Whiskey King

Chapter 2

Adella

We pulled up to the imposing gates leading to our family’s 300 acre property. Lionel leaned out and spoke to the gate attendant before the large iron gates swung inward to let us through. My father always told me that these gates were mean to keep others out but I always had the feeling that it was the other way around, as if they were meant to keep me in. We drove along the oak tree lined gravel drive, passing the security garage, two guest cottages, horse stables and storage barn before finally pulling up to the well manicured roundabout driveway of Buchanan House.

Other people may describe the house as “opulent” or “classic” with it’s bright white exterior and tall stone columns but it’s always felt too excessive for a house in the middle of nowhere. My grandfather built this house back in the 1920s, before the stock market crash and it’s rumored that he had the floorplans drawn up to resemble the Biltmore in Asheville.

“Your mother has really outdone herself this time,” murmured Lionel as we pulled up to the house. All the way to right end of the house we could see caterers and equipment trucks parked in the gravel service lot, tucked behind a row of evergreens. I hopped out the car to grab my things and brace myself for what I may encounter inside.

“Della!” Sarah, the house manager, came down the front steps to greet me. “Lady you are lookin more gorgeous and grown up every time I see you! Here let me help you with those, watch out for your mama you know how she gets on event days. You’re gonna need to change quick, I set out a towel for you in your room if you need to shower.”

“Thanks Sarah!” I grabbed my makeup and garment bags and headed up the front stairs. Inside the house was a flurry of constant movement. Caterers and decorators moved about almost in a choreographed dance, setting up vases of flowers, tables full of charcuterie, and bars of drinks. I headed up the grand staircase and turned right, to the east wing of the house.

Pale pink walls greeted me as I entered my bedroom. I haven’t lived in this room for years but yet my mother hasn’t touched it in one of her redecorating binges. I set down my bag on my makeup table and hung my garment bag in the closet. I checked the time, one o’clock, guests won’t start arriving until five. I considered my options. I could hide out on the property all night and not show up (least popular option, mama might kill me), I could go to the stables for awhile (better option, out of the house and back in time for staged family photos). I started to look for my riding boots when the door to my bedroom opened and in flew my best friend Melody.

“Della finally you’re here!” She exclaimed, wrapping me in a hug. Melody’s dad and mine had always done business together and what started as being pushed together during dinners and events soon turned into a long-lasting friendship. We went to the same boarding school, spent summers at camp, and our families frequently traveled together.

“You will not believe who your mama put on the guest list!” she exclaimed, kicking off her Jack Rodgers wedges and flopping down on my bed. Her natural blonde curls splayed out on my quilt already frizzing in the June heat.

“Levi Wade.” I rolled my eyes and made fake gagging noises.

“Ugh I can’t believe he has the nerve to show his gosh darn face around here after junior formal!”

Levi attended our brother school across the river and our two schools were constantly thrown together for events, etiquette courses, field trips, etc. I’d known of Levi for years because our older brothers were friends, but I didn’t know him very well until freshmen year when him and Melody started dating after an overnight field trip to Disney. For two years I was their third wheel and I didn’t mind at all, he made Melody happy and always made me feel included. Like whenever he would bring Melody flowers he would always bring a smaller bouquet for me as well. Melody would always come home from their dates gushing about how they were gonna go to college together and get married but I guess we learned the hard way that not all high school relationships last. The night of junior formal Levi straight up didn’t show up and stopped talking to Melody. He stopped answering any calls or texts and Melody was crushed. Then the accident happened and Levi stopped showing up at school altogether.

“I’m sorry Mel, I would’ve warned you if I’d know sooner than last night.”

“Well we just won’t get too close, we don’t want to catch any of his filth. Besides Charlie will be here tonight too and he’s certainly an upgrade from Levi Wade.”

I smiled, “Mel, I’m just glad you’re happy.”

“You know what would make me happier?” Melody pulled out two bottles of champagne, “Pregaming.”

“Girl you know it.”

For the next few hours we sipped champagne straight from the bottle, getting ready for the party, and slowly getting tipsy.

“GIRLS where are y’all?” I heard mama calling up the stairs.

“Showtiiiiime!” Melody sang, stumbling to the hallway. “Mel your shoes!” I giggled, chucking her wedges out the door.

I did a final spin in the mirror, admiring my light pink and purple floral print dress. It was a 1950s retro style, the straps coming off my shoulders and the seamstress even added a purple crinoline for extra flair.

We descended the staircase pretending to be sober but erupting into giggles every time we made eye contact. It was already five thirty and the party was in full swing, music from the hired band drifting in from the back patio.

“Oh theres Charlie!” Melody made a beeline through the sea of floral and seersucker to her waiting boyfriend while I wandered over to my brother and his future bride.

“Della! Isn’t this all just wonderful! I’m so excited to be your sister!” Kat squealed, digging her bright red fake nails into my arms. My mom loved Kat but I always had a feeling she was marrying my brother for the money. Everything about her just seemed fake from her platinum blonde dye job to her t**s.

“I’m so excited for y’all, I love weddings!” I gushed with fake enthusiasm. Thank god for alcohol.

“Hey Dee,” Benny lightly hugged me, “Hows the internship?” Looking at Benny was sometimes like looking in a mirror, we both had the same chestnut hair, light green eyes, and freckles smattered across the bridge of our noses. Melody used to say if I cut my hair, Benny and I would pass as twins.

“Can’t wait to get back!” I gushed and took a glass of champagne from a passing waiter.

“Della, just know that I’m here for you, no matter what okay?” Benny squeezed my hand. Before I could ask my brother what he meant, my mother grabbed my arm and dragged me away.

“Della! Stop hogging their attention, it’s a party!”

“Hi mama I’m great tonight how’re you?” I stumbled and jerked my arm away.

“Honey, I’m sorry. I’m very happy to see you,” she said wrapping me in a hug instead. ‘We must keep up appearances,’ I thought. I saw my dad on the patio and headed over to say hello. He was standing near the bar speaking to Mr. Wade and looked extremely nervous and sweaty.

“Hey dad, Mr. Wade.”

“Well I’ll allow you two to catch up, I’m sure you have a lot to talk about,” Mr. Wade smiled coolly and walked away.

“Weird,” I murmured, “Dad are you okay?” Sweat soaked through his light blue dress shirt and soaked the lapel of his tan suit, his bald head glistened with perspiration.

“Don’t worry sweetie, everything is going to be fine,” he kissed the top of my head, then pulled me in for a tight hug. “Just know that everything I’ve done, I’ve done for this family and for you. I just want you to know that when you’re gone.” He released me then walked away, leaving me with a pit in my stomach and a strange sense of dread.