Tell Me No Lies Read Online Free Page B

fourplex where Sadie shared an apartment with two roommates. My grip around Gage tightened. Why was Julian at Sadie’s? After this morning, I would have thought she would barely talk to him.
    I didn’t tell Gage to stop, and he drove to the end of the street before realizing something was wrong. He pulled over and twisted to look at my face. “Did I turn the wrong way?”
    “That’s Julian’s car.”
    He lifted his gaze. “Why, so it is. Are you going inside?”
    “No. Let’s go.”
    “Where?”
    “I don’t care. Please, just go.” If I spoke to Julian now, my chance for escape would be over. I wasn’t strong enough to withstand him. Not yet. Because I’d become exactly the type of society girl Lily and I despised—spineless, choiceless, weak.
    Gage nodded and took off, faster than necessary. I laid my head against his back and let the tears fall, knowing I wouldn’t be recognized with the helmet. As we passed Sadie’s, I saw Julian at the door with her, his blond hair gleaming in the sunlight that angled in despite the porch overhang. They seemed to be laughing.
    Laughing? I didn’t understand what I’d seen or why Julian had been there. Had Sadie called him over to confront him? Maybe he was there to convince her of his innocence. Or maybe Sadie hadn’t told me the whole truth. The idea hurt almost as much as Julian’s betrayal.
    No, she was my friend, of that I was certain. She loved me. We had history together that was stronger than Julian’s charm.
    Closing my eyes, I hung onto Gage. We drove and drove until my legs began to ache and my stomach protested with hunger. Had I eaten that morning? I couldn’t remember.
    As if hearing my unspoken thoughts, Gage turned off the freeway. The sign read Kingman. We’d come that far?
    After several turns, he pulled up in front of a quaint older building painted bright baby blue with dark pink trim. Even the picnic tables outside were pink. A big sign atop the building read Mr D’z Route 66 Diner.
    “Hungry?” he asked.
    I nodded. I’d heard of this place, but I’d never been here before. Not the sort of joint my parents frequented when I’d lived at home, and I hadn’t had much cause to be in the area.
    “The burgers aren’t all that great, but the onion rings and the root beer make up for it.”
    I didn’t think I could down a greasy burger anyway. Just thinking about it probably caused me to gain two pounds. My wedding dress would never fit.
    My stomach heaved.
    “You okay?” Gage asked. “You aren’t going to puke or anything, are you?”
    “No, I’m not.” I stalked toward the door.
    Inside the diner, blue and pink padded booths alternated along the walls. Stools at the bar were silver chrome with blue seats, the floor was black-and-white checks, and the walls were plastered with pictures and memorabilia of the past. “Interesting,” I murmured.
    “Garish.” He smiled, but again it was lost in the facial hair. His green eyes, however, were sparkling. “Because Oprah came here, everyone stops in. Rather annoying, but I’m sure it’s good for business.”
    We settled into a blue seat, and he ordered two cheese burgers, fries, and drinks.
    “Wait, I just want a salad,” I said.
    He arched a brow. “You need more than a salad. You need protein. You’re too thin. And you’re pale.”
    “I’m always pale.”
    “Well, even your freckles are pale today.”
    Great. He just had to bring up my freckles. I hated them.
    The waitress was hovering, waiting for the final word. Gage looked at her. “Bring a house salad, and all the rest as well—please.”
    I fumed. What right did he have to order for me? He was exactly like Julian, thinking he always knew what was best. I choked on the thought. No, he wasn’t Julian. Julian would never wear that faded T-shirt and those scruffy boots or appear in public looking like a mountain man.
    “Are you sure you’re all right?” Gage asked.
    “I’m fine,” I said tightly. The pain inside was