Chapter 18

 The Lies Between Us

18 – The Tea's Hot

Tait woke up later than usual at their farm house in Calgary, Alberta. For almost three months he was feeling bored and empty like he's waiting for something to happen.

He reached for his phone only to turn it off when he found nothing of interest. He got off from bed, took a shower and went downstairs to see what Jane cooked.

His ears rang the moment he heard the latest news on TV.

"Lisie Moore's cute reaction at boyfriend Jacey Somer's winning goal was one for the boo-"

Tait took the remote to shut the television off.

"Hey! I was watching that." Jane wailed in protest catching the remote from her brother.

"I want to have my brunch in peace." He snorted pulling a chair. He refused to meet Jane's accusing eyes because he knew what she'll say next and he didn't want her to catch him moping.

"You know, in my years of experience with matters of the heart, I can say that whatever you did to her is going to come back to you any time soon." Jane spoke like a pro while munching an apple.

"Even though you're keeping quiet about your whatever with Lisie, I knew you fucked up."

Tait munched his omelet slowly letting Jane's words sink in. He firmly closed his eyes before speaking.

"I didn't want her involved in my own mess."

"Oh don't give me that brother." Jane was riled up at Tait's excuse. "I know you. Yes you've been traumatized by that bitch but it doesn't mean you needed to be a jerk to Lisie!" Jane almost growled.

"You're so selfish Tait. Just becuase you got hurt...you..." Jane took a deep breath to calm herself down. She didn't want to blame her brother all the way. It's not entirely his fault he became this way.

But she just couldn't help but feel sorry for Lisie. She remember that time when she saw Lisie at her launching party days after filming ended and she looked like a wreck.

"Tell me you've moved on dear brother or else I'll be convinced that you're really stupid." Jane accused him about Yana.

Tait remained silent pissing off his own sister more.

"You fix you're own shit because I ain't helping you."

She slammed the remote back on the table leaving Tait eating his brunch alone.

Seconds pass by and he remained seated. His slowly losing his appetite as he realized he was left in an impasse. His plans to go hiking with his friends after filming never pushed through.

The guilt he felt for doing her wrong caused his plans to be put on hold.

He knew what Jane said was right. He had been selfish. And he also knew that his apologies have gotten months overdue.

He was a coward for not facing his feelings head on and then lying to himself.

Tait headed upstairs after eating to retrieve his phone. He lunged his back on the bed opening his messages. He stared longingly at Lisie's last messages before her number went unattended and his calls never reached her.

Vaialily:

Good luck to our last scene Mr. Anerky :))

Tait scrolled up to read more.

Vaialily:

I can't sleep. I'm excited tomorrow...

Vaialily:

Do you ever miss NZ? I'm supposed to go there in two weeks.

Tait sighed. Typing a reply to that question even though he knew she'll never reply.

Me:

I miss NZ. I also missed you. It would be nice if we could visit there together coz I'd gladly tour u around...show u the places I know ud love....the sceneries ud want to capture...

He pushed his hair back when he types another reply.

Replying to:

Vaialily:

Good luck to our last scene Mr. Anerky :))

Me:

I'm proud of you. Come back to me Mrs. Anerky...

He bit his lip when he saw Lisie posted something on her story. He smiled sadly looking at the lilies he sent her through his cousins in France last month. He thought she never got them but Tait had the impression she loved it since she posted the flowers in her story now. He wanted so much to talk to her and take back the things he said...

He felt his eyes sting looking at Lisie's photo saved in his gallery. She was smiling at the camera in front of the lanterns in Perth. She was so radiant and bright then...

Looking at how she was before, he recalled that day when he saw her crying in front of him, baring her soul like a brave warrior. He knew it took some courage for her to kiss him. To tell him what she truly feels.

He was chasing her out moments after she walked away when Yul stepped in.

"Yana Lane is here. She's looking for you." Yul noticed Tait's weary look. "Did something happen?"

"Have you seen Lisie?" Tait asked ignoring his question.

Yul shook his head. "You want me to get Saint?" Yul was trying to look for a way to help Tait but he thought his friend wouldn't want to judging by his anxious face.

"I'll look for her myself." Before it gets too late, Tait wanted to at least let her know that she's wrong about what she thinks of him. He was afraid what he did was too much that the wall he created between them got too thick to tear down.

He was confused. He felt like an asshole for running away from what he really feels.

