Tell Me No Lies Read online

  “Thank you,” he said.

  “Thanks,” said Zane, who was now angling in his seat to face me.

  “Thank you. And enjoy it.”

  I stepped away as he rose from his seat. “Tara?”

  “Yes?” I stopped and looked up at him, towering a good head taller than me. He’s perfect. And I felt perfect next to him—as if I was made to fit.

  “What do you recommend?” he asked.

  “The waffles are a favorite here.”

  “Are they your favorite?”

  “I like them, but honestly, I like biscuits and gravy. I guess I prefer my morning foods a little savory.”

  “Biscuits and gravy? I had that when I worked in Texas.” He acted like he had never seen them other than that.

  “Yeah, my mother and I used to stop at different diners while on the road and compare who had the best. There was this one place down in Nacogdoches that won, and ours are pretty close.”

  “Hmm. Well, I might have to give them a try.”

  I smiled, and when I turned to go check a few of my other tables, I noticed him still looking at me.

  I tried not to read too much into it, even when I noticed it again as he was eating. Each time I went to the table, he struck up a conversation, even if it was just to tell me how good the food was.

  Unfortunately, I had to tend to another family table, and by the time I finished getting their four kids’ orders straight and listening to their parents bicker and make things worse, Zane Ballard and his friend had left.

  I walked over to the table, and when I went to remove the plate, I found a hundred-dollar bill stuffed under the plate. “Holy shit,” I mumbled. I tucked it into my pocket and smiled to myself, still not letting myself read too much into it.

  If he liked me so much, why didn’t he ask for my number?

  Because he was only being nice or showing off to his friend?

  Either way, I could pay the rent.

  Chapter 9

  Zane

  As Nick and I left the Golden Flower Buffet for a quick run at some slot machines, I couldn’t help but wonder if I should have gotten the waitress’s number.

  “Why did you leave that waitress such a big tip?” asked Nick as he stuffed a dollar in the machine.

  “None of your business,” I said, giving him the side-eye and a smile. I didn’t need him ragging on me about it.

  “She must have made an impression while I was gone.”

  “Her name is Tara, and she made her impression just walking up to me.” The woman was a knockout, and she was probably the prettiest woman I’d seen since arriving. But she was probably married or seeing someone. I should have found out.

  “Really?” Now he was giving me a sideward look. “She was pretty.”

  “She was a babe. Are you kidding me?”

  “Yeah. Hey, it’s cool. I mean, I was just shocked you threw that kind of money for tips. Business must be good.”

  “It’s oil. It’s always good.”

  Nick laughed. “You got me there.”

  “I bet you can say the same for construction, the way you were tossing the money around last night buying drinks for everyone. How are you doing?”

  “Okay. I’m just keeping busy. Probably the same way you are. Did the whole Heather thing ever work out?” I knew that before the trip was over, everyone would ask about that situation. I had kept it private, even from them, but now that we were face to face, it was expected I face it.

  “She’s still in prison, so it’s working for me. She’s where I don’t have to fucking worry and look over my shoulder every five minutes, wondering if she’s going to try and come take Mila.”

  “I can’t imagine what you’re going through. How’s Mila doing with all of it?”

  “She’s perfect. She is growing like a little weed. She’s going to be as tall as me if she doesn’t stop growing. But I tell you, I don’t know if I want to do this alone forever.”

  “Did you get the waitress’s number? Maybe she likes kids.” He gave a chuckle as he put in another dollar.

  “No, but I should have.”

  “They serve dinner too, my friend. You can always check back.”

  “She probably wouldn’t want a man with so much baggage. I’ve not only got a kid, but with Heather’s bullshit, no one wants to get involved with that. It’s just not fair to ask.”

  “So? What then? Do you just stay a bachelor for the next twenty years until she’s grown up?”

  “If that’s what it takes. It’s just going to take a pretty special person to be all in with me. And what are the chances of that?”

  “You’re talking like a man who needs to get laid.”

