Deceived Truth: Truth Trilogy, #2

Chapter 1

~~~Addison~~~

I love you. Please come out with us. You can’t stay in this bed another day. Addison’s best friend Morgan pleaded, hands clasped together in front of her like a prayer. Please, I am begging you.

Morgan, the only way I am leaving this apartment is if I am dead or dying. Which in reality felt like she was. Death would be much easier than dealing with the all the pain Greyson had created.

Physical pain healed and went away, but this.....there were no words that could accurately describe the pain that she felt. A huge gaping wound. When it seemed like she could breathe again, something would remind her of him and rip the stitches out, making it larger than before. Damn him.  She barely had a life with Stephen, but now......nothing. She literally had nothing except three bags of clothes.

"Allison is coming over.  You need a shower and you need to eat. Eating a bite of yogurt or a piece of fruit doesn’t constitute a meal. We, meaning you, me, and Allison are going to go out, drink, and have fun.  Morgan bounced the bed. Making Addison groan.

I can’t. I am not leaving. Addison didn't want to face the world. She wanted to stay in this room, her safe room, and keep the world at bay a little while longer.

What Greyson did sucks, but he loves you.

He lied. A big fucking lie. Morgan finally left the bed alone.

He never lied, he just didn’t tell you everything.

Same difference in my eyes.  He was fucking that bitch that ripped his heart out. He pretended to like me, because he knew that his family would never ever let him marry Stacy. Her hands twisted into the sheets as anger flowed through her veins.

Not True. Morgan stood, pulling the comforter from the bed.

Whose side are you on? I don’t want to talk about Greyson and I want this nightmare to be over. Addison laid back on the bed, throwing her arm over her face.

Have you read any of his texts or voice mails?

She removed her arm to glance at her phone on the side table. The same damn phone he had bought her. Rolling her eyes, "God no. I don’t want to hear his voice. I promise I will get out this week. I am going to have to find an apartment, a job, and get a new phone.

You can stay here as long as you want and I know your bank account has more than enough money to support you for a while. Morgan shook her head.

Grunting out, It’s his money. Why the hell can’t my life just be normal for one day? She sat up on the bed.

Wow, glad to see someone is up. Allison appeared in the door with a latte and muffins.

Beware she is grumpy. And ........

Addison frowned, scowling at Morgan. Yes, she was grumpy, but who the hell wouldn’t be. The man she married a month ago just ripped her heart from her chest, stomped on it and handed it back to her on a silver platter with a knife stuck through it.  Thank you for the latte and muffins, but I am not leaving. I am not going anywhere. Sitting up, she took the latte and muffin Allison had held out towards her before placing them on the dresser.

Please. I am begging. Allison dropped to her knees, begging her.

Come, just come to the club with us for a little while tonight? Morgan joined Allison on the ground.

Both of them groveling, she almost started to laugh.

Is that a giggle I heard? Morgan cocked her head to one side.

Which one? Addison took a large bite of the muffin, debating on whether or not she wanted to leave the house. Five days since her wonderful life fell apart. She spent Monday night crying until she couldn’t cry anymore. She had the cab driver drive for hours until she arrived back at Morgan’s around midnight. Allison had been camped out waiting. The weather had not been prime for driving, but she didn’t care. She couldn’t handle going anywhere.  Everywhere she went reminded her of Greyson. 

Within ten minutes of being in the cab, her phone blew up. After receiving the 10th text, she sent out a mass text which simply read: I am okay. I am not sure where I am going. I will let you all know when I decide. Her phone stopped except for the few that would come in from Greyson. She didn’t even look at them. She simply just turned her phone off as they drove through the snowy dark night.

We can go to Solar Eclipse. Allison pleaded, We can go for a few hours. Let’s eat, get drunk and have a good night. Then tomorrow you can start picking up the pieces.

Allison is right. Tomorrow we can plan what your next step will be. I still think you need to talk to Greyson. And no I am not taking sides. I just think you need to talk this out.

Addison watched Morgan walk around the room. Morgan, I know you mean well and I know Greg is suffering the same fate, because he is Greyson’s best friend, but I can’t, not right now. Maybe in a week or two, but I am angry. Well, I don’t know if angry is even the word to describe how I feel......maybe livid, irate, pissed off. Maybe those words can somewhat describe what I am feeling. Shaking her head, Keeping secrets is something you don’t have when you are in a relationship.

I have talked to my brother. Allison interjected.

Frowning at Allison, I don’t need to know.

Yes, you do. He had planned on telling you about everything. He is still uncertain who doctored the pictures, but they are from years ago.

That doesn’t solve the whole ‘if I marry by the time my grandfather dies I get to inherit a multi- million dollar company’ restriction. He could have started with that. He could have been open and honest. I knew he didn’t love me, maybe cared a little, but no, he choose to keep a big secret and pretended to fall for me.

It’s a stupid, stupid mistake on his part. He loves you. I have never seen him like this. Even when Jenson died, this doesn’t compare.

Allison, I get that he is your brother, and he is hurting, but where is that my fault? It’s his. He did this. I need to be angry. I can’t let what I feel for him get in the way of the things he has done. Yes, I love him more than I have ever loved someone, but I just can’t. Tears fell. Addison couldn’t keep them back any longer.

I get it. I do. Come, let’s get you in the shower and cleaned up. We need to get you dolled up first, then we can have dinner. I’m starved. Allison took her hands and pulled her to the end of the bed.

Addison laughed as she climbed out of the bed. She did need a shower. The shirt she had on belonged to Greyson.  Somehow, in grabbing things from the floor she ended up stuffing it in her bag. The first day or two it smelled like Greyson, but now it just smelled of her. But not a good smell, more like dirty, sweaty, I'm a hot mess stinking someone out smell.

How long has it been since you took a shower? Allison asked as she stood beside her.

I don’t know......a few days. Addison wasn’t going to tell the truth.

Well by the stench you are giving off, I would say it had been all week.

Smirking, Sorry guys. I just..... Tears threatened to fall again. She had cried for three days straight and then it was like she couldn’t cry anymore. No more tears would fall. Her face swollen and her eyes ached as she flipped on the bathroom light.

Starting the shower, she let the water warm before stepping inside. She knew the warm water would ease the pain from not crawling from bed for several days. Pulling her shirt off, she got a good whiff of what Morgan had been talking about. She prayed just one shower would get rid of the smell that lingered on her skin.

Stepping inside she let the water cascade over her body allowing the warmth to seep inside. She knew eventually she would have to talk to Greyson about everything, but right now she couldn’t bring herself to face him.

After showering, she let Morgan and Allison find something suitable for tonight’s outing, which in some ways she had already begun to dread. Tonight was going to be a long night.

––––––––

