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I totally set myself up for that response.
Tyler: Get up. Eat breakfast. Put on some clothes because I’m taking you somewhere this afternoon.
Gemma: OOH! Where?
She always ruins her surprises.
Tyler: I’m not telling you, but dress to be outside until after dark.
Gemma: Okay! How much time do I have?
Tyler: I’m picking you up in 2 hours :)
Considering it’s the third week of October and the temperature has dropped significantly, I dress in a long-sleeve T-shirt and jeans. I even grab a light jacket because it’s been brisker at night. Before I leave, I take Sassy for a walk and think about hanging out with Gemma and creating new memories together. Once we’re back, I feed Sassy some dog treats, then head to the boutique to get Everleigh’s car.
Everleigh has the place decorated from head to toe in black and orange. Each corner has witches and wizards, the mannequins are skeletons, and spiderwebs dangle from the ceiling. She wanted to create a haunted house vibe with the music and sound effects. Every customer who enters is greeted by Cara, who’s dressed like a ghost and hands them bags of candy. Everleigh has outdone herself with the decorations, and it makes me chuckle. When she pops out from behind a mannequin wearing black lipstick, I pretend to be scared. “Got me!”
“Shut up, you didn’t even jump,” she says.
“Prison will do that to a person,” I remind her, and she shakes her head. “Keys, please?”
“I’ll give them to you underonecondition only,” she teases.
I groan. “Walking Sassy was the only thing you asked. Anything else isn’t a part of the deal we made.”
“Oh well.” She shrugs. “I want you to bring Gemma by the shop so I can finally see you two together in public.” She dangles the keyring on her pointer finger. I try to swipe them from her, but she’s too fast. “Say you will…”
“Oh my God. You’re so annoying.”
“Uh-uh,promiseme,” she continues, and I finally give in.
“Okay, fine. But we’re not staying long.”
She drops them in my palm. “Works for me.”
“You little shit,” I throw back before I turn on my heels.
“You love me!” she shouts across the way just as an animated ghost wiggles and flies on a string across the ceiling. Cara tries to hand me a bag of candy, but I refuse.
Once I’m in the car, I let out a laugh. Everleigh’s something else, but she’s right, I do love her along with all her ridiculous antics. She’s Gemma’s and my number one fan, and I appreciate how much she supports the idea of us being together. It’s something she’s wanted for longer than I can remember. She deserves a matchmaker award because she’s so damn sly.
It doesn’t take long before I’m turning into Gemma’s driveway. I’m almost twenty minutes early, but if I know her, she’s dressed and pacing, trying to figure out where I’m taking her. She won’t guess, and I threatened to feed Everleigh TV dinners for the next month if she slipped.
I knock on Gemma’s door, and she immediately wraps her arms around my neck and plants her lips on mine. “I’ve missed you.”
“Ialwaysmiss you,” I admit, taking in the sweetness of her skin. “You taste delicious.”
She grabs my hand and drags me inside. I cross my arms over my chest and smirk when I see what she’s wearing.
“Am I dressed properly? Should I change?” Concern covers her face.
I grab her hand and pull her closer. “It’s the season when all the basic ladies dress like Han Solo, so I’d say you nailed it. And you’ve even have a scarf with candy corn on too.”
She snickers and playfully smacks me. “Blame Everleigh! All of this came fromhershop. She’s a bad influence and makes me want to buy everything in there.”
“She’s really good at that, but truthfully, you’re dressed perfectly for the occasion. You’re beautiful.” I slide my lips against hers. “Ready?”
She sighs. “If you only knew how bad I wanted you right now.”
