Chapter 19

 The Lies Between Us

19 – Initials

"These flowers just get grander and grander these days," Saint complained bringing a new box of lilies inside Lis' new studio apartment. He thanked the newly hired bodyguard outside then closed the door.

After Paris' fashion week, she had the privilege to move out her old condo unit in Star Avenue to an upgraded Manhattan apartment that suited her lifestyle. She and her best friends had always wanted a posh brick studio apartment somewhere in New York and now that she has the money to own one, she's finally living the life.

She giggles at Saint's remarks as she laid down the cardigans she'll wear for her appointment with Hayes later. If it wasn't for the guy, she wouldn't know where she'll end up in the other night. She was still in shock about what happened but Soo telling her that the stalker was now behind bars made her calm down.

Saint frowned noticing the pile of clothes on her bed.

"I don't think we have a scheduled go-see today? Have we, Mademoiselle?" He asked putting the flowers on the counter.

Lisie smirked. "I got a date." She finally made up her mind choosing a long pastel cardigan.

"Oh," Saint raised an eyebrow. "Please tell me it's not another celebrity."

She shook her head thinking about Hayes and how they met. She was a little bit doubtful about him being so oblivious about her identity but in the end she decided he legit didn't know shit about her.

So she gave him another name. Or rather, she gave him her initial – L.

"He's a normal human, trust me." She reassured him making Saint even more confused. She knew Saint would be in shock to find out she set a lunch date with her savior.

She could still remember how worried he and Jacey got when she asked them to pick her up at a five-star penthouse suite.

.........................

Lisie roamed her eyes at the place. Hayes had informed her that he's just renting a space and that the owners were away. Those owners must be filthy rich to own this type of property. She's been to some of her friends' million dollar homes before but she's never been into a bachelor's pad this nice. The interiors were a combination of huge glass windows, wood panels, black walls and furniture. It was so manly that Lisie couldn't help but blush.

"Thanks for the epic breakfast." Lisie smiled walking towards the door. She noticed she was still clutching on the jacket he put on her while she was passed out. She still trembles every time she thought about her stalker's face. She made herself focus on the jacket forcing to forget his creepy smile.

"One of my many useful talents," Hayes playfully winked trying to ease her thinking about the fact that the girl might still be in shock..

Lisie smiled taking the jacket off her shoulders. "Thanks a lot. I don't know how to thank you..."

"Pff, you don't have to ask for anything, just be careful next time you go out." He smiled taking the jacket back making Lisie appreciate his thoughtfulness.

"How about..." Lisie hesitated then tried again. "Let's have lunch tomorrow. My treat."

She bit her lip. It's like making the first move on guys has been her thing now. On second thought, she's not trying to make a move on Hayes, she just wanted to be friends. Besides, getting into a relationship would be the last thing on her list now that she's going to be busy.

"Er...lunch?"

Lisie cleared her throat to stop giggling because the guy was blushing. She thought he's so cute that he's innocent.

"Yeah, it's not like a date or something...just my way to thank you."

"Oh..." Hayes nodded convinced. "So you thank people by treating them lunch?" He tilted his head.

Lisie finally laughed. "No. I guess you're special."

Hayes' mouth hanged agape at her compliment.

She laughed more when she saw him gulp. She couldn't remember the last time she made a fan blush but seeing Hayes getting red all over made her happy.

When his doorbell rang, Lisie initiated to open the door knowing obviously who will present themselves before her.

Hayes shocked face remained as two guys came to pick up his new found friend. One of those guys took off his jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders.

"B-boyfriend?" Hayes asked making the guy glare at him.

"Who the hell-"

"They're just my brothers." Lisie cut Jacey off before he could scare him.

"Thanks a lot Hayes." She waved a hand then quickly gave his cheek a kiss goodbye.

Lisie giggled when Hayes gasped touching the part where she kissed.

"Let's go." Jacey shook his head.

"Bye, Elle..."

Hayes smiled like a lovesick boy even when one of Lisie's "brothers" eyed him suspiciously.

....................

"Wait, don't tell me you're meeting up with horse-face!?" Saint stood up in realization.

Lisie reached for the purple plushie then tossed it on Saint's face. "Be nice!"

Saint was able to catch the teddy bear's head before it hit his perfect face. His other hand was on his chest like he couldn't believe what was happening.

