by Kennedy Fox
That causes her to flash me a smile. “Glad to hear that.”
The room grows silent as we both finish eating. Color has returned to her cheeks, and she doesn’t seem as distressed as she was this morning. Although I can tell the shit with Robert weighs heavily on her.
Wanting to put her in a better mood, I bring something up that will have her laughing.
“Do you remember talking about the movie 13 Going on 30 in one of your letters?”
She chokes but quickly recovers. “Oh my God. How do you remember that? I was like what, fifteen?”
“You were obsessed with the romantic comedies of the early 2000s.”
“Still am, mostly.” She chuckles with a shrug. “How crazy to think I was dying to be an adult, and now here I am, wishing I could turn back time and be a naïve teenager again.”
“It’s funny how that works out, isn’t it? Always eager to grow up until you realize adults don’t have it figured out either.”
“I swore my dad knew everything. It wasn’t until I was much older that I realized he was just winging it like the rest of us.”
“If you could go back to any age and relive it, when would you pick?” I ask, and when she lowers her head, I realize it’s a really stupid question.
“You won’t like my answer,” she states, meeting my eyes.
“Sorry, forget it. I wasn’t—”
“As much as I’d like to say falling in love with you was worth the pain of you leaving, I’d be lying if I hadn’t wondered what it would’ve been like to never have fallen for you in the first place. There were years of sadness, and I wondered why I wasn’t enough for you to stay or come back.”
Fuck.
“Gemma,” I say softly, reaching for her hand resting on the table. “Nothing I say will take away what I did, but I’m so damn sorry I left the way I did. I had a lot of shit in my life that I needed to figure out, and I couldn’t do it here. I wanted you to come with me,” I remind her. “But I knew you couldn’t. You had your own life to figure out, too.”
She nods with sadness in her eyes. “I understand that. I just wish you’d have been able to come home two years ago. Life would be so different now.”
Two years ago. Before she met Robert.
“I wish a lot was different, Gemma. However, if I’ve learned anything in the past five years, it’s that we don’t get to deal our own cards. We have to take the hand we’re dealt and do the best you can with it.”
Gemma squeezes my fingers. “I’ve discovered a lot about myself recently. The reality of some things I don’t like, but some, I do. I’ve never been good at standing up for myself because I’m a people pleaser. Now I’m learning what my limits are and how I need to set higher standards. The way I allowed Robert to constantly treat me makes me sick. That relationship should’ve never lasted more than a month.”
“So why did it?” I ask, relieved she’s realized that she deserves better.
She shrugs, resting her chin in her palm. “He said the right things and did stuff to impress me. Though it’s embarrassing to admit, I was desperate for affection. As pathetic as it sounds, he was the first guy since you who I actually felt something for. Stupid me didn’t realize it was merely infatuation or lust. That quickly dissolved, but when he proposed, it was expected that I’d accept. Didn’t help that it made my dad so damn happy. The happiest I’d seen him in years. Robert fed me the fantasy of being married and living a beautiful life together. It didn’t click how manipulative and possessive he was because I was blinded by his promises. I never had a healthy relationship to look up to, and I thought it was normal.”
Before I can respond, Jerry waltzes in whistling, then immediately stops when his eyes land on our hands touching. Quickly, I pull back and turn away from Gemma, but there’s no doubt he saw us. There’s no denying that he thinks I’m a homewrecker.
“Hi, Daddy,” Gemma greets with a smile. “How was lunch with George?”
“Fine,” he grumbles, walking to the fridge, then grabbing a diet Coke. “How was yours?”
“Delicious,” I interject. “Belinda makes a mean turkey and cheese.”
Jerry slams the door and eyes me. “Back to work in fifteen.”
“Yes, sir.”
The room stays silent until he walks out, and we hear the shop door slam shut.
“Fuck, he’s pissed.”
“I haven’t told him about Robert yet, so he thinks…”
“That I’m trying to seduce you so you’ll leave your fiancé.”
“Yeah, probably. I’m gonna have to spill the beans soon.”
