by Kennedy Fox
“Gemma?”
“Hmm?”
“What’s burnin’?”
My mouth falls open as I smell smoke coming from the toaster. “Shit!” I quickly unplug it and remove the dark, crisp bread. “Whoops. I’ll make more, hold on.”
“You sure you don’t want any help?”
I turn off the stove and slide the pan from the burner before I burn that too. “No, I’ve got it. Just sit tight.”
Ten minutes later, I have our food plated and set on the table with coffee refills.
“Smells delicious, sweetie.” Dad beams as he dives into his omelet.
“Thanks. Sorry, I’m distracted.”
“I can see that. What’s goin’ on?”
Swallowing hard, I stare at my food and blow out a ragged breath. It’s now or never.
I look up at him, trying to stay strong. “I called off the wedding,” I say, ripping off the Band-Aid.
Dad immediately lowers his fork and frowns. “Oh.”
I close my eyes to keep the tears from falling. I’m not crying over the loss of my relationship with Robert. It’s the disappointment on my dad’s face that makes me emotional. I tried to prepare myself for his reaction, but it didn’t do any good.
“Did you two break up last night?”
Nodding, I wipe my wet cheeks with my napkin. “I ended it earlier this week. Marrying a man I wasn’t in love with anymore didn’t feel right.” It’s the truth, just not the whole truth.
“I only want you to be happy, Gemma. I hope you know that.”
“I do, but I feel awful because you’ve been so excited to walk me down the aisle and have talked about it for months. I was scared you’d be upset with me.”
Dad reaches across the table and squeezes my hand. “Of course, I like the idea of you getting married and starting a family, but it has to be with the right man. That’s all that matters to me. Maybe I got excited by the way Robert could take care of you, but I only want what’s best for you.”
“I can take care of myself, Daddy,” I assure him with a small smile.
“You sure can. C’mere.”
Pushing my chair back, I walk over to my dad and wrap my arms around him. He hugs me tightly and kisses my forehead. Relief floods through me.
“The whole town is gonna know in a matter of hours,” I whine. “I hate how they all gossip.”
“Don’t worry about them. They’ll talk about it for a couple of days, then move on to the next big thing.”
God, I hope so. I just want to put this all behind me and start over.
“I have to ask,” he mutters when I take my seat across from him. “Does your change of heart have anything to do with Tyler?”
“Dad!” I gasp, shocked he’d ask that. “I’ve already told you that we’re only friends.”
“I’ve noticed the way he looks at you, Gem. I may be old, but I’m not blind.”
That causes me to snort, and I shake my head. “My feelings for Tyler are…complicated, but regardless, marrying Robert hasn’t felt right for a long while. Way before Tyler returned.”
“If it helps, I like Tyler a lot. He’s a hard worker, and it’s obvious he wants to get his life back on track. But I didn’t appreciate the way he left you all those years ago. I could tell you were heartbroken.”
The memory of my dad trying to help me through that sad time of my life brings back bad memories. “I was, but we were only kids then. He’s grown up since then. We both have. We’re friends, we work together, and talk. That’s it.”
I’m not sure if he buys my casual way of ending this conversation, but he doesn’t push it any further. We continue talking while we eat and finish our coffee. After we clean the kitchen and wash the dishes, Dad suggests we walk to the farmers' market, and I agree.
We stop by the boutique that’s packed with teenagers and their moms. I notice her new inventory and fall decorations and feel so damn proud of what she’s accomplished.
“Hey!” Everleigh wraps me in her arms. “Sorry, we’re swamped.”
“I see that! No worries. It’s a good thing.”
“Hey, Jerry.” Everleigh gives him a side hug, and he kisses her cheek.
“Hey, sweetie. How’re things goin’?”
“Great!” Her eyes light up when she focuses her attention past me.
Over my shoulder, I catch a glimpse of Tyler walking in with Sassy. My heart races as butterflies swarm my stomach. After the protective way he got me out of the restaurant last night, my mind has been running wild. He’s wearing dark jeans and a blue T-shirt that shows off his arms. The facial hair on his jawline is longer, and though he typically keeps it trimmed, I kinda like it this way too.
