48. Alice
48
Alice
I push through the office door. Wired—I am wired. I don’t know what to do with Will’s news, and I’m not sure how I feel about him changing everything for me—not because he wants to, but because he has to.
“Hey, we’ve got news,” Mateo says. “Theo talked to Billy, and he wants to go with a more Rapids-themed website.”
“With Jet crossing over.”
“But we’ve already got a base for the website,” I say just as Will steps in behind me.
“Did you make it?” Theo whispers, eyes on Will. “Looked as if our princess got a little rough with you.”
Something inside of me breaks.
Theo is lying.
He’s lying.
Always has been.
He doesn’t talk to Billy—or Will—or the man I am irrevocably in love with.
“You spoke with Billy?” I ask, eyes boring down on him.
Theo lifts one brow, challenging me back. “Yes.”
My pulse thrums faster. “Really? Because I talked to Billy too.” I cross my arms over my chest and try to remember my research on lying.
Will’s gaze is burning a hole in the side of my head, but I refuse to look at him. The YouTube video I watched last night on spotting the signs of a liar mentioned darting eyes—lots of them. Will never darts his eyes, which is maybe why everyone believes so easily that he’s just Will. That Billy truly does want strict privacy at all times.
So, I keep my eyes steady and focused on Theo and only Theo—just like Will would.
“You?” Theo says with half a scoff.
“Me.” I stab my finger into the tabletop.
“Yeah…” He peers down at Mateo. “I don’t think so.”
“Well, then—” I gulp down the air in my lungs. “Think again, Bubba .” Ew—not sure where that nickname came from. It’s the liar in me causing crazy things to leave my mouth. “Because I did .”
For the first time since I started working for Billy the billionaire, who no one can put a face to (doesn’t anyone find that insane?), Theo looks unsure of himself. “Fine, whatever you say, princess. Yesterday when I talked to him, he said that something similar to the Rapids website would be ideal. We’re bringing in Jacobson, so why not?—”
“Really, Theo? Because last night —which takes place after yester day , if I’m correct—he said he wanted something fresh and new. He said mimicking another team wasn’t his style.” Sure, Will and I never talked about this, but I believe I’m right and I’m experimenting. My chest burns with each lie that leaves my mouth.
Theo stares at me, but I only stare right back. YouTube said no breaking eye contact with anyone who questions you. I am the best stinking student YouTube has ever seen!
Theo blinks first, breaking our contact, and success swims inside of me.
Man, one little YouTube video, and I am a total expert at lying. I really wish I felt better about that accomplishment.
There’s a small twitch in Theo’s left eye—ensuring that I’ve won.
“Also!” I say, my confidence growing by the second. “Billy said he hadn’t talked to you!”
Mateo looks at his friend. So does Mason. They all question him. And they should—I’m the honest one in this office. Possibly the only one!
Obviously… except for right this moment.
“Theo?” Mateo says because even Theo’s bestie is going to believe me over him.
“Maybe I talked to him the day before. I can’t remember when exactly.”
“How about never ?” I lean over the table so far that my face is a foot from Theo’s. “Does never ring a bell? Because Billy mentioned never when I asked about him talking to you.”
“Okay—this is super entertaining, but I need to chat with Alice.” Will links an arm around my waist and pulls me toward the door.
But I remember all my YouTube lessons and I stare Theo down, even with Will pulling me from the room. I do not look away. It’s rule number three. I stare at Theo and mouth the word NEVER .
Will shuts the glass door behind us, separating us from the team. His hand slides down my arm and his fingers slip through mine.
At first, I thought all those tall tales were giving me an endorphin boost—now I’m pretty sure they’ve sent me into cardiac arrest.
“What’s happening here?”
“Just practicing my YouTube lessons.”
“Alice.” He shakes his head. “This isn’t you. Finding a reason to lie?”
“Then what kind of deceiver am I supposed to be, Will?” I huff. “Lying by omission is still lying.”
His brows furrow. “No kind of deceiver. That isn’t you. I’m sorry, Alice. I never should have asked this of you.” He squeezes my fingers in his. “You can be done with all of it. Now.”
I peer up at him, at the sadness in his eyes. My mind reels with what I’ve said, with how I feel. With Will’s words.
I’m trying to make sense of it all.
Did he just tell me to go home?