Page 37 of Uncovering Love: The Wedding
Jon’s at my side, and he pulls Evie back as I step in front of her.
“Excuse me. I don’t know who the hell you think you are. But threatening my fiancé in a public place isn’t a wise decision.”
He holds up his hands, taking in the sight of both myself and Jon. I don’t have to look over my shoulder to know Jon’s giving the dude his most intimidating stare. “Look, I’m not here to fight or cause trouble. I just need answers.”
I glance to Evie and she crosses her arms, worrying her lower lip between her teeth.
“I’m sorry, who are you?” I ask the guy. Based on her body language and the conversation they were having, I need to know. He glances around, and it’s then I realize we’ve drawn quite a crowd. Basically the entire bridal party and some strangers, too.
“I’d rather not give my name. No offense.”
“Look, kid. If you don’t tell us who you are and why you’re here, we’re calling the police. You’re intruding on a private party.” Jon’s threat is enough to make the entire bar nearly go silent.
The kid doesn’t back down though, straightening his posture and narrowing his gaze so he almost looks menacing. He might be stupid, but he’s got balls. “The same way you two have been spying on my friend!” the young man accuses and Jon’s eyes widen with surprise as he continues. “That’s right! I’ve seen you sneaking around Amelia’s apartment. What are you doing there?”
Jon’s gaze switches from the college kid to Evie, but she won’t meet his stare. “Evie ...” he murmurs. “What did you do?”
“I thought you were a cop, maybe, because you kind of look like one, but after she came by I knew there had to be more to it. What kind of trouble is Amelia in?”
“You went there? When?” Jon growls, completely ignoring the kid.
“I ... Um ... Don’t be mad,” Evie implores Jon, her eyes flitting around the room. “Maybe we should talk outside.”
“Dammit, Evie,” Jon curses.
“What? Don’t want to air your dirty little secret!” mystery man says.
Evie’s eyes narrow to slits while her brow creases and her nostrils flare.Oh, shit. “Shut up,Carlos. You have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“That’s exactly why I’m here! To find answers!” he shouts. Evie steps forward, not one bit intimidated. With all of us here to back her up, she has no reason to be.
“They’re not my secrets to tell,” she says, glancing at her sister with sorrow etched in her expression. My stomach drops.
“Look. I don’t know what’s going on, but you can’t just break into someone’s complex and spy on an unsuspecting girl. It’s scary as shit. If she’s in trouble, I need to know. I’ll help any way I can. Just tell me what’s going on.”
“Wait. I recognize you. You’re ...” Drew’s words trail off as he steps forward, returned from changing Claire’s diaper in the bathroom. His gaze bounces from Carlos, to Jon, to Evie, and then back to Carlos while his little girl babbles from her perch on his hip.
“Drew?” Carlos’s eyes go wide. “Wait. Why? How do you—?”
Drew shakes his head and it snaps Carlos’ mouth shut.
My gaze can’t settle on one person, because it seems as if everyone knows something, but not enough. This night is supposed to be about celebrating Evie and me, not playing a horrible game of pass it on. “Would someone tell me what the hell is happening?” I shout to no one in particular, but Evie reaches over to hold my hand. Her eyes are full of pain as her fingers tighten their grip.
“Yeah, Drew.” Melissa’s voice breaks the silence and draws all eyes to her. “Why don’t you tell us what’s going on? How you’re cheating on me. On us.” Her hands rest on her belly. I have so much respect because even though her voice wavers, her stare doesn’t.
“What?” He laughs and shakes his head.
“Don’t try to deny it. Evie and Jon have seen you. They’ve got proof. I know about the money you’ve been siphoning away, too.” Her voice grows more confident with her accusations. Her hands hold her belly, almost as if she’s protecting the baby as much as herself.
Drew holds her stare, blinking several times before he bursts into laughter.Bad move. Melissa’s brow lowers, and if looks could kill we’d be calling in a homicide. Thankfully, he notices his wife’s reaction and his expression sobers. “That’s what you thought I’ve been doing for the past two months?”
“Thought?I know!”
“Melissa, stop. I’m not cheating on you.” Drew steps closer.
“Then how do you explain the money? The weekly “work nights” when you were inherapartment?”
“Melissa, it was asurprise.”
