Chapter Thirty
TYLER
It’s been a week since Victoria showed her ugly face.
Robert acted like he had no idea who she was, but I don’t buy it.
The guy’s a sleazy motherfucker, and even if he’s being truthful, Victoria’s vindictive.
I called Eric to tell him, and he was just as shocked as I was when I saw her.
He believes she’s up to something and might be planning to retaliate for partaking in the deposition.
If she knows what’s good for her, she’ll take her shady ass back to Vegas where she belongs.
The garage has been busy, but I have no complaints.
Now that Gemma doesn’t avoid me anymore, I look forward to arriving early and staying late.
She and Everleigh hung out a few nights ago, but this time, they let me crash their girls’ night.
I didn’t even care that they made me watch Hocus Pocus because I got to be near Gemma.
I don’t have to work at the gym today and just want to spend my Saturday with Gemma. After I drink a cup of coffee, I work up the courage to text her.
Tyler
Do you have plans tonight?
Gemma
Besides eating ice cream with Tom Hanks, nothing.
Tyler
You have a weird obsession with him.
Gemma
Not any weirder than your Jack Nicholson infatuation.
I laugh because she has a point.
Tyler
Well, speaking of which, I’d like to make you dinner tonight. Then maybe we could watch The Shining since you’ve never seen it. What do you think?
Gemma
Just the two of us?
My throat tightens because I can’t decipher if she’s asking with excitement or panic.
Tyler
Yes, just the two of us. Well, and Jack Nicholson
Gemma
I guess I can squeeze it into my very busy schedule for you and Jack.
I can hear her sarcasm in my head, and her smart mouth causes me to chuckle. I don’t want to freak her out and call it a “date,” but I like the idea of us moving in that direction. I’m okay with going slow so we can see where things go, as long as she wants the same.
I’m sure she won’t mind hanging out in private because there’s no prying eyes. Now that the rumor mill has started about her and Robert breaking up, everyone suspects she’s heartbroken.
Tyler
Well, thank you for making time for us. We appreciate it.
Gemma
Of course. What time?
Tyler
Six? We can eat, then watch the movie after.
Gemma
Sounds good. I’ll see you then.
She ends her text with two red hearts, and I’ve officially lost my man card because it makes me giddy as hell.
Now I need to figure out what I’m going to make, grocery shop, and perhaps find a new shirt.
I’m glad Everleigh’s at work this morning so she can’t give me shit for overpreparing, though I wish I had her insight on what to cook. It’s been so long since Gemma and I have spent an evening together, and I want it to be special.
After researching some recipe ideas and making a decision, I text my sister.
Tyler
I’m hitting the grocery store soon. You need anything?
Everleigh
As a matter of fact, I do. Hold on, I’ll send you my list.
This can’t be good.
Moments later, I get a screenshot with a list of items.
Make sure the eyeliner is black and the tampons are regular. Thanks!
She can’t be serious.
Groaning, I grab my wallet and keys, then head to the store. Everleigh walked to work this morning and left me her car in case I needed it. I can’t wait till I can buy a vehicle so I won’t have to rely on her so much. Though I appreciate it, I hate having to ask.
I decided to go with steak tips with mushrooms and gravy. I haven’t had it in years, and I think she’ll love it. Then, for dessert, we’ll have cheesecake, and if I remember correctly, she liked hers topped with fresh strawberries.
After I grab everything along with Everleigh’s grocery items, I head to the other side of the store.
I have no idea what I’m searching for or what the hell eyeliner looks like.
I snatch the first one I find and toss it into the cart.
Then I make my way over to the next aisle and find no less than a dozen varieties of tampons.
How did me offering to buy food turn into looking through the makeup and feminine product aisles?
I find a box that has the word regular on it and hope it’s right.
Otherwise, Everleigh’s shit outta luck and can do her own damn shopping next time.
Once I check out and pay, I drive to a shop on Main Street to find a new shirt.
Most of my wardrobe consists of workout tees or sweatshirts.
But tonight, I’d like to wear a button-up and something more formal.
An older gentleman helps me find what I’m looking for, then talks me into a new pair of jeans and a belt.
He’s a great salesman, and I have to cut him off before I blow my budget.
“She’s a lucky lady,” he says as he rings me up.
“Excuse me?” I pull my wallet from my back pocket.
“I assume you have a date.”
“No. Well, yes, kinda.”
He grins. “Kinda? I think she’ll get the memo as soon as she sees you. In fact, walk around to the barber shop and find Vin. I’m sure he can fit you in for a cut.”
Brushing my hand through my hair, I realize it has been a while. “You think I need one?”
He casually shrugs. “Your beard could use a trim too.”
Well then. People in this town are sometimes too honest for their own good.
