The Only Living Boy in New York

FORTY-EIGHT

Van

Ivy was nothing more than a poisonous snake, seeping her venom into my life. I should have cut it off with her in 2019. I knew better, and now, I was paying for it.

"No need to call the cops." She said as she trailed her hand through her chin length hair. "I've already been there. I had to clear my name thanks to you two."

I kept Taylor behind me, my hand clutching her arm and keeping her close to me.

"What are you talking about?"

"Oh don't act like you don't know. I didn't hire anyone to hit her with a car. Jesus, do you think I'm that obsessed with you? I mean...you've always been narcissistic, but this is next level." She rolled her eyes.

I felt my heart rate increase.

"I do think you're that obsessed. How many times have you turned up here unannounced and unwelcome, not counting this one right now?"

Ivy didn't answer the question and crossed her arms over her chest. "I saw the accident happen, but I certainly didn't plan it. I had to give the cops my phone records, all of my text and call histories, bills, everything they needed to prove my innocence and clear my name. You two made it really embarrassing for me when I got yanked out of work for a warrant."

"Why were you there when it happened?" My tone was ice.

"Curiosity got the best of me. Couldn't imagine what you found so intriguing about someone as mundane as her."

I glanced at Taylor to make sure she was okay. Her face was strewn in worry, exhaustion and something I couldn't place. She looked up at me nervously and I gave her a small nod.

"Think you need some help, Ivy. It's weird that you're here...especially after all this time."

"Quit flattering yourself. I'm not obsessed with you, Van." Ivy snapped.

"Then why are you here?" Taylor asked softly.

Ivy peeked around me at her and Taylor side stepped me to meet her gaze.

"To make sure you both know I didn't have anything to do with the accident."

I shifted nervously as I watched Ivy's moves. She didn't look drunk, but I'd seen her high on a multitude of occasions over the years, and the way her lips were quivering and the wild gleam in her eyes gave away her state. I knew that look. I'd worn that look alongside her many times. Memories flashed through my mind vividly as I winced at them.

"Well...I think you've proven your point." Taylor spoke calmly. "Is there anything else you want to say?"

Ivy scoured and bit her lip, ignoring Taylor and looking back at me. "So domesticated these days I see. Tell me, when did that change?"

I sighed. "When I met Taylor. Not that it's any of your business."

Ivy's eyes darted to Taylor as she sized her up. "Does he like to rough you up and have you grip the headboard for support? That was always my favorite move of his, when he'd take me from behind after the adrenaline of a live show. And the way he tenses right before he gets off..."

I felt my stomach drop as Ivy giggled to herself. Taylor said nothing as she set her jaw in a hard line and I stood there taking heavy breaths as anger seized through me.

"Get the fuck out of here." I hissed.

"You two can't even apologize for the mistake you made? Maybe that's what I came here for."

I snorted. "Jesus, Ivy you're on my cameras. Regardless if you had a hand in the accident or not, you're still here, still lurking around our house. Trespassing. There's no need for an apology. I'll say it again, get the fuck out of here."