Keeping You Away

by Kennedy Fox

  As promised, she sent me a follow-up letter gushing over The Notebook. How she and my sister used an entire box of tissues and put it on repeat three times in a row. Hearing from her always brought a smile to my face along with laughter during the hard times. Everleigh and I kept in touch too, but not as much as Gemma and I did. Sometimes, there wasn’t anything new going on, but it didn’t stop us from talking. Not being face-to-face helped us open up as the years passed, and we became more comfortable. It’s crazy to think about how much we shared and how quickly our relationship vanished after I left Alabama.

  Sometimes, I wonder what would’ve happened if I had stayed, but I undoubtedly would’ve felt suffocated. Between my absent father and my alcoholic mother, I wanted to be where no one knew of my past or upbringing. I needed and wanted a new start away from it all. But if I could change anything, I wouldn’t have cut Gemma out of my life and would’ve made an effort to come home and visit more. I hurt a lot of people by avoiding Lawton Ridge, but I’m back now and hope to make up for it.

  Finally, at six a.m., I roll out of the bed and decide to make breakfast for the girls since I’m wide-awake. Though a small part of me hopes Gemma will tell Robert off, the other part doesn’t want me to be the reason she’s second-guessing her relationship. I know Robert’s been pushing her to move up the wedding date, but she’s clearly not ready. I bet their problems started before I even arrived. If she’s not in a rush, she’s ignoring some underlying issues.

  “Good mornin’,” I say when Gemma and Everleigh walk into the kitchen thirty minutes later. “Coffee and breakfast are ready.”

  Everleigh comes closer, then puts her palm to my forehead.

  “What’re you doing?” I look at her as though she’s lost her mind.

  “Checkin’ to see if you have a fever.”

  I snort before swatting her away. “Can’t a big brother make breakfast for y’all? I used to cook all the time, remember?”

  “Depends. Does it come with a side of tequila?” Gemma opens the cabinet, grabs a mug, then fills it before adding creamer and stirring it.

  “Thought you’d still be stuffed from all the margaritas you had?” Everleigh teases as she empties the rest of the coffee.

  “Har har.” Gemma groans. “I’m gonna need something to get through this day.”

  “Me too. Maybe we can call in sick,” I taunt.

  Gemma chuckles. “That wouldn’t be suspicious at all. My dad wouldn’t know how to handle the phone.”

  “Well, you might have to train someone if you plan to leave,” Everleigh says, grabbing a plate, then scooping scrambled eggs and potatoes onto it.

  I study Gemma’s expression. She frowns, then shrugs. “Not happenin’.”

  The three of us sit at the kitchen table and chat. Everleigh finishes, then pops up with a giddy smile. “I’m gonna shower so I can get to work a little early.” She punches my shoulder and laughs.

  I playfully rub the spot. “That’s all ya got? Wuss. Gotta put your weight into it.”

  “Next time you hog all the hot water like you did yesterday morning, it’ll be much worse. I swear, you take the longest showers. I have long hair to wash and legs to shave. What the hell do you do in there?”

  “What do you think?” I waggle my brows, and Gemma nearly chokes on her food, quickly recovering as she takes a sip of her coffee.

  “Ew, gross! You’re my brother.” She gags.

  “That’s how I felt when I found your little clit massager in there the other day. Perhaps put it away after you’re done?”

  Everleigh gasps, her cheeks burning red. “That’s it. I hate you. Move out.”

  Gemma and I laugh hysterically. “Never. You’re stuck with me, sis.” I smirk wide as she huffs and storms down the hallway.

  “That was mean.” Gemma chuckles.

  “Siblings, remember? I have years of catching up to do. Next will be hiding her bra and panties in the freezer.”

  “Oh my God…” She laughs again, and the sound makes up for the restless night’s sleep. I could get used to hearing it every morning, but too bad she pretends I don’t exist when we’re at the garage. She stands, taking her empty plate to the sink. “Thanks for last night. I feel so much better this morning.”

