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“Carly, are you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost! Oh my God don’t drop so fast like that, you could hurt the baby.” I rush to the closet to grab the broom and dust pan to clean up the shards of glass before one of the kids cut their feet. She s
hoots me a deadpan glare, the shakes her head.
“Yeah, sorry. Didn’t mean to break a glass. Just a little surprised is all.”
“The glass is replaceable. No worries.” Once the mess is cleaned up, we take a seat at the table to eat. Carly’s hands are a steady tremble and she gnaws at the bottom of her lip angrily. Not sure what has her all shook up.
“Carly, I didn’t get the chance to introduce you to Drew. He’s Josh’s boss, and best friend.” She nods once, her mouth set in a thick, hard line.
“It’s nice to see you again, Carly.” Drew smirks.
“Drew.” Carly says surly. Her brows are furrowed deeply at the bridge of her nose and a pink heat covers her cheeks.
“Oh, I didn’t know the two of you had met.” I look from Carly, then to Drew who’s paying no mind to the small fit Carly is in.
“We have, a few times actually. Drew is part owner of Dalton Trucking, Savannah.”
Dalton Trucking. Dalton Trucking? Why does that sound familiar? I swallow the bite of pot roast before replying. “Oh, that’s interesting. That’s Colton’s dad’s business, right? Wasn’t Daddy part owner?” Before either can reply Josh interjects, scolding me as usual.
“Damn it Savannah, haven’t I told you we don’t discuss business, especially not at the damn dinner table, and in front of guest? Where are your manners?” He sneers. I cast my head down pulling in a deep breath of air before apologizing for my rudeness. Friction stirs about the room, which isn’t out the ordinary for our home.
“Josh, it’s fine really, brother. We aren’t discussing business, just facts. Savannah, to answer your question, yes. I purchased Big John’s partnership after his passing. I’d been wanting to submerge myself deeper into the coal industry, and owning coal trucks seemed like the smart move from a business perspective.” Carly rolls her eyes, releasing a heavy sigh. It’s clear there is some underlying aggression between her and Drew. I wasn’t aware they had ever met. Maybe it’s a business rivalry I don’t quite understand.
“So, Carly, did I hear Savannah say you’re expecting?” I swear you can see steam roll from her ears. Her chest rises and falls roughly as she draws in a deep breath, and a red mask blankets her face. Her eyes draw into small slits as she shoots daggers across the table at Drew.
“Carly, don’t be rude. He just asked a simple question.” I scold her. Don’t know what has her bloomers knotted up, but damn she’s bitchy.
“Yes, I’m expecting. If you’ll excuse me, I think I need some air.” She springs up quickly from the chair and makes her way out the front door. Josh and Drew chuckle in synchronization and I’m confused at what they find so humorous.
“Did I miss a punch line? What’s so funny?” I ask looking from Josh to Drew.
“You’re sister is a dumbass bitch, that’s what’s so funny.” Josh says pointedly.
“Josh, please don’t use language in front of the kids. I know that Carly can be a bit abrasive, but I’ve failed to miss the issue that’s caused all of the friction tonight. So enlighten me, what have I missed?” I plead, but Josh ignores me stabbing at the pot roast with his fork. “Drew?” I look over to Drew who can’t seem to stop smiling, laughter still vibrating from his lips.
“It’s nothing to worry your sweet little head with, sweetie.” Drew replies. I drop it at that, because obviously whatever issue Carly has with Drew, it has to be business related. I’m sure I’ll catch Josh’s wrath for my boldness, so I remain quiet while I eat, listening to the kids babble on with Josh and Drew about their day of building couch forts.
Carly comes back inside just as the guys take off to Josh’s office for drinks. After the kids have hurried upstairs to play, Carly helps me clear the table then we clean the kitchen. She is eerily quiet, with tension rolling off of her in waves. “Carly, are you okay? You didn’t seem pleased to see Drew here. Is there something I need to know?”
“No, I’m fine.”
“You sure? You acted like you had seen a ghost when you saw him. What was that about?”
“Oh that? Nothing, I was just shocked when I heard the kids call him Uncle, is all. He and Josh aren’t related, are they?” She asks eyeing me suspiciously.
“No, oh gosh no, Carly.” I laugh. “Josh and Drew went to school together. Been best friends for years. What is it about Drew that has you all stirred up? Is he a business competitor?” Carly remains silent for a few seconds, until I nudge her shoulder pulling her from thought.
“Savannah, how long has Josh worked for American Heritage Coal Company?” She asks, her voice laced with suspense and concern, as she works around me loading the dish washer.
“Since before we met. Drew really is harmless. Anytime I need something when Josh is out of town, he’s the one I call. He’s family.”
“Just be careful, Savannah. I’ve seen a totally different side of Drew, one you don’t want to cross.”
“Carly, are you always so suspicious of everyone? You don’t get along with Josh, now you have it out for Drew too? Josh, I get; he’s an ass. Yes, he’s my husband but even I despise him. But Drew is a good man. Try to look past the rough exterior and see inside of people’s hearts.”
Typical Carly. Never willing to give a person the benefit of the doubt. First impressions are everything to her and she forms her opinions of others too quickly.
“Masks, Savannah. Everyone covers up their ugliness with a mask. It’s the secrets that lie beneath the surface that you have to worry about.”
