by Kennedy Fox
“I start Monday,” I tell her around another mouthful.
She looks relieved, but I’m sure she already knew. Nothing gets past her. Rumors wrapped in sprinkles of truth fly around here like mosquitos in the summer.
“Good, good. Jerry wouldn’t have been able to handle my wrath if he didn’t hire you,” she says matter-of-factly. Grandma can be scary, especially when she gets her entire knitting club together to wreak havoc on shady people. They’re equivalent to a mob in Lawton Ridge.
Mimi checks the time, then turns to me. “You hungry? Want me to make you some breakfast before you go?”
I shake my head. “Nah, that’s okay. Hopefully, it won’t take too long to update my license.”
She snorts. “Are you kidding me? You obviously haven’t been to the DMV here in ages. It’s an unorganized disaster. People line up at six in the morning and wait all day to be seen. Let me make you something, I insist.”
“I drank a protein shake for breakfast.”
“Then I’ll make you a sandwich for later.” She opens the fridge and pulls out some chopped rotisserie chicken and mayo. Mimi makes the fattest sandwich I’ve ever seen. It won’t fit even in a sandwich bag, so she places it in a gallon Ziploc, then stuffs cookies in another one before handing me a giant glass of sweet tea.
“Better get going if you want to make it out of there before dark.”
After I take her gifts, she pulls her keys from her purse, then hands them to me. Before I go, I kiss her on the cheek and tell her I’ll be back as soon as I can.
On the way across town, I can’t get Gemma off my mind. She looked at me like she wanted to murder me, and as far as I know, she might. Even though I begged her to come with me, I knew it was best to leave on my own. I needed to protect her from the emotional baggage I bear. Considering I’m a felon now, it seems like it was the right decision after all.
After I arrived at the DMV, I realize Mimi wasn’t joking. There are no empty spaces in the lot, so I parallel park on the street, then walk inside and grab a ticket. Every seat is taken.
Hours pass, and I eat my sandwich and cookies, grateful Mimi packed me a lunch. I swear sloths are working the counter. An hour before close, my number is finally called, and I take my photo. By the time I leave, I’m annoyed as hell I spent my entire day waiting there.
When I show up to Mimi’s just after five with two empty Ziploc bags, she flashes me a smirk. The “told you so” is implied, and I just shake my head with a grin. She offers to drive me home, but I tell her I want to walk. After she sees my face and how frustrated I am, she doesn’t argue.
“Please make sure you call me when you make it home. Love you, kiddo.”
“I will, Mimi. Love you too,” I say as I walk out the door.
On the way home, I call Liam. He’s two hours behind me, so I hope he’s home, but he usually answers unless he’s doing a stakeout.
“Tyler! I was just thinking about you. How are things going?”
I told him about my interview yesterday, but we didn’t chat long. “Fine, I guess.” I let out a huff.
“Uh-oh, what’s wrong?”
I talk about my shitty day, and how I’m so fucking sweaty I can barely stand it. The humidity here is smothering compared to Las Vegas. I continue, explaining how stressed I am, and how I’m still paranoid as fuck. It’s gonna take a little while for me to get settled and feel back to normal.
“I guess I’m just second-guessing coming here,” I admit. “Everything feels wrong, like I’m living in the twilight zone or something. It’s more awkward than I thought it’d be, and I already feel like the town outcast.”
“I’m sure it’s not that bad. You’re just not used to being in public. Give it time.”
I let out a laugh. “It’s this place and these people. While I waited at the DMV, everyone looked at me like I was a chained-up dog ready to bite one of them because I was in prison.”
Liam laughs, but he’s not laughing at me. “Shoulda got your rabies shots before going home. On a serious note, I bet it’s just in your head. I remember when all that stuff was going down with Victoria, I swear everyone was watching me. Even older ladies in the grocery store. I trusted no one. I think when you go through a lot of shit, it fucks with your head. And you’ve had your fair share. Honestly, they can fuck off. You’re doing the best you can, and you’re a good guy, Tyler.”
A small smile meets my lips. “You’re right. It’s put me in a shitty mood, though.”
