Echoes Beneath (The Truth Series Book 2)

by J. A. Owenby

  “You’re so dramatic. How in the world would you know that?” I asked.

  “Because that’s exactly what would happen to me if I were straight,” George said, snickering.

  “It’s a damn shame you aren’t. I’d probably fall in love with you if you were.”

  “Honey, please. If I were straight, you’d run the other way. Someone broke your heart, and you can’t tell me any different. I see how sad you are.”

  “Don’t,” I whispered.

  “Stop,” he said and raised his hand to halt me from saying anything else. “I don’t need the details. I don’t need to live in the despair with you. It’s my job to help you move past it.”

  “Job? Have you taken me on as your pet project?” I asked, my eyes widening.

  “You know it.”

  Maybe I’d finally raise the white flag and go out with my friends; maybe it would help. Maybe I’d even have a drink. I was sick and tired of being scared and lonely. I sat up in my bed, grabbed his face, and kissed him on his full mouth.

  “What the hell?” he sputtered as I giggled and jumped off the bed.

  “I’m gonna go shower, so I’ll meet you back here in an hour.”

  “Good—you need to do something with that hair, girl, it’s out of control. We actually brush our hair here in Oregon. I don’t know what they taught you down South, but get it together, Hillbilly!”

  I stuck out my tongue at him as I backed out of my dorm room.

  * * *

  An hour later, George met me back in my room.

  “Wow! Don’t you clean up well after plucking the straw out of your hair and putting shoes on!”

  “Yeah?”

  “Come here,” he said and motioned for me to move closer.

  I approached him and waited for his final touches to my light-blue shirt and Guess jeans.

  I gasped as he placed his hands underneath my breasts and lifted them up.

  “Calm down, girl, you know these do absolutely nothing for me. I’m just adjusting your cleavage. The goal for tonight is to get you laid.”

  “George, I don’t want to be with anyone,” I said.

  “That’s what you say, but even I can see that you need to get some. You’ve gotta move on, and the best way to do it is to find a new one, but this time, keep him as your toy. If you don’t want to get hurt, don’t fall in love.”

  “I wish it were that simple,” I said and sighed.

  “It is, trust me. Let’s go break some hearts,” he said as he took my hand and led me out of my room to meet Adalyn and Cassidy.

  George knocked on the girls’ door, and Adalyn flung it open and ushered us in. I guess that’s how it worked if you locked your door.

  “Oh my God! I can’t believe you’re finally going out with us tonight,” Cassidy said. She squealed and hugged me.

  “I need to get out for a while and do something other than attend classes and study,” I said, returning her hug.

  “Well, it should be entertaining, for sure. There’s never a dull moment at these parties,” Adalyn said as she applied the last touches of her lip gloss.

  “Where exactly is this party, anyway?” I asked.

  “It’s at the Pi Kappa Phi house,” George said with a hint of amusement in his voice.

  “It’s almost ten, so we should go,” Cassidy said.

  Chapter 7

  I followed the group out of the dorm and across campus. We could hear the party from a block away, and as we rounded the corner, my mouth dropped open. The house looked like it was bursting at the seams—students were spilling out onto the porch and front lawn.

  We made our way up the steps and into the house. The bass was thumping so hard that it shook the floor. Everyone was dancing and jumping to the beat.

  I grabbed George’s arm as we pushed our way through shoulder-to-shoulder people.

  “Don’t lose me!” I shouted over the music.

  “Then don’t let go,” he said, laughing as he squeezed my hand.

  The overwhelming smell of alcohol, sweat, and puke hung in the air, and I tried not to make a sour face. Why in the world would anyone want to be here?

  I scanned the living room and spotted Cassidy and Adalyn; they’d already found their places next to some rather gorgeous guys. George steered me through all the people and straight to the alcohol.

  “Here,” George said, handing me a red cup filled halfway with a fizzy, dark-colored drink. “This will help you loosen up a bit and have some fun. You might even like it—it doesn’t taste a damn thing like alcohol.”

  “What is it?” I asked as I sniffed it.

