by Kennedy Fox
He instantly perks up. “Sounds great.”
Tyler goes to the break room, and I take a stroll down the pub. Instead of eating at the bar as I intended, I place our order to go. As I’m waiting for our food, my phone vibrates.
When I see who the text is from, all the color drains from my face. I knew it was only a matter of time.
Robert: You’re joining me for dinner tonight. I’ll pick you up at 7.
My mouth falls open at the audacity of his demand.
Gemma: No, but hell no.
I’m not going anywhere with him ever again.
Robert: My client specifically requested you come. You will be there.
Gemma: I won’t. Your client is not my problem. I’m not marrying you. It’s over, Robert. Stop texting me!
My blood pressure rises and so does my anger level. I’m half-tempted to block his number so I’ll never have to hear from him again.
Robert: It’s not over. We will work this out because we belong together.
His last message nearly sets me off.
Gemma: You’re INSANE. Leave me alone.
I lock my phone and shove it into my crossbody purse. Thankfully, the food comes soon after because I’m so damn annoyed I can barely stand to be in public.
When I walk inside the shop, Tyler instantly notices my mood change.
“Did you step in dog shit or something?”
I shake my head and set the food on the small table. “It’s nothing.”
Tyler doesn’t push the conversation. Instead, he changes the subject, which I’m grateful for. It’s obvious he’s keeping his distance from me at the table, but I get it. My dad is already suspicious, which motivates me to tell him tomorrow even more.
I take my phone out of my purse and snap a picture of my lunch and send it to Everleigh. Immediately, she responds with a drooling face emoji.
Everleigh: Should’ve gotten you to deliver me lunch. Drinking a shitty protein shake.
I feel bad for not asking her since the boutique is so close.
Gemma: I’m a horrible best friend.
I frown, and Tyler glances up at me. “I’m chatting with Everleigh. She didn’t bring her lunch again. You’re slacking on your brotherly chef duties.”
He lets out a roar of laughter. “I bet you a hundred bucks she ate last night's leftovers for breakfast because I cooked. Don’t let her play you for a fool. She’s good at that sometimes.”
I gasp. “Seriously? I’m so calling her out! I felt sorry for her for two seconds.”
I type out a message, spilling what Tyler said.
Everleigh: That little shit! Tell him to keep my secrets to himself.
I snort at her antics. My phone buzzes again, and when I lower my eyes, I notice it’s Robert again. Knowing it will put me in a bad mood, I ignore it. When Tyler and I are halfway finished eating, Dad returns with a milkshake in his hand.
“You didn’t bring me one?” I pretend to be offended. He’s in a better mood than earlier at least.
“Shoulda asked! Belinda makes them extra chocolatey for me.” He takes a sip of it and beams.
“Tease,” I say, cleaning up our mess.
“Belinda’s shakes are the best,” Tyler admits. “She made me a strawberry banana one, and it was pure heaven.”
“I’m gonna have to try that one. I had no idea she was the queen at making shakes,” I retort, actually wishing he would’ve gotten me one now.
“I think I gained ten pounds because of her.” Dad laughs, patting his belly.
“You’re the one who keeps going down there, Daddy,” I remind him. “She’s just making sure you’re a happy customer.”
“Or she knows the way to a man’s heart is his stomach,” Tyler taunts, waggling his brows. I chuckle at his insinuation that Belinda is flirting with my dad by making him shakes, though it’d be super cute if that was the case.
The two of them get back to work, and I busy myself in financial statements, ignoring my phone and all the messages Robert keeps sending me. When I think about him, my anxiety spikes, and I feel as if I can’t breathe.
For the rest of the afternoon, I deal with spreadsheets, receipts, and customers. I’m nonstop busy, which keeps my mind occupied. Once the shop is closed for the day, I’m ready to go home and take a bath, then enjoy a movie on the couch. Just as I’m about to lock the front door, Robert rushes past the large windows wearing a scowl. Seconds later, he’s pushing himself past me and staring with a menacing grin.
