Chapter Twenty-Nine #2
“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. I recompose myself then meet my dad outside so we can head to the farmers’ 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 totally girls’ night movie worthy,” Katie says. “And who doesn’t wish they’d get swept off their feet by a handsome, rich man after he’s shown you the glamorous life?”
“Sounds like my kind of happily ever after.” Everleigh nods.
“You two are twisted. Minus how they met, that was almost my future, remember? It’s not as great as it sounds.”
“Oh shit. I’m sorry, Gemma. I wasn’t thinking.” Everleigh holds up her drink. “Clearly. We can turn off the movie and talk about it.”
“There’s nothing to discuss.” I wave her off. “Y’all knew I was second-guessing everything, and now that the wedding is officially called off, I’m 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. “Now we can work on making you my future sister-in-law.”
Rolling my eyes, I take a long chug of my margarita to avoid responding.
The door whips open.
Speak of the devil.
Tyler walks in with Ruby.
“Hey,” he greets.
“Ruby, join us!” Everleigh squeals, then 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?”
We laugh at the faux hurt in his tone.
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. He excuses himself and walks down the hallway.
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.
Gemma
You’re too sweet. Sorry we stole your friend. Do you want some company?
Tyler
I mean it. Nah, that’s okay. I don’t want to steal you from them, even if my sister is being obnoxious and loud.
Gemma
She was drinking before I even got here. Katie too.
Tyler
I overheard Everleigh and Katie talking the other day about Noah. I think Katie’s getting anxious about it.
Noah has over a year left in prison, but I think Tyler being back has made her think about him more. I imagine she’s wondering how she’ll face him when he comes home.
Gemma
Maybe after a few more drinks, I can get her to spill the tea.
I laugh at the GIF of a woman sipping tea and hit send.
Tyler
Haha. Isn’t that what girls’ nights are for? Just make sure to talk slow and loud so I can eavesdrop.
Gemma
Ha!
Not wanting to be rude, I put my phone away. I’m half-listening to them chat as my mind circles back to Tyler. Could we actually work as a couple and be happy again? My heart says yes, but my head is skeptical. The chemistry between us is as strong as ever, but I’m still scared he’ll leave again.
And if that happens, I won’t be able to survive it twice.