Page 77 of Let Me Show You

Gemma

YAY!

I finish the email I was writing, then log off my computer. Once I’m in the lobby, I see Loretta and wave.

“Fancy seein’ you here,” I say as she looks around nervously. “You okay?”

“Oh yeah, sweetie. I’m fine. Just someone giving Elliot and me a hard time, so it’s got me a little flustered, but it’s nothing you need to worry about.”

I tilt my head and try to read her. Loretta’s a tough cookie and is always vocal about her feelings, so this is strange.

“What is it? Anything I can do?”

“No, dear. We’re handling it, and it’ll be over with soon.” She nervously smiles just as Missy calls her forward.

“Loretta, your withdrawal is ready. Sorry it took a few extra minutes.”

My eyes widen at the hundreds stacked on the counter. Then I notice the duffel bag Loretta’s carrying.

“You and Elliot goin’ on a gambling trip?” I tease.

She brushes me off with a laugh as she places the cash in her bag, then walks toward the exit.

“Bye, sweetie. See you tomorrow,” she says, and I wave.

I go to Missy and ask to see the withdrawal slip. It’s none of my business, but something fishy is going on, and it could affect my son.

“She’s never taken out that much at once,” Missy says quietly as she hands it to me.

“Twenty grand?” I whisper-hiss.

Missy shrugs.

Something is definitely going on.

I don’t have time to think about it because I need to leave for the gym. It’s a short ten-minute walk, and when I enter, Gemma hugs me as tightly as her preggo belly allows.

“Just on time!”

“Well, I was promised pizza so…”

“Plenty of it on the table,” Tyler says.

“You eat while I show you around,” Gemma says before grabbing me a slice and putting it on a paper plate.

I look for Noah, wondering where he is but don’t ask. Although Gemma knows we’re together, we’re still keeping our relationship on the down low. Tonight we have plans to hang out with Owen, but I was hoping to get to see him here too.

“And of course, my favorite room: the studio.” Gemma does a ta-da motion, and I smile at her excitement.

“Wow…it looks so good, babe. My yoga pants that have never gone to yoga just might now.”

Next, she shows me the room where the boxing ring will go. It’s not up yet, but the area is mostly finished.

“Gemma, your phone’s ringing. It’s your OB,” Tyler calls out.

“Oh, shoot. She’s got my test results. Be right back.” Gemma rushes in the other direction.

As I finish my pizza and set the plate down, I spot the locker rooms. Instead of waiting for Gemma’s guided tour, I take it upon myself to peek inside.