17. Chapter 17
Chapter seventeen
— DIE FOR YOU BY THE WEEKND
As I sit down across from Tristan at our usual restaurant, I notice that his face is paler than normal, and he’s all sweaty. Is he sick?
“Hi, Bree!” He gets up to hug me, but I hold my arm out at him.
“Are you sick? We could’ve rescheduled, you know.” Tristan and I hang out together, just the two of us, once a month. It’s something we started doing when he and Liv got back together, and I’ve loved it. It helps to get me out of the house and see a familiar face.
It also helps that Tristan and I have some common ground—his grief, my life as a whole.
“I’m not sick, Bree. Just nervous.”
Nervous? “Does lunch with me really make you that scared?” I don't even have to wait for him to answer because I know it does. Ralph running wild is making all my favorite people not want to be around me—especially in public, and I don’t blame them.
“No, but what I have to talk to you about does.”
“Okay, let’s sit down and talk then.” I motion for him to sit back in his spot, and before he does, he pulls my chair out for me. “Always such a gentleman, Tristan.”
“You know how I like to maintain the image, Bree. Plus, it’s fun seeing that bodyguard of yours squirm while he sits in the corner. ”
I move my eyes to where Vince is sitting, his eyes currently scanning the restaurant like he always does before they lock onto mine for a few seconds. Tristan’s voice filters into my ears as I tear my gaze away from Vince.
“He doesn't squirm.”
“Oh yes, he does. Have you seen those pictures online? In every single shot, it looks like he’s ready to kill someone.”
“He’s just doing his job, Tristan.”
His eyebrows raise at me. “And you feel safe with him?”
Safer than I do with anyone else. “Yes, I do.”
“Then that’s all that matters. Even if he scares the shit out of me, at least you feel safe with him.”
I laugh at the fact that Tristan is afraid of Vince. He may look all broody and scary on the outside, but he’s still the same guy who helped me melt chocolate and cut my strawberries. Vince is a secret softie, but I’d never tell anyone that. I’d hate to ruin his image.
The server comes over, and since we always sit at the same table—in the back, away from most people—she doesn't even have to ask for our order anymore. Tristan and I are officially regulars at this cute restaurant a few minutes from home.
“So, why are you so nervous? I’m on the edge of my seat here.”
“Well, uh…I don't exactly know how to come out and say this, so I guess I’ll just blurt it out.”
Oh, he better not have done something stupid. “Okay…”
“I came to ask for your blessing because I want to marry your sister.”
Tears flood my eyes instantly. Happiness blooms from my chest at the thought of Tristan becoming an official part of our family. “Are you serious?”
“Of course, I’m serious.”
“And you’re asking for my blessing? Why? You should know that you don't need it.”
I notice his eyes are all glassy, too. God, the way he loves my sister is once in a lifetime. “You and Liv don't talk to your parents anymore, and normally, I’d ask your dad for his blessing. But I know the only true blessing Liv cares about comes from you, Bree. You’re her sister, her favorite person on the planet—”
“Besides you.”
“You know that’s not true. The way Liv loves you is different from the way she loves me. You two have only had each other your whole lives, and that means something. Yours is the only blessing I want. It would be an honor to become an official part of your family, Bree. If you’ll let me, I’ll make Liv the happiest girl in the world.”
I’m full on crying now. “Tristan, you already make her feel that way. Of course you can marry my sister.”
He reaches across the table and grabs one of my hands, squeezing it. “Thank you, Bree. I promise I’ll only be an annoying older brother some of the time.”
Older brother . “I’ve never had a brother before, but I wouldn't want it to be anyone else, Tristan. Thank you for taking care of my sister. I know the road hasn't been easy, but I’m glad you guys found your way back.”
“Me too. It’s been rocky, especially this past year, but I’m excited to start this new chapter with her. I think it’s going to be the best one yet.”
I hope so. For their sake, I hope they know nothing but sunny skies and beautiful sunsets. If anyone deserves it, it’s them. “Do you have the ring, and if so, can I see it?”
“I have a bunch of options, but I wanted to ask you about cut and size because I genuinely have no idea what I’m doing, and you seem like an expert.”
I laugh at his insinuation, and for the next thirty minutes, we scour a few sites to try and find the best ring for my sister. I know Tristan likes silver, and so does Liv, but based on a few conversations from our childhood, I know she’s not the flashy type. She prefers smaller diamonds over huge and heavy ones. We finally narrow it down to a few contenders before our food arrives.
“Thank you!” I say to our server before she gives me a weird look and leaves.
Tristan must notice because he immediately says something. “What was that about?”
“It’s part of the job. It keeps happening when I’m out. I either get mobbed by cameras or stared at.”
“I’m sorry, Bree. I can't imagine how that feels.”
“It’s fine. It’s a part of what I do.” I don't add that all the cameras make me jittery. I also don't add that I hate the situation I’m in—fake dating Alex. It feels like any time I leave the house now, there’s a spotlight on me. I’m performing for the entire world when I’m in public, and it’s all a big fucking lie.
“And how have you been doing lately? I know Liv asks you that every day, but you should know that you can talk to me, too.”