“Gemma, sweetheart.” He leans forward, trying to kiss me, but I take a step back, nearly tripping over myself.
“What’re you doing here?” I hiss, confused. I thought I was extremely clear in my text messages that he needed to fuck off.
His lips turn up farther. “I’m here to pick you up for dinner. I told you I’d be here earlier. Didn’t you get my messages?”
“I’m not going. You need to leave,” I grit out, placing my hand on my hip, ready to scream and hope my dad or Tyler hears me.
Robert moves toward me, but I step back, keeping my distance until I’m pressed against the counter.
“Are you trying to make me look bad?” he snaps, his face flushing with the same anger I saw at his house.
I cross my arms over my chest, not cowering to his stance although his large frame looms over me. “What don’t you understand, Robert? We are done. Over! You need to leave before my dad sees you here,” I warn.
He sneers and rolls his eyes as if he’s not concerned because he’s not. “Victoria specifically requested we both be there. You know I’m trying to sign this fucking deal. Do you want me to lose one of the biggest contracts of my life over your selfishness?”
I shrug. “Your business dinners and your clients are no longer my problem.”
He reaches out and grabs my arm tightly. Not caring if he’s hurting me or not, he yanks me closer. “You’re being such a self-centered bitch!” he shouts.
Before I can open my mouth to scream, Tyler rushes through the door and moves toward Robert with his chest puffed out.
“Don’t you fucking talk to her that way,” Tyler barks, and instead of Robert letting me go, he only holds me tighter. Seconds later, Tyler’s in his face and pulling me away from Robert’s grasp. My arm throbs where he grabbed me, and I’m sure it’ll bruise.
“You touch her again, and I’ll fucking make you wish you were dead,” Tyler warns. “You need to go.”
Robert scoffs. “Is this how convicts threaten people? Pathetic. Come on, Gemma. We’re leaving.” He snaps his fingers at me as if I’ll just follow his command. “Now!”
Tyler crosses his arms over his broad chest and stares him down. I notice how uncomfortable Robert becomes, and he even takes a few steps away from us.
“We are leaving,” he seethes.
“You really are a dumb fuck, aren’t you? She’s not going anywhere with you,” Tyler tells him. “And if you lay a hand on her again…”
As if things couldn’t get any worse, my dad enters and looks back and forth between us. Dread coats me like ice cold water in winter.
“What’s goin’ on here?” he asks.
Robert instantly snaps on a smile, and I follow his lead. He clears his throat, changing his persona, and speaks. “I was just picking Gemma up for an important dinner, sir. We were just leaving.”
Robert holds his hand out and waits for me to take it.
I’m livid and need to figure a way out of this. Then a thought comes to me.
“Yep, and Robert just asked Tyler if he’d like to join us,” I add with a wide smile.
Robert’s grin slightly falters, but he slaps it right back on. My dad doesn’t notice at all, but Tyler’s face contorts as if I’ve lost my damn mind. Maybe I have.
“Son, I think that’s a great idea that you go with them. Might be fun,” Dad suggests, patting Tyler on the shoulder. Tyler’s actually at a loss for words, and for the most part, so is Robert.
“That’s really nice o
f you, Robert. I always knew you were a good guy,” Dad continues, and I want to groan, but I hold it back. “So are you going?” he asks Tyler.
“Tyler said he didn’t want to go,” Robert declares.
“But we’re trying to convince him to come because the food is amazing. Plus, we’re meeting one of Robert’s clients, so it should be a fun time,” I squeal, acting excited. I won’t let Robert get out of this that easy.
Robert’s nostrils flare. If he wasn’t so concerned with impressing every Tom, Dick, and Harry, this wouldn’t be an issue, but I know his weaknesses and will use them against him. I just hate that he has my dad believing he’s a goddamn saint when he’s the devil in disguise.
“You know, I think I will go,” Tyler agrees, and I want to scream out in victory.
“Fantastic,” Robert mutters, showing his pearly whites. “So, are you ready, darling?”
I love how my dad proudly watches this unfold, having no idea how much of a cluster fuck the reality is.