His legs was starting to burn as he forced them to run quickly towards the parking lot. And when he got there, his heart pricked at the scene. For he saw how devastated Lisie looked while crying in the arms of Saint.

He swallowed a lump already regretting the lies he made her believe.

..........

"What do you want for dessert?"

Tait didn't hear Yana as his thoughts were still occupied by what happened with Lisie earlier that afternoon. He was thinking of ways to make it up to her. He tried calling her inside the car making Yana annoyed with his disinterest but Lisie's phone was off.

He tried contacting Lis again in the middle of dinner not caring about Yana fussing about it.

Me:

hey...

Me:

Let's talk. Wer r u?

"Baby, aren't you listening?"

Tait didn't hear her, instead he continued spamming Lisie's number.

Me:

I'm sorry.

Me:

I didn't mean what I said. Let's talk again, please...

Me:

I'm just around West Lake. Did you turn off your phone?

Me:

Please text me back when u read this.

"TAIT!"

Tait was startled at the way Yana called his name. The other guests in the exclusive restaurant was suddenly intrigued by them.

Tait got his composure back and scolded Yana. "Can you not shout? It's embarrassing."

"How couldn't I when I was trying to talk to you for five minutes now." She complained.

Tait leaned his back on his seat shaking his head. He thought about the past and his relationship with this girl who was eating so elegantly in front of him.

Yana was his first love. But the feelings he has for her had left and there was nothing more of her that can bring back the love they lost.

He stares at her. Her hair was the perfect long and brown every girl envies. She has cute innocent eyes, small face and radiant cheeks. Tait had to admit that Yana became more beautiful after the last they saw each other. It almost felt like he was seeing her for the very first time...

But unlike the past, his heart was now beating for another and that the only thing he wanted for this beautiful girl in front of him was closure.

"Yana..." Tait took a deep breath before taking the engagement ring from his coat pocket that he was supposed to give her three years ago. Now, he's giving it to her not as a boyfriend but as a peace offering.

He saw her eyes water as she understood what his action meant.

"We never ended things peacefully. I know you knew I was going to propose soon after the Oscars but..." Tait pushed the round cut Tiffany ring on the table.

"I want you to know that I'm forgiving you for all the hurt you've caused me."

"Tait..." Yana reached out for his hand but he pulled back.

"I'll always love you... but let's move on."

They both stare at each other like strangers in a coffee shop. Their eyes reflected with one another reminiscing all the good and bad memories they shared together.

All those years and it only came to this.

Here's the girl Tait thought he'd never let go. The girl he thought he'd kept close to his heart.

Yana Lane was everything he loved and adored before his life took a drastic turn. But now he has to let her go completely because he met someone who made him feel less of a superstar and more real of a person.

"Let's end it here."

.......

The next morning Tait was still lying on his bed stalking Lisie's instagram when he scrolled to a candid picture of her and Jacey Somers jogging in the park taken just days ago.

"Tch. What does she see in him?"

He was so annoyed that he texted her.

Me:

Why are you always with coconut guy?

Me:

I thought you love me? :(((

He deleted that last message even though there was no chance of her to see his texts. He grunted planning to call Nash to schedule him a flight back to Star Avenue when his phone rang.

His smile turned big when Hayes' name flashed on his phone.

"Happy birthday bro," He said lazily while looking out his bedroom view.

"Oh my god man you'd never believe what just happen to me on the eve of my birthday." Hayes told him with excitement.

"What? You met the love of your life or something?" Tait guessed wildly.

"Well, I really hope she's the one."

Tait almost gasped not expecting Hayes would say that. "You met a girl?"

"Yes. The most beautiful girl I've laid my eyes on."

Tait chuckled inwardly. "You should be careful about girls around Star Avenue brother. They're not always nice." He advised.

"Hmm, I thought Elle was a little mysterious at first but I feel like she's a good person. I kind of invited her in the penthouse."

"What?! Bro?? You do realize you're living with two famous celebrities, right?" Tait was already on his feet pacing back and forth inside his room. The thought of Hayes letting a stranger – a girl stranger, inside the penthouse was alarming. He could imagine the things she could expose about him and Jeremy and it's bothering him a lot.

"Relax bro, I didn't tell her that. Plus, what was I supposed to do? Leave her on the cold ground and let her die?" Hayes revealed making Tait confused.

"What?"

