Chapter Fourteen #3
“Sounds like he’s manipulating you. On top of that, he’s controlling. I don’t remember you guys ever fighting this much before.”
“The only thing we argued about mostly was how much he worked, wanting to spend more time with him, and him wanting to set a date and moving in together. Now it’s like he wants to argue about everything until I agree with him.”
“And we both know you can’t keep going back and forth like that. Random question, but how does Robert feel about me?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, does he know my brother lives here? I’m kinda thinking not because if so, he’d probably tell you to stop hanging out with me. He’s too jealous not to. I don’t want his insecurities to come between us, Gemma. It would break my heart. You’re my best friend in the whole world.”
Her words make me smile.
“You’re family, Everleigh. I’d tell him to fuck off.”
Though I don’t know if Robert realizes Tyler lives here or not. He hasn’t asked, and I’ve never told him, though it only makes sense, considering Tyler needs help getting back on his feet.
She laughs. “Yeah, right.”
“I would, trust me. No one will ever come between my dad and me or you and me. It’s like he wants to take me away from everyone who means anything to me so he can have me all to himself.
But even if he had all my time, he’s too busy to give me any of his.
I think he means well, and he has a big heart.
It’s what made me fall for him in the first place.
But something’s different with him lately, and I have a feeling it’s not gonna get better if we can’t work through all these issues before the wedding.
I’m not getting married just to get a divorce. ”
“I don’t think anyone plans for that but imagine how much more difficult it’d be to get out when you have kids. A lot of women stay with abusive husbands because they’re afraid of what will happen to their kids if they leave.”
“Robert would never hit me,” I say confidently.
“If he’s manipulating you, Gemma, then he’s emotionally abusing you. It’s not a stretch to think things could turn into verbal and physical abuse too.”
Her words make me sick to my stomach because she’s right. While I could never see Robert hurting me, he’s definitely hurt me in other ways.
The water stops, and I can almost hear blood pumping through my veins. The bathroom door opens, and I catch a glimpse of Tyler with wet hair and a towel wrapped low around his waist, showing off his ripped body. I hurry and turn away before I get caught.
“Well, you need to talk to him.”
“Who?”
“Robert,” she clarifies. “Put your foot down now so he knows where you stand. Make it crystal clear that you won’t tolerate his behavior and that you aren’t quitting just because he’s uncomfortable with who else works there. He should trust you no matter what anyway.”
I nod, knowing it’s what I have to do. If we’re going to be together, there needs to be mutual respect. Robert and I have a good time when it’s just the two of us alone, but those moments are few and far between lately.
“If you still want to marry him, try to work things out so you two can get back to a happy place. Perhaps he needs to work on his own issues first if he’s acting this way about my brother. What happens when another single man moves to town? Is he gonna think you’re screwing him too?”
I snort, then look around, hoping Tyler isn’t eavesdropping. “We barely speak to each other at work, and when we do, it’s quick and to the point. Tyler and I are a non-issue. I don’t even know why he’s made it into something more in his head.”
“Tell Robert that, not me, and if he can’t accept your decision, then drop his ass like a bad habit. I mean, is it too much to ask for my brother to marry my best friend so then you can officially be my sister? Then you two can have a million babies and make me the happiest auntie in the world.”
“Yes,” I hear Tyler say from behind the couch, which makes me tense. “It’s entirely too much to ask.”
He sounds pissed, and his voice comes out like a growl. “Everleigh, you’re gonna have to stop with this shit. Gemma’s engaged. She’s getting married. End of story.”
I can’t read her expression as she looks at him with her head tilted. It’s as if she’s aware of something I’m not, but I can’t ask her while Tyler’s close.
“Yeah, well, her fiancé told her to quit working at the garage because of you and—”
“Everleigh,” I interrupt.
“What? Why?” Tyler snaps, glaring.
“It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it,” I rush out, then give Everleigh a death stare.
“I’m sorry,” she whispers. “Tequila made me do it.”
I shake my head. “Stupid margaritas. Stupid Robert. Stupid everything. I’m just having a shitty day.”
Tyler sits in the recliner across from us. I look up and swallow hard, needing air or an escape.
“Be right back.” I excuse myself and walk to the bathroom. I can’t think clearly with him near, especially with alcohol in my system, and everything that happened with Robert tonight just makes it worse.
When did things get so complicated?