  “God, it’s been so long, I’m about to propose to my right hand.”

  Nick laughed. “There were women all over you last night. You talked to that rodeo queen so long I thought you were looking to hogtie someone. I bet she would have let you.”

  “She was nice, but she’d have hogtied me. She just wasn’t my type. And I guess I’m a loser, but Mila makes me want to be a better man. I can’t just sleep around like a man whore.” It just didn’t feel right.

  Nick chuckled as he lost again. “You’re overthinking it. You’re just getting laid, and you don’t have to introduce them to your daughter. Hell, you don’t even have to tell them about her. Especially if it’s just while you’re here in town.”

  “I guess you’re right,” I said, sitting on a stool next to his machine and putting in a dollar. “I just miss my little girl, and it’s tough to scout women for sex while I’m wondering if she’s okay.” I pulled the lever and watched as I lost my money.

  “I get it,” he said, trying again to win. “You’re a good father. Just make sure you take care of your needs. It’s okay.”

  As he finally hit a small payout, I eased back in the seat, wondering if my parents and daughter had made it to the Animal Kingdom park and if they were having fun.

  I pulled the lever again and, this time, hit a winner. “One hundred dollars,” I said. “I guess it’s my lucky day.” I had just won back the money I’d given Tara.

  “You son of a bitch. I only won ten.”

  We both laughed and played some more, moving on to blackjack until I lost half of my earlier win. “I’m beat. I’m going upstairs.”

  When I got up to my room, the others were still sleeping, and I was just getting settled into my bed after a long hot shower when my phone rang.

  It was a call from my mother’s phone, and I expected it to be Mila. But my mother’s voice greeted me. “Hey, honey. Sorry to bother you on your trip.”

  “Is something wrong?” I asked, sitting up in bed with my pulse racing.

  “No, honey. She’s fine. But I wasn’t sure if sending you a video chat this time of the morning was a good idea. You know, since you’re in Sin City.”

  “I’m alone, so yes, video call me. I need to see her and hear her voice.” I couldn’t believe that even my mother thought I’d be in bed with someone. I hung up the call, and a few seconds later, the video chat request came through. I answered and smiled big as Mila waved to me.

  “Hi, Daddy!” Mila sounded as happy as ever.

  “Hey, Noodle. I miss you. How do you like your trip?”

  “It’s fun. And I miss you too. I get to go to the park today. They have rides.” She had wanted to go to an amusement park with rides since she saw one on TV.

  “That’s awesome. Be safe and have fun, okay? Are you behaving?” I could see my mother in the back, nodding.

  “She’s been good,” said my father from somewhere off-camera. “But she has a question for you.”

  Mila gave me her puppy eyes, and I laughed, knowing it was going to be hard to tell her no. “Is it okay if I have cotton candy, a candy apple, and a funnel cake?”

  My eyes widened. “Wow, that’s a bit much, don’t you think?” I tried to imagine her eating all of that sugar. She would be wound up, and I was pretty sure by the way my mother wa
s looking at me, she wanted me to say no. “Can’t you just pick two?”

  “That’s what Nana said, but Pop-pop said to ask anyway.”

  “How about this? You and Pop-pop can share. That will make me and Nana happy. But I don’t want you bouncing off the walls. You behave yourself.”

  “I don’t know how to bounce off the walls, Daddy. I’m not even sure that’s real.” I was certain I’d used the phrase with her before.

  “It’s real. Believe me. It means I want you to behave, and don’t get wild and hyper from all of those sweets.”

  “I won’t. I promise.”

  “Okay. I miss you.”

  “You already said that. You must miss me a lot.”

  “I do. Do you miss me a whole lot?”

  She nodded. “Yes, will you ever have to go away again?”

  “It’s how I make a living for us, Noodle. You know I will. But I promise I’m giving you my full attention when I get home, and we’re going to have lots of fun things planned.” I had to start making a list of things other than cleaning out our closets. She still had clothes that she’d outgrown a year ago.

