Chapter 20

The Lies Between Us

20 – What if

48 Hours Earlier

Tait's mind wanders as his eyes see nothing but clouds. He was up a million miles in the air excited to be back. He's already pictured it in his mind the things she might say and the reactions he'll get from her.

He thought he's got this in the bag. He was already composing the words he'll say to her in case they both ran into each other.

One option is to ask her out on a "blind date." If she won't go then he'll ask Jim and Rian to set them up together...

Second, he'll keep sending her lovely notes through the lilies that will end up revealing himself to her in a romantic way.

Tait bit his lip at the thought. It was such a cheesy thing to do but he was more interested to see her lovely reaction when she finds out it's him.

And third...

If none of those things work, he'll force one of his dad's clothing company to hire him as photographer and he'll get her as his model.

Third one sounds like a very tedious plan but he's willing to do whatever it takes.

All these plans of him to get her back makes him impatient. The music blasting from his earphones were bringing his head to such creative ideas that he didn't even get to notice the gorgeous Canadian stewardess who was trying her best to get his attention.

Rather, his thoughts were almost always occupied by one girl who was living rent free inside his head.

The tall statuesque flight attendant failed to even have eye contact with him. She was under the impression that the Tait Kingston of Star Avenue was the kind of guy who will sleep with someone like her in his own flight and do nasty things inside the lavatory.

Turns out she was disappointed. Especially when they finally locked eyes, he didn't even look at her for five seconds.

Tait wanted to use the restroom that moment but seeing the thirsty look on the flight attendant's face, he hesitated. He took his time looking at his social media instead, checking out what's trending on twitter.

He sipped on his drink when he saw that Jacey Somers was trending because of Veronica Park's IG post. Not that he was worried about it but he was ready to steal Lisie from the guy even before finding out the truth.

The chamomile tea wasn't enough to calm him down. He knew what's about to come the moment he lands back in L.A.

Then again, the media was indeed notorious. He was right about what's waiting for him in the airport. Besides his ever supporting fans, a group of paparazzi were also present to welcome him. He looked at Nash beside him who acts like his bodyguard since Yul was probably still sleeping.

"I don't have any schedule for this week right?" He asked.

Tait tried to keep a straight face when he saw Nash clenching his jaw. He appreciates him so much that he's starting to believe his manager loves him more than he loves his girlfriend.

"You better not fuck up. Again."

Tait scratched his head cringing at the thought of letting everyone down. "I'm sure I'll do perfectly on the promotions but I'm not so sure about the girl." He admitted.

"TAIT ARE YOU BACK WITH YANA?" A wild paparazzi was crowding his way shoving a camera to his face.

Tait answered by glowering at him.

"Is it true you took Yana with you to Canada? Did you finally propose?"

"Is that what the news say about me today?" He clicked his tongue pacing faster.

"Yeah and that you were also devastated because Lisie Moore refused to sleep with you."

Tait barked a sound of laughter confusing the guy. "I like that rumor."

Because it's probably true concerning their situation.

Later that day, Nash told him that he should take it easy because the upcoming days will be hectic. He prepared himself some healthy drink before slouching to the couch to put on the TV.

There was a note on the remote control with Hayes' penmanship.

It says: Welcome back, turd. Have some weed salad in the fridge. Lol.

"Weed salad my ass." Tait chuckled knowing what weed salad meant for Hayes. It's probably one of his leftovers. Nevertheless, he went along with it and opened his refrigerator.

He wasn't that surprised to see a lot of eggs in his fridge. All Hayes cook is ramen. But he wasn't expecting his friend to really buy food for him. Between the three of them, Hayes is the one who's conservative about spending too much, so it was much to his surprise when he did this.

"Woah, he's not kidding!" He took the takeout box and opened it to see some nachos inside. "Wow! This is the best."

The next day, he went out for some hike at the nearest mountain park. He brought with him his camera because he wanted so much to get back to nature since his vacation started. But because Jim has other plans and the weather was freezing cold, it did not push through.

He kept himself busy exercising, taking photos, visiting museums just to keep himself from thinking too much about his agenda regarding his lovely costar for the rest of the day.