“Probably the heat. Just remember you didn’t do time because you’re a criminal. You went to prison because Victoria is a vindictive bitch. You wanted away from the O’Learys and leaving gave you the freedom to move on from your past. I’ll always be grateful for you, and if you change your mind, my home is always available to you. Maddie would be overjoyed if you came back.”
“Means a lot, man.” My voice trails off as I think about Victoria and all the hatred I have for that woman. I have over five years’ worth of pent-up rage waiting for her. If she knows what’s best, she’ll leave me the fuck alone and forget I ever existed. “I wish I could find a way to get her back without getting my ass back behind bars,” I admit. “She’d deserve it.”
“Wait, huh? What are you talking about?” He sounds alarmed and shocked. But she ruined my life.
“Victoria. I want to get even.”
Liam lets out a calm breath. “Awful idea, Tyler. You need to find a gym and work out your aggression before you do anything stupid. She won’t stop if this starts again. She lives for drama and has an endless supply of money to make anything illegal she does go away.”
I take everything Liam says into account, but it doesn’t release my pent-up anger. While letting it go is the responsible thing to do, I don’t know if I’ll be able to.
“You’re right. I should find a place to work out. I miss boxing. The fighting I did behind bars wasn’t for fun.”
Liam clears his throat. “I’m sorry.”
“No, no, you shouldn’t be. I made a choice, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world, but being in a place like that changes you. And I’m not sure it was for the better. Either way, I’d do it all again for you and Maddie in a heartbeat.”
“Thanks, man. I appreciate it. I wish things were different. I wish none of this had happened. It’s something I live with every day, and sometimes, the guilt is a lot to deal with. I’m fully aware of how my shit affected your life. I just hope it doesn’t ruin your future.”
Now, I feel like a steaming pile of shit because this call wasn’t intended to put Liam on the spot or bring him down.
“I never had a brother, Liam, and you’re the closest thing to one I’ve ever had, and I’d do anything for you. You’re my chosen family. Don’t feel remorse over a damn thing because without all that, who's to say you’d have Maddie right now. It was the catalyst that brought you together, so no fucking regrets.”
Liam chuckles. “I should probably get back to the gym too. I think I’ve gained thirty pounds during Maddie’s second pregnancy with all her junk food cravings.”
His words cause me to snort. “Not a terrible idea. Get rid of your baby belly. There’s only one here, and I haven’t stepped inside since before I left for the military, but I’ll go check it out tomorrow. Honestly, it probably still looks the same.”
“Well, go find you a bar and have a beer for old times' sake.”
When Everleigh’s condo comes into view, that becomes a better idea. “I think I might.”
“Hell, have two.”
I quickly ask him about Maddie and how she’s managing so close to her due date, and by the time I unlock the front door, we end the call. Once I’m inside, I grab some clothes and go to the bathroom to happily wash off this shitty day. Before I make it there, Sassy is on my heels, barking like I’m an intruder.
“Sassy, no!” I try to make my tone as commanding as possible, but she gives zero fucks about it and tries to nip at my ankles. “Sassy,” I say in a sweet tone.
“Wanna treat?”
She growls, and I repeat the magic word, raising my pitch and walking into the kitchen to grab her doggy biscuits. As soon as Sassy sees the bag, she sits and wags her tail.
“Of course,” I mumble and throw a handful down before heading back to the bathroom.
Ever since my release, I’ve taken my time in the shower. You don’t realize how much privacy is taken for granted until it’s snatched away. All freedoms revoked, along with your dignity. Once I finish, I wait for the water to go cold, then dry off and get dressed. Sassy still barks at me as though I’m a stranger, and I hope she gets used to me soon. Before Everleigh even asks me to walk her, I grab her leash, and we take off down the street. Those ten minutes with her give me time to get lost in my thoughts.
Once we’re back, I remove the leash, and she drinks from her water bowl until it’s empty, so I refill it. Taking Liam’s advice, I grab my wallet and walk the few blocks to The Ridge Pub. It’s close enough not to need a ride home, which is convenient. Everleigh’s place is in the perfect location. It’s close to her business and the downtown square, which is the most popular place in town. Thankfully, my job is within walking distance too. So as long as the weather stays nice, it won’t be a problem making it on time.
