Once Ruby and I are inside, we order a beer at the bar and talk about our day. Then she blurts out, “Are you absolutely positive she’s not into girls?”
I let out a bark of a laugh because this isn’t the first time she’s brought up my sister. “Everleigh? I’m positive, which is a good thing because I’m sure you’d ruin her.”
“Damn right, I would. But I saw the way she was looking at me when we met last weekend, and the other day when I picked you up. She was totally giving me the sexy bedroom eyes,” Ruby waggles her eyebrows, then chuckles. “She definitely liked what she saw.” She swirls her tongue against her top lip.
“You’re such a little shit.” I shake my head and take a sip of my beer. “Pretty sure she’s sworn off dating for life.”
“Oh, I’d be delighted to help change her mind. I bet she’d be game for a threesome, too. I was totally gettin’ a kinky vibe from her.”
“I think I might throw up. That’s my sister, so stop putting nasty images in my head.” I shudder, glaring at her, which causes her to snort-laugh.
“Alright fine, you big pussy. What about Gemma then? Think I could steal her away from that needle-dick she’s engaged to?”
“Don’t even start,” I warn.
“Oh, c’mon. You know I’m just giving you shit. She is beautiful, though. I wouldn’t mind exploring her body with my tongue and—”
“I’m gonna kick your ass, Ruby,” I threaten.
“Well, if you’d put on some gloves and meet me in the ring, we’d see about that. Pretty sure I could take you.” She flexes, then winks.
I grin, shaking my head at her confidence. “Oh, Ruby. What am I gonna do with you?”
“Well, my ex-girlfriend enjoyed slapping my ass and twisting my nipples, so if you wanna punish me…”
“God help me, I’m gonna need more alcohol.” I groan as she sticks out her tongue.
Though we give each other shit, I’m so fucking happy I have at least one friend I can hang out with who’s not connected to my sister in Lawton Ridge.
All week, I’ve been trying to forget about my upcoming trip to Vegas and pushed it to the back of my mind. I tried to keep my mind busy and not to think about Gemma or the deposition. Everleigh agreed to drive me to the airport for my flight on Sunday, but not before she bombarded me with a million questions. I refused to admit what’s going on or that I hope to serve a slice of justice pie to the woman who nearly ruined my life. The less details she knows, the better. Not worrying her more than I already have and keeping her safe are my only priorities.
On the way to the airport Sunday morning, my blood felt like it was boiling in my veins, but I stayed calm so I didn’t alarm my sister. Everleigh continued to question me, but I didn’t cave even though she threatened me with bodily harm. Of course, I laughed, considering I’m twice her size and she’d cry about breaking a nail before hurting me. Before I got out of the car, I gave her a hug and told her not to be late picking me up Tuesday night. She agreed and demanded I be careful.
My flight to Nevada was boring and so was the Uber ride to the hotel. Viewing the bright lights and tall hotels on The Strip brought back a lot of memories. While I’d love to go out and revisit my old stomping grounds, it’s not safe for me here.
Monday comes quick and waking up in Vegas for the first time in half a decade is odd. I’ve been away too long for this to feel like home. Now, it just seems like a nightmare I can’t wake from.
After I have a cup of shitty hotel coffee and get ready for the day, I text Serena and tell her I’m heading to the lawyer’s office. I’m meeting her, along with Eric and the prosecutors in the next thirty minutes, and I’m a ball of nerves.
Serena’s a godsend for coming with me today. Otherwise, I’d be without representation and up shit creek. When I see her, I smile at the familiar face. She looks exactly the way she did when we first met all those years ago. Professional and like she’s ready to kick some ass. As we wait for the deposition to start, she walks me through what I should expect, reminding me to be truthful but to also watch what I say. We wait outside the conference room as she coaches me, and I feel as if I’m preparing for the fight of my life, and maybe I am, considering Victoria is involved.
When I catch sight of Eric and his lawyers coming down the hallway, I know it’s showtime. Reality hits me like a ton of bricks when we enter the room and memories from five years ago resurface.