"Damn, girl!"

Lisie rolled her eyes. She went towards the lilies and admired them. Whoever sends her these flowers better make themselves known soon or else she'll track him or her down herself.

She was carrying the flowers to take a photo of them when her fingers felt something taped on the bottom side of the box.

It was a white sticky note.

Lisie has always received the flowers and she was sure there was no note attached to them until now. She thought about a different sender but these flowers all came from the same address in France.

Hope these flowers would serve their purpose and make you smile. - V

"V?"

Saint turned to her while taking purple Care bear to it's proper place. "Mystery guy has a name now?"

Lisie paused to think about anyone who's name starts with V. There's Veronica Park but Ross wouldn't be anonymous to her. Then there's her model friend Vlad but then he's married now...and her cousin Vicky who's not the type to randomly send flowers....

Lisie's heart raced when she remembers Tait's middle name.

Tait Vincent Kingston, when would you fucking stop?

"It's probably just Vernon Choi. He's been an old friend of mine and probably just missed me." She shook her head trying to convince herself it was him even though Vernon Choi hasn't left her a message ever since she rejected him.

But what are the odds?

"Uhuh, bet he's also secretly in love with you." Saint remarked passively.

...................

Saint drove Lisie to an exclusive village in Star Avenue where celebrities go without paparazzi. He knew she reserved one table at Starbucks so she's not worried about any other celebrities getting ahead.

He watches her get inside and when she takes her seat he got out the car and follow suit.

Saint took a seat outside the coffee shop in one of the tables with an umbrella checking his mails from

University. He was in his final papers to finish his masters and he couldn't wait to graduate. It seems as if being a celebrity assistant was growing on him.

He was reading his final draft when someone gave him a cup of tall latte. When he looked up, his eyes turned into slits.

"Nice seeing you here." Yul pulled the seat across Saint, waving a hand at Hayes and Lisie from outside with the latter looking at him like a disease.

"Tell me you didn't bring your little superstar here or I'll break his face." Saint commented.

"Oh cut him some slack." Yul grunted avoiding eye contact.

Saint scoffed searching for someone with wavy dark hair who's 179 cm tall with girly eyelashes. He wasn't sure what really happened but Saint knows Lisie won't take it well if she finds out he's around.

He doesn't think she'll react normally. Saint was prepared to punch him if in case he makes her cry – on purpose or not.

"Don't bother looking for him because he's still in Canada. I came here with his friend." Yul cleared out talking about Hayes.

"You're friends with horse-face?"

"Don't be an ass."

Saint shook his head pulling back when his nickname for Hayes offended Yul. "If I knew 'your friend' is related to your other friend then I wouldn't as much agreed with this."

Saint voiced out while watching the two talk.

"Well I didn't know he knew Lisie. As fas as I know, Tait was clueless about this as well. Hayes didn't mention his lady friend was Star Avenue's ice princess." Yul explained in monotone.

Saint was starting to believe him. Yul was a boring person but he thinks he could never lie.

"Besides," Yul scoffed. "I don't think Tait will stay a thousand miles away had he known his girl was trying to move on with his friend. Right now, he's still as innocent as a baby."

Saint smirked. "I'm confused. Which side are you on anyway?"

Yul shrugged. "Beats me."

..................................

Lisie sipped on her glass of chilled caramel macchiato.

After seeing Yul talking with Saint outside, she felt her heart quicken."You came with a friend?" She

cleared her throat.

Hayes' smile faltered seeing that Lisie became uneasy seeing Tait's bodyguard.

"Y-yeah, he's my neighbor, um is there something wrong?" He said wondering what Yul could've done to her.

Lisie was able to breathe normally after hearing that Yul was Hayes' neighbor.

"Nothing, I understand we just met and it's normal to bring along friends."

Hayes nodded looking at Saint who he recognized as one of her two brothers. "I see. Your brother is quite protective, I guess." He said sipping from his frappe.

"Yeah. He's like that most of the time."

Hayes nodded but deep down he knew something was not right. "Forgive me for being blunt but I think I should know you." He speculated. Hayes was not completely stupid not to know this area was strictly for the rich. Tait toured him around one night along with Jim and these streets and shops are not so hard to forget especially when you go here with popular people.