  “I can’t wait.”

  Finally and all too soon, Mom spoke up. “Honey, we need to get going if we’re going to make the park by opening. I want to get a good spot in line.”

  “Okay. Have fun. I love you.”

  “I love you, Daddy,” said Mila.

  After a collective goodbye from my parents, I ended the call. I looked around the room, realizing I was too far away from her and promised myself just a few more days.

  As I lay back in bed and closed my eyes, I thought about the waitress and wondered what time she would get off work and if I’d get to see her again.

  After that, I must have drifted off because the next thing I knew, Clay was pounding on my door.

  “Rise and shine, you tattooed bastard. We’re going down to the pool.”

  “Fuck you,” I said, peeking out the door. “It’s too early for the pool. I’m going back to bed.”

  “You’ve slept through lunch as it is. It’s nearly two.”

  “Two? Shit.” I didn’t want to sleep all day either. “Fine, I’ll get ready and meet you down there.” I slammed the door in his face before he could say anything else.

  It might not be too early for the pool, but it was still too early in the day to deal with Clay.

  Chapter 10

  Tara

  After our shift was over, I was in the ladies’ room putting up my hair when Karen came in.

  “God, I swear Benny is really pissed off at me this time,” she said. “And I’m sorry, Tara. I don’t really try and make it hard for you.”

  “I know, and don’t worry about Ben. He’ll get over it. I really did like the extra tables, so thanks for that. I did really well today.”

  “That’s good. Are you going to the pool?”

  “Yes, it’s the only time I get to relax, and besides, I’m almost finished with that novel I started reading the other day.”

  “Reading a book like that would take me months, and you’re done in a matter of days.”

  “I could finish it in one night if I didn’t have bills to pay, but thank goodness we get pool access.”

  “Want some company? I could use a cocktail.”

  “I’ll buy it. I did really well today.”

  “Sounds good to me. I’ve got my suit in my bag.” She went into one of the stalls to change, and by the time she came out, I was ready for the sun and water.

  We went out to our usual spot by the fountains, and I pulled our chairs back from the edge of the pool. Once we were settled, I noticed the couple with the boy, still arguing. “There’s your friend.”

  “Yeah, she’s yelling at him for staring at us,” said Karen. “He’s been gawking ever since we came out, and I’m pretty sure he nearly broke his neck when you bent over to move the lounger.”

  “Ew. In front of his family? What a scum. Now I really feel sorry for his kid.” I took out my wallet and flagged the waiter over to order us drinks.

  “What about his wife? Poor woman.”

  “She’s as bad as he is. They have no business raising kids if they can’t behave in front of them.” I had watched my mother and her boyfriend arguing enough to know it wasn’t pleasant for the boy.

  Karen rolled her eyes. “You’re acting as if it should be a law who gets to be a parent and who doesn’t. If that were the case, we probably wouldn’t have been born, and what a waste that would be.”

  “I just wish they’d stop exposing him to their nonsense.” He was probably already scarred for life. The damage had been done.

  “Another solid opinion formed from having parental problems.”

  She should know. She’d had the same problems. And it was part of our bond. Not that my mother had always been horrible, but once she got to Vegas and met her boyfriend, I ceased to exist.

  Once we got our drinks, Karen eased back in her chair to get some sun, and I began reading my book, hoping to finish.

  Just as I was enthralled, about to figure out who the murderer was, a voice came from behind me. “Don’t you know that paperbacks are old fashioned? I’ve heard that you can read them on your phone now.”

  I looked up and saw Zane standing next to me. My heart nearly leaped out of my chest. “Zane,” I said. “Hi.” I didn’t know what else to say. I hadn’t expected to see him again.

  “I hoped I’d get to see you around. Do you live near the hotel?”

  “Yeah, not far from here. Using the pool is one of the perks of working for this fine establishment.”

  “Well, that’s a pretty good perk if you ask me.”

  Karen cleared her throat, begging to be introduced.