“I still have some things to finish up first. Tyler and I will meet you at the restaurant, if that’s okay, sweetheart? What time should we be there?”
“That’s fine. Six. Sharp,” he says between gritted teeth, and it’s obvious he’s furious about Tyler tagging along. Watching Robert squirm is the highlight of my whole day.
“Perfect,” I singsong. “We’ll be there.”
Dad’s so damn happy that he looks like he’s ready to explode.
“Welp, you kids have fun. I’m gonna go home,” Dad says, then leaves through the back door.
Robert glares at me. “What the hell is wrong with you?”
I take a step forward, more confident than before because Tyler’s beside me. “I’ll join you on my terms, so if you want me to go, you’ll agree to it. And afterward, I’m giving you this damn ring back because we. Are. Over.”
He narrows his eyes as his entire body tenses. He’s losing control, and if Tyler wasn’t here, there’s no telling what he’d do to me.
“Fine. Have it your way, but this isn’t over, Gemma. Far from it,” he warns, then glances over at Tyler. “Make sure to clean up. I usually like to take the trash out, not bring it inside with me. Don’t be late, sweetheart.” The term of endearment comes out venomous. Robert turns on his heels and walks out, allowing the door to slam behind him.
“What the fuck?” Tyler groans as soon as Robert is out of sight. I feel as if I’m having a panic attack and brace myself on the counter, trying to breathe and gain control as the world collapses around me.
Tyler rushes over, his hand bracing my elbow. “Gemma, are you okay?”
I nod. “Too much adrenaline rushing through me at once.”
“You’re absolutely sure this is what we should do?” he asks me as I straighten my stance, then turn off all the lights. “We don’t have to go anywhere.”
“I wanna get this over with so I can give him this ring back and be done with it all. At least now, Dad won’t think the worst of you. Silver lining, I guess. Plus, now I won’t have to be alone with him and his client. Robert won’t be a dick in front of her or you. But right after dinner, I’m handing it over. It’s a final fuck you, leave me alone gesture,” I explain.
He sucks in a deep breath as we walk to my car. “I’m letting you make the decisions here, but if you want me to punch his face in, just say the word.” He cracks his knuckles, making me laugh.
“Thank you. It means a lot,” I say honestly as we get inside and drive to Everleigh’s.
Tyler showers and changes clothes but not because Robert demanded it. It’s his daily routine since he’s covered in grease and sweat. Tyler always looks nice, even filthy from work, but he also dresses up really nice. He’s wearing nice black slacks and a dark blue button-up.
As we head across town to Fancies, I notice how tight Tyler’s jaw clenches and know he’s not happy about this situation. I’m not either, and I’m half-tempted to turn around, but I know that’d only stir shit up more. Also, I have a point to prove. I’m not afraid of Robert as long as Tyler is with me. Robert will get his perfect business dinner with the rich client, and I’ll return his ring. Then it’ll all finally be over.
“We should all be thankful Jerry walked in when he did. Otherwise, Robert would’ve been eating my fist,” Tyler finally says.
“You can’t. He wants you to hit him so he can make you out as the bad guy, and considering your past, Robert wouldn't have to try very hard. I don’t want you to get into any trouble because of me. He’s just not worth it. Trust me,” I say.
“Maybe not but breaking his big ass nose would give me so much satisfaction.” He turns and flashes me a smirk.
I roll my eyes, grinning. “You say that now.”
We pull into the parking lot of the restaurant, and I turn off the engine. Sucking a deep breath, I lean back on the headrest and close my eyes. The restaurant causes bad memories to flood in.
“You’re sure about this?” he asks again.
“It could be a huge mistake, but I’m glad I won’t have to pretend everything is fine because he wants me to. You have no idea how much it means that you came with me,” I admit, already feeling overwhelmed. I just want to get this over with and make it known to everyone that the relationship is over.
He takes my hand in his, brings my knuckles to his lips, and presses a soft kiss on them. “I promise I’ll do whatever I can to help and to make sure you’re safe. Even if it means going to a bougie ass restaurant and wishing I were somewhere else. But I’ll go anywhere with you, Gemma.”
