The Truth in Lies (The Truth in Lies Saga) (19 page)

“Oh, Andy, we don’t want to impose on you like that.  Siesta Key is just fine.”

“It’s no imposition,” he argued.  He adjusted his position to look around me at my parents who sat quietly watching our interaction.  I turned back around to see my father chewing his bottom lip and my mother beaming like a Christmas light.

“Bill and Lindsey, what do you think?”

“We’re fine either way,” Mom replied quickly, smacking my father on the knee.

Dad cleared his throat then coughed, having jumped at the sound of my mother’s hand smacking across his bare skin.  “You say you live off the beach?” he grunted.

“Yes, sir.  It’s a small place I acquired some years back.  There’s this great little area for fishing.”

And that was all she wrote.  My father was a goner when it came to fishing.  He tried to play it cool, but he was twitching with excitement.  He cleared his throat and ran his hand under his hat, readjusting it on his forehead.

“Whatever Mickie wants.  It’s her birthday,” Dad said.

“Mickie, come on,” Drew whined.  “We’ll have a lot of fun.”

He cupped his hands together and his eyes grew ever so big.  There was no way I could turn down that puppy dog face.  He had me.  “If you insist.  I’ll need to change first.”

“Absolutely.  While you get ready, I’ll call Ruby and tell her to make plans for dinner guests.  We have a special someone to celebrate today.”

A thought occurred to me at the mention of dinner plans.  It caused my very insides to cringe.  I was hesitant to mention it, but it was only right to ask.  “Should we call Liv and ask her to join us?”

Drew tapped the tip of my nose, and smiled.  “She’s with Morgan for a dress fitting.  Besides, this day is all about you.”

“I see,” I whispered.  “Okay.  Give me a second.  I’ll be right back.”

Springing off the ottoman, I bounded toward my bedroom.  “Hold on, Mickie.  I’m coming with you,” my mother called out, following me.

My bedroom closed behind us with a thump.  “Spill it, young lady,” Mom demanded.

I turned around to see my mother barring the door with her hands plastered to her hips.  Her menacing scowl screamed I was in trouble.

“Spill what?” I played dumb, throwing open my dresser drawer to find a bathing suit.

“You know exactly what I’m talkin’ about.  What’s going on with you and that boy out there?”

“Nothin’, Momma.  I swear.  He’s just a good friend.”

“That’s bullshit and you know it.”

My favorite blue bikini lay on top.  I grabbed it and proceeded to my bathroom.  My mother grabbed my arm, preventing me from closing her out.  “Mickie, talk to me.  We show up to you all out of breath,” – she tugged at the necklace dangling around my neck – “then he gives you this fancy necklace and invites your whole family to his beach house.  So, again, I ask.  What’s going on between you?”

I sighed and walked over to my bed, dropping down on the end.  I patted the seat beside me.  Mom sat down looking at me expectantly.  “Honestly, I don’t know what’s going on between us.  Do I feel something for him?  Yeah, I do.  Does he feel something for me?  I don’t know, but after today, I think he does.” 

“I see,” she pondered.

“But none of that matters, because he’s off limits.  He’s with Liv.”  I tried to sound convincing, but even to me, the words sounded hollow. 

My mother wrapped her arms around my shoulders.  I rested my head against her, enjoying the feel of her playing with my hair like she did when I was a child.  “Can I tell you what I see, Mickie?”

I nodded.

“That young man in the other room is smitten with you.  And while he may be currently in a relationship with Olivia, his heart is right here with you.”

I lifted my head and opened my mouth to speak.  My mother raised a single finger to silence me.  “I know it’s difficult, him being involved with your best friend and all.  And I’m not sayin’ that fallin’ for Drew, as you have, is right.  But I’m not sayin’ that it’s wrong either.  What I am sayin’ is that sometimes a heart wants what a heart wants.  And far be it for anyone in this world to deny the true matters of the heart.”

“Momma, I can’t hurt Liv, and I don’t even know for sure that Drew feels anything beyond friendship for me.”

“Take it from me, sweetheart, your daddy is on pins and needles out there, because that boy has been oglin’ and fondlin’ his little girl since we got here.”

“He hasn’t been fondlin’ me,” I gasped.

