Page 113 of Everything Has Changed
“Well, when my niece’s mother finally shows back up to town after running out of her life when she was a baby, to pay for a date with her ex-husband because he won’t entertain her otherwise, I think I reserve the right to judge the hell out of you, Victoria.”
Piper and I bounce our eyes back and forth like a ping pong match as Victoria and Kennedy verbally spar—a common past time when they are near each other.
“Whatever, Kennedy. I’m not here to waste my breath on you, I’m here to give your little sister the money I rightfully earned to spend some time with my husband.” She turns to me and reaches into her bag. “A check alright with you, Gwendolyn?”
“Be careful, sis. That check might bounce.”
“Actually,” I hold my hand up to stop Vicky. “I can’t accept checks for that exact reason. Cash or card only.”
She rolls her bright blue eyes. “But I don’t have any of that.”
Kennedy steps between us. “Damn, that just sucks, doesn’t it? Better scurry along then. I would hate to see how Jacks reacts to you being here and not even bothering to give him a heads up or, ya know, asking to see your child. Who is doing just fine without you, by the way.”
Vicky steps up to my sister. A murderous look in her eyes. “Don’t you speak to me about my daughter, you bitch.”
“Hey!”
Everyone in the area jumps at Jackson’s booming voice. If I thought Victoria looked murderous, Jackson’s expression could make the devil shiver and not in a good way.
“What the fuck are you doing here, Vick?”
She flashes a sneer at Kennedy then starts moving toward Jackson with flirty eyes. “I missed you, honey. Isn’t that enough of a reason to come visit?”
“No,” his steely voice lowers. “Get out of here before you make a scene. We can talk later.”
“Where’s Rowan?” Victoria looks around my brother as if she would materialize behind him. Jackson takes a side step to block her view.
“You don’t worry about her usually, so don’t start now.”
Her bottom lip juts out in a pout. The appendage looked bigger than usual with extra lip plumper. “Don’t be like that, Jacks.”
“I’m serious. Either you get out of here and I’ll meet you at my house to discuss whatever it is you need so you can hightail it out of town again, or you can air out why you’re here in front of everyone. Your choice.”
Victoria huffs, a little foot stomp to really round out the spoiled brat persona that seems to come so naturally to her. “Fine. But don’t be late.” Without another look back, she stomps off. Her hand instantly takes her phone out of her purse and placing it to her ear as soon as she is out of listening distance.
“Did she pay you, Gwen?”
I shake my head with a heavy heart as my brother sighs in defeat. “I’ll take care of it. You are doing real good, kid.” He wraps me in a hug, reaching out to bring Kennedy in as well. “I’m sorry she had to mess with it.” He ruffles my hair when he pulls back.
“It’s okay, you didn’t know she would show up. Do you still want the basket? Feels like you might need the alcohol. I won’t even make you pay the full price somebody jacked up.”
“Nah, let Pipsqueak have it since it seems she wanted it so bad.”
Piper pretends to pick at a nail, examining it from all angles. “I guess I’ll take it. I’m sure I can find someone to share it with tonight.”
A loud cheer comes from the crowd and we all catch Matthew coming from the stage with wide eyes.
“Why didn’t anyone save me?”
“Vicky showed up,” Jackson grimaces. “What happened?”
“Mary won the bid,” Matt swallows thickly with warranted fear in his eyes. We all follow his stare over to the edge of the main crowd where our local psychic is sauntering toward us.
“Oh, Matthew, I cannot wait for our date tonight,” she hands over a stack of cash that has my mouth dropping open at the size. “You better clear your mind, hot stuff. I’ve been itching to get my hands on your cards for years.” Her hand slides across his back. He stiffens his spine in reaction.
“Help me,” he whispers.
Kennedy throws her head back on a cackle. “You deserve whatever you have coming to you and you know it.” She crosses her arms, nodding to the stage. “Looks like the headliner is about to take the stage.”
