The Revenge Games Duet

“Sixteen these days is like twenty-one. Besides, I’ve drunk before.”

Not long later we’re driving to The Grove with the top down and allowing our skin to soak in the sun. I’m happy to spend time with Tayla, chatting away and talking about all the things girls love to discuss. A nice distraction from my fucked-up love life. Despite it being only us girls, Jimmy said he’ll be close by in case something happens.

“I don’t want to know why you’ve drunk, or how it’s possible, but no drinking on my watch. I need to return you to Mom and Dad in one piece.”

“Argh,” she drags beneath her shades. “You’re just like Mom. What about tonight? Can we at least do something fun?”

“Sure. What do you have in mind?”

“A party?”

I laugh. “Most parties involve alcohol which means no one underage. Leave it with me, I’ll see if Scarlett knows of anything going on tonight.”

“Wow! Do you think she’ll be there?”

I shrug, driving in the parking lot where I pull the car into the first spot I see available.

We spend the afternoon shopping like crazy. I enjoy spoiling my sister. Granted Mom will give me an earful for the clothes I allow her to purchase. Paparazzi follow, but they aren’t too invasive and allow us to do our own thing.

Inside Barneys New York, a few shoppers stop me to take photographs and sign autographs, something I haven’t done in a while since fans are more eager for pictures than my signature.

When my feet become sore and tired, I suggest we stop at Groundwork Coffee for a much-needed caffeine pick me up. I order myself a double-shot espresso and something less strong for Tayla.

“So, I spoke to Ash yesterday.” She grins, blowing on the foam that steams from the top of her cup. “Logan’s been a bit down in the dumps.”

“Maybe he has his period.”

Tayla laughs, almost spilling her drink all over her cell that sits on the table in front of her. “What happened in London? You don’t need to sugar coat it for me. I’m a big girl.”

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

“I thought what happened at home was a one-time thing? You only have to stalk the two of you online to see something’s going between you guys.”

The bitter taste of espresso goes down my throat the wrong way causing a coughing fit. When I finally come for air—despite the whole restaurant on edge waiting to see if I’m okay—I bow my head wanting to keep this conversation confidential. “I don’t believe that.”

“Here.” She shows me a ton of photographs, many of Logan and I together in London that I didn’t realize had been taken. Most sites make no reference to us being any more than family friends, aside from one. A small blogger from London who’s documented our every move and suggested we’re having an affair.

“We need to get out of here,” I say panic-stricken, the anxiety creeping in as heat rises beneath my skin.

“Are you okay?” Tayla asks, worried.

“I will be.” My throat closes in, and with force I pull her along, my other arm full of shopping bags until we’ve reached the car and are sitting inside just the two of us.

“What the hell happened back there?”

“I... I don’t know,” I cry openly. “It’s so messed up. I don’t know what to do. Whichever way I look at it, I’m hurting someone.”

“But you knew this,” Tayla reminds me softly. “Your life is not ordinary. Whatever you do is seen by everyone. Can I ask you something?”

I nod quietly, grabbing the tissue she hands to me.

“How serious are things with Logan?”

Letting out a long-winded sigh, I tell her about my feelings while not holding anything back. “I think I love him. I mean, I’ve always loved him as family but not like this.”

“Do you think he loves you?”

“I can’t answer that.” I fall into a silence, closing my eyes and remembering his words in London. “He’s really complicated, and to be honest, I just don’t know.”