His wild guess is that Elle is some kind of an heiress or a big celebrity nonetheless. Because why would someone want to kidnap her that night and then have her "brothers" come to pick her up at the penthouse like bodyguards? Or the fact that she seems to be a regular at this exclusive Starbucks?

Even the sound of her name was weird like she knew he's indifferent towards celebrities so she gave him a fake name instead.

He was suspicious of her after his call with Tait and her choosing to meet up in this place confirmed his theories.

Maybe she has her reasons, but whatever it was, Hayes puts his trust in her.

He smiled as she pouts unconsciously.

"So-"

"Um-"

Hayes chuckled leaning his back on his chair. "You go first."

"Um," Lisie smiled pursing her lips. "Are you new here?" She leaned over the table like she's about to share a secret.

Hayes smiled back leaning just the same. "Yes. I'm new here." He answered resting his face on his knuckles then goes back to the previous topic. "How about you, Ms. Elle? How famous are you?"

Lisie's mouth dropped but she didn't break eye contact. Truthfully, she thinks it's funny how Hayes was smart trying to figure her out. His assumptions were on point.

She hesitated for a moment but he was patient.

"I'm kind of viral these days." She gulped looking over the other tables but the other celebrities inside didn't seem to mind.

"So you're a celebrity." Hayes was glad she was being honest. His remark made Lis raise an eyebrow.

"You had other theories?"

"A billionaire heiress?"

Lisie giggled.

"A royal princess," Hayes couldn't take his eyes off her. Her laugh sounds so magical that he scratched the back of his head. A habit he took from spending too much time with Tait.

Her laugh turned silent making him look at her seriously.

This girl is beautiful but she's weird.

..................

Later that day, Hayes couldn't forget how for one moment Elle looks fine and then looks sad and distant after.

Right before they parted ways, she told him her real name.

"Thanks for today, Hayes. I owe you a lot." She smiled politely. Hayes smiled back then his eyes shifted towards the two men outside. Like them, they stood from afar both in casual outfits with domineering auras.

"You don't owe me much, it just so happened that I was there at the right time." Hayes shrugged. "I think I was meant to meet you."

Lisie felt good hearing that. "If we met in normal days, it'll go like this..." She offered him her hand and he got what she was trying to do.

"Hi, I'm Hayes Bright." He shook her hand gladly.

"Lisette Moore. But you can call me 'Elle"

Hayes recalls what happened just hours ago thinking he solved a mystery. There's really something about her that draws him in and him smiling like an idiot even if the date was already over proves Elle's charm.

"What do you know about Lisette Moore, Sir Yul?" Hayes asked dreamily but his body almost went over the driver seat when Yul suddenly hit the breaks.

"Um, sorry about that. I think I was going over the speed limit..." Yul excused himself causing Hayes to doubt his driving skills.

The speed limit on the road was 60. And if Hayes could do an estimate Yul was even driving slower than that.

"So what's your question again?" Yul cleared his throat hitting the gas again.

"Lisette Moore...do you know her?"

"Who?"

Hayes smiled awkwardly and proceeded. "You know...the girl I met earlier, Elle? Elle's actually just short for Lisette Moore."

"Oh...Lisette Moore. Oh yeah I think she's familiar." Yul nodded feeling the hint of sweat on his forehead.

"I think she's really popular, right? I'll go and google her right now."

BEEP BEEP

"What was that?" Hayes stopped pulling his phone from his pocket when Yul kept honking.

"Some stupid teenagers were parading their poodles in the middle of the street." Yul shook his head.

"That's..." Hayes made a face. "Strange." He looked back to see if there was indeed such thing but Yul made a turn.

"You know I think it's starting to come back to me. Yes! I know Lisette Moore." Yul stalled not wanting Hayes to discover Lis' connection with Tait.

"You do?" Hayes was sold to Yul's acting that he's not thinking about googling her anymore.

"Yeah, she's a fashion icon. A supermodel in fact."

"Wow!" Hayes' eyes glimmer in admiration. "Do you think she has a boyfriend?"

Yul's brain operated slowly at that question. Now he's not sure if he can still save Hayes from being a part of a love triangle.

"Um...I...I think...she's single?" Yul pursed his lip mouthing a curse then silently saying sorry to Tait.

"Let's be sure." Hayes was really interested in this girl.

