25. Chapter 25
Chapter twenty-five
Two Weeks Later
— I, CARRION (ICARIAN) BY HOZIER
Sitting next to Bree in this stuffy conference room is testing my patience. It has barely existed in the past two weeks, and waiting for Connie for the past hour has been even worse.
My leg bounces as I try not to get up and walk out of this room, but Bree told me this was important, and since she hasn't seen Connie in a while, we have to stay here.
It doesn't help that all of my thoughts are clouded with her—the girl who sits on my right. Ever since we spent those days together in the mountains, I’ve been itching to do all the things we could while up there—grab her hand, caress her face. All those small touches and stolen kisses can’t happen while we’re back home, and it’s killing me.
Bree is off-limits when we’re in public—hell, even in private. We haven't had a chance to talk about everything, but I don't think it’s top of the list for either of us. We’ve barely had a minute to breathe since we got back.
I know that my number one to-do is to find Ralph and beat the shit out of him for all he’s done to Bree. This fucker can’t hide forever. He’ll slip up, and Nico and I will catch his mistake .
All I want to do is be able to show Bree that I’m not just beside her because it’s my job. I genuinely like being around her, and I can’t imagine a life without her being in it.
I’d give her everything I was able to if she’d let me. If she asked me to stay after all this was over, I’d say yes in a heartbeat.
But for now, my main priority is to protect her with everything I can. Because Ralph is still breathing, and that means Bree is still in danger. I won’t rest until she feels safe, even if it kills me.
“Do you want me to get you some water?” I ask, breaking the silence that engulfs the room.
“Yes, please,” she says with a smile.
Fuck. How does one word affect me so much? Please . The moment she says that word, I’m gone. Six letters is all it takes for her to crumble all my walls.
Please, Vince.
Anything you want, angel.
I get out of my seat and grab a water from the table across the room, and just as I’m about to sit down, Connie walks in.
“Sorry to keep you guys waiting. It’s been a hectic day,” she says as she sits across from us. “How was the mountains?”
I hand Bree her water, and my fingers graze hers. Fuck, just that small touch, and I’m losing focus. Get it together, Vince . “It was much needed, especially after everything that has happened.”
“Good. Now, down to business, if that’s okay.” Connie looks at me, and I nod in agreement. “Let’s start with Ellie. I think you should release a statement. It’s short and simple, basically stating that you did not condone any of the things she said and that you’re handling it with her in private.”
“Okay. That’s fine with me, but I don't have to talk to her, do I? Because I don't think she’ll like what I have to say.”
Connie shakes her head. “No. I’ll be handling all correspondence with her team.”
“Good. What next?”
“Alex and the contract, I’m afraid.”
“What about it?” Bree asks. She told me before this that she was going to try and see if she could get out of the contract, since he’s basically been cheating on her in public for weeks, and I hope she can because that fucker never impressed me.
It’s obvious he’s still in love with that one girl or whatever, and I hate what he’s doing to Bree, even if their relationship is fake.
“Well, I’m sorry to say you have to see it through. And before you yell at me, there’s technically only one fake date left. I can schedule it for after your event since we don't want any bad publicity attracted to it, but since it’s the last one, his team and I agreed you two should be seen one last time together, for good measure. We’ll leak that you both have agreed to remain friends and wish each other the best after you separate due to busy schedules. He’ll go back to California, and that’s that.”
I hear Bree sigh heavily as she plays with the end of the bow. I swear, they keep getting bigger and longer, but it matches her outfit, and she always looks amazing in whatever she wears. I don't understand fashion, but anything Bree wears, she pulls off.
“Fine, but triple-check that he’s not on the guest list for my event. He’s ruining everything else, and I’ll be damned if he ruins this too.”
Connie nods her head and jots down a few notes, and then she looks at me. “How’s security coming, Vince?”
“It’s all set. I sent the plans over yesterday, so they should be in your inbox.”
