Chapter Twenty-Five
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.
He’s always been a man of his word, so I’m waiting for him to retaliate because he 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 my 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 react badly, so why did I 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 different 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 me 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 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 watching me and fucking 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’m about to 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.
“What’d you cook?”
“Shrimp and grits.”
“It’s my favorite. You remembered?”
He chuckles, and the sound is inviting and warm. “I 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 out the grit patties he roasted from the oven, covers them with foil, then sets them on the stovetop. The way he moves so comfortably in the kitchen 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 myself 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’s not 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 tell him what happened, from finding the receipt in Robert’s desk to having his client congratulate us on getting married before the end of the year.
“Wait. He moved the wedding date without telling you?”
“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, standing to go to stir the roux, but then he 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, so 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 to get me.
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 is 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 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.”