Hidden

Chapter Nine: Lies

Once Sandra had finished with my stitches and bandaged my hand. I asked how much I owed her. She shook her head and told me not to worry about it but instructed me to keep my hand dry for the next forty-eight hours. After that, I still needed to try my best to keep it clean and dry but didn't have to worry too much if water splashed my wound. The whole water part was problematic because I was supposed to work a shift washing dishes at the diner tomorrow night. I tried not to worry too much about what Nan would say to me when I called her.

"Thanks again, Sandra. I appreciate it." I said as Lily and I walked her to the front door.

"No problem, hon, call me if you need anything. Have a good night, you all!"

With her final goodbye, she left through the front door.

I was about to head back into the kitchen to clean up the mess when a little lady with a dustpan and broom scurried by.

"That's Nelly, Luca's maid. I'm sure she will handle the mess," Lily said. "How about we go get you cleaned up. Do you have any extra clothes?"

I gave her a thankful smile.

"Yeah, I have some in my car. I'll be right back."

I headed out to my car to gather some fresh clothes. I wasn't sure if we were still planning on spending the night, since Luca's brother had come home unexpectedly.

Luca's brother.

Damian. My heart gave a little flutter at the thought of him.

He certainly didn't seem as terrifying as everyone had made him out to be, but then again, I had only had a brief encounter with him.

"How are you feeling?" A familiar deep voice asked, concern lacing his tone.

I jumped, startled by Damian's sudden appearance next to my trunk.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." He smirked, and his eyes danced with amusement.

"It hurts a little, but I'll survive" pausing, I added, "I've had worse."

Giving a nervous chuckle like the awkward person I am, I opened my trunk.

He took a hesitant step in my direction. I held my breath.

"So, Savannah." I found myself wishing he was saying my real name instead. "How long have you lived in Clear Water?"

"Um, just over a week," I replied. I noticed that he had changed into a light grey pullover and a fresh pair of jeans. His hair was also wet like he had just stepped out of the shower.

I inhaled deeply, and he smelled of fresh rain and mint.

My heart did another little leap. I need to get it together.

When I finally looked at his face, he was smirking.

Crap, I was totally checking him out.

Embarrassed, I glanced away and began to dig through my belongings, trying to find my leggings and an oversized sweater.

"Where did you move from?" he continued to ask me as I made a mess out of my trunk.

"Denver," I said while purposely avoiding eye contact with him.

"Huh," was his response, making me pause and look up from my search.

"What..." I asked skeptically.

"Nothing, it is just that I could have sworn I heard a more southern accent when you spoke earlier."

Crap.

"Well, last I checked, I was living in Denver, so I'm not sure what you heard." It's not that he made me uncomfortable. It was quite the opposite, but the conversation was beginning to drift into waters I was potentially unable to navigate. So grabbing my fresh clothes, I slammed my trunk and said, "excuse me, but I really should change."

"I understand," he said, "I'll see you later, Savannah."

The way he said Savannah made me think that he didn't quite believe my name was Savannah, and that, made me nervous.

Shaking my paranoia, I gave him an awkward half-wave before racing to the front door. Fully aware of him following my every move.