What Lies Beneath

What Lies Beneath 7-8

*ADULT CONTENT, LANGUAGE VIOLENCE*

Part 7

Managing to get out early for a change Victoria rushed home early and changed her clothes to more casual slipping on a simple white cotton skirt and matching blouse. Running a brush through her hair she had just finished when Joe appeared in the doorway.

He quickly crossed the room and collected her in his arms. "I'm happy to see my wife made it home in time. Give me a moment and I'll be ready." Kissing her, he slapped her bottom and went to the bathroom to change.

Tyler immediately jumped in Joe's arms when Sav opened the door to let them in. Sav laughing took Tyler from his arms and scooted him off to go play. "Tyler is happy to see you I think. Come on in, Paige is about ready to put dinner on the table."

"That boy of yours is growing like a weed. Hopefully the poor kid won't turn out to be like his old man. You know tall and a royal smart ass."

Sav rolled his eyes and kissed Victoria on the cheek. "Hey luv. I'm sorry you didn't get to the party last night. Just as well, it was rather dull." Sav chuckled taking her wrap from her.

"I got wrapped up in work and lost track of time." She fell silent when she caught Joe's expression and quickly changed the subject.

"I think I'll see if Paige needs any help." Victoria said casting her eyes downward and walked to the kitchen where Paige was taking out a chicken from the oven.

Sav glanced at Joe and noted his irritated expression. "What's up mate? You two don't seem like yourselves."

"We had an argument but it's over now. Is it okay to make myself a drink?" Joe asked already getting out a bottle of Jack Daniels.

Part 8

"Well, that's likely to happen now and then." Sav chuckled and poured himself a drink as well.

"What's wrong Victoria? I can sense something isn't right between you two. Did you have an argument?" Paige asked stirring the potatoes.

"It was nothing really. Joe was just upset that I hadn't called to let him know I couldn't make it to the party. No biggie." Victoria pretended to be interested in tossing the salad so she wouldn't have to look at Paige.

"Joe should know by now that your work will take you away from him from time to time. You've been married six years, he should be understanding."

"It's okay really Paige. We've worked it out. Salad's ready. Want me to start taking things to the dining room?" Victoria said picking up the salad bowl.

"Sure Victoria. The guys are probably starving. Sav's been complaining for the last four hours about when dinner was going to be." Paige said laughing softly.

Paige popped her head into the living room. "Dinner's ready guys, Come eat." Paige sat next to Sav with Victoria and Joe on the other side.

Joe swallowed what was left of his second drink and dug into the potatoes spooning a heap of them onto his plate next to his chicken.

Victoria felt a pang of anger that Joe was drinking again but knew better than to express it. Placing a small smile on her face she turned to Tyler who was busy taking bites of chicken in between playing with his little Tonka truck.

"Hey Tyler, how do you like preschool?" Victoria smiled stroking his hair.