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“Delicious,” I interject. “Belinda makes a mean turkey and cheese.”
Jerry slams the door and eyes me. “Back to work in fifteen.”
“Yes, sir.”
The room stays silent until he walks out, and we hear the shop door slam shut.
“Fuck, he’s pissed.”
“I haven’t told him about Robert yet, so he thinks…”
“That I’m trying to seduce you so you’ll leave your fiancé.”
“Yeah, probably. I’m gonna have to spill the beans soon.”
“Well…” I stand, then push in my chair. “Maybe sooner than later since I have to work with him. He’s a nice guy and all, but I don’t want to have to duck from tools being thrown at my head.”
Gemma giggles with a smirk. “Promise. When the time’s right, I’ll tell him everything.”
“Great. I’ll wear a hard hat until then.” I flash her a wink.
“Just tell him about Ruby and that he has nothing to worry about.”
Does she seriously believe I’m with Ruby?
“Good point,” I say, though I have no intention of doing that. “See you tonight around seven? Need to stop by the store and hit the shower first.”
“Yep, see you then.”
I throw my trash away, then brave the next four hours with a man who thinks I’m trying to steal his daughter away from her future husband.
This should be very interesting.
CHAPTERTWENTY-FIVE
GEMMA
The restof 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 ratherbuyingmy 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.