He got his phone to browse the internet beating Yul in his own game. He was patiently waiting for his phone to load when an error page was displayed on the screen.

"Darn it, I'm out of data." Hayes mentioned but it didn't ruin his positive mindset. "Sir Yul, do you want to hang out in the penthouse?"

"I'd like that only if you'd quit calling me Sir."

Hayes chuckled at that. "My bad."

............

The rest of the week passed by with Lisie thinking less and less of the past. She heeded what Ross told her about going to therapy and by far it was the best advice she followed. Her therapy along with the constant care she receives from her friends and family has made her a lot better than the last two months.

Hayes was also one of those people who brightens her day. She goes with him sometimes to jog and occasionally in the gym with Jacey and Ross who just got back from her successful tour.

"So we're pushing the band session at 7th Heaven tonight." Ross announced excitedly taking Lisie's attention away from her phone. She keys in a fast "Take care" sending it to Hayes. The guy was getting busy because one of his songs got some producer interested in him.

"Tell me we're still celebrating my birthday. Even though it ended 36 hours ago." Jacey adoringly wraps his arms around his girl friend making Lis scrunch her face in front of them.

"We are celebrating! We're making our first public appearance tonight as a couple," Ross challenged expecting Jacey to back out but the guy was still holding her tight.

"Finally get to own you in front of everyone," Jacey flirts about to kiss her but then Ross was quick to dodge his attack.

"Ehem, so Jacey, care to tell Lisie who you invited to come?"

Jacey guiltily tilted his head turning to Lisie. "So I met Jeremy Cross at the park the other day and he was with his girl and I was really happy that day because..." His eyes went to Ross...

"Anyway, my emotions got way ahead of me and I kind of invited him tonight..." Jacey looked at Ross for help when Lis remains quiet.

Ross was prepared to scold her boy friend when Lis spoke.

"I don't see the problem here..." Lisie raised an eyebrow at the two.

"You mean you're okay with it?"

"You're friends with the guy, why wouldn't it be okay?" Lisie shook her head. She reached for her bottle of water thinking about how protective her friends are to her.

When Soo told her about the plans of Princetown producers, she was surprisingly okay about it. Lisie was learning to accept that facing Tait shouldn't scare her.

One thing she learned from her first three therapy sessions is that to get over something, one must face and overcome her fears and not run away from it. So that's what she's trying to live by. She's not completely healed from the heartache and the stalker trauma but at least it got her off her nights out in Ed's bars.

She was getting by okay that week; even checking herself if she's having anxiety upon finding out that Tait Kingston was back from his vacation.

But there was nothing. Seeing his face trending on twitter again had made her feel bitter at first but after awhile she's fine.

........................

They arrived at 7th Heaven at half past 10. The restaurant was already packed with more or less fifty people. Ross' band was playing songs for the audience while her best friend gets ready.

Lisie knew Soo was back too but she feels suspicious about her other best friend whose almost always absent during important things like these. She has a feeling that maybe Soo's getting serious about the new guy she's dating – whoever he was, he better not screw it.

"Hey, um I'll just check on Ronnie. Has Saint arrived? Did he get your phone?" Jacey asked checking on her. Because of what happened with her stalker, Lisie has at least five phones stock back in her apartment.

"He's on his way here." She reassured him.

"Cool. You'll be okay here right?" Jacey hesitated to leave. "Where's that Hayes guy?"

"I'm good. Geesh, Jacey it's really great we didn't go over the friend zone." Lis pushed him away making him laugh.

"If Saint gets here, call your boy friend."

"Hayes is not my boyfriend." She scowled. "Besides he's busy."

"Oof, that doesn't sound like boy friend material," Jacey clicked his tongue.

"Go away!"

Jacey finally left her alone to come see his girl. She looked around the venue avoiding the eyes of Ross' fans who were mostly in their teenage years. While she does her best to not make eye contact, her eyes landed on someone's almond eyes instead.

Rian looked at her incredulously like she's thinking if she's greeting her or not. So Lisie spared her and waved first. She looked at the man beside her and found Jeremy Cross smiling diplomatically at her.

Would it always be like that? It's like when you meet someone, they bring along their world and when they leave they leave. Can't she remain friends with his friends like before? They never really became a couple but when the lines were drawn he didn't leave any receipts. He took them all away with him.