~~~Greyson~~~

Dude, you look like shit and eventually you are going to have to go home. Greg remarked tossing a towel at Greyson, who was sitting up in bed.

I can’t, not until Addison comes home. If I have to buy another damn house I will, but the apartment and the house both remind me of her. They are tainted with her memory and I can’t live there with them. He threw the towel back as he fell back against the bed, pulling the covers with him.

Come on let’s get you up. You need to shower.

Greg, I don’t want to. I have barely been able function this week. The only reason I didn’t screw up and lose some of the companies and the products I had been working on is because Trey stepped up. God, I need to give that man a raise. He drug his arm across his face.

I am sure he understood. Your wife left and well, it just plain fucking sucks, but get over it. You should have told her the truth dude. Greg yanked the covers from him.

Go fuck off. I know where I screwed up. I get it. Now I have to figure out how to fix it. Greyson didn’t want to relive the last week. He knew the moment she dropped that envelope on his desk what it contained. He didn’t know about the pictures, but he knew his grandfather’s will would be in it. Someone wanted to make sure he would lose everything.

He started to go after her, but at the same time the board had called from his Grandfather’s company and he had to step up a meeting with them. He wrapped the call as quickly as he could. He didn’t want to brush the call off, but he needed to get home and stop Addison from leaving.

Pulling in the drive, he saw her slide into a cab. Pissed off he ran towards her as the cab started to take off.  They had four cars in the damn garage and she chose to take a cab. As he watched the cab leave, Rae appeared on the step. 

Growling, Why the hell didn’t you keep her here? His phone vibrated. Sliding it open, Don’t follow me.  Fuck.

Sir, I didn’t know. She said she was packing and she would let me know when and where she wanted to go. By the time I had realized she had left the house, she was stepping in the cab.

I need you to take the SUV and follow them. Report to me anything and everything that you see. I don’t care what it is.

Nodding, Rae jumped into the SUV vacated by Max and left. Greyson jumped at an incoming text. Praying it would, by some miracle, be her. It never was. After sitting on the kitchen floor for an eternity crying like a baby, Max helped him up to his room. Dismissing Max, he changed clothes. Grabbing the comforter from their bed, he drug it down the hall to the spare room. He couldn’t bear to sleep in their room. The following morning, packing a bag, he left the house deciding to stay with Greg. He felt stupid, but he couldn’t go back to his apartment or the house. Too many reminders of something he didn’t know if he could fix.

He had his ideas on who had been vindictive enough to try and hurt him. Stacey and Megan. Addison had every reason to question Megan’s motives the night of the dinner. While he didn’t have enough to fire her, she had been after Greyson for a long time. No one could hide forever. Someone would slip up and he would find out who.