He was out getting takeout dinner with Yul that evening when Jim decided to show up.

"See, I knew you guys are here!" Jim arrived at the salad station like he owned the place. Thankfully, no other people was around.

"You're too late. I already paid." Tait muttered keeping his wallet.

"I just had dinner, so I'm good." He said jovially. "I uh...took Rian home." He added, a faint blush painting over his cheeks.

"Did I ask?" Tait raised a brow.

"Don't give me that attitude mister, especially because you don't want to get on my bad side." Jim pulled his arm to show him what's on his phone.

It was a mini concert show by Veronica Park. Tait raised an eyebrow when he saw that it was a private event.

"You're going to Ross's concert?"

"Ross?"

Tait pursed his lip and corrected himself. Because he remembered Lisie calling her best friend Ross whenever she talks about her.

"Veronica Park," Tait rolled his eyes. "So why are you even invited?"

"I think you forgot I'm good friends with Jacey?" Jim's face was smug but it wasn't for long when Tait used his words against him.

"You mean your man-crush?"

"Do you want to hear the good news or what?" Jim growled making Tait concede.

"And what's that?"

"Lisie's coming to that concert obviously."

Tait's ears clapped at that. "Okay, go on." He said ignoring Yul who was shaking his head.

"Rian and I are coming because we're invited by Jacey himself. As for you my brother, you can be our driver."

In other circumstances, Tait would've laughed at Jeremy's request but since he was desperate, he was willing to stoop that low even if it means he's third wheeling.

Tait was speechless while looking at his friends look at him like he's caught in a trap.

"Fuck you guys."

"Beggars can't be choosers." Jim chuckled.

"I want to come," Yul raised a hand.

Tait only sighed making his way to the exit.

They were inside their building's elevator when Tait thought of something.

"Oh Yul I almost forgot, how did Hayes date go?" He asked, excited to know about Hayes's mystery girl. "Is it Elle Fanning? It's Elle Fanning right?"

"Oh my gosh, Hayes is dating an A-lister now?" Jim gasped innocently.

Yul wet his lips nervous about what he has to answer. "It's not Elle Fanning."

"Oh, so who is it then? Do we know her?" Tait inquired.

Yul just smiled his way through. He didn't want both friends to have tension now that they like the same girl. But mostly, he didn't want to be that guy who'll take sides. "I think you guys know her. Her face is familiar." He shrugs. "I guess if you're living so much with popular people then everyone's familiar, right? Hehe..."

"Did he just crack a joke?" Jim said in a small voice.

The elevator rings saving Yul from misery. "Oh this is me. See you tomorrow guys. Good night!"

Tait made a face turning to his best friend. "He's out of his character today."

"I think this is the first time I saw him smile...and wave at the same time. It's scary." Jeremy cringed.

It was scary as well to think that Tait will be seeing Lisie tomorrow. He was hanging outside their terrace on the second floor when he heard Jim talking to his girlfriend downstairs on the phone.

"I know it's a bad idea but babe, I know my best friend. He may not be speaking about it but he's moping...."

Tait smirked drinking from his beer bottle. Give it to Jim to always know what's up.

"He's...he looks fine but I could tell something's messing up his head. He went out to the mountains alone earlier! Can you believe that? I almost called the cops. And you know what, he's not even shaving!"

Jeremy's voice started to fade out when his steps go further as he closed the door from the first floor's terrace.

"I think he really needs to see her..."

Tait smiled sadly looking up the starless night sky. Evenings like this he wishes he's back in New Zealand so he could have the perfect view of the stars. Back there, the nights were always beautiful. He could spend hours just looking up at the sky until he falls asleep. Oh how his life right now changed.

When months ago all he wanted to do in Star Avenue was to end things formally with his ex then go back to NZ. Right now, his goal is entirely different; it's to get Lisie and take her to New Zealand hoping she'll see him more in a different light.

It's simple but it's the truth. For the second time in his life, his heart was beating again.

All he needed was another chance.

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

Present

"You want anything?"