After a quick five-minute walk, I enter the pub, then sit at the bar. I look over the menu, realizing just how hungry I am. The bartender comes back, and I notice it’s a guy I went to high school with, but he pretends not to recognize me. Or maybe he doesn’t. It’s been over a decade.
“Whatcha having?”
“Bud, tall. Shot of tequila. And a double cheeseburger with fries.”
He nods, and after entering in my order, he returns with the tequila and beer. I take the shot, hoping it loosens me up some. Greg, or maybe his name is Craig, picks up the empty glass, and I order another. I’m two shots and a beer in by the time he brings me my burger.
Food is another thing I took for granted before I knew better. Between mush and mystery meat, I could barely choke it down.
When I’m halfway done eating, I see Everleigh, Gemma, and Katie walk past the large glass windows, then open the door.
I keep my head down so they don’t notice me. But damn, I can’t help but glance at Gemma. Yesterday, Everleigh told me they were doing a photoshoot with some of her new inventory. The three of them look fierce as hell, but Gemma steals the show with her loose curls and dark makeup.
I watch through the bar mirror as they find a table, giving me the perfect view of them.
After I finish eating, I order another beer and notice Donald McDouche walking toward their table. The guy was a total asshole in high school, and even now, he looks like a grown-up twelve-year-old.
He leans against the table, and he offers to buy them all drinks while obviously checking them out, though none of them are showing any interest.
Everleigh isn’t having it and rolls her eyes, then asks him to go away, but he doesn’t get the blatant rejection. When he continues to bother them to the point they all look uncomfortable and annoyed, I grab my drink and walk over.
I’m not sure whose eyes are wider—the douchebag’s or the girls’.
Everything goes silent as I look at Donald. By the way he swallows hard, he knows exactly who I am. “Can I help you with something?” I ask.
“I was just offering to buy these ladies a round,” he slurs.
“And they said no, so you can move on.” I wave my hand in the air, eyeing the space behind him.
“They can speak for themselves.”
I look at Everleigh, and she smirks. “We did...twice. So here’s a third: you can fuck off.”
Grinning, I hold out my hand with the beer in it. “Well, there you go. Fuck off.”
Donald hisses, then walks away with his dick tucked between his legs.
I suck in a deep breath, hyper aware that Gemma is staring at me.
“And my brother saves the day! Reminds me of when you threatened the seventh-grade bully who kept throwing spitballs at me.” Everleigh laughs.
Chuckling, I nod. “You good now?”
“I think we can handle ourselves,” Everleigh says, then takes a sip of her drink.
“Alright, good.” I turn to walk away.
Gemma speaks up. “You should join us.”
I look at her like she’s lost her mind. “Join you?”
“Well yeah, unless you have other plans.” Her voice lowers.
“Yes, come sit!” Everleigh scoots over and pats the empty seat next to her.
“As it gets later, the creepier the guys get. It’ll be nice having you scare them off for us,” Katie says.
“I’d be intruding. You’re obviously having a girls' night.”
“Don’t be stupid.” Everleigh smacks the seat again, demanding me with her scowl.
“C’mon, sit.” Gemma gives me a sweet smile, and that’s when I know I’m fucked.
It’s easy to be a disappointment when I’m so far away, but when she’s staring at me with such a deep intensity, it’s hard as hell to say no.
Chapter Six
GEMMA
Tyler looks at me, and my breath hitches. For a moment, I think he’s going to walk away, but then he sits down in front of me next to Everleigh. Though he continues to avoid eye contact, I’m well aware of how close he really is. I can’t help but notice how his shirt hugs him in all the right places. When he reaches for his beer, his biceps peek from under his sleeves, and I force myself to look away.
For just ten minutes, I wish we could talk about our past. Unfortunately, that won’t be happening any time soon. Considering he’s pretending I’m invisible right now, I’m not sure that’ll ever happen. Maybe he’s forgotten it all, but I haven’t. The pain he caused still runs deep, but maybe now that he’s back, I’ll finally get some closure. At least that’s what I’m hoping for, so I can move on for good.
