by Silla Webb
Tilting my head to the side, my face contorts in confusion as I mull over her comment: “Thankfully Drew was there and saved him.”
“You alright, dear?” Emma asks reaching across the table to grasp my hand. I shudder, being pulled from deep thought by her contact.
“Yeah, I’m good. Just didn’t sleep well last night.” I roll my lip between my teeth mindlessly. “Did you say Drew saved Bill?” I pull another long draw of mocha from the chilled cup.
“He found Bill in the garage, clutchin’ his chest and called nine-one-one immediately. He was so worried about him, he even stopped by last night to check on Bill. Such a nice man. I don’t understand why he and Bill don’t see eye to eye.” She sighs softly, taking a sip of coffee. “But if you know Colton’s temper and his unforgiving nature, then you know Bill’s.”
Drew was here?
Yep. Drew was here. Drew, being the ever deft jackass that is he, has the wool pulled over sweet Emma’s eyes. I can’t believe he had the gall to show up here, playing the hero. Emma has no idea the monster that Bill works beside of day by day. She has no idea that Drew attacked me. She has no idea Drew’s true identity. Hell, not many people do. Playing right along as if I’m as dumbstruck as she is, I smile sweetly and bite the hell out of lip after the next sentence falls from my lips.
“That was very nice of Drew.” Damn that taste like pure shit on my tongue. Drew. Nice? Bleck. Bile slides up my throat and I quickly take a sip of mocha to push it back down. Hell, if he ain’t got her fooled. Without her confirmation, I know now that it was Drew that Colton fought with. I smile wickedly knowing that Colton kicked his ass and a twinge of jealously pangs me because I wasn’t here to see it.
After we finish our treats we make our way back up to Bill’s room. “Are you excited for the weddin’, dear?” She asks as we enter the elevator.
“I’m ecstatic. Have you talked Bill into coming?” Bill was very happy when Colton announced to his parents that we were engaged and would be getting married soon. But once we decided to get married in Myrtle Beach, making it a family vacation, Bill declined to attend. He said that he couldn’t spend a week on the beach when he had a company to run. Naturally, he and Colton began to cuss and yell at each other. Ramblings about priorities, family and a long string of cussing that I could barely register for their heavy yelling.
“After this little mishap,” she waves her hand around and I know she means the heart attack, “I won’t be letting him out of my sight so easily, dear. He’ll be there, if I have to hog tie him and haul him down on the roof rack.” She laughs.
Stepping off the elevator, Emma spots an older man in a white lab coat and takes her steps a bit faster to approach him. Assuming he’s Bill’s doctor, I take Heidi Jo by the hand and we walk down the hall to Bill’s room. The door is cracked and I can hear the heated argument between Colton and Bill from the hallway. I stop short of the door, listening closely, but only catch a glimpse of their discussion. When I hear footsteps fall in place behind me, I push the door open and walk into the room. Again, the room goes silent and the thick tension that swirls the air is not to be dismissed. Bill’s eyes narrow as he glances to me, then to Colton, who shakes his head to the side quickly as his eyes drift closed and his chin falls to his chest. What the hell is goin’ on here? Scratching my head in confusion, I cock my eyebrow up and search Bill’s face for a hint. Void of all emotion, he pats the bed where Heidi Jo once sat beside him saying, “Come sit with Papaw, sweet girl.”
Colton extends his hand to me. Placing my hand in his, he pulls me down on his lap, and wraps his arm around my waist, rubbing my baby bump. I can feel the warmth of his hand through the cotton shirt and I know that he’s fuming mad. He tries to steady his breathing, but his chest rattles with low lying rumbles.
Emma and the gentleman she stopped to speak with enter the room and he introduces himself as Dr. Maynard. He checks Bill’s vitals, nodding and adding short hums with each notation that he jots down on Bill’s file.
“Mr. Weston, are you feelin’ better this mornin’?” Bill grumbles hatefully at him and he snickers to himself. “Your tests all came back good. No damage from the heart attack. There is some plaque thickening in your arteries and your cholesterol levels are through the roof. Blood pressure is a bit high, so we’re gonna put you on a low salt diet, give you some medication and keep a close eye on you. I’ll have the nurse get your discharge papers together and you should be on your way in just about an hour. I’ve given your lovely wife some dietary suggestions along with your home care instructions. Should you begin to feel any discomfort in your chest, please come straight to the ER.” He pauses, looking at Bill then to Emma. “Do you have any questions?” Bill grumbles quietly, dismissing him. The doctor nods, turning on his heels to exit the room. He pulls the door open and steps half way through it before turning back and saying, “Oh, Mr. Weston…be sure to take a few days off to rest.”
When the door closes, Bill begins to cuss under his breath, his brows furrowing deep. “What’s that dear?” Emma asks sweetly. Bill shoots daggers over his shoulder, his eyes narrowing into thin slits and his cheeks redden. Anger rolls off of him in chaotic waves.
“Momma, I’ll see y’all when ya get home. Do you need anything before we go?” Colton says, patting my hip signaling me to stand up.
“We’ll see you at home, son. I’ll have dinner ready after six if y’all wanna join us tonight.” She replies. He steps towards Emma and kisses the top of her head, then takes Heidi Jo by the hand and stalks out of the room, not leaving a parting word to Bill. Following on his footsteps, I waddle slowly behind him, trying to catch up.