"Good evening everyone, hope yalls had a lovely dinner. I'm Leroy Sanchez and this song is Lay Me Down."

Lisie took her eyes off the stage when she noticed Saint coming.

Yes, I do, I believe

That one day I will be where I was

Right there, right next to you

And it's hard, the days just seem so dark

The moon, and the stars are nothing without you

"Hey, sorry I'm late." Saint rushed towards her pulling a seat.

"You're just in time. Ross' friends are doing covers." Lisie smiled drinking from her glass of wine.

Your touch, your skin, where do I begin?

No words can explain the way I'm missing you

Deny this emptiness, this hole that I'm inside

These tears, they tell their own story

Saint pulled a phone from his pocket giving it to Lis.

"Thanks." Lisie thought about calling Hayes so she turns on the phone. But when she sees what's on the display screen, her heart did a somersault.

Told me not to cry when you were gone

But the feeling's overwhelming, it's much too strong

This phone was the old phone she used nine months ago. The phone that stored all the memories she wanted to forget.

Can I lay by your side, next to you? You

And make sure you're alright

I'll take care of you

And I don't want to be here if I can't be with you tonight

"Um...Saint..." She felt a lump on her throat.

"Ugh that sprint made me thirsty." He said unaware of what he just triggered. "I'll just get some water."

Before she could call him back, he was already gone. Her head dropped on the phone whose messages were all from him.

I'm reaching out to you

Can you hear my call, boy?

This hurt that I've been through

I'm missing you, I'm missing you like crazy, you

Am I going to be okay? She thought before opening the messages. She read the latest ones dated on Tuesday.

Vinie:

I'm drunk...I'm high...I don't know...

Vinie:

Will you forgive me if you'll see me suffering? I hated making you cry.

Now Lisie knows for sure those lilies ain't from Vernon Choi. She wiped her tears even before they can wet her cheeks. Saint came back but worry flashed on his face when he saw her bloodshot eyes.

"Lis?"

"I-I just need some air. This song is kind of...sad." She smiled wiping another set of tears.

Saint wanted to stop her but figured this is an exclusive restaurant so he let her. "I'll come after you if you're not back in 10 minutes."

"Thanks."

The song from the stage was starting to fade out as Lisie wanders along the restaurant's small green landscapes. There were statues of angels and the goddess Aphrodite in the center making her remember Abe and Vaia's wedding scene where the set was decorated with mythical creatures.

"Oh my gosh, Lisie please don't break down here." She talked to herself trying not to sob. "You're stronger than this." She whimpered sitting down on one of the marbled benches.

Her hands were shaking when she looked back at the phone. She bit her lip reading his messages. It was so sweet and was tempting her to just call him back. The phone was a curse she thought she got rid off. It was a reminder of how vulnerable she was when she's in love.

She wanted so much to crush the phone, to throw it away or flush it to dispose of it eventually but she can't make herself to do it.

Why would he be so cruel? Doesn't he know that she's suffered enough? She's already doing fine but for some stupid reason, he's not letting her move on.

She let herself cry it out feeling the pain she's suppressed on those days she convinced herself she's okay. She let the memories come back. Her misery and worst experience as an unprofessional actress.

All the shame she felt when he rejected her. It all poured out like a rain.

She hasn't had much thought of the time when she heard Saint's footsteps.

"I-I'm fine. I'll get back inside in a sec." She croaked not wanting to face him in shame. When she felt his presence closer, she saw him offering a white crisp hanky with a small detail – in Palatino font, the blue embroidered initials were "tvk."

She bit her lip so hard she thought it would bleed.

When she didn't take the handkerchief, Tait crouched to match her level.

She watches him with her eyes clouded in tears as he wipe them away. He looked handsome as ever but his hair was a bit longer and there was a thin stubble on his chin. His brows were pushed together like he wanted to say something but he's keeping it to himself.

"What are you doing here?" She tried to keep her breathing even pushing his hand away. The handkerchief laid depressingly on the stone ground as pain crossed Tait's face at the way she reacted. Lisie thought she knew how to handle seeing him again but what she realized is that she wasn't ready.

Did he also feel guilty when he was breaking her heart?

"Let's talk."  

To Be Continued...

A/N

What's the saddest book you've ever read?

I think I cried reading one of Nicholas Sparks' books at some point in my life.