  “Coconut rum and Dr Pepper!” he shouted and guzzled his down.

  I took a deep breath and did the same.

  “Wow, that was actually good,” I said, grinning.

  George refilled our cups and motioned for me to drink up. He joined me, and then he proved his friendship to me. He handed me a cup of water.

  “What’s this for?”

  “If you don’t wanna be puking your guts up, then drink a ton of water. It will reduce your chances of having a hangover.”

  “Aww. Thanks, George,” I said and giggled again. “You know I love you, right?” My eyebrows rose in surprise as soon as the words left my mouth. I wasn’t in the habit of telling my male friends I loved them.

  George threw his head back and laughed. “Well, it seems like the alcohol has hit your system. I love you a little bit too, Hillbilly,” he said and winked.

  I squeezed through the people as George led me to the living room, where Cassidy and Adalyn were snuggling up to some of the guys and gyrating more than dancing. Although I’d had a few drinks, I still felt out of place. I wasn’t sure the party scene was for me, and I’d started to regret coming when George pulled me into the group of sweaty bodies and started dancing.

  “Come on, Hillbilly. Have some fun!”

  I glanced around. No one was paying any attention to us, so I joined in with the best moves I had, which weren’t many. I laughed as George danced around me and bumped me with his skinny butt. I grabbed his arm and hung on as the large group began to jump. As we jumped in unison and the alcohol calmed my nerves, I wondered—for a split second—if I might be able to actually fit in here.

  The music slowed, and George and I made our way to the kitchen for another drink. I didn’t slam this one; I took my time and sipped on it.

  “I’ve gotta take a leak, so I’ll meet you back here in a few minutes,” George said.

  I nodded as he walked away to find the bathroom. Just then, a hand grabbed my ass. I spun around to find a guy wobbling and reaching toward the wall for support.

  “Wanna find a room?” he asked, slurring his words.

  “No! And if you ever lay a hand on me again, you’ll walk away unable to have children,” I said, glaring at him.

  “Bitch,” he muttered and moved on to the next victim.

  I needed some air, so I pushed my way through the crowd and out the front door. I stepped onto the porch, took a deep breath, and noticed that the porch swing wasn’t taken at the moment. I loved porch swings; they reminded me of home. I ignored the couples making out along the railing nearby and sat down.

  I leaned back into the swing and tilted my head back as it swayed. The stars twinkled against the darkness of the sky. It was beautiful.

  “Well, if it isn’t Lacey from the South.”

  I snapped to attention as I turned to see who had said my name. It was Xander, from the plane.

  “Can I join you?” he asked.

  “Sure,” I said as he settled in next to me. “‘Lacey from the South,’ huh?” I asked, my eyebrow arching.

  “I never caught your last name,” he said. His brown eyes danced with the same mischievousness they’d had when I met him.

  I held his gaze as Cassidy and Adalyn’s words ran through my mind. I was sitting next to one of the most popular guys in the entire college. My heart fluttered. I took a sip of my drink and hoped it wou
ld calm my nerves.

  “Beaumont,” I said.

  “Lacey Beaumont from the South,” he said and smiled. “You know I’m just teasing, right?”

  “No, not really. I mean, I’m never sure if people are teasing or making fun of me. Regardless, I don’t care for either. I can’t help where I grew up.”

  “Well, I’m smitten by your accent and how beautiful you are. You put most girls to shame—you have no clue.”

  My cheeks flamed with his words, which made him chuckle again.

  “Is that why you laugh at me? Because you’re smitten?” I tilted my head and waited for his response.

  “Something like that.” His smile widened as he ran his hand through his hair. “Where are you from? Arkansas? I would’ve asked you on the plane, but as I recall, you were in the middle of thinking we were about to crash.”

  I covered my face with my empty hand and shook my head. He laughed softly again. I took another sip of my drink and peered up at him over the rim of my cup.

  “Yeah, well, maybe I won’t be so scared next time. And yes, I’m from Arkansas—that was my first time on a plane. If you need to crack any jokes, go ahead and get it over with.” I sighed and leaned back into the swing again.

