Keeping You Away

by Kennedy Fox

  “Really?” I chuckle. “That’s badass. Always liked your dad, but now I think I might love him.”

  “Maybe we’ll crack it open while we eat.” She calls the pub and places our order. Fifteen minutes pass before she leaves to go pick it up.

  Moments later, my phone rings, and I’m ecstatic when I see it’s a FaceTime call from Maddie. Liam must’ve forgotten to text me, but I completely understand. I can’t imagine how fucking excited he is that his baby boy is here.

  I answer with a smile. The room is dark, and she looks exhausted but also full of energy.

  “Hi,” she whispers. “There’s someone new here.”

  I’m so fucking happy for them that I nearly combust.

  “Really? Let me see!” She turns the camera around so I can see him sleeping peacefully on her chest. He’s so lucky because he’s going to have the best parents in the world. “He’s beautiful, Mads.”

  Maddie moves the camera and points it back to herself. “Thank you. I wish you were still here.” She pushes out her bottom lip and pouts.

  I laugh and realize I was so caught up in the conversation I didn’t hear the door swing open.

  “Hey, Ty–” Gemma says from behind me and stops. “Oh, sorry, didn’t realize you were on the phone.”

  I turn to face her. “It’s fine. I’ll be off in a minute.”

  She nods and walks to the break room carrying our bags of food. Once she’s out of sight, I look back at the screen where Maddie’s eyebrows are lifted. She’s waiting for an explanation. “Excuse me, who is that?”

  I roll my eyes at her. “It’s not what you think. Her dad is my new boss.”

  Her voice is nearly a whisper. “Gemma?”

  I nod once.

  “Oh. Em. Gee!” I turn down the volume because she’s on speaker. “The plot thickens.”

  Brushing my fingers through my hair, I groan. “There’s no plot. We’re…friends.”

  She snorts and nods because she doesn’t believe a word I’m saying. Hell, I’m not either, but I’m not going into that story right now. “Yeah, I remember when Liam said that for years, too. Good luck with that.” She gives me her infamous smirk.

  I tilt my head at her, hoping Gemma can’t hear this conversation. “For someone who just gave birth, you’re awfully energized.”

  “Don’t change the subject,” she teases. “When are you gonna ask her out?”

  “Jesus.” I blow out a breath, wishing she’d stop. “I gotta go, Mads.”

  “You liar! You're just trying to get rid of me.”

  I throw her a boyish grin. “I’d never.”

  “I want details, you hear me? Text me all the juiciness.” She points her finger at me.

  Scrunching my nose, I shake my head. She’s just as bad as Everleigh. “I think you’ve confused me with one of your gossipy girlfriends again.”

  With narrowed eyes, she tries to persuade me, but it’s not going to work. “Liam and I won’t be able to have sex for six weeks. I need your dating life to hold me over.”

  “Maddie, I didn’t enjoy hearing you guys in the next room for three weeks, so I most definitely don’t enjoy hearing you talk about it.” It’s as bad as finding my sister’s clit massager.

  “Geez, you’re so dramatic.”

  In the break room, I can hear the plastic bags rustling and the fridge closing.

  “If you want a girl to gossip with, I’ll give you my sister’s number,” I mock, but regret it the moment I say it.

  “Really?” She perks up. “Good. She’ll tell me all the details of your love life.”

  “Shit. I really shot myself in the foot by saying that. Never mind. My sister doesn’t have a phone.”

  “I gave birth today, but I wasn’t born today. So nice try,” she retorts

  Seconds later, I hear Liam and nearly jump. “Quit hassling the man.”

  “What are you doing here? Where’s Tyler?” Maddie panics as Liam comes into view and presses a kiss to her forehead.

  “Relax. My dad is sleeping over. I didn’t want you two to be alone.”

  The way they look at each other is something I desperately wish I had. “Aww,” I sing-song. “You two are disgustingly adorable.”

  “Dude.” Liam moves closer. “How are things down in the South?”

  We talk often, but he likes to ask these basic questions when Maddie is around, just so the conversation doesn’t move to Victoria.