The silence draws on, and my cheeks heat as I finish my margarita. Having him here with us is suddenly awkward, and I try to think of something to talk about, but my mind goes blank. Maybe I shouldn’t have spoken up and invited him to join us, but once the words were out of my mouth, there was no going back.
“So...” Everleigh looks at us with a mischievous grin. “How about a round of whiskey?”
“The hard stuff, huh?” Tyler chuckles, then empties his mug in a big gulp.
“Only for my favorite people in the world,” she sing-songs. It’s gonna take the hard stuff for me to get through tonight.
Everleigh calls the waitress over and orders double shots for all of us. When they come, Everleigh holds hers up. “To my amazing brother, Tyler. For kicking ass and taking names.” She looks around the table, then we clink our glasses together, and the liquid burns going down. When the server returns to clear the table, I order another margarita with an extra shot of tequila.
I think the only way I can be this close to Tyler is if I’m inebriated. I just hope I don’t say anything stupid, like the other day in the lobby when I told him I’d waited years for him. There was no denying the embarrassment I felt after.
The more hours that pass, the drunker we get, except for Tyler. He’s switched to drinking water and doesn’t join in on our conversation but rather just listens.
Everleigh is two shots away from reliving our early twenties, and I can’t stop laughing at everything she says. Katie has the giggles too, and I don’t even remember what was so funny when we order another round.
“And look how sexy they look in these new dresses,” Everleigh beams, swiping through her photos and showing Tyler the pictures.
“I mean, look at Gemma in that summer dress. She looks like she should be on the cover of Vogue, not modeling my clothes in small-town Alabama.”
I shake my head, not wanting the attention. Though she’s made Katie and me mini celebrities with her customers.
“And Katie. Jesus, girl, you’re a MILF if I ever saw one. Still don’t know why a man hasn’t made an honest woman o
ut of her yet.” Everleigh talks loud when she’s drunk, and right now, the whole bar can hear her.
Tyler laughs as he shushes her. “Looks like you found the perfect people to guilt into helping you.”
This makes Katie and me snort.
“First comes guilt, second comes threats. It’s easier to just give in right away,” I admit.
“So, what you’re saying is, Everleigh hasn’t changed one bit since I left?”
“Are you kidding me? Not much has changed around here at all,” I say, smiling. “Everleigh’s the same smartass she’s always been.”
Tyler looks at me. “You have.”
My lips fall open, and it’s like everything around us disappears. “No, I haven’t.”
Then I replay what’s happened since he’s been gone, and I realize he’s right. I’m not the same naïve eighteen-year-old girl who thought he could rope the moon.
He arches a challenging brow. “Sure about that?”
Nervously, I shrug. “Well, maybe a little.”
Everleigh butts in. “We’re all more mature and doing pretty good in life. Katie has a son. I have a business. And Gemma has a fiancé.”
“And I have a record! Yay me!” Tyler adds with a sarcastic edge in his voice.
I’m relieved when more alcohol arrives, but I’m at the point where I can’t feel my lips. I stand to go to the restroom, and the room rocks sideways. Regardless, I continue forward, and that’s when it’s confirmed that I’m trashed. At least the edge is gone, though it’s starting to mess with my emotions and thoughts, which can’t be a good thing for me right now.
When I look in the mirror, I smile. My hair and makeup are perfect, and I look hot as hell. Confidence doesn’t strike me much because I’m often insecure about my weight. Over the years, people have made various comments about how thin I am, asked if I had an eating disorder, and have even suggested I need to eat a cheeseburger or two. I’ve heard it most of my life and still continue to struggle with body image so damn much even as an adult. I’ve tried to accept my petite size, but it’s hard for me to gain weight. But right now, none of that matters, because Everleigh put me in a dress that accentuates my waist and shows the perfect amount of cleavage for a quick peek. She could be a personal stylist for any body type, and it’s one of the reasons Ever After does so well.