“Wonderful, I’ll look at them later, but I’m sure it’s perfect.” Connie rifles through her stack of papers before she looks back at Bree. “I’ll have the finalized guest list sent to you within the week. I added all your last-minute invites while you were gone, and I finalized the seating chart.”
“Thank you, Connie. I wish I could’ve done it myself, but—”
Connie cuts her off. “Sweetie, don't. I’m just glad you’re okay and got some well-deserved rest. You deserved it, but now it’s back to work.”
Bree only nods her head, and a few seconds of silence later, she stands from her chair. “Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go meet my sister.”
Connie crosses the room and engulfs Bree in a hug.
“Angel is getting ready to go. We’ll be down in five. Get the car ready.”
Kenner speaks back to me. “Got it, Boss.”
Bree turns around and looks at me. “Are you ready to go wedding dress shopping?”
I give her a knowing look. “Are you kidding? I was born ready. Let’s go.”
“I’m right behind you,” she says as she throws a wink in my direction.
— NOTHING MORE BY THE ALTERNATE ROUTES FT. LILY COSTNER
“Ooh! What about this one?” Teags asks as she pulls out a fully black dress.
The rest of us—my sister, Parker, and Cassie—stare at her in disbelief.
“I think that’s more your style, Teags,” I tell her, and she starts laughing almost immediately.
“Yeah, right. Imagine me of all people getting married and shopping for frilly dresses.” She puts the dress back on the rack, and the rest of us laugh to ourselves, knowing full well that one day, she’s going to regret saying that. She practically just jinxed herself.
The five of us are at this small boutique in Philadelphia that Tristan rented out for a few hours. He not only wanted Liv to be able to have fun with this whole thing, but he also wanted to make me feel as safe as I could.
That’s why I can’t wait to have him officially be my brother-in-law. Tristan West is the perfect man for my sister, and I can’t wait to see them spend their lives together.
Tristan proposed a week ago while Liv and him were book shopping. He had it all planned out; it was the most adorable thing I’ve ever heard. He planned a scavenger hunt that took them to places that meant a lot to them—the grocery store they worked at, the baseball fields, a classroom where they first started passing notes, and more.
“Wait! I have an idea!” Cassie says, almost spilling the champagne in her hand. “We should all pick two dresses for Liv, and she can model them for us! Rather than just perusing, we can make this more fun!”
“Cassie, maybe you’ve had enough champagne?” Parker reaches for it before she pulls away.
“It’s a mimosa!” Cassie counters, and the rest of us laugh.
“Cass, a mimosa is supposed to have orange juice in it,” Liv tells her, a huge smile gracing her face. I know she’s missed Cassie a lot, and this is the first time they’ve seen each other since college. Cass has been super busy with her job and some family troubles, but I’m glad she’s back. Her energy has been missed.
“There’s orange juice in here! Just a few drops is all I need.” Cassie smiles and sets her glass down as she swipes through the racks.
I let my laugh flow from my lips as I lock eyes with Vince, who’s standing close to the entrance, staring back at me with a hint of something in his gaze. It looks like he’s thinking or imagining something, but I can’t tell what. I know Emerson and Chris are around somewhere, but my gaze always finds Vince.
The two of us are locked onto each other's eyes until Liv breaks it by tapping me on the shoulder.
“Hey, are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m all good. Are you excited to live your Disney princess dreams?” I ask as I see Parker and Cassie carry way more than two dresses into Liv’s changing area. The store associate that’s in here is also carrying two drastically different options into the room, probably due to what my sister said she wanted in her dress.
“I’m actually very excited. I never imagined this would be so fun. All I imagined when I thought of planning a wedding was stress, but Tristan is making the process fun. So far, it’s been okay.”
“It’s only been a week, Liv.”
“Yeah, but it’s going to be a small wedding. Thank goodness, because I want it to be about everyone celebrating life, not just about us.”
I smile, loving that even on the most special day of her life, my sister is still thinking about everyone else. “It’s going to be a happy day, Liv. I can’t wait.”
“I think we deserve a happy day, don't you? Especially after the past few years.”