  “No need to thank me. It was fun even though I’ll miss your commentary about it later.” I grin, and it takes her a minute to catch on to what I’m referring to.

  “I was obsessed with movies in high school and recapped them for you, didn’t I?”

  I stand as well, setting my dish on the counter. “If I remember correctly, twenty-six. Some multiple times, though.”

  “What can I say? I’m a hopeless romantic.”

  “I didn’t mind. Though some things you suggested I see were questionable.”

  “That’s early 2000s rom-coms for ya.” She spins around, and we’re face-to-face. Her chest rises and falls at the realization of how close we are.

  “I will say, though, that I got a lot of heat for watching Bring It On.”

  “Another classic.” Gemma snickers. “Two decades later and I can still recite every line.”

  “It’s a shame I was never able to get you to try a Jack Nicholson movie. Now, he’s a badass actor.”

  “Most of the stuff he’s in is ancient,” she counters. “And I’m ninety-nine percent positive they don’t involve romance of any kind.” She folds her arms over her chest and blinks at me.

  “No, but you need to expand your portfolio. Perhaps we should plan a movie marathon with all my favorites.” I place a hand to my chest and lock eyes with her. “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and The Shining. Those two definitely need to happen. Then we’ll make our way up to his more recent films.”

  “How many has he been in?”

  “Like fifty or sixty. So a lot.”

  “Damn. It could take months to get through everything.”

  “Well, good thing I’m not going anywhere this time.”

  “Really? You’re staying in town?” she asks as if she hadn’t expected me to, but I don’t blame her.

  “Yep. Ready to put down roots and eventually get my own place. Starting over from almost nothing will take me a while, though. A large portion of the money I had saved before prison went to my lawyer, Serena, and paying off my lease.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that, Tyler.” She reaches out and touches my arm. The simple act sends heat throughout my entire body. “But if anyone can do this and be successful, it’s you. I have no doubt about it.”

  “Just another bump in the road. Nothing I can’t handle…hopefully.” I flash her a wink and pat her hand that’s still pressed to my skin.

  She blinks hard as if just realizing she was touching me and quickly removes it. I step back to place space between us and watch as her eyes lower as if she’s stopping herself from speaking.

  “Gemma…” I whisper, and she finally raises her head until our gazes lock. Thick air flows between us, and I want to say so much but can’t.

  Before I can get another word out, her phone rings, and the connection between us is lost. She rushes toward the kitchen table and grabs it.

  “It’s Robert,” she says.

  I clear my throat and walk toward the hallway. “I’ll give you some privacy.” I gotta get ready for work anyway, though I’d be content staying here with her all day.

  She gives me a little smile before answering.

  “Hi,” she says without emotion.

  I stand in the hallway where she can’t see me, and even though I shouldn’t eavesdrop, I do.

  “That’s because I’m at Everleigh’s,” she says. “No, he’s not here.”

  My brows shoot up. He asked her if I was here, and I can’t figure out why he feels so damn threatened by me. Perhaps this is a sign that rushing to get married is the wrong answer. Though I’m not a relationship expert so it’s not like anyone would listen anyway.

  “I have to go home and get ready for work so I’m not late. Can we talk ton
ight instead?” She pauses briefly, then tells him goodbye.

  I shuffle down the hallway and notice the bathroom door is still closed. The water isn’t running so hopefully that means Everleigh’s almost done. I wait in my room, and when a knock echoes, I open the door and see Gemma.

  “Just wanted to let you know I was heading out and will see you at work. Unless you want a ride?”

  I brush a hand through my hair, trying to read her, but it feels impossible right now. “No, you don’t have to make a special trip for me. I’ll be fine. I walk every day.” I shrug. “But thanks.”

  “Sure.” She smiles gently. “See you in a bit then.” Gemma turns and starts walking, but I quickly stop her.

  “Gemma,” I say her name with urgency, and she quickly spins around. “Do you love him?”