Good luck, but first you need to get in the shower.

Where are we going anyway?

A club. I need a drink and I have called Blake and Adam, because we need this. It’s been months since we have had a guy’s night out. Then tomorrow you can start your plan on how to win her back.

Greyson nodded, climbing from Greg’s guestroom bed. Agreeing they all needed a guys’ night, tomorrow meant a new day. Tomorrow he needed to clear his head and figure out the best way to fix this mess with his wife. He royally screwed up.

What he did know was that whoever broke into his office, knew about the will and about his past with Stacy. Only a handful of people knew. He could narrow it down. For the moment, he just let things go. As long as Addison was safe that is all that mattered.

I need to go back to the house and get something decent to wear. Greyson stood in just tight black boxers.

Whatever. Just shower first. We are supposed to meet at six for dinner at Chicago’s pizza for dinner and beers. Then if we manage that, we are going to the club.

Good food sounds great. The club, we will see. I don’t know if I am ready to deal with a crowd that big but we can see what a few good beers will do. Greyson stretched crossing the room.

Go get your nasty smelling ass in the shower. We don’t have time to waste. Greg tossed the towel over Greyson’s head as he left the room.

Chapter 2

~~~Addison~~~

Addison stared at the clothes hanging in Morgan’s closet. She could have kicked herself for leaving some of the nicer things in her closet back at the house. Maybe Greyson would allow her back in to take some other things. She first needed to gather her wits and let things settle before she faced him again.

Facing him angry and hurt would only fuel the fire between them.  She loved him and she knew he loved her, but could they get past this?  So the pictures were set up and photo shopped, but why couldn’t he be honest about the will of his grandfather? The question remained, would she have cared? Would she have still agreed to marry him? She couldn’t truly answers those questions.

Over the past few days, she had time to reflect on what had happened and everything that had taken place. No wonder his mother had been so against the marriage. His father had never spoke up but there was an underlying issue with him as well. The only one who seemed truly happy had been his Grandfather. 

Allison appeared in the doorway as she shifted side to side deciding on what the hell she was going to wear. Do you think Greyson will let me back in the house? I know I said I wanted to only take what I brought with me, but damn I left some good things behind.

Addie, Greyson will let you have the house if you asked for it. That house means nothing to him without you. Trust me, I know. Allison sighed.

Addison knew Allison had more to tell, but wasn’t sure if now was the right time to share the information. Spill it Allison, I know you want to say more but are afraid.

Nothing, it’s just that he hasn’t been staying at the house.

Then where fuck has he been staying? Pausing, Oh hell never mind. I mean really I don’t need to know. He is not mine anymore."

He is yours. He has been staying at Greg’s. He refuses to go home. I spent most of the day with him Thursday. He looks like shit.

Oh, The sinking realization that Greyson hadn’t been staying at the house or his apartment made her want to cry.

I am telling you that he is in horrible shape.  Allison leaned into the door frame of the closet.

So what. Does he realize what he did to me? He lied. Addison threw a broken hanger to the floor.

He didn’t lie. He just didn’t tell you everything. Allison tried not to laugh.

Raising an eyebrow, Like that is any better. I mean really what other shit is he keeping from me. Addison felt tears, not of sorrow but pure and utter anger, on the verge of coming to the surface. Her fist curling at her side, she wanted to punch him, the wall or anything to make the pain go away.

I can’t answer that for him, but what I do know is that he is lost. He is hurting and I have never seen him like this. Allison stepped towards Addison grabbing her clinched fist.

Addison knew Allison meant well and of course this had to be hard for her. She unfortunately was stuck in the middle. She had tried to stay out of it the first couple of days, but eventually she broke down and came to check on Addison at the request of Greyson.

The kitchen table was cluttered with flowers he sent everyday along with a card saying: Please Forgive Me. I love you. G. She didn’t have the heart to toss them out.

Look I don’t want to fight. Allison dropped Addison's wrist before placing a hand on each side of her face. I love you both and I have faith that you will work it out. Please let’s just get dressed. I think it will do you good to get out. 

Sigh, she knew Allison meant well. Neither do I. I am sorry. I am just at a loss.

Have you tried to talk him? She asked.

No, I can’t. I don’t want to say all the mean things I have going through my head. Maybe in another week. She flipped through more dresses.

Fine, I can respect that. Grabbing a short midnight blue mini dress, Here, this is what I think you should wear.

I am going to freeze. Addison was reminded of the time when he wanted her to wear a denim skirt and no panties. Stupid ass gave them back later as he fucked her senseless in his parent’s bathroom.

Nah. We have a driver. Allison joked holding up the dress to Addison.