“You know what I mean.  He couldn’t keep his hands off of you.  He’s lucky to still have them hands.  I swear, I damn near had to hold your father back a couple of times.  Honestly, I’m not even sure it’s safe leavin’ Drew alone with your father right now.  We might find bloodshed when we get back out there.”

My mother and I laughed.  It felt good admitting to someone that I was in love with Drew.  Even if what she had to say didn’t really help any, it felt nice to finally verbalize it.

“Thank you,” I whispered, kissing my mother on the cheek.  “I better go change real quick.”

“We’ll be out there waiting on you,” she said, brushing my hair back from my face.  “I love you, baby girl.”

“Love you too, Momma, and I’m really happy you’re here.”

Mom stood up and walked to the door.  She looked back at me once more before slipping out of my room.  I watched as my mother disappeared, closing my door behind her.  The heaviness of her words weighed on me. 

After what happened on my couch, there was no way for me to take the blame for our almost kiss.  His lips were inching toward mine, not the other way around.  He felt something.  I knew he did.  But what he felt I wasn’t sure.  One thing I was sure of was the fact that Drew and I needed to have a serious chat.

For a full twenty minutes, my mother and I suffered through Drew and Dad talking about cars.  Twenty minutes was exactly how long it took to get from my apartment to Longboat Key, and since I lost the coin toss, my parents and I were subjugated to ride with Drew.

I tried to argue the matter, even after the coin toss.  It seemed ridiculous for him to drive us to his house and then back to mine, but he was determined in taking us.

Just like in my apartment, Drew maintained a constant dialogue; especially with my dad.  I got the notion he wanted to impress my father, but Dad seemed hesitant to warm up to him.

By the time we turned down Gulf of Mexico Drive, I had tuned the men out and got lost in the beauty of the foamy waves creeping up the shoreline.  The clear blue
water beckoned me; even though I knew it was still too cool to swim.

Conversation ceased when Drew turned in front of a large iron gate.  He twisted his body slightly, digging his hand deep into his pants pocket where he withdrew his cell phone.  He dialed a number, and the gate opened.  Surrounded by trees, a shell-colored mansion appeared in the distance. 

The path leading to the house sparkled in the afternoon sunlight.  It was straight and narrow, made of beautiful marble paving stones and encompassed by lush greenery.  The closer we got, the more I had to crane my neck to see the vast structure unfolding in front of me. 

The house spanned as far as the eye could see, surrounded by billowing trees.  Painted to resemble the sand, it sparkled majestic
ally in the sunlight.  Elaborately designed pillars stood proudly, guarding the front door.  Rows upon rows of windows climbed the shell colored house, like ivy reaching toward the Heavens. 

My eyes bobbed up and down counting the rows. 

There was a forth story had a single window that accented the top of the house.  It was larger than the rest and had no covering on it.  Sunlight gleamed over it, making it shine like the diamond in my necklace.

“T
his is it,” Drew pointed out, as he curved around the driveway, parking the Range Rover in front of the house.

“You call this small?” Dad gasped.

“In comparison to my brother’s house, just up the street, this is tiny,” Drew chuckled.

He cut the engine and hopped out of the car.  Having grown accustom
ed to his chivalrous nature, I didn’t budge until he opened my car door. 

“Welcome to my home,” he said, his wide smile gleamed with pride.

“It’s beautiful, Andy,” I stated in amazement.  “I’ve never seen anything like it before.”

“Just wait until you see the inside,” he noted, taking my hand in his, heading toward the door.

The front door was twice the size of any normal man, both in height and width.  Its light colored wood blended beautifully with the sandy color of the home’s exterior.  A blue stained-glass window arched over the top of the door and down the sides, appearing like a wave of water was about to crash down upon anyone who might dare to enter.

Drew looked over his shoulder, to my parents, who were following us.  “The garage is just around the back.”

“You mean there’s enough room on this property for a garage?” Dad asked in amazement.

“Yes, sir.  As well as a cabana house and swimming pool that leads out to the beach.”

“This is spectacular, Drew,” Mom cooed.

“I’m pleased you like it, Lindsey,” Drew said. 

The door magically opened for us.  A tall, older gentleman, with white hair slicked back against his head, held the door ajar with a surprised look on his gauntly face.  Dressed in a pair of overalls, grease smudged the side of his oversized nose.  Drew patted the old man on the arm.  “The Phantom giving you hell again, Wyatt?”