  She tilts her head, furrowing her brows as she stares at me. There’s a long pause before she swallows and straightens. “Of course. We’re getting married.”

  I close the gap between us and rest my hands on her shoulders. I want to ask her if she’s in love with him as much as she claims to be or if it’s the idea of being in love that she wants. But I don’t. “Then I hope he makes you as happy as you deserve, the way Noah made Allie happy. In a true love kind of way. Don’t settle for anything less, okay?”

  Her breath hitches at my reference to The Notebook, which has my heart racing at what she must be thinking. Before either of us can stay another word, Everleigh lets me know from her room that she’s out of the bathroom. I drop my arms and flash Gemma a small smile before walking away.

  Gemma and I hardly spoke all day. Though we were busy trying to keep up with our workload, I could still feel the tension, especially when I asked if she loved Robert. I made things awkward again, but I’m not sure it’ll ever not be that way between us. Shortly after I leave for the day, Liam calls me back.

  Last night, after the gym, I texted him with some concerns I had. I swore someone followed me home, but I figured I was just being paranoid now that I agreed to do the deposition. I hardly doubt it’s been documented yet, but Victoria tends to find out shit.

  “Hey, man. I was starting to think you were avoiding me.”

  “No way. Been dealing with a lot of shit here, but I wanted to check in from your message.” He sounds breathless as though he’s been running or something.

  “Nah, it’s nothing. I’m fine, but are you? Sounds like you’re gasping for air.”

  “I’ve been running after Tyler for an hour, trying to get him to take a bath. He thinks we’re playing hide-and-seek, so he keeps hiding.”

  I chuckle, envisioning Liam chasing his little toddler around the house. “Sounds fun.”

  “Nah, fuck it. I give up. I’ll just spray him with a hose.”

  “You will not!” Maddie screeches in the background. “Get your son in that bathtub now!”

  While I’m laughing, I also feel a rush of sadness. I miss them both so much. “Damn, her hormones are next level. She’s scary as hell.”

  “You have no fucking idea,” he whispers. “I think they’ve doubled this time around.”

  I snort, turning on the street that leads to the gym. “Sorry I’m not there to witness it.”

  “Yeah, right. But since I don’t have a lot of time, I’m gonna get straight to the point. I’m worried about you. Are you sure you should go to Vegas?” Liam’s voice is full of concern. “Victoria’s gonna find out one way or another. She might send her guards after you as soon as she finds out you’re involved with this case. I seriously wouldn’t put anything past her at this point. She’s a monster, and you don’t wanna be at the end of her wrath. Are you absolutely sure you wanna do this?”

  “I have nothing to lose at this point…” I say without hesitation. If she tries to retaliate, she’ll come after me this time. The only way I’ll ever move on is to keep living my life without worry. Since I can’t do anything about Victoria framing me, the least I can do is help take her down for another crime she’s committed. “It’s the only revenge I’ll get. If she’s having me followed, it’s just a scare tactic, and it’s not gonna work this time. I refuse to let her get away with another murder. I’m not letting her have that kind of power over me.”

  “I understand what you’re saying, Tyler, but she’s dangerous. I just know you wanted a fresh start and not to get mixed up into the same old shit as before.”

  “It’s one deposition,” I remind him. “But if the opportunity presented itself to take her out for good, I can’t promise that I wouldn’t take it.”

  “Tyler…” He groans.

  “I have to do this, Liam. She doesn’t get to run my life anymore. If she wants to come after me, then I’ll do whatever it takes to protect myself and the ones I love.”

  “Please be careful. Don’t go to Vegas alone.”

  “Serena and Eric will be there. I’m flying in, doing the deposition, then flying home. It’s not for another few weeks, so don’t get your panties in a bunch.”

  He sighs, defeated. “Alright, if you must do this, then at least promise me you’ll be careful. If you think you’re being followed, call the police.”

  “You mean Sheriff Todd? He’s all we have in this small town,” I say with a chuckle. “He’s fat and can’t run to save his life.”