“Thanks, Tris. I’m…” I trail off, unsure of if I want to tell the truth. Nobody close to me really realizes how dark my head can get sometimes, and I’m afraid if I tell them the truth, they’ll see me differently, that they’ll leave because being around me is too much. I decide to anyway, because I know Tristan understands the most out of everyone. “I’m not doing great.”
“Is it all just too much? Maybe you should tell Connie you need a break,” he tells me as he takes a bite of his pizza.
“I’ve been on an extended break from events out of state since the news broke about Ralph. Alex flies here for every fake date we have, and all I’m required to do is see him, upload as usual on my YouTube, and post my sponsored shit. I’ll be fine, Tristan. It’s just hard being in my head some days.”
“I know the feeling, Bree.” He takes a sip of his water. “It was a rough week for me. ”
“I’m sorry. I can’t even imagine how it feels.”
Before I think he’s not going to elaborate, he says, “I lost one of the shirts Tobias gave me for my birthday. It was the smallest thing ever, but it sent my mind into a tailspin. I was worried that if it was gone forever, he’d be mad I lost it. The smallest, stupidest thing set me back so badly that I completely wrecked our bedroom and laundry room trying to find it.”
My heart starts to ache for him, for his family. I can’t imagine losing a son and a brother the way the West family has.
“Liv found it yesterday underneath some boxes in the basement. It fell while it was hanging up to dry. I apologized profusely for practically tearing the house apart, but she just wrapped me in a hug and held me until my tears stopped falling.”
Liv has always been my favorite shoulder to cry on, and I’m glad he has her.
“It’s a battle every single day, Bree. I miss my brother so bad, it feels like my body might explode, like my bones might crack under the weight of my own thoughts.”
“Well, would you rather grieve or never love anyone enough to be able to?”
“I’d rather feel it all now, especially with Liv by my side. She carries me through the dark days until her light shines so bright, I can barely remember what the dark feels like.”
God, you’d think he was the author with the way he keeps talking. “I’m glad you have her.”
“You have her too, Bree. And me. You know you don't have to shoulder this alone. She knows you're struggling. Even my sister told me she’s worried about you.”
“Did Teags tell you about what she saw?” I already know she did. Last Monday scared me more than I care to admit, and with the way Teags hugged me that day, I know it probably scared her, too. Of course she would tell Tristan about it because nobody knows I’ve been falling apart at the seams since Ralph got out. Nobody but Vince and now Teags.
“Yeah, she did. Besides the day Tobias died, I’ve never heard my sister so scared, Bree. She said it was like you weren't even in your body. You were thrashing in Vince’s arms as he tried to calm you down.”
I lower my gaze from his, suddenly feeling guilty. “Please don’t tell my sister.”
“I won't, Bree. But you need to start talking to her because she’s worried about you. Don’t shut her out just to keep her safe. You need her as much as she needs you, especially now.”
“I know, Tristan. I know all of that. I’m just worried about you guys. I don't want you to get hurt because of me and my stupid stalker. I never wanted to put you guys in danger, and—”
He halts my words with his hand on top of mine. “And those thoughts are valid, but we’re practically family, Bree. Let us make those choices for ourselves because no matter what, we’re on your side every single fucking time.”
Before I can tell him how much I appreciate that, someone comes up to our table. “Bree Hart?”
I quickly wipe the tears from my eyes before I turn back around. “Yes, that’s me. Hi!”
“Do you mind if we get a picture?”
“I don't mind,” I say as I feel another presence come up to our table.
“Is everything okay?” Vince asks as he looks between the three of us.
“Yup. We’re just getting a picture.” I place my hand on Vince’s arm as I look up at him. “It’s all good.”
But he makes no move to leave. As he continues to stare down at me, those hazel eyes burning into mine, my hand suddenly feels like an inferno where it touches his arm.
“I can take the picture if you give me your phone,” Tristan says to the fan at our table .
“Thanks, bro.”
“No problem.” Tristan looks uncomfortable, his guard up like Vince’s.
I don't have a lot of male fans, but since I started dating Alex, more and more have come up to me, wanting to take pictures. Which is fine, I don't mind, but there’s something a bit more comforting about girls talking to me about books, rather than guys just wanting a picture. They can get a bit creepy sometimes.
I start to pose from where I sit, and the guy leans down, getting in the picture, and I hear Tristan clicking some pictures before the guy whispers something in my ear. “He’s coming.”
My body goes cold, but I try to shake it off. “What was that?”
“I didn't say anything.” But the smirk on his face says differently.
“Is something wrong?” Vince asks me.
“Here’s your phone, dude.” Tristan hands it back to him before he pockets it.
“W-What did you say to me?” I question, knowing in my gut what I heard.
“Thanks for the picture, Bree.” And as he walks away, I hear him start to whistle.
It’s the same exact tune from that night, and before I have time to do anything, Vince is crouching down to meet me at eye level. “What’s wrong, Bree?”
“He whistled. I–It was the same thing he whistled that night before he—”
“Fuck.” Vince runs a hand through his hair. “We should go.”
But before any of us has time to react, a loud pop permeates the air before I hear a whizzing sound by my ear. The sound of a glass breaking and screaming shocks me back to reality.