“Not at all, sir.  It’s that plastic toy that you and Mr. Gavin think is so funny.  I can never get the oil changed in that tiny contraption.”

Drew laughed, giving the old man a tight squeeze on the shoulder.  “I told you not to worry about it.  I’ll take it to the dealership and have them do it.” 

Wyatt stepped back, holding the door open for us.  Drew led me into the house.  I was blown away by the beauty of his home.  The foyer was painted dark red.  A huge crystal chandelier dangled from the white elevated ceiling.  Just beyond the foyer was a winding staircase with an iron railing that matched the iron gates at the front of the property.  It veered off into sections at the top, leading to each of the four floors of the house.

“Wyatt, I’d like to introduce you to some special guests.  This is McKenzie, Bill, and Lindsey Evans.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you all,” Wyatt’s shaky voice greeted us.

“This is Wyatt Greenwood.  He’s my mechanic.”  Drew’s voice lowered as he added, “And chauffer when necessary.”

“You said you were having trouble changing the oil in something?” Dad asked.

“Yes, sir.  Mr. Wise has a Scion iQ, and for the life of me, I can’t get the oil changed in it.”

Dad’s eyes cut to Drew.  “You own a Smart Car, yet you drive that gas guzzler outside?”

“Let’s just say, I lost a bet to my brother and it landed me that thing,” Drew laughed.

“Wyatt, I think I might be able to help you with your problem,” Dad offered.

“Thank you kindly, sir, but you’re here as guests.  I’d hate to impose.”

“It’s no imposition.  I happened to know a thing or two about Smart Cars,” Dad protested.

Drew’s large hand covered the nape of my back.  Breathing had pretty much become an option to me thanks to his mere closeness.  His thumb slid across the fabric of my t-shirt sending delicious heat coursing through my veins.

“You’re expertise would be appreciated, Bill.  We’ll stop by the garage later, Wyatt, so Mr. Evans may have a look.”

“Thank you, sir,” Wyatt replied, stepping past us, closing the front door behind him as he left.

“This way,” Drew exclaimed, dragging me toward the staircase.

As he pulled me up the stairs, I caught a glimpse of the living room below.  Looming to the west side of the room was an elaborate fireplace.  In front of the marble fireplace was a large, plush area rug that covered the beautiful hardwood floor.  Two fancy white sofas with winged arms and backs were placed strategically around the rug.  A dark wood coffee table was settled between the couches. 

“Where are we going?” I asked, running as fast as my legs could carry me up the stairs.

“My room.  I want to show you the view of the gulf from there,” Drew said, stopping at the top of the third floor.  My parents appeared behind us, both breathless.

Unlike the floor below us, I counted only two doors.  “How many rooms are up here?” I inquired.

“Only two.  My room and the music room.”

“Music room?” Mom asked, catching her breath.

“My mother forced me to learn how to play the piano when I was a boy.  Somewhere along the way, I fell in love with it.”

“A man of hidden talents,” I mused.

“You don’t know the half of it,” he stated, wiggling his brows.  Drew squeezed my hand and opened the door, escorting me inside.  Heat sizzled through his skin into mine. 

God, I hope I don’t get sweaty palms
, I silently prayed.

“Maybe you could play for us, sometime,” Mom suggested.

“I don’t play in public,” Drew admitted.

Crown molding bordered the taupe walls and ceiling.  Hardwood floors, stained just a shade darker than the crown molding, creaked as we walked around the room.

In the corner was a sitting area complete with loveseat and coffee table.  An oversized bed, covered by a blue comforter with a tan blanket thrown across the middle, rested against the wall.  The bed faced a wall of French doors and paned windows. 

I released Drew’s hand and stepped toward the doors, in awe of the beautiful ocean view.  Just below the balcony, an infinity pool appeared to be drifting off toward the ocean.  A beautiful cabana house was nestled between the house and trees.

Drew stepped up behind me, and placed his hands on my shoulders.  His warm breath cascaded over me like the air of a warm spring day.  I pressed my back against his chest, feeling the heat of his body burning through my thin t-shirt.

“Amazing, isn’t it?” he murmured softly in my ear.

“Truly,” I whispered.

“It’s even more so at night when the moon shines in.”

“I bet.”

