down the sidewalk.
“It’s possible. Your name will be on the witness sheet, but whether she sees it or not, I can’t say. More than likely, she’ll use the family money to buy her way out of it.”
“I want to help Eric if I can, and if I can help fuck her life up the same way she did mine, that’d be a nice bonus.”
“I agree, but without specific details, it’s hard to give a green light on this. Can you have him set up a conference call with you, me, and the prosecutor? That way we can ask more questions before you make a decision.”
“Yeah, I’ll ask him as soon as I get home.”
“Great, just text me what he says. I’ll do whatever I can to help.”
“You were always a great friend even though we hardly knew each other. I really appreciate it, Serena.”
“What you did for Liam and Maddie is admirable, so I was happy to help, even if I feel like I didn’t.” She chuckles.
We wrap up the call a few minutes later, and after Sassy does her business, I walk her back. Once we’re inside, I refill her water and food, then text Eric. Less than ten minutes later, he responds.
Eric: I’ll set it up and get back with you on the date and time.
Tyler: Sounds good. Thanks.
I text Serena, then grab some clothes and go to the bathroom to rinse off the day’s sweat. As I stand with the stream beating against my back, I lower my head and suck in a deep breath. I can’t believe after five years, I’m being brought back into Victoria’s corrupt life. If she finds out I’m helping Eric and the prosecution’s case, she’ll come for me.
And if she does, she won’t just plant drugs and guns.
She’ll make sure to end me for good.
Chapter Twelve
GEMMA
I wake up Saturday morning, relieved to be off work and not have to face Tyler—or rather, find ways to avoid him—but then I remember our “double date” is tonight, and I’m annoyed all over again.
I hated putting Katie on the spot, but surprisingly, she didn’t mind. Plus, she expected it after she ran into my dad in town. I told her about my conflicted feelings when he returned and explained there was no closure when things fell apart. However, she asked me if it was okay to go on a date with Tyler or if it’d be too weird for me. I played it off like it was no big deal—though I already know it’s going to be awkward as hell—so now the four of us will be meeting for drinks tonight.
Once I’m out of bed and showered, Daddy and I walk to Main Street for the farmers' market. It’s held every Saturday during the summer and is one of my favorite things to do on the weekends with my dad when I’m not staying with Robert. All the shops open their doors and put extra tables outside for easy shopping. Everleigh always does a sale, which is when I usually grab a couple of extra things.
“What a beautiful day,” Dad says as we cross the intersection. “I wish you and Robert were getting married this month. The weather is beautiful.”
“It’s humid and miserable,” I argue.
“Nah. It’s perfect.”
I smile at his eagerness. He can’t wait to walk me down the aisle, wear a tux, and give his father-of-the-bride speech. Being his only daughter, I thought he’d be sad to give me away, but considering I’m thirty years old, he’s probably thinking it’s about damn time. Dad’s mentioned more than once that he can’t wait for grandkids, and though I want to be a mom someday, I’m not ready yet. I don’t feel prepared for any of this.
“I’m gonna go say hi to Everleigh,” I tell him as he stops to buy a few vegetables.
“Oh, I’ll come with you.”
I wait until he’s done, and then we walk to the boutique together. My breath hitches when I see Tyler inside talking to Katie, smiling wide. Owen’s there too, totally intrigued by Tyler. I stare at the three of them and see the potential my father noticed. They could be a cute little family. Tyler seems great with kids, and Owen would love having a man in his life that he could eventually call dad.
“Gemma!” Everleigh squeals as she rushes around the counter, then pulls me in for a hug.
“Hey! Just stopped in to check on you. Looks like you already have company, though.”
“Yeah, Katie and Owen were