Chapter Twenty-Seven
GEMMA
I’m glad it’s finally Friday. This week has been a roller coaster of emotions, and I’m ready to have a relaxing weekend. I want to open the windows, enjoy the cold front that’s moving through, and clean my house. Adulting at its finest.
I’m extra excited this morning since Mrs. Wright delivered maple bacon donuts. She only makes them a few months out of the year, and I nearly die when the aroma fills the room.
“I know you love them, so I threw in a few extra.” She winks.
“Dad’s gonna be really happy,” I tell her. “Thank you so much.”
“Welcome, hon. Have a good day.” Mrs. Wright leaves with a smile and a bounce to her step.
When I take one out of the box, I’m surprised it’s still warm. I pour a cup of coffee, then enter the garage.
“Daddy!” I shout.
“Yeah?” he answers, standing by his toolbox. As I walk over to him, his eyes widen in excitement.
“It’s that season again already?” He grins and takes them from my hands. “Thanks, sweetie. You deserve a raise.”
“You should tell that to my boss,” I tease just as Tyler comes through the door with wet hair.
“Good morning,” he says, then quickly gets to work.
“Mornin’,” Dad says around a mouthful.
“Morning,” I mumble softly, studying him. He must’ve worked out this morning because he’s freshly showered. Our eyes meet, and I smile before heading back to the lobby.
It’s insane how much he affects me with just one look.
I try to push the thoughts away and concentrate on my to-do list. As is usual on Fridays, the schedule is jam-packed today.
The morning passes so fast that I’m shocked when lunchtime rolls around. Tyler comes in and hands me a set of keys for a customer’s vehicle. His fingers brush against mine, and I try to hold back a smile.
“I parked it on the side,” he tells me, lingering for just a moment.
He glances down at my hand and lifts an eyebrow when he notices I’m still wearing my engagement ring.
While he doesn’t say anything, he also doesn’t have to.
The expression on his face and the way he tilts his head show me exactly what he’s thinking.
“I’m telling my dad this weekend. Tomorrow, actually. That way he can have some space to process the news. It’s not something you drop during a workweek.”
Tyler shrugs. “It’s not my business, Gemma. You have to do what’s best for you when the time is right.”
“Any plans for lunch?”
“Who’s asking?” Tyler leans against the counter, throwing me a smirk.
Damn. Has he always been this sexy?
“I’m thinking about going to the pub for a burger. If you wanna join…”
“Let me text Ruby and ask.” He barely gets the words out before chuckling.
I’m tempted to smack him. “You’re never gonna let me live that down, are you?”
“Nope. It’s filed away next to you stripping down naked in your cottage after the bar that night.”
I tuck my bottom lip into my mouth and blush. “You suck.”
He leans in a little farther. “I lick too.”
My breasts rise and fall rapidly, and the only thing that pulls me away is my father coming inside. He looks over at us, and Tyler immediately straightens his position.
“Daddy, I’m running down to the pub for lunch. Want anything?”
He shakes his head. “Nah, thought I’d go down to the deli and get a turkey sandwich. Thanks, though.”
“Alright, sounds good,” I say as Tyler goes back into the garage.
My dad stares at me as he pours a cup of coffee. “Gemma,” he says, and I can hear the warning in his voice.
“Don’t.” I stop him before he can continue. “It’s not what you think.”
He studies me, but I stand my ground, not wanting to have this conversation right now. Thankfully, an older gentleman walks in and steals my attention away. I’m happy for the interruption as Dad leaves the lobby.
I don’t like him thinking poorly of Tyler, who should be the least of our worries in my current situation. Robert has been too quiet, which is more frightening than his vicious threats.
Soon, it’s time for lunch, and I wait for Tyler, but when he comes into the lobby, he’s frowning.
“Gem, I think it’s best if I don’t join you for lunch. I’m sor—”
“Don’t apologize. I completely understand. How about I bring you a burger instead? I mean, it’s not shrimp and grits, but it’s a hot meal.” I smirk, hoping to lighten the mood.
He instantly perks up. “Sounds great.”
Tyler goes to the break room, and I take a stroll down to 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.
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?”
Shaking my head, I 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’s 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, beaming.
“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’ve 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 with the financial statements, ignoring my phone and all the messages Robert keeps sending me. When I think about him, my anxiety spikes, and 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 closes 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 concern.”
Reaching out, he grabs my arm firmly, not caring if he’s hurting me or not, and 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.