Chapter 32

Olivia

Van has to leave right after breakfast, heading to an appointment with the DA. I wave him off, feeling a mix of impatience and excitement for my lunch date with Bre. Kipp and Grady get quick kisses goodbye, and I slip into my car, driving to The Green Vine, a cozy bistro we love. Luckily, I had a sundress in my car that I ordered and forgot to take out after I opened the package.

When I arrive, Bre is already at a table, scrolling through her phone. I slide into the seat across from her, and we exchange quick greetings before diving into the menu. We both order salads and as the waiter leaves, Bre looks at me, her eyes twinkling.

"So, how's everything going with your trio of men? Any updates?" she asks, leaning forward.

"It's going okay," I say, smiling. "We're not rushing, and I'm happy so far. The guys seem happy too."

Bre raises an eyebrow, her grin widening. "And how was last night? Your text said you were coming from their house?"

I laugh, feeling a blush creep up my neck. "Last night was... amazing. We had a group romp, and then this morning, it was just as hot."

Bre's eyes widen, and she claps her hands together. "Oh my god, you slut! I am so jealous. I wondered where Van was last night when he didn't come home. I need a harem of sexy men, preferably older, too. Give me a daddy and a bad boy."

We laugh and I love how carefree and nonjudgemental our friendship is. Our salads arrive, and we eat, chatting about everything and nothing. The food is delicious, but the company is even better.

As we finish, Bre asks, "Want to hit the mall? Macy's is calling our names."

I nod eagerly. "Absolutely. Let's leave my car here and ride together. You can bring me back later."

We hop into Bre's car, and the drive to the mall is filled with laughter. Bre informs me that so far Barbi hasn't found out that Van moved in with her, and I'm thankful, because Van doesn't need any more shit from her. He's nervous enough about the trial.

Once there, we park and head inside. Before we can shop, we make a pit stop at the local drink place to get mango dragon fruit refreshers to sip on. Macy's is our favorite spot, and we lose ourselves in the racks, hunting for deals.

As we're sifting through a particularly colorful section of dresses, a familiar sneer pierces the air behind us.

"So she can fuck your ex and you play besties, but when I do it, I go to jail?"

We turn around and there stands Barbi, her eyes filled with malice. We knew she'd been released and had been bothering Van, which is why he's with the DA today, but seeing her here sends a jolt of anger through me.

"You can't possibly think that what you did to Van was consensual?" I spit at her, the words sharp and cold.

She laughs. "Please. He begged me for it. But when his pretty little Livvy found out, it was rape. Honestly, who's going to believe that I raped him?"

"Since we have your confession, I think everyone." Bre's voice is low and dangerous, her arms crossed as she scowls at Barbi.

Barbi rolls her eyes. "That proves nothing. All I said was I got rid of the last one. Not my fault Van found a better pussy and then felt guilty."

"Are you even sorry?" I ask as anger courses through me, causing my blood to boil. "We were friends. How could you do that?"

Barbi laughs again, cruel and mocking. "We were friends. It stopped being that for me a long time ago. Do you know how tiresome it is to be friends with someone like you? You are so fucking dull. So fucking perfect and stiff. I imagine it's why Van fucked me, because I don't lie there like a starfish."

Bre's face turns crimson, and before I can stop her, she launches herself at Barbi, grabbing her by the hair and slamming her face into the rack. The sound of the impact echoes through the store, followed by Barbi's loud cries as Bre punches her smug face.

Security rushes over, pulling Bre off Barbi and restraining her. They drag Bre to the back office, her knuckles red and swelling from the impact. Barbi, holding her face, continues to holler, "I want to press charges! She attacked me!"

I follow them, my heart pounding, and we're led into a small, sterile office. The security guards keep a close eye on Bre, who is still fuming, her eyes blazing with anger.

"I'm so sorry," she mutters to me, glancing up. "I just couldn't take any more of her vile words toward you."

"It's okay," I whisper, squeezing her hand. "She deserved it."

My only regret is that Bre gave her an ass whooping before I could.

The wait feels interminable, the seconds stretching into what feels like hours. Barbi paces the room, casting glares in our direction, her voice a constant, grating whine as she demands justice. I pull out my phone and text the guys and Van, explaining what happened and letting them know I need a ride since I left my car at the restaurant.

"Ma'am," the security guard directs at Barbi. "Are you sure you want to press charges?"

"Yes, I'm sure. Do you see what that crazy bitch did to my face?" Barbi cries.

"Okay, the police have been called and we just have to sit tight while we wait. In the meantime, does anyone care to share why the three of you are treating my store like a MMA fighting arena?"

"She was provoking us," I explain, my voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through me. "Bre just reacted. Barbi has an open criminal case against our friend, and today she confronted us."

Bre nods, looking regretful but resolute. "She said some awful things. I lost control. I know I shouldn't have, but she pushed me too far."

One of the guards sighs, rubbing his temples. "We'll need to take statements from all parties involved. This might take a while."

Barbi smirks, her eyes gleaming with vindictive pleasure. "Good. I want her charged. How much longer for the police to get here?"

He doesn't have time to answer before two police officers walk in, causing all our heads to snap in their direction.

"What seems to be the issue, Vince?" he directs to the guard who restrained Bre.

"These three were all shopping, some words were exchanged and this one"—he points at Bre—"worked this one over. And she'd like to press charges."

"And the third?" the officer asks.

"She's friends with the attacker and came back with her voluntarily. Apparently, there is some sort of criminal case she says with the one and they say she provoked them."

"I see." He looks at Barbi. "Ma'am, you want to pursue charges, yes?"

"Yes. To the fullest extent I can." She narrows her eyes at us.

The officer takes our statements, and then, much to our dismay, he informs us that Bre will be taken to the station for further questioning. I protest, but they insist it's standard procedure given the circumstances.

"I'm so sorry," I tell Bre as he handcuffs her. "We'll get this handled and figured out right away. I promise."

Bre gives me a brave smile. "Don't worry. I'll be fine. Just make sure that bitch gets what's coming to her."

Barbi sits back in her chair, a smug look on her face. "Hope you enjoy your little visit to the police station. A shame, since orange is not your color."

I glare at her, my hands balling into fists. "You won't get away with this, Barbi. We'll make sure of it."

She laughs, a cruel sound that grates on my nerves. "We'll see about that."

"Ma'am, do you want me to call an ambulance?" the officer asks.

"No. I'll make an appointment and get to my plastic surgeon right away. I want that ingrate to pay the bill."

"That's up to the courts, ma'am. You shouldn't drive though. Is there someone you can call for a ride?"

"Yes." She pulls out her phone and begins to type.

"I rode with Bre, so I'll have to get a ride to come for me as well," I tell the officer.

"Okay. I'll wait until you're both picked up and then your friend will be going with me to county."