Truth or Lies? by A. Gomez (book club recommendations txt) 📗

“Gambling? Money? Did Conny know?”

“He had no idea until it was too late. He loved her and didn’t suspect anything.” Josh’s voice grew softer, mournful. “Pam needed money fast. And not just a little, but a lot. Ginger brought her in and Pam just never got out. I guess the money was too good to walk away from.”

“Oh.” I blinked at him, feeling numb. I had loved Pam too. I still loved Pam. I had never suspected her, either. She was my mentor. “Where is she now?” I asked.

“In FBI custody. That’s all I can say, baby.”

I nodded, staring out into space. I was stunned. I didn’t know what to feel. I didn’t know what to think. I had working lunches with Pam, meetings, social lunches and dinners with her. She would have us all over to her house and host Christmas parties every year. I just couldn’t believe that this was the Pam I knew. She was victimizing the very girls she was helping. She must have been frantic to go into that world.

43

Josh was done hacking whatever they needed him to hack and we were on our way back to his apartment. It was a quiet ride back. I was gazing out the window, watching all the people on the streets we passed. They were dressed up for New Year’s Eve with hats, tiaras, costumes and more. People were laughing and shouting with anticipation of the New Year. I saw friends embracing and lovers kissing. It was a happy and warm sight. I thought about Pam and her secret life. In past years she would send us a group text wishing us a Happy New Year with balloons and streamers in her text. How could things have gone so wrong for her? How could she have made those choices and not thought twice? I continued to watch the scene outside. Snow flurries were beginning to fall. Squeals of delight came from a few people yet others groaned. I thought I would feel a slight pang of jealousy because we weren’t a part of the fun and festivities, but I didn’t. All I really wanted was to be with Josh and know that I would be with him tomorrow and the next day and so on.

We reached his apartment, going directly into the building’s garage this time. He had an assigned spot that he paid for monthly, but it was better than trying to find parking outside and then having to walk to the building in freezing weather.

He helped me out of his truck and I noticed he wasn’t in FBI mode anymore. All the threats must finally be over. I would finally get to know and see non-FBI Josh. I could hardly wait. Although a tingle of fear did hit me. What if I didn’t like non-FBI Josh?

We held hands up the elevator and all the way to the door of his apartment. I could sense he was drained and tired from everything that happened this evening and the past six weeks. I was, too.

He opened the door for me. I walked into a dark room with only the glow from the outside lights shining in. I could hear loud rumbling and popping. The fireworks must have started. I could see a little of them as I headed towards the glass doors.

“Happy New Year, baby.” Josh was behind me, kissing the side of my neck. He pushed a button on his remote and got the fireplace going. The fire gave the living room a warm glow, revealing the flowers that were sitting on the kitchen table. They were peonies in a white ceramic vase.

“Oh, Josh, when did you do this?” I squeaked. “They’re gorgeous! And peonies, my favorite. How did you manage to find peonies this time of year?”

“I didn’t know they were your favorite. I’m glad you like them.”

“I love them!” I gushed.

“Billy, the doorman, helped me out. His sister has a flower shop and peonies were all she had left. She deserves all the credit.”

I gave him a quick peck on the lips and ran over to get a better look at the flowers. “You know…” I took the necklace he gave me in between my fingers, rubbing it. “You never told me the story about this necklace I’m wearing. My mother said it was a sweet story but it was one for you to tell.”

“Oh, yeah.” He stroked his beard, taking me by the hand and leading me to the bedroom. “Well, it’s my late grandmother’s necklace. My mom’s mom. My grandfather gave it to her. He gave it to her because he knew, as soon as he saw her, she was the one.”

We were in his bedroom; the lights were off so the glow from the fireplace illuminated the room.

“Before she died she gave that necklace to my mother and told her to save it for my future wife. And yes, my mother does have a sibling but it’s a sister. My mother is the only one that had a son. My aunt had all girls,” he mused.

I gasped softly. Wasn’t he rushing things just a little? He couldn’t possibly be sure I was the one for him. This necklace was worth so much more than I realized.

“My grandmother passed when I was seven years old,” he said and paused, his expression intense and smoldering. “My grandfather not only loved his wife, he was in love with her. My mother would tell us stories of how my grandfather would hope and pray that he and my grandmother would be together forever. Even in heaven.”

“Does my mother know the entire story of this necklace?”

“Only that it was my grandmother’s and how much you mean to me and how long it’s been in the family. But she’s a very smart lady, I’m