“Well…” I stand, then push in my chair. “Maybe sooner than later since I have to work with him. He’s a nice guy and all, but I don’t want to have to duck from tools being thrown at my head.”
Gemma giggles with a smirk. “Promise. When the time’s right, I’ll tell him everything.”
“Great. I’ll wear a hard hat until then.” I flash her a wink.
“Just tell him about Ruby and that he has nothing to worry about.”
Does she seriously believe I’m with Ruby?
“Good point,” I say, though I have no intention of doing that. “See you tonight around seven? Need to stop by the store and hit the shower first.”
“Yep, see you then.”
I throw my trash away, then brave the next four hours with a man who thinks I’m trying to steal his daughter away from her future husband.
This should be very interesting.
Chapter Four
GEMMA
The rest of the shift passes in a blink, and I can breathe again knowing Tyler’s safely back in town. Though it’s not my business, I’m not completely convinced he’s staying in Lawton Ridge for good. A small voice in the back of my mind says it’s only a matter of time until he leaves again. I wasn’t enough for him then, so what makes me enough now? Nothing. He’s explained himself several times, but it still hurts. I force away the self-deprecating thoughts and go home to take a shower before dinner.
For the past two days, I’ve felt like a hollow version of myself. When I replay what happened with Robert, it still seems like a nightmare. Because of his threats, my paranoia has been in overdrive. I’m waiting for him to retaliate because he’s always been a man of his word and doesn’t like not getting his way.
Once I’m inside my cottage, I release a deep breath, thankful nothing happened on my drive home. I hate how much power Robert’s words have over me and knowing what he’s capable of doing to me. Undoubtedly, he’s planning something. He won’t go down willingly.
I take a quick shower, then blow-dry my hair and put on some light makeup. My eyes are swollen from crying, and when I look in the mirror, I barely recognize the reflection. No man should ever make a woman feel so broken, and I hate that I’ve allowed him to.
Tyler said to come over around seven, so I try to keep my mind busy and tidy up in the meantime. My mind wanders as I think back to Monday and how I should’ve canceled dinner after I found that receipt. After everything, I should’ve predicted he’d have a bad reaction, so why did I stupidly put myself in that situation? Everleigh always joked that Robert seemed a little off, but now I wonder if she wasn’t kidding.
I put a load of clothes in the washer, then fold the ones I left in the dryer yesterday. Once there’s nothing else for me to do around the house, I leave. Arriving a little early will give Tyler and me the opportunity to have some privacy before Everleigh comes home.
My mouth goes dry when I see a black Suburban in my rearview mirror speeding around the cars behind me. Immediately, I press on the gas, trying to lose them.
“Fuck,” I whisper under my breath when the light turns red. My heart rate quickens as I grab the steering wheel with white knuckles. The SUV stops next to me, and I keep my face forward until my curiosity gets the best of me. Looking over, I make eye contact with a woman who has fire red hair and a vehicle full of kids. I let out a relieved laugh because my fear created a totally dif
ferent scenario.
During lunch yesterday, two dozen pink and yellow roses were delivered to the shop in a crystal vase. Even before reading the card, I knew they were from Robert. Anytime we have a fight, he sends flowers and gifts. It’s his way of showing or rather buying my love, and I used to fall for it too. I’d accept his apologies and excuses. Not anymore.
As soon as my father left to grab food, I opened the note. It simply stated the wedding would happen whether I liked it or not. Immediately, I grabbed the expensive vase and flowers, stormed outside, then threw them in the dumpster. Though I hated trashing something so pretty, what they initially represented made me sick to my stomach. The pungent smell of them stayed in my nose until I got home. It didn’t take long for Robert to text me, asking why I got rid of them.
I should block his number, but it wouldn’t stop him from finding ways to torment me.
I demanded he stop fucking watching me and leave me alone. The wedding isn’t happening, and I won’t change my mind. So, naturally, after yesterday’s incident, my senses are in overdrive.
The light turns green, and I suck in a deep breath, shaking my head at myself. When I arrive at Everleigh’s, I grow more anxious. I’m already on edge, but knowing I’ll spill everything to Tyler makes it worse. Hopefully, wine joins this conversation because I need something to help take off the edge. I get out of the car, check the street for anything out of the ordinary, then walk up the sidewalk.