A soft meow and a furry head nudging my ankle pulled me out of my Drew induced coma.  I looked down to see a white cat with large black spots, butting my leg.

“I was wondering where you were, ol’ boy,” Drew said, releasing me from his grasp.  He knelt down and picked the giant fur ball up, cradling it in his arms like a child.

“And who might this fella be?” I asked, scratching the cat’s oversized tummy.

“This is Wicket,” Drew announced, scratching the cat behind the ears.  “He’s my old man.  I’m sure Chewbacca is around here somewhere.  When one appears, the other‘s not far behind.”

“Wicket and Chewbacca,” I chuckled.  “A true Star Wars fan.”

“If you only knew the extent of it,” he said.  Before I could ask him what he meant, another purr caught our attention.  “Speak of the devil,” Drew said, nodding toward the cat sliding between my parents’ legs.  The bright orange and white feline, resembling a Creamsicle, marched up to me.  He rammed his head into my ankle, almost as if he was demanding me to pick him up.

Following orders, I picked him up.  He was much lighter than he looked. 

“You must be Chewie,” I said to the cat.  He bumped his head against my chest, purring louder. 

“Hmm, someone likes you,” Drew chortled, petting Chewie behind the ears.

“Such a pretty kitty,” I cooed.

Drew was so relaxed holding the animal in his arms.  He rubbed his nose to Wicket’s and purred at the creature.

“I never took you for a cat person,” I said.

“These cats are my babies.”

Drew placed Wicket back on the floor, who decided that my legs would be a great rubbing post.  He twisted his hefty body around them, nearly toppling me and Chewie over.

Catching me by the arms, Drew looked at me with a huge smile on his face.  “They rarely take to someone so quickly.  They really like you.” 

I rocked Chewie in my arms, staring into his huge black eyes.  Why I started to sing was a complete mystery, but the words started to pour from my lips.  “Soft kitty, warm kitty, little ball of fur, happy kitty, sleepy kitty, purr, purr, purr.”

The roars of laughter that decanted from my parents and Drew caused me and Chewie to both jump out of our skin.

“That was too cute, Mickie,” my mother cackled.

Dad snorted hard then cleared his throat, glancing around the room.

I leaned forward and placed Chewie back on his feet, who protested his release by bumping his head against Drew’s leg.

“Later, you spoiled fur ball,” Drew told the cat.  Satisfied with his master’s acknowledgement, Chewie turned around and marched out of the room, followed by Wicket.

“Let’s head back downstairs, shall we?” Drew suggested, extending his hand before me.

I followed my parents out of the room with Drew walking close behind me.  The bedroom door closed with a soft thud, and Drew placed his hand against the nape of my back leading me downstairs.

Drew led us to the kitchen were an older, heavyset woman was caterwauling in front of a stove.  Her mousy grey hair was piled on top of her head, and her extended hips danced in time with her off-tune singing.

The marble countertops were accented by amazing copper fixtures.  Cabinets circled the length of the kitchen.  Lodged between the cabinets were various kitchen appliances, paneled to look like the cabinets. 

A horseshoe shaped bar, in the center of the kitchen, had six copper barstools stationed around it.  Above the bar was a vaulted ceiling with a quaint ceiling fan twirling at a low speed.  In the center of the bar sat a plate of white frosted cupcakes. 

Drew’s eyes grew big and an evil smirk twisted his lips as he tiptoed closer.  He lifted a finger to his mouth, indicating we needed to be quite when suddenly he yelled, “Yoink,” and yanked a cupcake off the plate.

The large woman turned around, with a wooden spoon in her hand.  While I’m a firm believer in the laws of physics, I swear this woman had a super power.  Because against all odds, she was across the kitchen in the blink of an eye and smacked the snot out of Drew’s hand. 

“Andrew Wise, those cupcakes are for the birthday girl,” she scolded him.

“But…but,” Drew whined, placing the cupcake back on the tray.

“You told me to make her favorite.  Now, you don’t get one until she does.”

“You had her make cupcakes for me?” I asked, surprised.

“Awe, you must be the birthday girl.  I’m Ruby Greenwood,” the large woman introduced herself, extending her plump hand toward me.

“McKenzie Evans,” I replied, taking her hand.

“Carrot cake with cream cheese icing,” Ruby in
formed me.  “Mr. Wise said they’re your favorite.”