“Hi,” Tyler says to all of us when he gets closer. I sheepishly grin, embarrassed that my dad is with me and watching our interaction. “Thought I’d take the dog for a walk and stop in to visit.”
“Yay! My girl.” Everleigh immediately drops to her knees and loves on Sassy. “Are you being good for your daddy?”
Tyler chokes and backs away, causing me to chuckle. “What? Don’t say that. It’s creepy.”
“No way! Whether you like it or not, you’re the only male figure in her life right now.”
I snort, shaking my head.
“This isn’t funny.”
Wrinkling my nose, I laugh harder. “It’s a little funny.”
He scowls, which is super adorable, considering Tyler’s all man and muscle.
“I’m your brother, so if anything, that’d make me her uncle,” he corrects Everleigh.
“Stop being dramatic. Don’t forget to give her treats when you get home,” she reminds him.
“Yeah, yeah. I know the drill.”
“Don’t fight it, son,” my dad says, patting Tyler’s shoulder. “Women bring home pets, and they become yours.”
“So I’m learning.” Tyler scoffs.
“Be thankful I never got a cat. Then again, it’s not too late,” Everleigh taunts.
“Please don’t. I need to save up more money before I can move out, so at least wait until then.”
Everleigh’s hands move to her hips, and she pouts. “Ha-ha. You’re staying with me forever.”
“I’m sure your future husband would approve of that, no problem.” Tyler rolls his eyes.
“Oh, he would. You’ll just be included in all the baggage I bring to the relationship. He already has to accept that my first loves are my job and Sassy. Next, is you—my brother who lives with me and cooks for me.”
“And there it is. The only reason you want me there.”
“I thought I was clear on that?” Everleigh teases.
As they bicker, Katie and Owen enter and make it a reunion. My dad greets them, then tells me he’ll meet me outside when I’m done.
“What’s going on?” Katie asks.
“Just siblings fighting like cats and dogs while literally arguing about cats and dogs.”
Katie bursts out laughing. “Damn, I missed all the fun.”
“Swear word!” Owen shouts, then opens his palm.
Katie groans as she digs into her purse. “He was a lot cuter before he could talk.”
Everleigh and I giggle as she hands Owen a dollar bill.
“My parents are watching him tonight. Wanna get Mexican food and drink margaritas?”
“I’d love to,” Tyler interrupts with a shit-eating smirk.
“Girls’ night, sorry,” Katie sing-songs sarcastically. “If you’re there, we won’t be able to talk about you.”
Blood rushes to my face, and my cheeks heat.
“And trust me, I hear there’s a lot to talk about,” Katie says pointedly.
I turn to Tyler, who’s shooting daggers at Everleigh, who must’ve shared what she knew. She’s so busted.
“What? Katie and I chatted this morning, and it kinda slipped out.” Everleigh gives me an apologetic look, then shrugs it off. It grows awkward, so she busies herself by reorganizing clothes. “Oh, Cara needs help
at the register. Gotta go! But count me in for tonight! Bye!” She shoots me a wink.
I glare at her, knowing she’s full of shit because her new employee is handling it just fine.
“Alright, well I better go too. Don’t want all the fresh fruit to sell out.” Katie smirks, then glances between Tyler and me. She and Owen walk out, leaving us alone.
“Sorry, I told Everleigh.”
“It’s totally fine. They would’ve found out eventually. Guess I need to accept that it’s only a matter of time before everyone else does too.”
“I’d ask if you’re okay, but that feels like a dumb question.”
The roughness in his tone makes me smile. He’s nervous.
“Nah, it’s alright. I talked to my dad this morning and told him about the wedding.”
“Really?” His eyes light up. “How’d he take it?”
“Surprisingly well. I feel a huge weight lifted off my shoulders now.”
“Good. I’m happy to hear that. I know how worried you were about having that conversation.” Seeing Tyler’s genuine concern makes my heart burst.
