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Her eyes are sad. “I wish this wasn’t happening. I’m really sorry, Tyler. My heart is breaking for you and Gemma.”
“It’s gonna be okay, I promise,” I tell her, but she’s not convinced. “Just be there for your bestie. She’s gonna need you today.”
“I am. I won’t take my eyes off her. But anyway, I’ll be home later tonight. If you need anything, let me know.”
“Thanks,” I say, running my fingers through my hair, knowing they’re all going to watch a fake wedding with a bride who’ll be too drunk to stand. I almost smirk but make sure I don’t. “Have fun.”
“Fun?” She groans. “Yeah, right. It’s like going to a funeral.” She gives me a half-smile. “See ya.”
When I hear the front door close, I go to the kitchen and make a sandwich. Though I hate the thought of Gemma pretending to marry him, I have the satisfaction of knowing she’smywife, and soon, everyone will know the truth.
FOUR DAYS EARLIER
It’s barely past eight, and I’ve already worked out, made breakfast, and done a load of laundry. The tension of not knowing what happened last night is bothering the fuck out of me. I can’t get my mind off it. After I take a shower, my phone rings, and I immediately light up when I see it’s Gemma.
“Hey, hubby,” she purrs, and I can hear the sheets rustling. I know she’s alone, and I wish I could barge over there and kiss her all over.
“Good morning, wife. Well, how’d it go? I’ve been going crazy waiting to hear.”
She laughs. “The Fireball did the trick. And if you’re wondering, yes, it’s absolutely still my kryptonite. By the time I got home last night, I was puking, and he was so disgusted. Never seen a grown man get so squeamish over vomit. After he cussed me out for drinking too much, I told him I’d make it up to him over the honeymoon and made him believe I actually wanted him to knock me up. That seemed to butter him right up. He said he’ll keep his end of the deal then and will meet me Monday morning after his lawyer drafts up the deed agreement. He then asked if that earned him a BJ on the plane.” She makes a gagging noise. “Too bad I won’t be going.”
I chuckle at the way she sing-songs that last part. “Thank God.” I blow out a relieved breath. “So how’s the hangover?”
“Oh, it sucks, but having to screw him would’ve been much worse.”
“Absolutely.” I know Robert isn’t there because she wouldn’t risk calling me. “So where’d he go?”
“Client breakfast and will be schmoozing them all day at the golf course. I could really use one of your amazing breakfasts right now to soak up all this cinnamon in my stomach. Each time I burp, it’s horrible,” she tells me. “I may never drink that crap again.”
“Everleigh said the same thing.” I smirk, remembering her stories about her twenty-first birthday. “I’m glad you’re okay and so damn relieved he didn’t touch you. Less than a week and we’ll get to be together, baby.”
“I can’t wait. Anyway, just wanted to hear your voice before I called Eric next.”
“Alrighty, have fun! Teach him all the tricks of the trade,” I say.
“Will do,” she tells me, and we exchange “I love you’s,” then the call ends. I plop down on the couch and force myself to wipe away my grin because I don’t need Everleigh busting my balls.
THREE DAYS EARLIER
Monday morning comes bright and early. I won’t be able to concentrate until Gemma texts me and confirms the deed has been signed and filed. Since Gemma’s coming into work late, Jerry and I have been taking turns helping customers. All morning, I’ve been busting my ass, moving around like I drank ten cups of coffee, and Jerry notices.
“You good?” he asks.
“Yeah, fine,” I tell him and grin, though he’s not convinced.
“You know, I’m really sorry about all of this, Tyler. I know you love my da—”
“Mr. Reid. With all due respect, there’s no need to apologize. Gemma’s a smart woman, and I know she’s made the right decision. It’s water under the bridge.” I pat him on the back and get back to my tasks.
He offers me a sad smile, and I wish I could tell him the truth because it’s obvious how much this has affected him. He’ll know soon enough, and it’s what keeps me going.
When my phone vibrates in my pocket, I tell Jerry I’m taking a quick coffee and donut break because cell phones are his pet peeve. Once I’m in the lobby, I pull out my cell and see a text from Gemma.
Gemma: It’s signed and notarized. Just filed it at the courthouse. It’s a done deal, baby. We’ll be together soon.
I quickly text her back with a shit-eating grin on my face.
Tyler: Fuck yeah, sweetheart. I’m counting down the days.