His words have my heart melting. “It seems upscale, but the food actually sucks, especially compared to yours.” I smirk, then check the time. “I guess we should put our game faces on and go inside.”
“Yeah. Don’t worry, we’ll get through this together,” he reminds me, then we get out of the car and walk toward the entrance.
Tyler glances over at me and tilts his lips up. “Just in case no one has told you today, you look beautiful.”
Heat rises from my core, and I tuck my bottom lip into my mouth as Tyler opens the door for me. When our eyes meet, the intensity is enough to steal my breath away, and it only reinforces my decision not to marry Robert.
Chapter Seven
TYLER
I’m not sure what I should expect when we walk inside. The waiters wear ties and dress shirts, and each table is drinking wine in crystal glasses. It’s the type of place you take a date with the expectation of getting fucked afterward. I can’t even imagine how expensive the meals are, but it’s not any of my worry because Robert’s paying. Perhaps I’ll order the most expensive dinner I can.
When Gemma moves toward the host stand, I can tell she’s uncomfortable.
It’s reserved seating only, so she gives them Robert’s name. Moments later, they’re escorting us through the dining area to a semi-private room in the back. As we pass tables, I feel as if there’s a spotlight on me and everyone knows I don’t belong. It’s times like this when I’m convinced I have the word convict tattooed on my forehead. We continue and are finally brought to a secluded area where Robert’s sitting at a table with a blonde. The way he creepily studies the woman, who I can only see from behind, is disgusting. It’s as if he’s undressing her with his perverted eyes.
Gemma glances over at me, and I flash her a wink of comfort. It’s enough to make her lips turn up as we move closer. Robert stands to greet and kiss Gemma’s cheek, but she takes a step back. When I step forward, the woman turns her head. The room briefly fades and goes black as the shock of who’s in Lawton Ridge settles.
“What the hell?” My voice booms as I zero in on her—Victoria O’Leary.
Her plump lips turn up into a sneer as she finds joy in my expression, and I can barely control my temper.
“Oh, fantastic.” Victoria crosses her legs, showing off her bare thighs. “How lovely to see you again, Tyler. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?. About...five years?” She forces out a malicious chuc
kle as I narrow my eyes and ball my hands into fists.
Gemma looks between us. “You know her?”
I glare at Robert and Victoria. “That’s the bitch who framed me and got me locked up.”
Victoria’s hand flies to her chest, and she cackles so loud it pierces my ears. “You got exactly what you deserved.”
“Did you know about this, Robert?” Gemma asks in an accusing tone, crossing her arms over her chest. “This is low, even for you.”
The room is tense as hell, and I gently grab Gemma’s arm and pull her back so she’s not too close to Victoria.
“I had no idea,” he claims, huffing as if he’s insulted she’d even ask.
I move closer, putting space between him and Gemma. “Cut the shit, Robert. You knew exactly who she was. Fuck you.”
“And fuck you too,” I say, turning to Victoria.
“We’re not staying here.” I grab Gemma’s hand to lead her out of here, knowing exactly how dangerous it is for us to be around Victoria. Seconds later, Gemma is being jerked away. Our hands break, and Robert has her pulled close to his body.
“Let me go!” she shouts.
“I didn’t know, Gemma.” Robert pleads with his eyes.
“Bullshit,” I say.
“I didn’t!” He raises his voice, and I catch sight of Victoria watching us with amusement. We argue back and forth before Victoria walks over to us with her wine glass in hand.
“He really didn’t know,” she admits, drinking her alcohol as if she’s having the best time.
“And why should I trust a goddamn word that comes out of your mouth? I learned my lesson already.” I scowl.
She flashes her million-dollar smile. “Believe what you want, Tyler. I wanted to find you after I saw your name on that witness list. Which was far too easy, by the way. I knew we’d meet again, though honestly I didn’t think it would be this early in the game. It’s a nice surprise, even more so that it involves some weird love triangle.” Victoria’s obviously proud of herself as she arches a brow with a cunning smirk.