Chapter 28
I plunder through the closet searching for something decent and comfortable to dress in. Everything clings too tightly making me look like a beached whale. Sighing in defeat, I pull a charcoal grey maxi skirt and a pink tank top from the closet. Wobbling on unsteady feet, I pull the skirt up over my hips, then tug the ribbed tank over my heavy belly. Taking a step back, I place my hands on my belly ready to gripe about the weight I’ve gained and the deformed look of my round belly. The frown is immediately erased and replaced with a bright smile when my little monkey flops around inside of me, pressing the heel of her foot against the palm of my hand. My breath hitches in my throat and I gently rub my belly, reveling in the feel of my sweet baby moving inside of me. I can’t wait to hold her in my arms.
“Momma, will you take me and Brailee for ice cream today, if we’re good?” Heidi Jo asks bouncing up on my bed. Savannah and I are meeting in Lexington today to shop for the baby and the wedding. We have only spoke a few times on the phone since she admitted to me that Josh was abusing her, so I’m nervous to see her today. I’ve asked her to meet me for lunch, but she always finds an excuse. I’m sure that is just her way to hide the bruises and marks from my disquisitive eye. I can only remember seeing a couple bruises and each time the excuses she fed me was enough to dismiss my questioning. I have wondered relentlessly how many times I’ve overlooked the bruises. How many times have I embraced her, not knowing that her back was sore from being battered? I know I’ll be over analyzing each move she makes, scared to touch her in fear of causing her pain.
“Momma, you alright? You look sad?” Heidi Jo asks, pulling me from my distress.
“I’m just fine. Did you ask something?” I say softly.
“Ice cream. Are we gonna have ice cream today?” The freckles on her nose bunch together as she smiles a toothy grin up at me.
“Well what would a girls’ day be without ice cream, sweets?” I ask, reaching for her hand. I check my purse for my cell phone and wallet, grab my keys and slide on some flip flops before walking out the door.
Colton and Luke are loading the side-by-side up onto the trailer, ready to hit the mud. “Beauts, you look like you’re about to pop. You sure you’re gonna make it to September?” Luke hollers.
What. The. Hell? Really? Did my best friend really just say that?
“Damn, brother. You really are a stupid jackass.” I hear Colton mutter under his breath.
“What’d I say wrong?” Luke whispers to him.
“Hey Dumb, Dumber…I can hear ya. And yeah Luke, I’m huge, but Colton’s right; you’re a stupid jackass.” I spit. Stomping on my wobbly feet past them, I make my way to the Tahoe muttering under my breath, “Pop! I’ll show you POP, buddy. As if I ain’t looked in the damn mirror lately. Stupid son of a bitch.” I’m so mad, so hurt that he actually made a snide little remark. I promised myself I wouldn’t be that woman-the one who bitches over the weight she’s gained through her pregnancy; and so far, I’ve taken each additional pound as a blessing that’s keeping my little monkey healthy. But today I’m just beating myself up. Nothing fits, my body is tired and achy, I don’t sleep well, and apparently my best friend is the King Jackass to his village of jackasses.
Slowly climbing up in the Tahoe, I pull in a slow ragged breath to calm myself. Heidi Jo snaps her seatbelt and reaches for my iPod to adjust the stereo. “Let’s shake it, Momma!” She calls out as I put the vehicle in reverse. Happy by Pharrell Williams blast through the speakers and Heidi Jo immediately begins to twist in her seat swinging her arms from side to side, doing what we call The Carlton. I don’t even contain my laughter watching her dance in the rearview mirror.
I hate this song so very, very badly. It’s one of those songs that gets in your head and you can’t help but to smile and sing along. The first time I heard Happy I commented that it reminded me of Carlton Banks from The Fresh Prince of Bel-air, and every time I hear it, that’s the vision I have in my head-Carlton dancing. Heidi Jo of course had no idea who Carlton Banks was, so I found an old episode of Fresh Prince on YouTube and introduced her to my childhood. She immediately started doing The Carlton every time she hears Happy.
The trip to Lexington is filled with lots of loud, out of tune singing and fun-filled laughter that has my bladder begging for release by the time we meet Savannah and Brailee for lunch at Jaxson’s. Savannah greets me with a happy smile that meets her brightly shining eyes. Terrified to hug her, I wait for her to approach me before embracing her; and she does. “Hey Sis, goodness your belly is so adorable. Can I touch it?” She asks holding me at arms-length, looking me over from head to toe. What is it with everyone wanting to touch my belly bump?
“Sure, Sis.” I smile sweetly. I hate for anyone to touch my belly, except for Colton or Heidi Jo. It’s my baby bump, my little monkey’s safe harbor while she prepares to make her entrance to the big, scary world. It’s not a piece of art on display for everyone’s wonderment.
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.”
We finish up our treats and say goodbye. With the Tahoe loaded down with half of Babies ‘R’ Us, we make our way back home for Colton to unload it all. Yep, I ain’t lifting a finger. I picked it all out and watched the stock boys load the vehicle, the least he can do is pack it in the house for me, right?