I reach down and grab her pinky finger with mine. “It’s going to be the best day ever, I promise.”
“Well, when it’s your turn for all this, I promise I’ll make it the best day for you as well, Bree. You of all people deserve to feel it with whoever catches that heart of yours.” I swear, I see her eyes move toward the door where Vince is standing, but I could’ve been imagining it.
“Thanks, sis. Now excuse me while I peruse the gowns and find some I know you’ll love.”
“I’ll leave you to it.” She smiles as she walks over to her dressing room.
Around fifteen minutes later, I carry my two selections to her room. I’m the last one, of course, and I join Teags on the small couch at the end of the small runway. This boutique is adorable , and Tristan told me his card had already been put down if Liv finds something. He’s absolutely sure she’ll find the dress today, especially since the fashion expert of our family is here—which apparently is me.
I wouldn't call myself an expert, but I love fashion. It’s one of those things that makes me happy—putting an outfit together and it coming out exactly how you pictured. It’s nice to have access to some cool vintage pieces, and I’ve even done a few collaborations with different brands.
But I hate the word expert because there’s always going to be some new trend that I don't understand, and fashion is like everything else—the trends come and go as they please.
I look around at the rest of the store while we wait for Liv to come out in her first dress.
“Vince is over there,” Teags tells me as she points in his direction.
“I wasn't looking for him,” I lie.
“Yes, you were. Something in the air between you two is different. Care to tell me what the hell happened in the mountains while you were away?” She smirks as she sips her drink.
Dammit. I should know nothing gets past her. “We might’ve kissed.”
“You guys—” I clamp my hand over her mouth before she shouts that statement to everyone. I feel her trying to bite my hand, so I let go after a few seconds.
“I feel like you enjoyed that too much.”
Teags just shrugs with a smirk.
“How much dark romance have you been reading while I was gone?”
“I don't know, maybe an entire fifteen-book interconnected mafia series, but stop changing the subject. You kissed your bodyguard? Once or a few times? Come on, Bree, don’t skimp on the details. Your sister writes smut, and I know you have the vocabulary to describe it in detail. ”
“Are you guys ready?” Liv asks from behind the curtain, cutting our conversation short.
“Yes! Get your beautiful ass out here, Livs,” Cassie says from the other couch.
“You’re not getting out of this that easily. I’m coming over at some point, and we’ll be discussing that kiss in detail.”
“ Kisses ,” I say, a smile gracing my lips.
Teags’ eyes go wide, and I swear she’s about to lightly smack my arm, but Liv comes out of the dressing room and draws all of our eyes.
My sister walks out in a skin-tight mermaid gown. There’s a slit up to her knee, and the straps of the dress sit on her shoulders. It’s stunning, but I can tell by Liv’s face it’s not the one.
“You look absolutely gorgeous, Liv,” Parker says.
“Agreed,” Cassie says, her voice tight with emotion.
“It’s beautiful,” Liv says as she smooths the dress down. “But it’s not the one.”
“Well, we’ve got three hours left, Olivia. We’ll find your dress. Let’s try another one,” the attendant says as she picks up the train and walks back into the dressing room.
An hour and a few drinks later, the five of us have turned into a mess of tears as we keep talking about Liv getting married and reminiscing on our favorite memories. It’s been a really nostalgic day, and I file these moments away for later so I can remember them when I’m feeling down.
Most of my days aren't normal, and I appreciate these little pieces of paradise where I can be myself. Today, I’m just Liv’s sister, and that’s the most wonderful thing I can experience. I feel my phone buzz in my purse, and when I pull it out, a smile creeps up my face.
Vince: Are you feeling okay?
Bree: Never better. And I actually mean that for once.
Vince: Do you need anything? Water? Tylenol? Different shoes? Tissues?
Bree: I’m okay, but thank you for letting me have today. I know public spaces aren't great for me right now.
Vince: I’d do anything to see that smile on your face as much as it has been today.
Vince: You deserve some good days amidst all the chaos, Bree. Don't ever forget that.