Tyler opens the door wearing a sweet grin.
"Right on time,” he kindly says, but I know I’m early. Once inside, I smell the hearty aroma of the spices. I sit at the bar as Tyler hurries to the stove.
“It’s almost ready,” he says, looking over his shoulder at me. When he moves around, I can’t help but notice how his shirt hugs his muscles just perfectly.
“What’d you cook?” I ask.
“Shrimp and grits.”
“It’s my favorite. You remembered?” I ask, surprised.
He chuckles, and the sound is inviting and warm. “I actually asked your dad.”
“Great. He’s really gonna think something’s going on between us, especially after lunch today.” I sigh, not sure how to bring up the conversation with my dad.
“Yeah, he made sure to remind me that you were engaged. Talk about awkward.” Tyler stirs the shrimp and sauce.
“How mortifying. I’m so sorry.” I cover my face.
“It’s not a big deal.”
Tyler pulls grit patties he roasted from the oven, covers them with foil, then sets them on the stovetop. The way he moves in the kitchen so comfortably is mesmerizing, and I’m thankful he pulls me away from my thoughts, even if it’s briefly.
“Want something to drink?” he asks, pulling two wine glasses from the cabinet before I answer. “Everleigh’s wine subscription box was delivered today, so there are a ton of choices. She won’t mind.” He winks.
After what happened on Monday and how she came to my rescue, I’m sure she wouldn’t. Hell, she’d tell me to open two bottles. I choose a chardonnay, not sure if it pairs with our dinner, but not caring either. Unlike Robert, Tyler doesn’t say shit about my choice. Instead, he happily unscrews the cork and fills our glasses.
When I’m around Tyler, I’m happier. There’s no acting a part or being judged, and I can just be who I am without those worries. Tyler makes me feel human again, and I appreciate the normalcy for once.
I take a sip of wine. “This is really good.”
“Just wait until you try dinner. Once the shrimp is done, we can start eating, so it shouldn’t be too much longer. Hopefully, Everleigh isn’t late either.” Tyler places a lid on the skillet as it simmers, then sits next to me. This conversation is happening, and there’s no going back now.
“So…” he says, lingering. "I understand what happened with Robert isn’t gonna be easy to repeat, so if you—”
I shake my head, not wanting him to continue. “I’m okay talking about it. I trust you, Tyler. I always have.”
He smiles as he lifts his wine glass, and I tap mine against his before taking a big gulp. I explain each detail from the beginning, finding the receipt in Robert’s desk, then having his client congratulate us on getting married before the end of the year.
“Wait. He moved the wedding date without telling you?” Tyler asks, stunned.
“Yep. I didn’t even know what to say, so I just sat through dinner in shock.”
“And he just thought you’d go along with it?” he asks as he stands, then goes to stir the roux but comes right back.
“In his perfect world, he really did.”
Next, I mention the wedding dress and invitations. With flared nostrils, his face distorts. My emotions are all over the place as I speak Tyler grabs my hand and squeezes. It’s a friendly gesture but it sets my body on fire.
“I was scared. No telling what would’ve happened if Everleigh hadn’t come and gotten me out of there. I’ve never seen him act that way before and handle me so aggressively. Thankfully, Everleigh called after getting a gibberish text message and knew something was wrong when I was finally able to answer her call. I was a mess when she brought me here.” All she kept saying was how much she wanted to kick his ass and how sorry she was that it happened. The only person who should’ve been apologizing that night was Robert. After my tears dried up, we watched Hallmark until I couldn’t keep my eyes open anymore. Friends like her are worth their weight in gold, and I’ll never be able to repay her for rescuing me from that dangerous situation.
Tyler huffs, and his jaw tightens. “What he did to you isn’t okay, Gemma.”
His eyes pierce through me, and the only thing that pulls us away is Everleigh bursting through the door. She bolts toward me, wrapping me in a big hug. “I’m so glad you’re here. Oh my God.” She moves her nose around like a drug-sniffing dog. “What is that delicious smell?”