  “Fuckin’ hot, that’s what. Especially in the garage.” I groan, still wearing my sweaty clothes from today. I can’t wait to go home and take a damn shower.

  “Hey, no bad language around the baby!” The moment the words leave Maddie’s mouth, she chuckles.

  “How are the new jobs going?” Liam asks. I told him last week about getting hired at the gym.

  “Not bad. Keeps my mind occupied, which I like, and off other things.” I don’t mention what those other things are, but nothing gets past Maddie.

  “Like Gemma…” she whispers and grins.

  “No, like the mafia princess who put me in prison,” I say sternly, but she was right. Gemma is always on my mind too. I just can’t admit that with her so close. But considering I’m going to Vegas this weekend for my deposition on Monday, it’s hard not to think about Victoria.

  “Tyler, you better not be thinking what I think you are,” Liam states firmly.

  I shrug, fully aware my food is getting cold in the next room. “I really do have to go, though.”

  “We love you!” Maddie tells me. “Please call me soon. You know I’ll be bored on maternity leave!”

  “I will, Mads. Don’t worry,” I promise with a sincere smile.

  After we say our goodbyes, I hang up, take a deep breath, then enter the break room. Gemma really did pull the whiskey from her dad’s bottom drawer and opened it.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t wait,” she tells me around a mouthful. I move closer to her and brush my thumb across her cheek, wiping away the extra mayo on her face.

  She swallows down her food and grabs a napkin. “I’m a hot mess.”

  “What else is new?” I laugh and sit across from her. “Thanks for dinner.”

  “Welcome,” she says, then hands me the whiskey. I take a huge swig, then hand it back to her, and she takes one too. As I take my food out of my bag and cut my burger, she grabs two plastic cups, and we empty the bottle of whiskey between us. While it takes the edge off, it’s not enough to get me drunk. It’s dangerous for her to be around me when she drinks because when her inhibitions are down, we do stupid things. But I promised myself that I’d try harder to keep her at arm’s length.

  A part of me expects we’ll discuss what happened, but Gemma never brings it up and neither do I. We eat in silence, only the sounds of our breathing filling the space. When we’re almost done, she speaks up.

  “Everleigh’s fall sale did great this week,” she tells me. “Sold out of all the Hans Solo costumes.”

  I chuckle, thinking back to the beginning of the summer when I suggested she order all the leggings, vests, and boots. “I heard. She’s doing so well.”

  “She is. I’m really proud of her for following her dreams.”

  I meet her eyes. “What about your dreams?”

  “I’m living my dreams right now.” She grins, but I wonder if it’s genuine.

  “Yeah?”

  With a nod, she gulps down the whiskey. “Yep. Working at the garage. Getting married to a good man. Living in an amazing town with amazing friends. I can’t really complain.”

  “I’m happy for you,” I say, grabbing my cup and finishing mine. By the smile on her face, she hopes she’s convinced me, but her façade is crystal clear. I can see she’s playing a role, just as Robert wants her to. A part of me wants to shake her awake and force her to stop fooling herself and everyone around her, but I don’t. It’s obvious she wouldn’t leave him for me with everything he offers her.

  Once we’re finished eating, I pick up our empty contain
ers and take the trash to the dumpster out back. When I get to the side of the garage, the delivery truck backs into place. Gemma comes through the door and takes inventory as I check to make sure everything is correct. After thirty minutes, the driver is paid, parts are stocked on the shelf, and it’s finally time to go.

  Gemma grabs her purse and locks up. “I guess that’s it.”

  “Yeah,” I say. “Let me walk you to your car.”

  She nods as we head outside. “Okay. I’m parked right up the street because the side lot was so full this morning.”

  We move in silence toward her car that’s lit by a streetlight. I look around, checking for any vehicles I don’t recognize, but it all looks normal. When we turn the corner, Ruby seems to magically appear with a huge smile.

  “Tyler! I was hoping I’d find you,” she says, pulling me in for a hug, then kisses my cheek. Ruby pulls back with a wide grin, then looks directly at Gemma who tenses.