“He asked about you too,” I add.
With an arched brow, he gives me a cocky grin. “Yeah?”
“I explained we were just friends and you had nothing to do with the breakup. Though I’m not sure he believed me.”
“What’s the real reason then?”
I lower my gaze, noticing Sassy’s getting restless. “It’s…complicated?”
Tyler chuckles with a nod. “Guess that works.”
Sassy whines and pulls on her leash. “You better go before she makes a mess in here,” I tell him. “Have a good weekend.”
“Yeah, you too.” Tyler turns toward the door, and I quickly stop him, then step closer.
“Thank you again for last night. I owe you one.”
“Owe me one, huh?” One side of his lips tilts up. “Guess I better think of something then.”
His insinuation causes me to blush. “Get out of here.”
Tyler flashes me a wink that causes my insides to melt, and I watch as he leaves with the dog. I recompose myself then meet my dad outside so we can head to the farmer’s market like planned.
As I soak in the tub, I can’t stop smiling while thinking about Tyler. After Dad and I came home, I did some laundry, then decided to take a bath before meeting Katie and Gemma for our girls’ night.
* * *
Dear Gemma,
You’re a real fresh breath of air, you know that? I love reading your letters even when you go in-depth about the movies you’ve watched. Helps me picture the scenes in my head and imagine I was there with you.
A few of my friends and I have leave this weekend. We’re gonna hit the bars and will most likely drink till we’re good and stupid. We’re meeting a bunch of locals and will probably regret everything on Monday morning, but letting loose has been a long time coming. We could use some time to forget about the long, shitty days, especially in this grueling heat. Let’s just say, I’ll never complain about Alabama summers again. If I do, you have my permission to kick my ass.
Every picture you’ve sent was hanging on the wall near my bed. Everleigh sent me a few too, and the bastards I share a room with were constantly staring at your photos. I even had to punch a guy for stealing one. Sick fuck. So they’re now tucked safely inside my notebook. I still look at yours every night before I go to sleep because they remind me of home. Although there isn’t much for me there, I can’t wait for the moment I’ll see you again.
I recently heard a new song, and it made me think of you. Look up “Power Over Me” and listen to the lyrics.
Talk soon.
Love, Tyler
* * *
I had just turned eighteen when he wrote that letter, and I immediately rushed to find that song. Then I searched for the lyrics, and they had my heart lodged in my throat. I even found an interview where the singer explained what it meant to be completely enamored with somebody. And I instantly understood.
For weeks, I was in shock and giddy. Though I wasn’t positive, I felt like my unrequited feelings weren’t one-sided after all. No matter what Tyler wrote, my teenage brain was insecure and thought he was just trying to be nice since I was his sister’s best friend.
It turns out, he’d been falling for me for a long time. Even knowing now what happened between us, I still wouldn’t have done anything different. I’d do it all over again.
As I sip a glass of wine, surrounded by bubbles, I think back to when I first met Robert. It hadn’t been instant attraction, and I’d rejected him the first couple of months he asked me out. Eventually, I convinced myself it was time to move on and that I was pathetic for not pursuing a relationship at my age. I pressured myself to open my heart again so I could prove I wasn’t broken.
Robert was charming from the start. He always sent gifts and gave me countless compliments. In a way, he was too good to be true, but everyone kept telling me I was lucky and deserved him. So we kept going on dates, and I wanted to desperately believe what people said about his character. It’d been a long time since a man’s hands had touched me, and I’d finally had the desire to feel that again.
Within six months, Robert was calling and texting me all day long, reminding me how much he loved and wanted a future with me. It happened so fast that I told myself I wanted that too, but now I realize I was only covering my pain.
I knew if I couldn’t give myself to someone as great as Robert, then there was no hope for me.
I wanted the loving husband and kids. I wasn’t getting any younger, so when he proposed in front of a crowd, I couldn’t say no. All the red flags were there, yet I ignored them. If I wouldn’t have put so much pressure on myself to get married, I might’ve seen who he truly was—a manipulative asshole.
