh, knowing I wouldn’t be able see him for heaven knew how long. I decided to shake it off and get busy.