"Yep. I met Elle while she was getting kidnapped by some crazy lunatic on the streets. She fainted and so I took her up to the penthouse. I think she's really wealthy, bro. Could be a celebrity too. She's just being humble about it earlier."

Tait sighed a bit relieved about what he found out. "Hayes you're like the nicest person I know but don't go around letting people inside the penthouse. We don't know if it's just m.o. or whatever..."

"Yeah, yeah. That's why I called. I figured you might know someone named Elle in the industry. She didn't tell me much about herself because the girl was still in shock while I was feeding her."

Tait scanned all the Elles he knew in Star Avenue. Elle Graves? Ellie Goulding? Elle Fanning? Well Elle Fanning doesn't sound like she's the type to get kidnapped. It could be a youtube celebrity named Elle...

"You said she fainted..." Tait trailed off.

"Yeah, she was really struggling with the kidnapper. It looked legit. I don't think it was m.o." Hayes defended. "She screamed when she woke up and I kinda feel sad for her. She's so scared."

Tait dropped his head thinking about Lisie's face when she was photographed by paparazzis at Ed Carter's bar weeks ago. He had to lie for her not to get involved with him but where did it leave her?

Lisie's become so famous nowadays he couldn't help but feel more regretful. He could've protected her while she's out going to clubs most nights.

But of course, he's also the reason why she's changed her lifestyle.

It's like everyday is a day of penance for Tait every time he sees her go wild and drunk at clubs.

"I think you did the right thing Hayes. Maybe this girl was really meant to be yours. I mean you never know."

"Yeah. She actually invited me for lunch tomorrow. I'm nervous, man. I'm not really good with words."

Tait chuckled lightly. Seems like Hayes is getting a girlfriend sooner than him. "I'm sure you can handle it. Know what, I'll ask Yul to go with you."

"You're bodyguard?"

"Yeah. He didn't come with me here because he's on vacation too. I'll just tell him to visit you tomorrow. I'm kind of worried about you all alone in that big penthouse." Tait bit his lip imagining what Hayes could do. He'll probably just prefer to be alone.

"You might bring girls and do parties without us knowing." Tait joked.

"How did you know?" Hayes rolled his eyes in sarcasm.

"Mhhm." Tait stepped towards his window frowning when he saw two people coming out of a Rover.

His brows deepened more when he recognized who it was.

It was Lisie's manager and she's holding hands with Nash. They both smiled to his sister when they saw her approaching.

"What do you think I should wear tomorrow? I'm thinking just casual but I really think Elle's the rich type..."

Elle...rich type? Tait arrived at the conclusion that it's really Elle Fanning.

"Dude, just be yourself."

"Ugh, the basic advice." Hayes rolled his eyes.

"I've got to go man. Happy birthday!"

"K."

Tait went downstairs quietly being discreet about his presence. When he got closer to the living room, their voice got clearer.

"I'm really against this so I need to be clear with your brother, Jane." It was Soo who spoke.

"Don't worry Suzane, I'll talk to Tait about it." Nash assured her.

"I don't think my brother will be down with it. I mean he's not the type to be faking it-"

Tait couldn't resist and he butted in.

"Why would I be faking what?"

Three pairs of eyes darted on him like they all preferred him to be absent.

He looked away from Lis' manager when he saw how she glares at him. He looked at Nash instead.

"Sit down, Tay." Jane spoke calmly.

Tait cleared his throat when the only available chair was in front of Soo.

He felt like he was getting tortured on the spot by the way she looks at him.

"So...the premiere's going to be a month from now but Comic con will happen in two weeks." Nash pursed his lip.

Tait was already preparing for that so he's not sure why they needed to meet up like this.

"Yeah? And?"

"Producers came and talked to us about their plans...for the movie's publicity..." Nash trailed.

"Okay?" Tait raised an eyebrow reaching out for a cup of hot jasmine tea on the center table.

He saw how Nash waited for him to sip on his jasmine tea and drink it before telling him the news.

"They want you and Lis to pretend that you're dating..." Nash finally said expecting he'll say no.

Tait hid a smile behind the cup. The tea's indeed hot, just the right temperature to make him feel calm and at ease in the middle of Canada's cold weather.

It's as if he's only waiting for this kind of good news all the time he's here.

"It's fine if he's not up for it. It would do Lisie good. Better actually." Soo relaxed more when Tait didn't say anything. If she only knew what Tait was feeling at the moment, she'll never calm down...