“Our dinner,” Tyler responds.
Everleigh looks at me and releases an offended gasp. “He never cooks like this for me.”
I beam and shrug. “I feel special.”
Tyler plates our food and sets them in front of us. It’s picture perfect with the garnish on top. The aromas make my mouth water, and I didn’t realize how hungry I was until I take a bite. The grits nearly melt in my mouth, and the shrimp and sauce are cooked perfectly.
“Whoever you end up with, they’re in for a treat,” Everleigh says around a mouthful.
“I’m sure Ruby is happy she found a man who can cook,” I say, trying to keep my voice level so they can’t hear the jealousy in my tone.
Everleigh snorts, and her eyes go wide. “Wait, what? You think Tyler’s dating Ruby?” Everleigh nearly doubles over with laughter. Tyler joins in, but he at least has the decency to try to hide it as he shoves food in his mouth.
Embarrassment washes over me as I watch their reactions. “Well, yeah? They’re always together.” Not to mention the scene I almost walked into the day I came over to talk to him, and they were both only wearing towels. I’m lost as I look between them. “What’s so funny?”
Tyler smirks. “Because I’m not really Ruby’s cup of tea, if you catch my drift. Everleigh would be, though.”
Furrowing my brows, I let his words sink in as it finally hits me. My cheeks heat as I replay the way I’ve acted every time she was around, and the stupid things I’ve said to him, regarding their relationship. “Now, I feel really stupid,” I admit. “Why didn’t you tell me when I called her your girlfriend!” I scold Tyler, but he just shrugs with a smirk. “Well, at least it wasn’t out of the realm of possibilities. She’s gorgeous and into working out like you are.”
“The Blackwoods don’t date, Gemma,” Tyler states. “I mean, take Everleigh for example, who spends her nights alone drinking. And well, my history is bleak.”
“Hey!” Everleigh grimaces. “That’s not fair. There aren’t any decent single guys in this damn town.” She pops a shrimp in her mouth. “But there are single women.�
�� She waggles her brows, taunting Tyler as he groans.
“Great, so you’re in on Ruby’s joke too.” He rolls his eyes, sipping his wine. “Can we not have your sexless life be the topic of conversation tonight?”
Everleigh snorts. “As long as yours isn’t either.”
They glance my way, and just like that, the attention is back on me. “Or mine.” I chuckle.
“So what’s your plan?” Everleigh asks. “Has Robert contacted you since yesterday?”
“Yesterday?” Tyler snaps his eyes to mine. I hadn’t gotten that far in the story.
“He sent me flowers. I threw them away, and he texted me afterward and asked me why.”
“What the fuck? He’s watching you again?” Tyler asks, setting his fork down. “You need to get a restraining order against him, Gemma. He’s gone too far, and who knows what else he’ll do. I don’t like the idea of him watching you, especially at work,” Tyler admits, sounding more tense than before.
I shake my head. “That’s not the solution to this problem. It’s a lot of paperwork and court orders, and even if I tried to get a temporary one, he’s padded everyone’s pockets already. The judge, the sheriff, hell, he’s probably paid off the whole town. The corruption runs really deep,” I explain.
“After seeing how crazed he was that night, I’m afraid it would only cause more issues,” Everleigh adds.
We eat in silence for a few minutes, all of us deep in thought. “You have to do something,” Tyler finally speaks up. “Robert doesn’t seem like the kind of guy who’s gonna give up on getting what he wants, and you can’t be the type of woman to give in to his demands.”
“He’s not. Trust me when I say I won’t be crawling back to him. I’ve been thinking about it, and I dunno if this will work, but if I tell everyone the wedding is off, no one would expect us to be together. Once the gossip spreads, people will start talking, which is exactly what he doesn’t want. It’ll get back to him, and maybe then he’ll finally stop and move on. He’s too concerned about his reputation to retaliate once it’s public knowledge. If anything happened to me, every single person would point the finger at him. It’s kind of like an insurance policy if he came after me.”