Lies Beneath the Surface (Buried Secrets 2)

She gently places her hand on top of my belly and Brailee and Heidi Jo follow suit. “Watch this, I can make my little sister kick. She always gets happy when I play with her.” Heidi Jo exclaims tickling my belly; and naturally, the baby flops around pressing her feet into my bladder reminding me that I really need to frickin’ pee.

“Okay, y’all get a table, while I find the little girls room.” I say turning in the direction of the restrooms. After relieving my aching bladder I wash my hands and exit the restroom. As I round the corner of the restroom hall I smack right into a firm chest. “Sorry.” I mutter. I recognize the scent of his musky cologne and my stomach revolts with a pang of nausea and hate. My eyes slowly lift up and into the sinister eyes of that damn son of a bitch-Drew Varney.

“Damn, Sis, you’re ass sure got fat. Hell, you’re just a fat nasty ass bitch from the looks of it.” He chuckles as he brushes past me making his way to the bar. Who the hell drinks at noon?

I ignore his hurtful words because he’s just a miserable bastard. I make my way over to the table where Savannah and the girls are snacking on appetizers. Taking my seat, I see a tall glass of sweet tea awaits me. Pulling the sweating glass to my lips, I sigh as the sweet, cool liquid swishes through my mouth. I stay so thirsty anymore. I drink and drink, and my thirst is never quenched. I’ve mentioned it to Dr. Staton and she suggested that I lay off the sweet tea, and drink more water. Yeah…like that’s gonna happen.

Savannah wastes no time jumping into conversation. “Okay, so today we need to find all of the basic essentials, car seat, stroller, diaper bag, bottles, and pacifiers. I think Colton probably needs to be with you to pick up the crib, changing table, etc, but we can at least pick those out today if you want.” I nod, trying to keep up to her speed. “The baby will need a few cases of diapers, wipes. Picking out her clothes will be the most exciting part. I can’t wait to look at the adorable little frilly boutique dresses and hair bows. Oh my-gosh this is so much fun.” She claps her hands together in excitement. A twinge of sparkle lights up her hazel eyes and in this moment, I see my sister. I see the Savannah that’s always smiling and cheerful; not the shell of a woman that I’ve blindly watched her transform into. “What do we need to get for the wedding?” She asks shoving a ranch covered cheese fry into her mouth.

“Dresses. Colton and Luke will pick up their outfits before we leave next week.”

“I still can’t believe the simplicity of your wedding. Do you remember when you were little? That’s all you talked about was your fairytale wedding in the church, complete with a huge Cinderella dress and your Prince Charming.”

“Prince Charmin’ ain’t got nothin’ on my daddy, does he Carly Jo?” Heidi Jo retorts, crossing her arms over her chest and scowling at Savannah. Sass. That’s all that girl’s got is pure sass.

“This is my fairytale wedding.” I state plainly and Savannah drops the subject, changing the topic to random chatter until we finish eating.

“Uncle Drew!” Brailee shrieks, jumping from the table. My spine tingles hearing my sweet niece calling this bastard uncle. Turning my head I see Drew approaching the table with a scantily clad blond on his arm. She looks familiar. Her eye lashes are heavily laden in mascara and her plump lips are smeared with red stained lip stick. Brailee makes her way around the table to hug him as he says hello to Savannah.

“Hey Drew, surprised to see you. Josh had mentioned the two of you had a business trip out of town this week.”

“He can handle it all just fine.” He says with a smirky smile. “Carly, how have you been? It’s been a while.” I roll my eyes and muster up a fake smile trying my hardest to bite my tongue.

“After Carly and Colton’s wedding, I’ll host a big cookout so we can all get together again. That is if you’ll give Josh a few days at home with his family.” She grins at Drew.

I hate seeing the wool pulled over her eyes like this. Watching her act so friendly and carefree with the man who is trying to destroy our family empire causes my blood to run cold and I realize I’m partly at fault. I feel a pang of guilt for keeping these secrets from her. I’ve only done it because I know the stress she’s under and I don’t know how to approach the topic with her. I could tell her now, but that would only erase her beautiful smile that has been absent for far too long.

“That sounds like a plan. Congrats on your wedding, Carly.” Drew replies dryly. “You ladies enjoy your day, now.” He says turning on his heels. The half-dressed blond on his arm whisks her long tendrils over her shoulder and click-clacks away with a sneer on her face. That’s when it hits me. I can’t contain the smart ass nature within me any longer.

“Have a great day, Drew and Alisa.” I call over my shoulder. They both stop and turn slightly to look at me. I can see the anger flash across Drew’s eyes in that moment and I can’t help the bubble of laughter that falls from my lips. Without hesitation, they stalk off towards the bar.

“Alisa? I don’t remember him introducing us to his date.” Savannah says, confused. Grabbing my purse I take Heidi Jo and Brailee by the hand and make our way out of the restaurant.

“That was your uncle?” I hear Heidi Jo ask Brailee at my side. Brailee nods. “I don’t like him too much. He looks mean and scary.”

Oh my sweet girl, how right you are.

Shopped. OUT.

We end our girls’ day out at a local ice c

ream shop, per Heidi Jo’s earlier request. The girl could live on Rocky Road ice cream if we allowed it. Heidi Jo and Brailee are sitting at the table next to us deep in their own conversation about their beach vacation coming up next week.

“Today has been fun. It was nice to see you smiling and laughing again.”

“I was happy to be here with you girls. I wanted Braden to come, but his best friend’s birthday party was today.”

“Are things okay with you and Josh?” I ask quietly. The sparkle falls from her eyes and she forces a small smile.

“He’s been traveling a lot, thankfully. When he is home I just try to stay out of his wrath, and try not to piss him off.” She sighs.

“I’m sorry I brought it up, I just worry so much about you and the kids. Does he know you’re going to South Carolina for the wedding next week?” I ask, shoveling a scoop of peanut butter cup ice cream in my mouth. Mmm, now I understand why I’m getting so chubby.

“He does. I even asked him to go with us, hoping for our own family vacation of sorts, but he refused; said he had too much work to do. It’s probably for the best, you hate him anyways.”

“We’ll all have a good time. Thanks for letting us use the beach house. Heidi Jo is so excited to spend the entire week with her new cousins.” Daddy left his house in Myrtle Beach to Savannah. It sits on a secluded section of the beach, away from the commercial hotels and resorts. The beach house is three stories and has ten bedroom and eight bathrooms. Since the wedding party is relatively small, it just makes since for everyone to stay together.

“It’s your home to use anytime you want it.”