Bree: Thanks for giving me good days to remember.
Vince: I didn't plan this, Bree. It’s Liv’s day.
Bree: I’m not talking about just today, Vince.
Parker’s voice interrupts my conversation with Vince as Cassie tells another story. “Remember when Liv tried to grab that letter he slipped under our door? I swear her eyes were about to bulge out of her head when you invited him into our place for the first time.”
“I like to think of that night as a turning point for them, and I wanted to confirm my suspicions. They were, of course, correct.”
“What suspicions?” Teags asks Cass .
“That they liked each other. It was glaringly obvious to everyone except for them. I look back and laugh at how in denial the two of them were.”
I smile at every story the four of us tell while Liv gets changed into her seventh or eighth dress. I lost count after five, if I’m being honest.
“I remember when she first told me she had a boyfriend. I was out of town, and she called me screaming. I think it was the day after it became official, and the only thing she would tell me about Tristan was his name. I kept asking for specifics, but she was too giddy to say anything. After the call, I’d ask her one question a day, and that was all she was willing to answer.” I stop to laugh, my body starting to warm at the memory of seeing my sister's face light up about something, especially back then when all the two of us did was complain about our parents to one another.
“Anyway, I finally got some real answers, and just from that first call, I knew. I knew Tristan was going to be her forever person.”
“Trying to get the romance author to admit her feelings was the hardest feat I’ve had to endure,” Cassie tells us.
“The irony of that is insane,” Teags chuckles under her breath.
“I’m glad we’re here, though. It may have taken a bit, but I’m glad we all finally made it,” Parker says, and I feel Teags tense up beside me.
“Not all of us made it,” I hear her whisper under her breath, and I grab her hand to offer some comfort. To my surprise, she doesn't pull away. She lets me rest my hand in hers, and a few seconds later, Liv walks out, her eyes wet with tears.
This is the one .
My sister is wearing one of the dresses I picked out, and the attendant gives her a few tissues to blot her eyes. The dress is white, corseted at the top, before the ball gown falls into a huge skirt. The silk of the skirt contrasts nicely with the layering on top. The sleeves are a loose silk that falls on her shoulders, and a separate part wraps around her neck.
“Guys…” Liv says as she looks at all of us. “This is the dress.”
All four of us agree, and I’m pretty sure we’re all crying at this point.
“The train attaches if you prefer a longer one, and the skirt is detachable, which would be great for the reception.”
“It’s perfect, Liv,” I say as I get up and stand beside her. I grab the veil from the attendant, and I throw her hair in a quick makeshift bun before I slide the veil into her hair. I fluff it down, and when I step back and admire my breathtaking sister, tears start to flow.
She deserves the sun, moon, and stars, and Tristan is the only person on the planet who would build his own spaceship just to get each one for her.
“This is the one,” she says as she blots some tears from her face. “I’ll take it.”
“Wonderful. I’ll get an order sheet ready for you, and we’ll schedule a tailor appointment for you in a few weeks.”
Liv goes to take the dress off, and I’m stuck here reminiscing about when we were kids playing pretend in the basement. Now, Liv is actually getting married for real, and we’re all grown up. The thought hits me in the chest, terrifying me. When did we get here? How did it show up so fast?
I used to think time dragged on, but that was when I was stuck around people who only wanted me for my follow count, or my parents who wouldn't let me breathe.
Now, I feel lighter. I have true people around me who want me because of who I am, not what I represent on the internet.
Just years ago, Liv and I were playing pretend, and now it’s real. All the scenarios we enacted as kids—Liv having a book signing, getting married, and giving our dolls the life we wanted—are coming to life right in front of my eyes.
And as Liv and our friends walk out of the boutique, I can’t help but send a message to the universe to slow the fuck down .
Because I don't want life to speed up so fast that I can’t remember all these moments.
These are the good old days that everyone talks about, and despite having a stalker on the loose, I’m not going to let him take any more of these moments away from me. They’re mine to live, and he’ll have to pry my life away from my cold, dead hands.