Chapter 13 #2
“Someone needs to because you clearly can’t control yourself,” I bit back.
“You walk in drunk, livestreaming to however many strangers, flirting with someone who could tank our reputations, and you think that’s fine?
Do you think it would be funny if Nash’s business got shut down?
Do you think…” I paused and swallowed down the word dad, since we still hadn’t shared that piece of information with the world.
“Your father would approve of this? I know you can be a bitch, but I didn’t realize you were vindictive. ”
Jennifer muttered something under her breath, and Raquel stared at the floor as they slowly backed up. I caught Chantry out of the corner of my eye helping Lark up, but he wisely didn’t interfere.
Vicky laughed. “You’re just jealous.”
My voice dropped low. “I know you’re not really that stupid, so I’m going to pretend you didn’t just say those words out loud.”
Her angry expression faltered—fear, shame, maybe both—but she swallowed it fast.
“I’m not you,” she hissed. “I don’t want to be some paragon of virtue. I want something more. Something dangerous. Something that you can never understand.”
The absurdity of what she’d just said was lost on Vicky, but I would gladly hand her every ounce of danger I’d survived over the last year.
“Great…good for you. Want it somewhere else. What the hell are you doing filming in the bathroom? That’s totally tacky, and so below you.”
She pointed at me. “Lark had plans to put this place on the map. One live from him could have a line down the street and events booked a year out. You think I brought him here to ruin the place, or you, or to cause trouble? It’s amazing how you always think the worst of me.”
I hadn’t considered the marketing angle.
“Then why come drunk?”
“I’m not. I was just playing it up for the camera. If you don’t believe me, get a breathalyzer, and I’ll take it right now. No one cares about the perfectly sober girl who acts like the goodie two-shoes. I was doing this to help.” She shook her head. “You’re unbelievable.”
The room went silent. Even the music outside seemed to hold its breath.
Lark finished washing his hands and cleared his throat, trying to sound casual.
“Uh… can I have my phone back now?”
“Hey, what’s going on,” Nash asked as he walked up behind the small group crowding the doorway.
I didn’t know what to say. Did I believe Vicky?
“You’re Nash Collier, the owner, right,” Lark asked, walking toward Nash with a shit eating grin.
“Yes…wait…you’re Lark Dennison, are you here to do a piece on Volatile?”
Nash smiled, and I groaned as Vicky shot me an I win smirk.
“I was, but I need my phone back. There was a little misunderstanding as to why I was here,” Lark said, looking at me.
Great…just great. I pulled the phone out of my back pocket and handed it over. Nash gave me an inquisitive look but didn’t ask.
“Next time you film in a public space, I suggest a heads-up or consent forms before recording in the bathroom.”
“Yeah, will do. Wasn’t thinking,” Lark said with a smirk and ran his hand through his hair.
Yup, I definitely didn’t like him.
“Come on, I’ll give you the VIP tour and experience,” Nash said, smiling wide as he escorted Lark out.
“Can I have a word with Vicky…alone,” I asked before she could escape.
Ivy and Chantry scooted past. Jennifer and the other two minions, wisely, left as well. Vicky crossed her arms and glared at me.
“What do you want?”
“I want for this, whatever it is between us, to stop. You didn’t come here for Volatile, no matter what you say.
I know that you came here to promote yourself, or cause trouble, or both.
And honestly, if you just want to be clickbait, then go for it.
Who am I to stop you? What I care about is that you didn’t think about the consequences of pretending you were drunk. ”
“Oh my god, Ren, just stop. Nash doesn’t need you to be his savior.
Besides, if anyone asks or questions the video, I’ll say I was acting for the live.
No one was losing their liquor license or getting shut down over this.
You’re blowing it way out of proportion, and probably because it’s me.
If Ivy walked in here with that guy, would you have reacted the same way? ”
Okay, she had me there. I shook my head.
“Vicky…I don’t know what to think about tonight. That is part of the problem between us. You’ve hated me or been angry at me since day one. What the hell am I supposed to think?”
She looked away, and I sighed, hating the animosity between us.
“Look, we’re family now, and I’d like to put all the crap behind us.
But before that happens, I think you need to get real about what you’re actually angry about.
You can say it’s me, but it’s obvious you’re drowning and lashing out.
You have been for a while. I’m just an easy target.
I don’t want to play this game with you anymore. I’m so tired of the bullshit.”
I stepped toward her, but she backed away as if my touch would burn her.
“Vicky, I want to try and be…sisters, and maybe one day, friends. But you have to stop acting as if I came here to destroy your life. You know that’s not true.”
Her lip quivered, and she turned away.
“Go to hell, Ren. I don’t want to be your anything, least of all call you family. Just stay away from me and let me live my life the way I want.”
Vicky yanked open the door and disappeared into the noise and flashing lights.
Sighing, I leaned against the wall to collect my thoughts. My phone vibrated, and I expected it to be Myles wondering if I was okay. But when I pulled it out, the screen glowed with Sabastian’s name.
Sabastian: Hey, I just wanted to check on Ivy, make sure she is okay. Is she alright?
R: She’s okay, but why are you texting me and not her?
Sabastian: Figured she wouldn’t answer me.
R: Fair enough. I’m not sure it’s my place, and I’ve already been accused of interfering tonight, but….she really does love you and never meant for this to happen.
Sabastian: Loves me so much she kissed another guy.
R: I can’t talk. I’m with five guys. Maybe you and Zigzag can find a way to share her?
Sabastian: LMFAO! Not a chance. I love her, but no. I don’t share, and certainly not my girl.
R: Anything you want me to tell her?
Sabastian: No. Thanks for letting me know she’s okay.
R: You’re welcome, and for the record, I hope you two work this out.
I had just locked my phone when a series of texts came through from an unknown number.
“What the hell,” I mumbled as I clicked on the message.
Unknown: Twinkle, twinkle, in your bed,
All the lies inside your head.
When the lights go out tonight,
I’ll be waiting out of sight.
Sleep now, Princess, don’t you start,
I can hear your beating heart.
Fear trickled down my spine like ice water.
The door opened, and I screamed so loud that I scared the two girls walking in. They jumped back, looking around for the danger.
Jesus…my heart was pounding out of my chest.
“Sorry,” I said.
With a hand pressed over my heart, I darted out the open door. If this came from Nash, I was going to kill him, because this wasn’t funny. But I already knew it wasn’t him.