Mirage - Alice Tribue Page 0,13

it, but I hate to lie. Even if it’s a lie of omission, it makes me feel terrible.

I’ve created a world based on a web of lies that is so intricate it could destroy me at any given moment. I won’t allow it to destroy me, though. I’ve become a master illusionist. My entire existence is a façade that I control; people see only what I allow them to see. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t exhausting. It is, but it’s the price I’ve paid for success, for filling my bank account with more money than I ever dreamed of while I was growing up.

It’s not like we were ever poor. My dad worked hard his whole life to give me everything I needed. He provided for me, loved me, and did more as a single dad than some of my friends with two-parent households got. I didn’t want to struggle. I didn’t want to break my back or turn out desperate for money like my mother did. So I ensured that I would never have to worry about money again, but at this juncture in my life, maybe retirement isn’t such a bad idea.

I turn off the lights and lock up the office. I make my way to the car waiting out front for me only then to remember that I’d promised to have dinner with Nathan tonight. Nathan baffles me; no one has ever been as persistent about getting to know me before. I’ve only known him for a few days, hardly enough time to make a judgment about him, but I like how he pushes me. I like that he’s taken enough of an interest in me to be borderline annoying about it and even a little relentless. I’m not used to that kind of behavior from men; I’m used to the ones who give up easily, kind of like Collin when I told him that I was fine with him leaving. If he cared as much as he said he did, then wouldn’t he have fought? Or maybe he just realized that he would be fighting a losing battle.

“Good evening, Miss Powell.”

“Where to?”

There’s no time for me to go home and change, so against my better judgment, I opt to go straight to the restaurant to meet Nathan. “Trattoria.”

He pulls onto the road, and I sit back and stare out the window. The sun is starting to set in the city, and I watch as the buildings and skyscrapers pass by. I watch the people as they rush down the sidewalks and wonder what their story is. Are they hurrying home from a hard day’s work? Do they have someone waiting for them? Are they thinking about a lost love or searching in hopes of finding their soul mate? I make up their stories in my mind because, for some reason, it makes me feel less lonely.

The car comes to a stop, lifting my spell. As the car door opens, my heart skips a beat at the sight of Nathan standing just outside the restaurant's entrance. An easy smile takes shape on his mouth, and instinctively, I reciprocate with a smile of my own. He takes long strides forward and takes hold of my hand just as I exit the car. With a slight tug, he pulls me forward and into a warm embrace. I’m not sure what to do. I stand there frigidly for a moment, feeling awkward and unsure.

“Relax, Victoria. It’s just a hug,” he whispers in my ear, sending a surge of heat down my spine. His words have the desired effect, though, allowing me to relax into him and wrap my arms around him, resting my hands on his back.

“That’s better.”

“Hello, Nathan,” I murmur, pulling away ever so slightly and looking up into his eyes.

“Hi.” His eyes glimmer with a just a hint of humor. “I’m glad you could make it.”

“Me, too.”

He gives my hand a squeeze. “Come on, our table should be ready.”

We walk hand in hand into the trendy restaurant and follow the hostess to our waiting table. I’m impressed that Nathan took the initiative to make a reservation. Most of the men in my past would have left a detail like that up to me. The fact that he thought to do this was a nice surprise. Like any true gentleman, he pulls a chair out for me and waits for me to sit before taking his own seat.

“How have you been?”

I smile, picking up the menu