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

He didn’t want to be with me in the same way I wanted to be with him. I liked him; I thought he liked me enough to get to know me and I him. I wanted a relationship and he just wanted...um, not that.” My voice got quiet with disappointment and I looked at my feet unthinkingly. “When I told him I couldn’t give him what he wanted, he quickly lost interest in me, turning to a nurse at the hospital who was more than willing to give him whatever he wanted. I shook my head. “Plus, I’m a better golfer,” I offered, “and I think he couldn’t get past that either.”

“Yes, beating a man at golf does put a damper on things,” she said teasingly. I giggled. “My dear girl, don’t ever let anyone make you feel less than what you are…especially a man. That guy didn’t respect you and is a selfish individual, but you were strong and held on to what you believe is right, so be proud of yourself. I know your mother would be!” She had taken my hands in hers and gave me a loving smile.

“ISABEL!” Josh’s deep voice boomed so loud it jolted us both, causing us to jump. “Where have you been?” Josh sounded heated. I squeezed my eyes shut, oh snaps! What did I do now?

I turned to look at him and saw he was barefoot, sleeves still rolled up, and with major bed head. I snickered at the sight. Mrs. Martin was frowning. “Is this young man any better?” she wondered aloud. “I don’t think anyone should be yelling at you like that, dear.”

“It’s not what you think,” I answered. “He’s not with me… I mean we’re not together… I mean we’re not a couple.” I let out an exasperated sigh; I was trying not to get flustered. Why does Josh make me so nervous? “He’s an FBI agent,” I said in a hurry. “I’ll call you once I get to work and explain everything. But please don’t mention this to anyone, okay?”

Her eyes were wide as saucers; I could see she was thoroughly confused and her brow furrowed with concern. I hurried back with Samson, my mind racing with questions. What did I do wrong this time? Why was he so angry? His eyes were scanning the street and the other brownstones. He was talking about rules last night; I suppose I should’ve listened. Oops. We walked in the house; he closed the door and locked it. I went into the kitchen for water and to feed Samson; Josh followed.

“Isabel,” he said as he ran both his hands through his hair. “I thought we went over the rules last night. You said you understood so why would you go off and break them like a damn teenager?!” His tone was very condescending. I don’t respond well to condescending.

“I guess my give-a-shit meter is broken,” I spit back at him.

He glared at me. “Very nice. Are you always this sarcastic with people who are trying to protect you?”

“No, just stupid ones that don’t know how to set an alarm to make sure they are awake before the person they are trying to protect is awake so they can actually protect her!” I replied with cynicism.

“Wonderful!” he exclaimed. “I’m dealing with a sixteen-year-old girl.”

“I think we’re done here.” I made sure Samson had water, fed him and left the kitchen to get ready for work.

“Hey! Hold on!” He took hold of my arm at the elbow as I was walking away from him.

“Samson! Go!” As soon as those words crossed my lips I covered my mouth. What was I doing? I was not thinking, I was just reacting! He was right. I was an adolescent.

Samson came running and lunged for Josh. I jumped in between them and caught my dog. I stumbled backwards with him and gave the command to stop. Josh stepped back and fell into a chair. He was cursing like a sailor, a look of shock on his face. He didn’t take his eyes off of Samson.

“Was he going for my…”

“Testicles?” I finished the question for him. “Yes, he was. I took Samson to a few dog classes when I got him and this was one of the commands he was taught there.” I was praising Samson for obeying and gave him one of his doggie cookies. My brow was furrowed, shaking my head, asking myself how could I react without thinking.

“Er... Isabel…” Josh was trying to process what just happened and I think that’s all he could manage to say. He started pacing the kitchen floor.

“Josh…I. Am. So. Very. Sorry.” I felt terrible for what I had done. I was watching him pace. I squeezed my eyes shut and rubbed my forehead. What had gotten into me as of late? Why did I feel so much anger? I sat down on a chair. “Josh, why are you here? What I mean is, why are you staying in my house with me? I texted Jill earlier this morning and Stevens is not staying in her apartment with her. He did take her home and he did go inside with her but he left. He didn’t stay the night. He’s there now, bright and early to pick her up but that was it. I don’t understand why I have to be guarded like this? I just don’t like it,” I said, annoyed.

He stopped pacing, looking at me with a concerned expression. “Isabel, if anything were to happen to you, I would never forgive myself. And no, you don’t have to be watched so closely like this but I can’t bear the thought of leaving you here alone, defenseless.”

“I’m hardly defenseless.” I felt insulted. “I slowed you down enough in the courthouse to where if you were after me, I would’ve gotten a good head start on you. Plus, I