  “God. Don’t tell me that.”

  “Liam, I’ll be fine, I promise. If I think I’m being followed, I’ll just go up to the SUV and confront them.”

  “Goddammit, Tyler.”

  I laugh at my best friend’s frustration. “I’m kidding, relax. You know me. I’d be pulling them out by their collars and kicking their asses.”

  “I’m gonna go find my child before I jump on a plane to kick your ass.”

  “You wish!”

  “Let me talk to him.” I hear Maddie’s booming voice in the background. Liam passes the phone, and she clears her throat. “Tyler James Blackwood.”

  “That’s not my middle name,” I sing-song, but she continues.

  “I know you’re six-feet-something and two hundred pounds of pure muscle, but for the love of God, don’t put yourself in danger.”

  “For the record, I’m six-five and a hundred and seventy-five pounds. Well, maybe one eighty after eating all the Southern food down here.”

  “Not the point, Tyler!”

  I chuckle at her annoyance. Maddie’s always been dramatic and loud, but it’s why I love her.

  “Then what is your point, Mads?”

  “You’re a big guy, and you like to fight, but I’m asking you not to, okay? If you see one of her bodyguards, don’t instigate the situation. Just quietly walk away.”

  I snort loudly, shaking my head at her motherly tone.

  “I’m being serious. You have a criminal record now, which means you can’t just go around kicking people’s asses. It’ll be easy to throw you back in prison. Though I’d probably see you more if you were, but I don’t want to see you in that position again. I want better for you because you deserve to have the life you want, Tyler. Don’t make me worry.”

  I hear the sincerity in her tone and wish I could reach through the phone and give her a big hug.

  “Okay, Mads. I’ll be careful and not cause any mischief. I promise.”

  She exhales a deep breath. “Thank you. Now I can sleep tonight.”

  Chuckling, I say, “Somehow, I doubt thoughts of me were the reason you’ve been awake.”

  “No, it’s your nephew who’s playing hopscotch on my bladder all night long and giving me the worst heartburn of my life. Seriously, I think this kid is gonna come out with a full head of hair.”

  Her exaggeration has me cracking up. I imagine their baby coming out looking like Steven Tyler and double over.

  “Laugh all you want, assface, but just remember someday your wife is going to be pregnant with your child, and I’m gonna tell her to put you through hell.”

  “You wouldn’t dare. You love me,” I muse, opening the gym door. There’s hardly anyon
e inside, but I still don’t want to be rude and talk on the phone. “Alright listen, I’m gonna work out for a bit, so I gotta let ya go.”

  “Fine.” She scoffs. “Even though you left me, I still love you like a brother. Please be careful.”

  “I will, and I know. I love you like a pain in the ass sister, too.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  GEMMA

  It’s been a week since Robert and I had our big fight, and after an apology and three dozen roses, he’s back to acting the way he was before his meltdown. Robert doesn’t like unresolved issues, and although he apologized for blowing up about Tyler and my dad, I’m not certain it was genuine. I’m also not convinced he won’t bring it up again. He continues to talk about moving the wedding date, and although I’m hesitant, he’s convinced I’ll change my mind.

  I love Robert, and when we started dating, things felt like a fairy tale. Now it feels like we’re together for convenience, and I need to figure out why that is before I agree to marry him in three months. He’ll have to commit to spending more quality time with me before that happens.

  “Gemma, darlin’, you look wonderful.” Robert walks into the bathroom as I finish getting ready for the Labor Day parade that’s in a few hours. I’m dolled up in a 1950s A-line dress and apron. I look absolutely ridiculous with my hair flipped out, but the costume goes with Robert’s tiny home float to promote his company.

  “You don’t think it’s over the top and too flashy?” I ask self-consciously.

  Robert grips my waist, pulling me closer. “No, you look perfect. Very fitting for the part.”

  “And what part is that?”

  “Being my wife and the mother of my children,” he states confidently. “You’re a natural.”