  I glanced around the porch, but there were only a few other couples outside with us. I was glad we weren’t alone, even if the other people were busy sucking face and didn’t have a clue we were there.

  “My mom grew up in Little Rock, so I’ve visited her side of the family a few times,” Xander said. “She would take us to Hot Springs, and her best friend lived in Hope.”

  “Oh my God!” I squealed. “I grew up in Hot Springs.” I tried to contain the excitement in my voice, but I could feel the rum warming my veins. I’d finally met someone who had at least visited where I’d grown up. “I can’t tell you how nice it is to talk to someone who . . .” My voice trailed off.

  “What’s the matter?” Xander asked.

  “Nothing, I’m sorry. I’m being silly.”

  “No you’re not.”

  “I—I’m so homesick,” I whispered. “Oregon is beautiful, but it’s so different. I feel like I shouldn’t really be here.”

  “Why are you here?”

  I stared into my cup and then took another sip.

  “School,” I said, glancing up at him.

  Xander held my gaze. As hard as I tried to hide it, I got the feeling that he knew there was something else.

  “There you are,” George said loudly as he walked out onto the porch. Startled, I turned to see him standing beside us with his hand on his hip. “I’ve been searching everywhere for you. I was worried sick that someone had picked you up and taken you upstairs. Cassidy and Adalyn hadn’t seen you anywhere, either. You can’t do that to me ever again.” He wagged his finger at me.

  “Upstairs? What do you mean?” I asked.

  George shook his head, and a smile slowly crossed Xander’s face. George’s jaw dropped as he realized who I’d been talking to before he burst through the door and onto the porch.

  “Oh—uh, hello, Xander. I’m George, Lacey’s best friend.”

  It was my turn to laugh as George ogled him. I peeked at Xander, but it didn’t seem to bother him at all.

  “Hey, George. It’s nice to meet you,” Xander said with a little wave.

  “What’s upstairs?” I asked again, glancing from one guy to the other.

  “Nothing, but I don’t ever want to find you up there,” George said as he narrowed his eyes at Xander. I’d never seen George give anyone a dirty look before.

  “Don’t get bent out of shape, bud, we’re just talking,” Xander said. “I do think it’s cool that you watch out for her, though—you’re a good friend.”

  The tension eased from George’s shoulders. “Fine. Lacey, I’ll be dancing with the girls, so come find me when you’re done talking.” He turned and walked back into the house.

  “Sorry about that,” I said.

  “He’s just watching out for you. I like him already,” Xander replied. He paused for a moment. “How about dinner sometime?”

  “Huh?” I asked.

  “Dinner. I’d like to take you to dinner.”

  “Me?” I asked as I pointed to myself.

  “Yes, you,” Xander said.

  “Uh, wow, um, okay,” I replied.

  “Well, are you sure?” he asked with a hint of surprise in his voice.

  “Yes! I’m sorry, you completely caught me off guard,” I said. “I wasn’t trying to blow you off, but you surprised me.”

  His expression softened. “I won’t take you to McDonald’s. I’d like to take you to a nice restaurant.”

  “Oh—I don’t own anything other than jeans.”

  “There’s no dress code, so don’t worry about it. But I won’t take you out for a five-dollar date. You deserve better,” he said.

  I tilted my head and waited for him to elaborate, but he didn’t. I don’t know what he saw in me that was special enough to qualify for a nice restaurant, but maybe it was time I let go of Walker and found out.

  “Okay, that sounds really nice.”

  “I know we have finals next week, so how does next Friday night work?”

  “Yeah, that sounds perfect.”

  “What’s your dorm-room number? I’ll stop by at seven and pick you up.”

  I couldn’t keep from grinning; he was serious. I was about to go on my first date since Walker, and it was with the star quarterback.

  “My room number is 212 and I’m in Barnhart Hall. I’ll be ready,” I said and stood up. “I need to find George and my other friends.”

  “I’ll come back inside with you,” Xander said.