Tait looked blankly at Yul. "I'm not hungry."

They arrived at 7th Heaven 30 minutes ago. Rian and Jim looked very excited to come here that they're starting to look disgustingly happy.

"Suit yourself." Yul muttered turning off the heater to annoy him on purpose before getting out the car.

"Asshole." Tait muttered turning it back on. He continued reading his emails and the list of questions the Comic Kon panel will be asking. He was trying to focus his mind on preparation for the next weekend but to no avail, his thoughts kept going elsewhere.

He pulled his reading glasses from his face to the dashboard and finally turned off the car's engine.

He was confident no one in the vicinity would recognize him from the way that he was casually dressed. Tait knew that although the event was a concert, it was a formal one. He had no expensive leather shoes on, no coat and tie and his hair is definitely not gelled to perfection. Instead, he was wearing a black plaid shirt over a white pullover, dark sweatpants and a pair of black Puma sneakers

He looks a lot like any other human being alive.

He locked the car not caring if Yul arrives soon. His own feet took him at the small garden just outside the restaurant. He went there hoping he'd see her even just a glimpse. And when he stepped closer to the window, he wasn't disappointed.

Lisie Moore looks so much like a goddess that he's starting to think that the light follows her everywhere she goes.

He smiled as he watches her laugh while talking to Jacey Somers.

"God, I'm so whipped." Tait whispered to himself. It feels like he was seeing her in slow motion that sometimes she's just indescribable. But seeing her now not only bring him happiness but her scenery also made him regret.

"I thought that...probably...you're starting to feel the same way..."

"I'm sorry Lisie...I cannot give you what you want..."

Just looking at her hurts. He bit his lip stepping away from the window when his actions in the past catches up with him again.

"I guess I deserve this, huh?" He snickered. He took one last glimpse of her and after that he felt okay again.

It was enough for Tait to see Lisie happy. He thought the spotlight looks so well on her. He was afraid that Lisie would like being a celebrity so much that the thought of having a simple life would be the last thing on her mind.

Because for Tait, he knows he's only doing this to appease his family. After that, he'll focus on settling down in New Zealand and opening up a farm. His plans were all put on hold because he has a movie but he was thinking seriously about life after showbiz that the idea of Lisie coming with him would be perfect.

He was pacing back to his car when he saw some girls following Yul.

"Hey, you're Tait Kingston's PA. You're that guy!"

Tait stopped on his tracks not sure if he's going to like that his friend is gaining recognition for being with him or he's going to have another security for Yul.

"Does this mean Tait Kingston is just around, omg!"

Tait facepalmed in embarrassment. He's underestimated his fame yet again. He hid himself behind a tall shrub while watching Yul trying to get inside the car. He pulled his phone to call his unlucky friend.

"Yul?"

"T-..." Yul stopped himself from revealing he's with the King. The three girls were latching onto him like he's the celebrity. "Mom! Where are you?"

"I'm fine son." Tait suppressed a chuckle. "I'm in the garden. Just stall them away and tell them you're meeting me in the gym or something..."

"Okay mom. I'm going home in a few."

Tait watches Yul go back to another direction with girls tailing him like his own fans. It was entertaining to watch the guy being chased by girls. It was one of the few moments he's wished he could record in his phone to annoy his stone cold bodyguard.

"What badluck..." He sighed.

When they all were far enough from the premises, he stepped out his hideout to get back to the car.

Tait was thinking about treating Yul for a few drinks when he heard the sound of the restaurant's door unhinging.

The air blew, and he caught a whiff of a sweet but musky scent. He knew that perfume so well because Lisie almost always use it.

He turns finding her in tears. His feet unable to move. She was talking to herself and looking at her phone.

"No way," He whispered.

If the reason why she's crying was because she was now finding out about the messages he's sent to her then he's blown his cover.

He balled his fist as her tears kept falling. He couldn't stand it that the guilt crept out of him more than his shame.

He has to make a move because after all, it's his fault she's crying.

His heart pounded harder on his chest as his proximity gets closer. He didn't even react when she thought he was Saint.

