Truth

ice princess . Her vitality penetrated the calm veneer. Energy sparkled in her emerald eyes. Phil became consumed by the fire he observed in those amazing eyes. An ice princess would never be able to conceal that kind of heat. She’d surely melt.
    “ You’re welcome.” He remained standing while she lounged gracefully in the soft high backed chair.
    “ I suppose I should’ve been the one to buy you a drink.”
    He smiled, “And why would that be?”
    “ Well, you’re the gentleman who saved me from remaining within the confines of the elevator, forever.”
    “ I do believe you would’ve rescued yourself. After all, didn’t you find your key as we began to ascend?”
    Claire smiled acknowledging his affability. “Thank you, again.”
    Phil gestured toward the empty chair in Ms. Nichols’ grouping. “Would you mind if I sat and joined you for a while?”
    Abashed, “Oh, of course, I’m sorry I didn’t offer sooner. Please, help yourself.”
    Phil lowered himself onto the plush cushion and pursued their conversation. “Hello, I’m Phil.” He extended his right hand.
    Accepting his hand Claire responded, “Hello, my name is Claire.”
    He couldn’t help notice how her green eyes glistened in the candle light. If only he could take her picture now. It would make Mr. Rawlings forget the absence of information during the last four days. “I couldn’t help notice your tan. Did you get that here at the pool?”
    “ Texas sun is quite intense.”
    “ I’ve been here since Tuesday. I find it hard to believe I’ve not seen you during the last four days…” He continued to fish for information. Unfortunately, Ms. Nichols stayed true to her story. She’d been here at the Hotel Valencia for the last four days enjoying the local sights including the Alamo and a boat ride on the river. It was a well-deserved retreat which included sleeping late, bedding early, and the completion of two novels. They’d been talking and laughing for about thirty minutes when Claire received a text message.
    “ I apologize, this is rude. It’s just that I’m expecting some very important information.”
    “ Please, go ahead and check your phone.” Phil wondered if he called the number he’d given to Mr. Rawlings if the phone in her hand would ring. He doubted it. The glow in her eyes and the obvious smile indicated her satisfaction with the information in the text.
    Still holding her phone, Claire took her wine goblet and slowly sipped the red liquid. Setting the glass upon the small table she looked directly into his eyes. “Phil?”
    “ Yes?”
    “ I believe given the circumstances, I’d feel more comfortable addressing you as Mr. Roach.”
    His back straightened. He hadn’t told her his last name. “Excuse me?”
    “ Yes, Mr. Roach,” she paused for effect. “I mean, I don’t really know you, not as well as you know me -- since you’ve been following me for the last month.” She allowed her lips to linger upon the glass’s rim teasing the liquid. Her eyes stayed on his.
    He contemplated his options: lie, act ignorant, or come clean. “I’m not sure what you’re talking…”
    “ Let’s cut to the chase Mr. Roach. You were hired by my ex-husband to keep tabs on me. You’ve done your job quite well, that is until you lost me last Monday. Now, the way I figure it, you have two choices: be honest with Mr. Rawlings, tell him you don’t know where I was, or lie and give him just enough information to keep him pacified?” She sat the glass down. “How am I doing?”
    “ I assure you, I don’t know…”
    “ Given your inability to be honest with me – I’d assume you chose deception with your employer as well.”
    “ Ms. Nichols, I’m not sure how you’ve reached your conclusions.”
    “ For starters, I never offered you my last name.” She waited, he remained silent. Claire continued, “I decided to confront you tonight -- or should I say to have you confront me – for this discussion. Mr. Roach, I do not wish my where-a-bouts for the last four days to be known. Let’s both say I’ve been here in San Antonio alone, and you’ll confirm that, as the truth.”
    “ Ms. Nichols, tell me why I would possibly agree to this?”
    Her broadening smile made her sun kissed cheeks rise. Without saying a word, Phil knew she had a plan. “Let me show you the text I just received. Actually it’s a multi-media attachment.” Claire extended her hand, with her iPhone angled for his maximum