  “Oh, this is my friend, Karen. Karen, this is Zane Ballard.” I thought I’d keep it simple.

  “You remembered my full name,” he said. “I’m impressed and flattered.” He turned his attention to Karen. “It’s good to meet you.”

  “And you as well. Are those your friends?” She waved across the water to where the man from breakfast and two more hotties sat by the pool.

  “Yeah, those are my buddies. They’re about to order drinks. Could I get you two something?”

  “That would be so nice,” said Karen. I cut her a warning look, hoping she wasn’t going to try and use them like she did everyone else.

  “What about you, Tara? Another cocktail?”

  Karen gave me an urging look.

  “Yeah, sure. I’m running a bit low.”

  He ordered our drinks with the waiter as I put my book away. I hoped to talk to him more, and that was the only reason I let him get me a drink.

  “Thank you,” I said. “And thank you for the huge tip.” I hoped this wasn’t the time he came to collect whatever he thought he was paying for.

  “Don’t mention it. I like to do that from time to time, is all. And I won it back like an hour later playing slots, so I guess it really does pay to be kind.”

  I liked that philosophy. It was just hard for me to be on the receiving end of a gift like that. “So, what brings you to the Golden Flower?” I asked.

  “My friend bought a house out here, and we all haven’t seen each other in a while, so we came out. We’re all staying here for a few more days and just taking a break from life.”

  “Oh, I see. That sounds like fun.”

  “Vegas is a lot of fun,” he said. “But I don’t have to tell you that. You live here.”

  “Yeah, lucky me. I actually meant the break from life part. I can’t tell you how long it’s been since I took a vacation. Honestly, I’d rather live someplace greener.”

  “Greener? As in you don’t want it to leave a huge carbon footprint?” His eyes widened, and he suddenly looked like the cat who ate the canary.

  “No, not green like that. I mean literally green. Like a place with more trees and not as much desert.”

  “Ah, I live in Williston, North Dakota and work the oil fields. So
for a minute there, I thought we might end up in a disagreement.”

  I laughed. “No, it’s fine. My grandfather used to work in a refinery.”

  “I see. And I know what you mean about missing green. Our landscape is similar in many ways, but we still have a lot of that old-town charm too. It’s a boomtown, though, so it’s changing daily. But then, the economy is great there. I still hate to see it growing too fast.”

  As he spoke about the place, there was a sparkle in his eye. He might not like being there all of the time, but that place he spoke of was home to him.

  “Hey, it can’t be any worse than all of the palm trees and neon we have here,” I said.

  “It’s beautiful here at night,” he said, and I got a warm feeling, as if he was looking into my eyes. He licked his lips. “Do you mind if I sit down?”

  I glanced up to see Karen talking to one of his friends.

  “She’s not coming back anytime soon if she’s talking to Clay. He’s not quick to let go of an audience, unless, of course, she tells him to piss off.”

  She’d never do that. Not as long as they were paying her attention and behaving. “You’re right. She’s not coming back. Have a seat.” I couldn’t believe that the gorgeous man wanted to sit with me. “Maybe I won’t get a pain in my neck from looking up.”

  “Six-four,” he said with a nod as if he got questioned about his height all the time. “I was always the tallest of my friends.”

  “Do people always ask if you played sports? Basketball?” That was the biggest complaint from every tall person I’d met—that and doorways.

  “Are you asking me that?” he said with a chuckle.

  “Well, I guess so.” I didn’t really care what kind of sports he played. I just enjoyed the conversation. He was really nice and seemed like he had a good head on his shoulders.

  “I did play some sports, and yes, basketball was one of them. Mostly in high school. I prefer leisure sports, though. Fishing mostly.”

  “Yeah? I’d love to try it sometime. I used to watch my grandfather out at the pond growing up. But my mother wouldn’t let me go out there with him. She said it was his alone time.” I felt my face go red as I noticed him looking at me like he was in deep thought. He probably wished that I’d shut up. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to ramble on.”