“Thanks for the tip.”
“No problem.” He smiles and gives me my total.
I put my bags in the car, then walk to the place he mentioned. Couldn’t hurt to get cleaned up I guess, though Gemma’s definitely gonna notice. I’m not sure if that’ll be a good thing or not yet.
“Hello,” an older man with a beer belly greets me.
“Hi, I’m Tyler. Do you have time for a haircut and a beard trim?” I ask, explaining the guy at the store recommended him. His mouth turns up, and he ushers me over to his chair.
“Let me take a look at you, son.”
We discuss what type of cut, and I give him free rein. Forty-five minutes later, the hair on my head and face is trimmed, and I feel like a new man.
“Wow. You did a good job.” I smirk.
“Thank you. Come back in four weeks.”
I chuckle at his demand. “Okay.”
After I’m finally home, I unpack the groceries and my clothes, then take a shower. Everleigh comes home and nearly squeals when she sees me.
“Holy shit. Where’re you headed?”
“You’re home earlier than usual,” I deflect.
“Cara’s closing tonight. And don’t change the subject. You have a date.”
“It’s not a date,” I counter. “I put your lady things in the bathroom.”
“My lady things?” She snorts. “I can’t believe you bought them.”
I snap my eyes to her. “You told me to!”
“I added them as a joke, but it’s nice to know that when a woman’s in crisis, you’ll rise to the occasion.”
“You’re such a brat.”
“You love me.”
I shake my head and make a mental note to get her back later.
“Now, tell me where you’re going.”
“Gemma’s,” I mutter as I grab all the ingredients and place them in a bag.
“Oh em gee!” she squeals.
“Stop that.”
“I knew it. You two are destined together.”
“I don’t believe in destiny.”
“What? Why not?”
“I just don’t. Things happen due to actions, not because of some special universe game.”
“You’re just jaded. I bet you’ll think differently in a few months.”
“Doubtful.” I move around the kitchen counter and into the other room to find my shoes.
“You’re all dressed up for a date and now you’re packing food. Are you cooking?” she asks with way too much enthusiasm.
“Yes,” I say, then explain what I’m making.
“Then eating her for dessert?” She waggles her brows.
I groan and grab my shit. “I’m leaving now.”
“Alright, have fun! I won’t wait up for you,” she calls out, snorting. “Don’t be loud when you come home tomorrow morning.”
“You need to get a life so you can stay out of mine,” I tease.
“Don’t count on it since you’ll be marrying and making babies with my best friend.” She smirks when I shake my head and open the door. “Which means no using protection! You can’t make a baby that way.”
“You should stop drinking before five. It’s a bad habit.” She’s gotta be wasted if she’s talking about marriage and kids.
“It’s almost six,” she gloats.
“Then by all means, get smashed.”
“Not that I need your permission, but Ruby and I are hanging out at the pub later tonight.”
“What about Katie?”
“She couldn’t find a sitter.”
I would’ve offered to hang out with Owen if I didn’t already have plans.
“Okay, well I gotta go. Behave yourself,” I mock, then walk to the car and load everything.
By the time I park in Gemma’s driveway, I’m a ball of nerves. I shouldn’t be this damn anxious, but I am.
Grabbing my stuff, I go to her door and knock. As I inhale a deep breath, she opens it and beams at me.
“Wow,” I exhale and scan my eyes down her blue dress that coincidentally matches my shirt. “You look beautiful.”
Breathtaking, actually.
“Thank you.” She licks her lips and blushes. I love when her cheeks tint that shade of pink. “And you look quite handsome yourself.” Gemma steps back, allowing me to enter. “Did you get a haircut?”
I chuckle as I head to the kitchen. “I did.”
Then I tell her about the guy who recommended the place and fill her in on Everleigh’s shopping scheme as I unload the items.
“I can’t believe you fell for that.” She laughs as she opens the bottle of wine I brought. Gemma pours it into two glasses, then hands one over.
“She’s feistier than I remember,” I defend. “When I left, she was a sweet angel. You and Katie must be to blame.”
“Trust me, she was anything but sweet. She was handing out condoms at a school fundraiser.”
I take a sip of my drink and nearly choke. “Wait, what?”
“Yep. She made a sign too. Our body, our choice, our right. Then threw condoms like confetti.”
“For fuck’s sake.” I let out a breath. “How did I not hear about that?”
“She almost got expelled, but your grandma marched down there and had ‘words.’” She uses air quotes, and I snort.
“That couldn’t have been good.” I chuckle, digging around and grabbing a pot and pan. “Wow. So, she’s always been this way.”
“Ohhh yeah. Between the three of us, she’s the instigator. Katie’s the logical one, always trying to reason with her bad ideas.”