  “Wanna get a drink?” she asks, meeting my eyes.

  I look down at the time on my phone and see it’s just past nine, which means she just got off work. “Yeah, I’d love that.”

  Gemma scowls when Ruby latches onto my bicep.

  “Wanna join us?” she asks Gemma sweetly.

  “No, I can’t. Y’all have fun, though.” She glances at me, and I study her reaction. Jealousy. Regret. Maybe both. “Thanks again for helping. Good night, Tyler.”

  “Good night,” I respond and watch her cross the street. Ruby and I wait until Gemma drives off before heading to the pub. It actually cracks me the fuck up that she’s so damn jealous when the ball has always been in her court.

  Once Ruby and I are inside, we order a beer at the bar and talk about our day. Then she blurts out, “Are you absolutely positive she’s not into girls?”

  I let out a bark of a laugh because this isn’t the first time she’s brought up my sister. “Everleigh? I’m positive, which is a good thing because I’m sure you’d ruin her.”

  “Damn right, I would. But I saw the way she was looking at me when we met last weekend, and the other day when I picked you up. She was totally giving me the sexy bedroom eyes,” Ruby waggles her eyebrows, then chuckles. “She definitely liked what she saw.” She swirls her tongue against her top lip.

  “You’re such a little shit.” I shake my head and take a sip of my beer. “Pretty sure she’s sworn off dating for life.”

  “Oh, I’d be delighted to help change her mind. I bet she’d be game for a threesome, too. I was totally gettin’ a kinky vibe from her.”

  “I think I might throw up. That’s my sister, so stop putting nasty images in my head.” I shudder, glaring at her, which causes her to snort-laugh.

  “Alright fine, you big pussy. What about Gemma then? Think I could steal her away from that needle-dick she’s engaged to?”

  “Don’t even start,” I warn.

  “Oh, c’mon. You know I’m just giving you shit. She is beautiful, though. I wouldn’t mind exploring her body with my tongue and—”

  “I’m gonna kick your ass, Ruby,” I threaten.

  “Well, if you’d put on some gloves and meet me in the ring, we’d see about that. Pretty sure I could take you.” She flexes, then winks.

  I grin, shaking my head at her confidence. “Oh, Ruby. What am I gonna do with you?”

  “Well, my ex-girlfriend enjoyed slapping my ass and twisting my nipples, so if you wanna punish me…”

  “God help me, I’m gonna need more alcohol.” I groan as she sticks out her tongue.

  Though we give each other shit, I’m so fucking happy I have at least one friend I can hang out with who’s not connected to my sister in Lawton Ridge.

  All week, I’ve been trying to forget about my upcoming trip to Vegas and pushed it to the back of my mind. I tried to keep my mind busy and not to think about Gemma or the deposition. Everleigh agreed to drive me to the airport for my flight on Sunday, but not before she bombarded me with a million questions. I refused to admit what’s going on or that I hope to serve a slice of justice pie to the woman who nearly ruined my life. The less details she knows, the better. Not worrying her more than I already have and keeping her safe are my only priorities.

  On the way to the airport Sunday morning, my blood felt like it was boiling in my veins, but I stayed calm so I didn’t alarm my sister. Everleigh continued to question me, but I didn’t cave even though she threatened me with bodily harm. Of course, I laughed, considering I’m twice her size and she’d cry about breaking a nail before hurting me. Before I got out of the car, I gave her a hug and told her not to be late picking me up Tuesday night. She agreed and demanded I be careful.

  My flight to Nevada was boring and so was the Uber ride to the hotel. Viewing the bright lights and tall hotels on The Strip brought back a lot of memories. While I’d love to go out and revisit my old stomping grounds, it’s not safe for me here.

  Monday comes quick and waking up in Vegas for the first time in half a decade is odd. I’ve been away too long for this to feel like home. Now, it just seems like a nightmare I can’t wake from.

  After I have a cup of shitty hotel coffee and get ready for the day, I text Serena and tell her I’m heading to the lawyer’s office. I’m meeting her, along with Eric and the prosecutors in the next thirty minutes, and I’m a ball of nerves.

