The Lies I Believed

Family Is Family

It didn't take me long to pick out a few good wines, beer I wouldn't be drinking, and other drinks for the kids. I stepped into the bakery for a few seconds to grab the turnovers and started making my way back home. I called Asher to tell him that I was heading back home. He said he was just setting up everything, so no one would be eating without a chair. I'm glad I never threw away the chairs we used for a wedding last year.

I parked a bit closer to the house, hoping I wouldn't have to walk far when I start taking everything in. I threw the backpack in the backseat and moved the turnovers to the front. I hope they're still hot. Without thinking about what I was wearing, I popped the trunk and got out of the car.

"Hayden, can you come help me?" I asked.

"Where are you? Did you make it back home?" he asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I need some help carrying in the drinks. I already wasted enough time and everything's off schedule."

"It's fine, Lexi. Rylie called and said she needed more time anyway. The venue she's singing in had a little problem with lights."

"Well, that's good in its own way. Just come help me out."

I hung up and finally looked down at my outfit. "Crap." I opened the back door and grabbed the skirt. I tried not to rush with putting it back on, because I couldn't risk anyone asking me why I looked different. They're already too nosy.

I noticed Sha'Kera walking up to me with someone. What's she doing out here? I was expecting her to be partying harder than everyone else.

"Could you take the wines inside?" I asked.

Sha'Kera made a face that didn't sit right with me. I looked beside her to see Derek with her. I wonder what they were up to. Honestly, I can't stand that man. I just can't shake the feeling that there's something they aren't telling me. I know for a fact that it's going to bother me until they finally tell me what's going on.

"I called Hayden to help me out," I said, hoping to get a reaction out of Sha'Kera. "I hope that's okay with you."

"Why wouldn't it be?" She asked, without so much as a flinch.

"...No reason. Just wanted you to know."

Huh? She doesn't look like she hates him. Maybe it is just an argument. I should listen to Asher and stay out of their business. The less I know, the faster they might work it all out.

"You guys can go put the wine in the coolers in the garage," I said. "I want them far from the kids."

"You got it."

I watched as they left, walking past Hayden without greeting him. Yup, Derek is definitely doing something to her. Forget minding my own business, I need to figure out why.

"How did it go?" Hayden asked. "You don't look like you got into any trouble."

"I don't look like it, because I know how to hide it," I muttered. "Could you get the rest of the bags?"

"Of course."

I retrieved the turnovers and locked Hayden's car. I gave him his keys and we headed back to the house.

"How's the situation with Luca?"

"...I haven't heard from him since I spoke with Kera."

"Lemme guess, she said she'd help you, while planning something else at the same time?"

"Yup. At this point, I don't think I'll make it in time for that wedding. I don't even know the person getting married."

"...I won't go, if you don't go."