Page 107 of Takeover

“Your dad invited me,” he says smugly. He pats the empty seat next to him. Vickie takes it, but I know it’s only because it’s the only empty seat left. Colt stretches and lands one of his long arms across the back of Vickie’s chair.

“I have to stretch out my arms in order to stay in maximum shape,” he says by way of explanation.

“The only white boy crush I have is on Bradley Cooper,” she says, dismissing Colt.

“Really, Victoria?” He leans closer and says, “Well maybe it’s time you upgrade to a man.”

“Don’t you have a harem waiting for you at home?” Vickie asks.

“Those are every other Friday when Evan spends the night with his grandma.” Vickie narrows her eyes at him, and he winks at her.

“What’s a harem, Daddy?” Vincent asks.

“Yeah, what is it?” Evan says.

“Never mind that,” Cheryl says, giving Vickie a hard look. “Come get some food, boys.” They hop out of their chairs and follow Cheryl inside.

Colt grabs Vickie’s wrist and pulls her closer to him. “Our first holiday together,” he whispers. He wiggles his eyebrows, and Vickie jumps out of the chair as if burned.

59

“Tara!”

I stop in my tracks at the familiar voice calling my name. I consider just walking out the door, but I know that won’t be the end of it. I count to ten before turning around to the familiar cold eyes.

Despite the June warmth, she’s dressed in all black. A body hugging jumpsuit this time. I can’t read her today. Her eyes aren’t shooting their usual fire. Her hair is in a high ponytail, and her makeup is flawless as usual. I make no move to walk to her. Her long legs cross the lobby, and she reaches me in seconds.

“Before you start, Lindsay, I’m in a rush. And be warned. I will have no problem slapping the shit out of you again if you step out of line even once.”

She straightens but takes a cautious step back. “I’m not here for that.”

I don’t respond by asking her why she’s here in the lobby in the building where I work. I check my watch and cross my arms.

“I haven’t seen my son in over a month. Ethan won’t take my calls.” This time she crosses her arms.

“What the hell are you telling me for? I have nothing to do with that.”

“You two are getting back at me for some shit I did a month ago, and you’re using my son to do it.” I take a step closer, but she’s smart enough to step back. I should call her out on her hypocrisy and remind her of the time she lied to Vincent about me, but this isn’t about me.

“Like you’ve reminded me many times, Vincent belongs to you and Ethan. You’ve tracked down the wrong person. Goodbye.” I turn away, but she catches up to me and grabs my elbow. I yank my arm from her.

“Listen, Tara. I need your help.” She swallows and looks into my eyes. “Please.” She says the last word as if it pains her. “Ethan has blown this way out of proportion. He won’t let me see my own son, and none of the household bills have been paid.”

“I know you’re not here complaining to me about how my man won’t take care of you. You got five million dollars when you divorced. And despite all the shit you’ve done, he’s no longer stopping you from seeing Vincent. You FaceTime whenever you find time in your busy schedule.” I can’t help but look at her with as much disdain as possible. “All Ethan has asked is that you go to therapy. He’s been twice, and you never showed. Stop standing here acting like a victim.”

“Do you know what it’s like to be me? He’s trying to control my damn life!”

“I have no fucking idea what it’s like to be you. And I would never want to know. I would not put myself in a position to let anyone control me. Do what everyone else does, Lindsay. Get a damn job, pay your own bills, and take responsibility for your own actions!” When several people in the lobby start to look at us, I calm down and motion for her to follow me. We walk outside and find a bench in a park across the street.

“Despite what you think, I am trying to find a job.”

I hold my hand up at her. “Good for you. Listen, I think it’s important for Vincent to see you.”

“Well, how big of you,” she says with so much venom that I stand up.

“You know what? Fuck you, Lindsay.” I start to walk away but she catches up to me again.

“I’m sorry. Please.”

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