Tangles of lies and love

Chapter two Nina “Shut up, Tia!” I chuckled, walking to the window of my condominium. The weather was chilly outside, but it wasn't even winter yet. I was enraptured by the serenity of the town - the white clouds sitting on the mountain top, the color of the streets when the sun lit up the day and of course, it seemed like a nice place to grow. “No, I won't. It's crazy, Nina. What's a girl like you doing in a small town?” “Building. Growing. Becoming.” I answered, peering out at the streams of men and women strolling down the street, exchanging pleasantries and looking uncomfortably satisfied. It was only 6:55 in the morning but the street had already come alive with folks. I was still draped in my white night gown with a tea cup in hand watching the morning clouds slowly part ways with the gloom of the night. I never thought I would find peace in a small town, but I'd been smitten by Arizona. The peaceful, scenic atmosphere of the place and the warmth of the people had captured my heart in a way I could never comprehend. “That's some sick excuse you know that, right?” “Come on, girl, you know that's not true. I'm old enough to leave home and start up my empire.” I corrected her firmly, without sounding rude. “Just stop this madness, Nina and come home. You can build a resort anywhere in the world, just why Arizona?” “Because I spot potential in this soil. It's an opportunity to be my own boss, just the way we've always envisioned, remember?” I asked, studying the polish on my nails. It was old, yet still lovely. “Whatever you say, but what's your dad going to say about this?” “I don't know, but I'm anticipating a hurricane soon.” “And how do you intend to deal with that when it happens?” “I'll survive, but before that happens, let's party. “Sounds like a plan, but you know you'll have to come down to Indio tonight, right?” “What's happening there?” “It's Coachella, b***h. Coldplay will be performing. They'll be at the club downtown.” "Coachella?" I gasped wide eyed, before breaking into a squeal. "Oh my gosh, I almost missed it." "One of the reasons you need to reside in a big city." Tia’s voice sounded like the cold grip of death, but a huge smile spread across my face at the thought of singing to my favourite band. Tia and I have been obsessed with the band since we were teenagers. It's ridiculous how some feelings never die. “Get me on the next flight to Indio.” I requested, already skittering towards the bathroom. “On it!” Tia sang, just before hanging up. ** The next four hours were one of my worst moments traveling on air, but immediately I found Tia at the arrival area, my problems seemed to vanish into thin air. “Remind me to always travel first class.” I said, rolling my eyes as I whipped past two security personnels. “Why? Did anything happen?” Tia inquired, sounding worried. I turned to face her so she could read the expression on my face accurately. “I'll give you a run down of what it's like in economy class.” “Okay,” Tia answered, nodding, her ponytail bobbing up and down on her head. “First, there was this man who kept yabbering to himself all through the journey, a little girl who was clearly aerophobic, and some ladies gossiping so loud like they were in a jacuzzi.” “Yuck! How did you cope with that?” “I distracted myself with a book.” “What book?” “Love story.” “Doesn't sound like your kind of book. “Yea, I know. I didn't actually read it.” I smiled, but even that was short lived. My phone rang, and the sight of the caller wiped the smile off my face. “Who's that?” Tia asked. She must have noticed the look on my face. “It's my dad.” Tia stopped on her track and made a nervous facial expression. Since when did dad's call give us panic attacks? Back then, dad's call always brought a smile to my face, but not anymore. I got on his bad side after my refusal to marry Adrian South, the man he'd chosen for me. “Hey, papa,” “We need to talk, Nina, where are you?” The man inquired in a crispy tone. “I'm in Indio.” “That's not the new location of the family company, is it?” “No, it isn't, I have business here tonight.” “Is it related to work? By work I mean our family business.” “Nope.” I answered quietly. There was a brief pause and absolute quiet in the background. “Meet me tomorrow. We need to talk.” He finally spoke and his order was absolute, no kidding. “Sure, but can I get a hint already?” I enunciated like a fool. “I'll see you soon, Nina. And don't be late.” The line went mute and that was it. It was so like my dad to hang up the call after making a point. “What happened?” Tia asked, with her arms wrapped gently around my wrist. “It's my dad. I predicted that taking his calls was going to be a huge vibe killer.” “What does he want?” “He didn't say, but I have a feeling he's a ticking time bomb waiting to explode tomorrow.” “What if he doesn't? Keep your hopes alive….” “…..and your fingers crossed. My dad can be unpredictable.” I quickly interrupted, already creating up scenes “Anyway, what do we do tonight after the party?” Tia asked and I was just grateful for the shift. “Eat out, make out, have a crazy night with my home girl. I'm going to be pretty busy after tonight, I need a lot of fun memories for the road.” “Then let's make history tonight.” ** As usual, the parking lot was packed full with cars, bikes and trucks, but nothing prepared me for the orgy that broke out like wild fire among young people. I guess that's why we are young. Then we sat in one of my favourite bars after Coachella. “Why are there a number of Asian men here?” Tia asked, looking around at the sea of faces looking like dolls. “What's their skin care routine though? I love it.” Tia didn't hide her scowl and I apologised immediately. “But I thought you had a thing for Asians?” “Not exactly, I just think they're cute. However, you see that guy over there?” I followed her finger with a subtle twirl of my head, I couldn't afford to get caught. “He's been staring.” I smiled sweetly, sensing my eyes crinkle at the corners. “Yea, I know. I've been staring back.” “Huh?” Tia’s eyes popped out like they'd seen a dead body. “Yea. I like the way he stares at me.” “Screw you, b***h. I thought he was staring at me.” “Yea, I might get screwed tonight.” I replied absentmindedly, which wasn't a good thing to do. I was inconsiderate. “Wait, that coochie gets banged?” “Why not?” “I thought you're staying celibate?” “Not tonight, Tia. Not tonight.” I replied, ignoring the disappointment on her face. Then, swirling towards the man some tables away, I coughed, “Now, let's watch him come to me in five, four, three, two, and one!” As if pulled by a string, he stirred, dropped his glass and took careful strides towards my table. I could see the end of the night from the beginning and I loved the ending. He was standing beside us in the moment, with eyes staring so passionately and lovely lips that parted to whisper “Hi.” But he wasn't facing me. It was Tia the whole time. What was I thinking? “What's a girl like you doing here?” he asked, sweeping his eyes lustfully over Tia. “What's a man like you doing here?” she answered back, completely ignoring me. I bet I ceased to exist to her at that moment. Then she took his hands, and walked out with him, whispering something under her breath. I buried my face in disappointment as I watched them walk out together. Despite thinking that they looked good together, I couldn't help ordering two shots. Then more, and more until I lost count.