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“I don’t think anyone plans for that but imagine how much more difficult it’d be to get out when you have kids. Women stay with their abusive husbands because they don’t want their kids growing up in a broken home.”
“Robert would never hit me,” I say confidently.
“If he’s manipulating you, Gemma, then he’semotionallyabusing you. It’s not a stretch to think things could turn to verbal and physical abuse too.”
Her words make me sick to my stomach because she’s right. While I could never see Robert hurting me, he’s definitely hurt me in other ways.
The water stops, and I can almost hear blood pumping through my veins. The bathroom door opens, and I catch a glimpse of Tyler with wet hair and a towel wrapped low around his waist, showing off his ripped body. I hurry and turn away before I get caught.
“Well, you need to talk to him.”
“Who?” I ask, my mind on someone else.
“Robert,” she clarifies. “Put your foot down now so he knows where you stand. Make it crystal clear how you feel about his behavior and that you aren’t quitting just because he’s uncomfortable with who else works there. He should trust you no matter what anyway.”
I nod, knowing it’s what I have to do. If we’re going to be together, there needs to be mutual respect. Robert and I have a good time when it’s just the two of us alone, but those moments are few and far between lately.
“If you still want to marry him, try to work things out so you two can get back to a happy place. Perhaps he needs to work on his own issues first if he’s acting this way about my brother. What happens when another single man moves to town? Is he gonna think you’re screwing him, too?”
I snort, then look around, hoping Tyler isn’t eavesdropping. “We barely speak to each other at work, and when we do, it’s quick and to the point. Tyler and I are a non-issue. I don’t even know why he’s built it up into his head to be more.”
“Tell Robert that, not me, and if he can’t accept your decision, then drop his ass like a bad habit. I mean, is it too much to ask for my brother to marry my best friend so then you can officially be my sister? Then you two can have a million babies and make me the happiest auntie in the world.”
“Yes,” I hear Tyler say from behind the couch, which makes me tense. “It’s entirely too much to ask.”
He sounds pissed, and his voice comes out like a growl. “Everleigh, you’re gonna have to stop with this shit. Gemma’s engaged. She’s getting married. End of story.”
I can’t read her expression as she looks at him with her head tilted. It’s as if she’s aware of something I’m not, but I can’t ask her while Tyler is close.
“Yeah, well, her fiancé told her to quit working at the garage because of you and—”
“Everleigh,” I interrupt.
“What? Why?” Tyler snaps, glaring.
“It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it,” I rush out, then give Everleigh a death stare.
“I’m sorry,” she whispers. “Tequila made me do it.”
I shake my head. “Stupid margaritas. Stupid Robert. Stupideverything. I’m just having a shitty day.”
Tyler sits in the recliner across from us. I look up at him and swallow hard, needing air or an escape.
“Be right back.” I excuse myself and walk to the bathroom. I can’t think clearly with him near, especially with alcohol in my system, and everything that happened with Robert tonight just makes it worse.
When did things get so complicated?
CHAPTERFIFTEEN
TYLER
When Gemma disappearsdown the hallway, Everleigh looks over at me.
“She and Robert got into a huge fight tonight. I’m just trying to calm her down.”
“Over me?” I shake my head in disbelief.
“Well…sorta.”
