A Beautiful Lie

Chapter 3: You ain't fooling me

Kathleen's POV:

Shortly after Shannon entered the lounge with Meg when I was on the couch with Jared, the latter decided to give us a tour of his house. Notwithstanding the three of us were following Jared's steps, I was the only one who needed to know his place.

I was grateful not to be alone with Jared because in our brief exchange of words, those blue eyes mixed with his angelical voice got under my skin. I didn't know him yet, but something on Jared's aura ignited my curiosity.

I was amazed with his house, from the outside it seemed small compared to the mansions that were on each side, but it had plenty of rooms. The whole house's walls were painted white. And aside from an ample room that looked like the area where he kept different travel souvenirs, curious devices or prizes; the rest was a fairly minimalist adornment with odd drawings hanging on the wall. And behind the property there was a small garden and a cozy pool.

"And that's it." Jared said folding his arms over the torso when we were in the backyard near a table with typical terrace chairs and a folded sunshade.

"Your place it's lovely." I commented looking around and taking a few steps towards the side of the pool.

"Thanks." I heard Jared's reply, and I quickly gazed at him to receive a slight smile.

"Wait to see this at night." Shannon added drawing our attention. "It's pretty cool with the lights."

"Oh my God, I have an idea!" Megan exclaimed clapping her hands together and all of us immediately turned our heads in her direction. "We could have dinner here tonight and maybe take a dip after." I let out a chuckle as I smilingly shook my head. There was my beloved friend; Meg could not wait a day to start having fun and get her way.

"Sounds great." The older brother admitted looking eagerly at the younger for approval.

"Yeah, I guess we could." Jared shrugged. "I don't get to enjoy this part of the house that much."

"Kat?" Megan asked raising her eyebrows, she already knew I couldn't say no since everyone else had accepted her plan. "What do you say?"

"Nice idea." My words made a radiant smile appear in Meg's face; she had gotten her way.

"You guys go unpack your things and install yourselves." Jared took the lead of the conversation. "And in two hours we can order in, okay?"

"Great. I'm sure you two have things to do as well." Megan said getting inside. Knowing her, she wanted to finish unpacking to have extra time to dress up even if it was a casual dinner.

"Yes, we do." Jared agreed placing a hand on Shannon's shoulder before whispering something on his ear I could not listen. Realizing everyone was already busy I swung around to continue walking nearby the pool.

I inhaled deep and closed my blue eyes. I could smell the scent of the trees that surrounded Jared's propriety, and I smiled opening my eyes again.

When Megan said we were going to stay a few days at Jared's I was surprised. I knew they were close friends, but she never told me much about him or their relationship. And unlike Meg, I wasn't that outgoing, and I was a little apprehensive about this unexpected change. But I was discovering the charm of this place and that soothed my nerves.

"Hey, Kat! Aren't you going to unpack?" I turned my head to spot Shannon a few feet away, leaning against the door that connects the patio with the kitchen.

"Yeah, sure. I'm just-"

"I can help you if you want." He gallantly offered.

"Oh, that's nice of you, but I'm fine. Thank you." I politely declined.