When she saw the hanky from his hand, it's when she realized it's not her bodyguard that arrived.

"What are you doing here?" She pushed his hand away surprising him of her rude reaction.

"Let's talk."

"About what!?" Lisie stood up, not in the mood for a late night conversation.

"What more do you want? You're back with your ex now, and you promised you won't bother me anymore!"

Tait raised a brow at that. "Hey, I don't remember promising you that. All I know is that we'll never speak about what happened inside my make-up room in the studio."

Lisie thought about it as well but before she could speak, he beat her to it.

"Besides, I don't think I'll make a promise like that to you." He smirked making Lisie annoyed. Seeing him smile like that made her think of the times he's being cocky which strangely amuses her.

"Just, leave me alone." Lisie was prepared to push him away when his hand caught her wrist and pulls her back.

"Tait, what the fuck!?"

"I will never leave you alone." He gritted in a low voice trying so hard not to kiss her.

"Ugh, here you go again! You're acting like a jealous boyfriend because the promotions will start soon, right?" Her words cut deep. Tait wanted to explain but this time, Lisie was in rage.

"Don't worry honey, when there's cameras, I'll be sweet to you."

Tait wasn't liking the sarcasm. But he's conceding because he knew it's his fault she turned out this way.

"Please listen to me, Lis..." He bit his lip. He wanted so much to tell her what he truly feels but would she believe him? For Tait, telling her those three words would only make her doubt him.

"What's with your messages anyway? This isn't you right? Please tell me your number was just hacked." Lisie shakes her phone mockingly to his face.

Tait was proven right about her reactions. At this rate, she'll never believe him.

"What if it's really me?" But least, he's got to try.

She was taken aback by that question that she remained speechless for a moment. But she composed herself well. "Then you're stupid."

When Lisie felt his hold loosen, she used that opportunity to try and get away. But Tait already anticipated this and he wrapped an arm to her waist instead pulling her tighter.

"Let go of me, you jerk!"

"I'm sorry, okay? I am a jerk." He hissed back. "Who I was back then – that guy you're with, it's both real and not. I was afraid of my own feelings for you that I had to hurt you and I know that's not an excuse."

Tait took in a deep breath while baring his soul to this lady. He didn't want to look away from her because he's afraid she'd disappear.

"But do you know what I realized the moment you stepped out of my room that day?"

Lisie's tears were starting to form. She was shaking her head like she didn't want to hear more.

"Baby, what if I really fell for you?" His voice cracked at the last words. His eyes were starting to hurt because he was trying not to cry.

"Stop it." Lisie sobbed.

"Please," he begged, his face hiding on the crook of her shoulder. He wanted to convince her so much that if she won't believe him, he's afraid he'll self destruct.

"Lisie?"

Saint's voice disturbed their night but Tait wasn't a little bit fazed. It was Lisie who was conscious of their position that she needed enough strength to take his arms off of her.

"Who invited you?" Saint accused rudely stepping closer to him.

"I'm the King, I'm always invited." Tait responded a little too arrogantly.

"Well sorry to burst your bubble but Kings, in this age, they're all buried to the ground."

"Tch. Just say you want to punch me and I'll even welcome you." Tait provoked.

"You sure about that, pretty boy?" Saint was up for it, he's even clenching his fists and popping his neck.

But before a brawl could start, Lisie already put herself between the two.

"Saint, I'm tired. Let's go home." She put her hands to his fist not aware that her action could hurt the other.

Tait scoffed, chuckling at his own defeat. He never thought a simple action like that could make him miserable.

"Whatever..." He called out to the two who was nearing the door. He still got one ace to play to end the game.

"I'm still getting you back, Lily," He bit his lip to keep them from shaking. "Because believe it or not, I'm falling in love with you."

Tait's smile grew when Lisie turned to him incredulously.

What he said was another lie, because Tait knew Lisie wouldn't be able to handle the truth that he already fell. 

To Be Continued...

*photo*

here's the image I used in the book cover. Really looked like Lisa and Taehyung for realz lols.

A/N

The chase begins.

*photo*

One photo from wings tour I'm willing to share XD