Tait finally faced Soo who was now smiling crookedly at him. He smiled cordially settling his cup back on the table.

"I don't think we've formally met...Tait Kingston," He offered his hand.

Soo only looked at it like it was trash. "Suzane Kim."

Jane cleared her throat when she felt the tension thicken.

"You know what, we have turkey salad in the kitchen. Come on Soo, I know you'd love it." Jane announced happily pulling Soo's arm. "We also produce the sweetest wine in Calgary..."

Meanwhile, Nash tilted his head on the side staring at Tait's hand hanging in the air.

"Come with me, Tay."

.........

"Okay so you're dating Lisie's manager. Oh my god, my manager and her manager...dating..." Tait muttered incoherently like he's solving a puzzle piece.

"Tait, Soo's not telling me anything but I know you did something to Lis that made her-"

"Are you really dating her?"

Nash pinched the bridge of his nose. "I don't want to-"

"Are you?" Tait pushed.

"Yes. Now can we talk about your issue-"

"Well shit. Everyone's getting a girl but me. There's Yul but-"

"Will you drop it! I want to know what the hell you did to Lisie and why is my girl looking at you with daggers in her eyes?"

Tait huffed, conceding. "You don't have to worry about anything, I'm about to make it up to her."

"So you really did something heinous?"

Nash's reactions were stressing out Tait that's why his mouth didn't filter the next words that came out.

"We almost had sex on set then I purposely ignored her because I thought that was the right thing to do so she'd stay away from me but-"

"YOU WHAT?!?!"

"Shhh, keep your voice down." Tait hushed trying to calm him down looking out if the girls were around. "I swear I'm regretting it so bad I want to see her everyday, hear her voice everyday but I don't know how. You have to help me."

Nash was already shaking his head unwilling to do what Tait asks.

"What the fuck were you thinking trying to get inside her pants? And on camera, what the f-"

"I know it's messed up!" Tait exclaimed. "I couldn't...ugh. I was a jerk!" He groaned.

"No matter what I say, I know I'm the only one to blame but I love her, Nash."

Nash's eyes widened at Tait's confession that he was left speechless. He always regard him as someone who took his work seriously. He might be seen as the world's biggest play boy but Tait Kingston respects his costars even though he's a flirt.

If Tait's going to be in a serious relationship, it's because the girl was obsessed with him and not the other way around. At least that's what Jane told him. So now, Nash was dumbfounded to see Tait so desperately wanting a girl's attention.

"Yes, I love her. I know it's hard to believe. I'm even shocked myself. I've never felt so strongly about a person before. Not even my ex. You have to help me." Tait convinced Nash his voice getting hoarse because of his emotions. Telling his feelings to someone released something heavy inside of him that he's carrying for a long time. And now that he's revealed it, he felt free.

"You said the producers need us to pretend like we're dating. Why don't I make it real?"

Nash was still shaking his head. Bad idea. Soo will kill me. Nash thought.

"Why do you hurt her then want her back when she's already gone?" Nash inquired. "Are you just playing? Was your ego bruised because now she's with someone else?"

"No. I'm not playing," Tait gritted his teeth. "I'm just tired of hiding behind my own lies. I've had enough time to think and reflect on what I did. And maybe yeah it drives me crazy knowing that she's dating your shitty athlete...but I don't care. I'll get her back." Tait gulped thinking about rejection. He's mentally picturing it inside his head but his will was strong thinking of ways to make her want him again.

Nash looked at him thinking whether or not he's going to help him out. He could reveal to him that Jacey's not really dating Lis but Ross. But he held it out on him not wanting Tait to have it easy.

"Dammit, didn't I warn you not to develop feelings for her?"

"Well tell that to my heart! I tried to stop it but it doesn't like to listen to me so why would it listen to you?" Tait scoffed like a brat.

"So...will you help me?" Tait asked again, hoping for the best.

He evaluated Tait like a jock about to be promoted to the first team. If he help him out, there's two possible outcomes. First, his girlfriend would hate him and worst, end their relationship; second, Princetown's hottest couple dating in real life would make a lot of money.

Shit's about to go down.

"I'll think about it." With a defeated sigh, Nash answered.

To Be Continued...

A/N

All's fair in love and war.

Hello to new readers, welcome to this chaotic world that is The Lies Between Us XD