“Let’s hope it’s the only time I have to see her.”
I was amazed at how calm she was. I didn’t want to add stress to her life, and it was making me uncomfortable.
“It will be,” I said firmly. “It’s us she is obsessed with—you happened to be in the right place at the wrong time. She won’t bother you.”
The entire evening was ruined by Vicky’s appearance. The plans I had for the night with Liv were put aside. After we left the diner, I took her home, walking her to her door. Our kisses were still deep and passionate, filled with longing and want, but they went nowhere past the door. It wasn’t the right time. We both knew it.
I didn’t get much sleep. Mark texted me and said he had been very clear with Vicky. None of us were interested in anything she had to say. He told her to stay away from us and to move on with her life. He told me Brent had escorted her out and put her in a cab. He said as a precaution he had sent our lawyer an email, asking about the restraining order we had discussed.
I think I may have gotten through to her. I hope we don’t need it, his last text read.
I hoped so as well. If anyone could get through to Vicky, it would be Mark. Still, I worried.
Unable to sleep, I worked on my latest project—Sammy’s bookcase. It had taken a while to design and cut all the wood. Once it was sanded smooth and pieced together came the task of painting it—and adding the beloved glitter. She had informed me there could never be enough glitter.
“I love the sparkles, Mr. Van! They make me happy.”
I was determined this bookcase would elate her. She didn’t know I was building it—as Liv had stated, she thought we were drawing for fun. I planned on surprising her with it.
But the damn glitter.
As I discovered, no matter how careful I was, the stuff went everywhere. By the time I finished applying it, I was certain, if I sneezed, glitter would come from my nose. I stood back, staring at the bookcase. The light caught the glitter, sending cascades of reflections all over the walls. It was horrendous.
Sammy was going to love it.
I glanced at my watch. I knew Liv was taking her to the park, and I wanted to see them both today. Maybe I could take them to lunch once Sammy had her fill of the park. Spend some time with them. I showered, dressed and drove to the park, then walked the path that led me to the playground. I saw Sammy hanging upside down on the monkey bars, laughing and playing with a friend. I watched her for a moment, her carefree spirit making me smile. She saw me and did a flip, so she landed on her feet, making a beeline for me. I crouched down and met her enthusiastic expression.
“Mr. Van!”
“Hey, Mouse. Having fun?”
She nodded fast, her curls bouncing. “Yeah!” Then she frowned, leaning forward. “Mr. Van, why do you have sparkles in your hair?”
I stifled my groan. I had washed my hair twice, but I couldn’t get all the damn glitter out.
Sammy’s eyes grew round. “Did you lose a tooth? Did the tooth fairy come and leave you money? I always know when she’s been there because there are sparkles on my pillow.”
I ran a hand through my hair. “Something like that.”
She beamed, her eyes wide. “You have to tell Mommy. She’ll be so surprised. She says the tooth fairy never comes to her anymore since she is too old.”
I chuckled and glanced toward the bench where I figured Liv was sitting. I froze. She wasn’t alone.
Vicky sat next to her.
Rage tore through me. It was bad enough she had made my life miserable. Tried to destroy my relationship with my friends. Ruin their lives with her lies. But to cross the line and show up here and confront Liv? Especially when it had been made clear to her to back off? With Sammy so close?
Jesus, the last thing I wanted was for her to get near Sammy. God only knew what she would do or say. She would frighten the shit out of the child, regardless.
Not fucking happening.
I stood and glanced down at Sammy. “Go back and play. I have to do something,” I said through tight lips.
She frowned. “What’s the matter, Mr. Van? Why are you mad?”
I struggled to hold on to my temper. “I’m not, but I need to talk to your mom.”
Sammy pointed behind her. “She’s right there. She’s talking to that lady.”
“Did you talk to the lady?”
She shook her head. “No.”
I sighed in relief. “Okay, Mouse. I’ll be over in a minute, okay? I’ll push you on the swings again.”
She turned and scampered away.
I stalked forward, angry and intent on getting Vicky as far away from them both as possible. Fury poured off my body. My fists were clenched tight to my sides. I struggled to stay calm as I approached. I didn’t want to frighten Liv, or God forbid, Sammy.
I failed.
Sammy yelled my name, waving frantically from her upside-down position trying to get my attention. I waved back but kept walking, undeterred.
Vicky looked up, her face paling at the sight of me. Liv met my gaze, shaking her head, warning me not to come closer.
Fuck that.
Leaning down, I wrapped my hand around Vicky’s arm, pulling her to her feet.
“We need to talk.”
She began to protest.
“Now.”
“Van,” Liv began, “it’s not what it looks like—”
“I’ll talk to you in a minute,” I interrupted her. “Vicky and I have some important things to discuss.”
“No, wait—" Liv protested.
Vicky shot Liv a glance. “It’s fine. Thanks for listening.”
I pulled her down the path, around the corner. I could still see Liv and Sammy, but we were out of earshot. Liv watched us go with a frown on her face.
“I warned you,” I hissed. “I am done being nice. I want you to get out of my life. All our lives and not come back.”
She began to speak, but I continued my rant. “How fucking dare you come here and harass Liv? What did we ever do to you that gives you the right to mess with our lives? Haven’t you already caused enough damage?” My voice was rising even though I was struggling to maintain my composure. “You are not getting near that child. Or Liv.” I stepped closer, almost snarling in my anger. “Back. The. Fuck. Off.”
She shook off my grip and stepped back. Her next words shocked me.
“I know, Van. I get it.”
I grimaced. “What?”
She blew out a deep sigh. “I am sorry. I overheard Liv last night say she was coming to this park today, so I came here to apologize to her. I only came back to town to get a few things and head back up North.” She passed a hand over her eyes. “I made a mistake last night and fell back into my bad habits. I haven’t had a drink since I left town, but something hit me yesterday, and I started drinking again. All the hate and anger I thought I had worked through hit me, and I acted out. Fell into my old behavior and said some nasty things. Mark talked to me last night, and his words were so spot-on.” She sighed ruefully as she rubbed her arm. “I need to apologize to all of you. But I also need to leave Toronto and all the memories behind. I’m never coming back.”
Her words seemed genuine. Her gaze was tired but sincere as she met my eyes.