As I drown in regret, my thoughts wander to the idea of having a future with Tyler. My heart wants to believe he’s staying, but my head wonders if Lawton Ridge will really be enough for him—or if I could be.
Whatever happens between us can’t be rushed. Though my body remembers his every touch, we need a fresh start.
After an hour of soaking, I dry off and get ready to hang out with the girls. We’re meeting at Everleigh’s, which means Tyler will be there at some point. While I should be wallowing in the loss of a two-year relationship and broken engagement, the idea of seeing Tyler gives me butterflies.
“Heeeey!” Everleigh pulls me inside after she opens the door.
“Good lord. Did you start drinking already?” I giggle when I catch a glimpse of Katie behind the counter with the blender.
“I couldn’t wait any longer.”
“I’m thirty seconds late,” I deadpan, glancing around for Tyler.
“Well, I was pre-gaming.”
With a snort, I walk to the kitchen. “Then I better catch up.”
When the three of us have full glasses and a large bowl of popcorn, we get cozy on the couch. Everleigh grabs the remote and turns on a movie.
“Pretty Woman,” I say. “Haven’t seen that one in years.”
“It’s a classic and total girls’ night movie worthy,” Katie smacks and pops some kernels in her mouth, then continues. “Who doesn’t wish they’d get swept off their feet by a handsome, rich man after he’s paid you thousands of dollars to be his escort?”
“Sounds like my kind of happily ever after.” Everleigh nods.
“You two are twisted. Minus the hooker and falling madly in love part, that was almost my future, remember? It’s not as great as it sounds.”
“Oh shit.” Everleigh covers her mouth. “I’m sorry, Gemma. I wasn’t thinking.” She holds up her drink. “Clearly. We can turn off the movie and talk about it.”
“There’s nothing to discuss,” I insist. “Y’all knew I was second-guessing everything, and now that the wedding is officially called off, I feel confident about my decision. I wouldn’t have been happy as his wife.”
“I’m glad you came to that
conclusion on your own,” Everleigh says in a serious tone. “Now we can work on making you my future sister-in-law,” she adds with enthusiasm.
Rolling my eyes, I take a long chug of my margarita to avoid responding.
The door whips open, and we turn and look.
Speak of the devil.
Tyler walks in with Ruby, and they greet us with wide smiles.
“Hey,” he says in a sexy baritone.
“Ruby, join us!” Everleigh squeals, then stands and grabs her hand, dragging her to the couch. “Sorry, Tyler. No boys allowed.”
“Alright, I was salty before for not getting invited, but now you stole my guest, and I still can’t join?” The sarcasm in his voice has Katie and me bursting out in laughter.
Tyler and Ruby are sweaty and in workout clothes. Though Tyler looks nice dressed up, I enjoy seeing him in gym shorts and a sleeveless tee too.
“This is why I don’t date straight chicks. They always wanna watch romantic comedies,” Ruby says, nodding at the screen.
“Wait. That’s an option?” Katie snickers.
Ruby chuckles. “Sometimes. They like the idea of being with a woman because they assume we’re less complicated, but a couple of months later, I always get the ‘I’m leaving you for a man’ talk.”
“Maybe they’re just bi-sexual?” Everleigh suggests with a grin.
“But the D always wins,” Tyler adds with a wink. The four of us stare at him. “What?” He shrugs, then walks down the hallway.
“He’s not wrong.” Everleigh smirks.
Moments later, I hear the sounds of water running and imagine Tyler naked in the shower. The girls chat as they watch Julia Roberts wear the smallest miniskirt ever, but my mind wanders elsewhere.
Halfway through the movie, my phone vibrates in my pocket. I suck in my lower lip to hide the goofy smile on my face when I see Tyler’s name on the screen, but it’s helpless.
Tyler: You look really pretty tonight.
I blush at his words and wish I could talk to him in person, but I promised Everleigh and Katie I’d hang out with them tonight. Plus, I never wanted to be that girl who ditched her friends for a guy. Though I have a feeling they’d understand.