“Bree, let’s go!”
“W-What? ”
“Now!” Vince says as he grabs my head, ducking it down underneath the table.
“Wait, where’s Tristan?” I shout, hoping he can hear me, but Vince is too busy talking through his earpiece, probably figuring out the safest way out of here. I don't see his legs across from me at our table, and my ears are ringing. Is he hurt? Did I put Tristan in danger? “Vince! Where’s Tristan?”
“Over here!” I hear him shout from behind a potted plant.
Vince is still cradling my head away from danger before another whizz goes by our table. “Is someone shooting at the restaurant?”
“I think so. Emerson and Chris are trying to figure out what’s going on and where the shots are coming from.” Vince cranes his neck to Tristan. “You follow me, okay? On my count.”
Tristan must comply because when Vince reaches three, he jumps up and shields my body as he heads for the bathrooms at the back of the restaurant.
Vince kicks open the bathroom door and checks it out. When he deems it safe a few seconds later, he turns to the two of us. “Stay here, and don’t open this door for anyone but me. I’ll be back.”
My heart starts to race at the thought of him going out toward the danger. Stay here. Stay here where you won’t get hurt. “Vince, where are you going?”
“I’m going to figure out what the hell’s going on and who the fuck was shooting at you.” At me. Not the restaurant, me. He unholsters his gun from his ankle before he clicks the safety off. I jump at the noise but shove it down because there’s too much else to worry about.
“Be safe,” is all I can say.
He nods at me before looking at Tristan. “If I’m not back in fifteen minutes, you get her out of here.”
“I will. ”
“You fucking better because if I find out she got hurt because of you, I’ll strangle you myself!” Vince yells at Tristan.
“Vince—”
“I’ll protect Bree with my life. You have my word.”
“Tristan, no—”
“I’ll believe it when I see it,” Vince shoots back at him, and I’m afraid this is going to turn into a fight if they don't stop challenging one another.
“Vince, go do your job. We’ll be fine here.” I turn to Tristan. “And you. Don’t ever insinuate you’d die for me because you shouldn't even be in this situation in the first place. It’s my fault you're in this mess, and it should always be me getting hurt over you.”
Before Tristan can respond, Vince speaks. “If you ever blame yourself for this again, angel, don't do it in front of me.”
What does that mean? But he’s gone, and I’m suddenly worried that he might not come back. The thought of it makes my skin crawl, and it’s then I realize my crush on Vince might be more than that.
Because as I stand in this bathroom and think about him getting hurt or killed, I realize I’d rather die before I see that happen.
If I was given the choice, I’d choose him—the man who makes me feel safe, protected, like my voice still matters. The man who helps me through the panic, the man whose face and eyes help me see through the fog.
I like Vince. I care about him, but I know that the two of us could never happen; he will never see me as more than just a client.
“Bree? Are you okay? God, what the hell is going on?” Tristan has started pacing around the bathroom, and I shake out of my terror enough to answer him.
“He sent me a bullet with my name scratched onto it.” I leave out the part about Liv because Vince sent a few guys to watch their house. I think Nico is also planning on installing a system for them .
“He what ?” Tristan throws his hands into the air. “Bree, what the fuck? Why didn't you tell us?”
“I-I was scared! I haven't been sleeping, and I can barely leave the house without panicking, and it’s all too much! It’s too much for me to handle, and I don't want to dump it on you guys because you have your own shit to deal with.”
“You’re not too much, Bree, don't you get that? Your sister and I love you, and we can only help if you tell us when you’re having a hard time. After today, Liv is going to go crazy, and you’re going to have to tell her everything. I mean everything , Bree.”
“I will! I will, and I’m sorry you’re in this mess.”
His arms wrap around me as tears leak from my eyes. “Don’t apologize again, Bree. None of this is your fault.”
We stay like that for a few minutes until he breaks the eerie silence. “So, angel, huh?”
I laugh into his chest. “Don’t even start with me right now.”
“Oh, come on. I had to bring it up. Even I got all hot and bothered when it rolled off his tongue like that. Liv’s been writing a bodyguard romance, and I swear, you two are ripped right from the pages of her Word document.”
“She’s writing what ?” Tristan’s eyes bug out of his head because he knows he wasn't supposed to tell me that.
Two long knocks on the door followed by two short ones make me breathe a little easier. He’s okay. I open the door to the bathroom, and when I see blood dripping down his face, I panic.
“What the hell happened?”
“I knocked out the shooter until the cops could get here. He managed to get a punch in. It’s not Ralph.” He looks pissed , and I can't tell if it’s because the guy managed to get a hit on him or just in general.
“What do you mean it wasn't Ralph? Who was it?”
“I don't know. Some gun for hire, I’d assume.” Fuck, his entire body is so tense.
“Are you okay?”
“Let’s get out of here. Chris has the car ready in the alley.” Vince continues to look at me while he addresses Tristan. “You too, West. Let’s go.”
As the three of us walk out of the restaurant, my body is still shaking; any of us could’ve been shot while trying to enjoy something as simple as eating lunch together.
Will this ever end?