“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.”