  Serena’s a godsend for coming with me today. Otherwise, I’d be without representation and up shit creek. When I see her, I smile at the familiar face. She looks exactly the way she did when we first met all those years ago. Professional and like she’s ready to kick some ass. As we wait for the deposition to start, she walks me through what I should expect, reminding me to be truthful but to also watch what I say. We wait outside the conference room as she coaches me, and I feel as if I’m preparing for the fight of my life, and maybe I am, considering Victoria is involved.

  When I catch sight of Eric and his lawyers coming down the hallway, I know it’s showtime. Reality hits me like a ton of bricks when we enter the room and memories from five years ago resurface.

  I’m asked to take a seat and introductions take place. One of the lawyers gives a briefing and explains the next steps. The prosecution will ask me questions first, and then the defense will be allowed to if they wish. I loosen the collar that feels like it’s choking me as sweat beads on my forehead.

  I look at Serena, and our gazes meet. She gives me the same look she did years ago, one that reminds me to stay calm and that this’ll all be over soon. Once I catch my breath, everything begins.

  My heart rapidly beats in my chest as I relive and share details of the past. I don’t like to discuss it because it brings back too many bad memories, but I’m here to help, so I push through them. Their questions are bold, and the defense is as nasty as anticipated. Their goal is to make me look like I’m not a credible witness. While I always knew Victoria was a monster, it’s only been confirmed by all the countless murders she’s committed. I’m sure she’s convinced she’ll get away with it too.

  After an hour, it’s finally over, and I release a breath of relief. Vegas holds bad memories for me, and for the first time in my life, I can’t wait to get my ass back to Lawton Ridge where I belong.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  GEMMA

  My weekend was spent going over wedding details with Winnie, who wouldn’t stop calling and texting me. I’m sure Robert paid her double or something because she was relentless and unavoidable. While I haven’t made an official decision about moving the date yet, time is running out, and I’ll have to decide soon. I’m not sure how much longer he’ll wait for my answer, but I think I’m going to tell him I’d feel more comfortable keeping the date as it is. Just thinking about it causes anxiety and unnecessary stress.

  Monday morning comes quickly, and I wake up earlier than usual. I spend my extra time drinking coffee and can hear the birds singing outside. As I sit at the kitchen island, I notice the way the early morning sunshine peeks through the kitchen w
indow and splashes across the cottage floor. I try to soak in every detail, fully understanding that living here will eventually be nothing more than a memory. The thought saddens me, but I push it to the side.

  After I get dressed, I check the time, then grab my purse. On the way out, my phone buzzes, and I look at it when I climb inside my car.

  Robert: Don’t forget about letting me know about dinner tonight! Have a great day. Love you!

  I smile and am relieved how much better things have been since we had a long discussion the other night. I came clean about my insecurities and what I expect out of our relationship. He apologized again for suggesting I quit my job and for acting so possessive around Tyler. He only wants the best for me and believes deep down he can provide that. Talking without an audience or interruption was a relief, and I think we’re finally on the same page.

  Yesterday, he explained he has a meeting planned with a new female client tonight at Fancie’s Restaurant and asked me to go so no one speculated he was cheating. While I would never jump to that conclusion, I respect that he told me. Marriage needs to be about compromise and doing things that make Robert happy, even if it makes me uncomfortable. As long as there’s give and take, our relationship will be stronger. The bottom line is, I’m trying because I deserve to be happy.

  The drive to the garage isn’t anything special. By the time I arrive, Dad’s already started his task list for the day.

  “Morning!” Dad yells when I walk into the garage. I can only see his legs poking out from under a car.

  “Need anything?” I move closer, looking around to see if Tyler is here yet.

  “Nah, I’m good,” he says, and I hear him tightening something.

  “Alrighty. Donuts should be here any minute.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll come grab one soon.”

  I go back into the lobby and power on the computer. Right on time, Mrs. Wright enters with a box of donuts and bear claws. We talk about the weather and the cold front that’s supposed to move through this weekend before she’s on her way.