Genuine Lies

might have liberated us.”
    “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
    She smiled secretively. “Right now it only matters that I do.”
    “Eve.” He tried to bury his own anger as he crossed to her. “We’re not children any longer. Most of our lives are behind us. The book won’t make any difference to you or to me. But for Muriel, it could be the difference between a few years of peace, or of hell.”
    And what of my hell? The question raced through her mind, but she wouldn’t voice it. “She’s not the only one who’s had to live with loss and pain, Victor.”
    His face ruddy with emotion, he pushed himself out of the chair. “She might be dying.”
    “We’re all dying.”
    The muscles in his jaw worked. At his sides his big hands closed into fists. “Christ, I’d forgotten how cold you can be.” “Then it’s best you remember.” Yet she put a hand overhis and it was warm and soft and loving. “You should go to your wife, Victor. I’ll still be here when you need me.”
    He turned his hand over, held hers tight for a moment, then left.
    Eve stood for a long time in a room that smelled of woodsmoke and whiskey and packed-away dreams. But when the decision was made, she moved quickly.
    “Nina! Nina, have someone bring my meal to the guest house.”
    Eve was already to the terrace doors before Nina rushed into the room. “To the guest house?”
    “Yes, and right away. I’m starving.”
    Brandon was in the middle of building a very intricate space port. The television flickered in front of him, but he’d lost interest in the sitcom. The idea of building a floating walkway between the docking area and the lab had just come to him.
    He sat on the living room rug, Indian-style, dressed in his faded and much-loved Batman pajamas. Scattered around him were a variety of action figures.
    At the knock, he looked up and peered at Eve through the terrace doors. His mother had given him repeated instructions not to open the door to anyone, but he certainly knew that didn’t include their hostess.
    He scrambled up to throw the latch. “Hi. Do you want to see my mom?”
    “Yes, eventually.” She’d forgotten how appealing a freshly scrubbed, pajamaed child could be. Beneath the scent of soap lurked that wild forest smell that was boy. Her fingers itched with a surprising urge to ruffle his hair. “And how are you, Master Summers?”
    He giggled and grinned. She often called him that if they happened to pass on the estate. Over the last weeks, he’d come to like her in a distant way. She had the cook send over frosted cakes and pastries which Julia meted out. And she often wavedor called out to him when his mother or CeeCee watched him at the pool.
    “I’m okay. You can come in.”
    “Why, thank you.” She swept inside, silk robe swirling. “My mom’s on the phone in her office. Should I get her?” “We can wait until she’s done.”
    Not quite sure what to do with her, Brandon stood and shrugged. “Should I get you something—like to eat or drink? We’ve got brownies.”
    “That sounds delightful, but I haven’t had my dinner yet. It’s on its way.” She dropped onto the sofa and took out a cigarette. It occurred to her that this was the first time she’d had an opportunity to talk to the boy alone in what could be considered his home. “I suppose I should ask you the usual questions about school and sports, but I’m afraid I have little interest in either.” She glanced down. “What are you doing there?”
    “I’m building a space port.”
    “A space port.” Intrigued, she set the cigarette aside, unlit, and leaned forward. “How does one go about building a space port?”
    “It’s not so hard if you’ve got a plan.” Willing to share, he sat on the rug again. “See, these things hook together, and you’ve got all kinds of pieces so you can make layers and curves and towers. I’m going to put this bridge between the docking bay and the lab.”
    “Very wise, I’m sure. Show me.”
    When Nina arrived five minutes later with a tray, Eve was sitting on the floor with Brandon, struggling to link plastic pieces together. “You should have had one of the servants bring it.” Eve gestured to the coffee table. “Just set it down there.”
    “I wanted to remind you that you had a six-thirty call.”
    “Don’t worry, dear.” Eve let out a little crow of triumph as the pieces clicked. “I’ll get my beauty sleep.”
    Nina hovered, hesitated. “You won’t