  We made our way back into the house and over to the living room. We were greeted by a large group of guys chanting in unison. I scanned the room for Cassidy and Adalyn and quickly spotted them dancing on a table. The guys yelled and cheered as they moved. My eyes widened. I had no idea they could dance like that.

  “I told you table-top dancing was a degree here,” Xander said, laughing.

  I shook my head as I watched my friends.

  Chapter 8

  I woke to another gray, rainy morning. I hadn’t seen a clear evening since the frat party last weekend. Most of the time, the rain was light enough that you could get away with just wearing a coat and toughing it out. But when the rain was heavy and the wind joined in, no coat—or umbrella, for that matter—could survive its wrath.

  I finished my last final and ran across campus to my dorm, relief washing over me. I waved at Mrs. Walters as I wiped my shoes on the entryway rugs. The lobby was almost empty. Only a few students were left, scattered on couches and at tables with their noses in books.

  Christmas break had officially started, and I had three-and-a-half weeks of no classes. I’d hoped to fly back home, but it just wasn’t going to happen; money was too tight. Thank God the U of O didn’t close over break. I knew I wasn’t the only person staying, so although the dorm would be almost empty, I felt better knowing I wasn’t alone.

  A pang of sadness crept through me, and I brushed it off as I rushed up the stairs and thought about my date with Xander.

  I unlocked my door—I’d started locking it more often after Mama’s message—and checked my answering machine. No numbers blinked at me. As much as I loved having a phone in my room, my heart pounded against my chest every time I saw a message waiting for me. I wasn’t positive that Mama had called again, but only a few people had my number.

  I scolded myself. She was thousands of miles away; she couldn’t hurt me anymore.

  I glanced at the time and turned on my radio. Bon Jovi’s “I’ll Be There for You” filled my small room as I got ready for my date. It had been over a year since I’d been on one, but I pushed the memory of Walker out of my mind.

  I was taking one final look in the mirror and applying my lip gloss when there was a knock at my door. I frowned. Xander was early, but I’d rather he be early than late
.

  I pulled my door wide open and gasped.

  “Well, don’t stand there with a stupid look on your face. Pack your things—it’s time to come home. I’ve had enough of your nonsense,” Mama said.

  “What are you doing here?” I grabbed the door and tried to control the tremble that coursed through my body as I realized she was standing in front of me─in Oregon.

  “I told you, it’s time to come home. You’ve had several months to see the error of your ways. I can forgive you, but you have to give up this evil life you’ve created for yourself. This isn’t God’s plan for you.”

  “Really? And what would that be? Holding me hostage?”

  Mama’s fist tightened, and her face turned a light shade of red.

  “You need to listen to your mother,” Patsy said as she walked toward us. Her heels echoed through the empty hall.

  “No!” I said. I tried to close the door as fast as I could, but it wasn’t fast enough. Mama had wedged her foot in, and now she was leaning her full weight against the door. I struggled, but my boots didn’t have any traction, and I slid backward.

  “Stop! Get out!” I screamed and hoped someone, anyone, would hear me. This could not be happening again. “Go home. I don’t ever want to see you again,” I yelled as I strained to close the door.

  I heard Mama praying under her breath as she and Patsy won the struggle against my door and let themselves into my dorm room.

  “I told you a while back, Lacey, that I love you and I won’t give up until your soul is saved from burning in hell. Eternity is a very long time.”

  I shook my head as tears streamed down my face. “I’m not sick, Mama. You need to leave.”

  “You don’t get it, do you? I can see that college hasn’t made you any smarter,” she said, smirking. “Patsy and I are staying at a hotel here in Eugene. We aren’t leaving without you.”

  I choked back a sob and then screamed as loudly as I could, but all I could see in my mind were the empty hallways.

  I didn’t see Mama’s hand come up until the palm of her hand stung my cheek.

  “Shut up, Lacey! I’m sick and tired of your games. You always have to be the center of attention. We moved all the way out here to help you, and you’re going to thank us by screaming? My God, you’ve gotten worse since you moved. Are you going to parties and sleeping around? You know how those demons love it when you’re a little slut.”