Oh yeah. I forgot. For an entire week, Rae and Luke have been camped outside the apartment taking shifts to make sure Stephen didn’t show up and to make sure she was safe.

I also have VIP passes at Solar. So we should have a side booth free. I called Cooper and let him know we were coming tonight. She smirked sarcastically. 

How did you know I would say yes? She pulled the dress from Allison's hands. God love her friends. They knew what she needed.

I didn’t.  I took a chance. Go take another shower. Allison playfully shoved Addison out of the closet. We are leaving here in thirty minutes. Go

Fine, I am leaving. If this night sucks, I am blaming you.

Oh it won’t, I promise. Winking, Allison watched Addison disappear from the bedroom.

Addison didn’t asked what she meant by it and wouldn’t. What the hell did they have planned?

****

I swear if I bend over my ass is going to show itself to the world. Addison didn’t have a choice. She wore a blue thong. Any other underwear she tried on left a very visible line and there was no way in hell she was going to parade around town in a dress showing off a very distinct panty line.

Don’t bend over. That will solve your problem. Morgan laughed.

Addison started to answer Morgan, but her phone beeped. Morgan smiled as she read the text but didn’t disclose any information. Addison had a sneaking suspicion that they were all up to no good.   

What is that shit eating grin about? Addison asked as they stepped off the curb crossing the street to get in the car. Rae nodded as he helped her into the car. Morgan climbed in on the other side not waiting for anyone else. Allison had climbed in prior to Addison.

Nothing. Greg said have a good night. Stay safe and call if we need anything. When Morgan didn’t look up, Addison knew something was up.

Why do I not believe you? She asked. Her friends were up to no good and she knew it.

Well I could add the part, where Greyson, Blake and Greg are sitting in his kitchen playing poker and I thought I would spare you the details, but since you are so insistent on knowing everything there it is. Morgan clipped.

No need to become a bitch. You just are acting like you have a secret. Addison smarted back. Starting to regret the idea of even leaving the house.

No secret here. I am going to see Greg after we go out. Morgan winked at Allison.

Allison, how is Matt? Addison asked trying to switch up the conversation.

Allison beamed, He is good. Busy. But good. He is on call tonight.

I am glad that he is turning out to be a great guy.

So far. Rae, can you please take us to Rio’s? Allison asked. She had learned quickly that Rae had little interest in her. So instead she decided her best bet was to become friends with him.

Yes, I can. He nodded in the rearview mirror.

Thank you. Rae. Addison met his eyes in the rearview mirror.  Although, Addison knew Rae had been reporting to Greyson daily she couldn’t be mad at Rae. During the past two months, she had come to adore the man who nearly gave his life to protect her. Addison didn’t know the extent of Rae’s gunshot injury last month. Until he came back to work, she finally pried the answers out of him.

It is good to see you out Mrs. Reid. Rae smiled.

Rae, please call me Addison. She knew Rae would never call her by her first name.

Mrs. Reid as much as you would like it, I am just doing my job.

Growling under her breath, Damn Greyson. Even split up, he was still controlling her life.

Morgan and Allison both stared at Addison. Morgan finally spoke, What’s wrong?

Nothing. I am just going to shut my mouth. If I open it I may say something I might regret. Addison didn’t want to answer. Tonight she didn’t want to bring anyone else down, so it was easier to keep her mouth shut than open it and say something mean, stupid and hateful.

Nah, we love you. Morgan pulled her into a sideways hug as Rae pulled up to the entrance of Rio’s.

Let’s eat. I am starved. All three ladies climbed from the car and headed inside to the restaurant.

****

~~~Greyson~~~

Greyson hadn’t been back to the house since he left Tuesday morning. Walking in, his heart sank into his stomach. Angie had been to the house every day, so any mess left from this past weekend had been picked up. He roamed the house, trying to find some sort of happiness. Each morning he ran with the thought of Addison and the morning they had breakfast. He missed her. No words could describe the pain that he felt. He physically felt as if his heart had been broken in two.

He spoke to his grandfather asking him what he needed to do. Time. First he had to forgive himself for not telling her and then figure out how to win her back. He told his Grandpa Reid he would relinquish the company if it meant he could have her back.

Of course Grandpa wouldn’t hear of it. He told him just to fix it. Addison deserved to know everything and then, and only then, could she decide what she really felt. He had assured Greyson that Addison would come around and she really did love him. He did hurt her and when a man breaks a woman's heart, she doesn’t forgive easily.

As he sat in their room tears fell down his cheeks as he touched her side of the bed. Her clothes still hung in the bathroom where she had left them to dry the night before. Walking to her closet he tried to take in her lavender scent. Pulling her favorite wrap sweater up to his nose, he tried to inhale her scent......just trying to recall their last happy moment