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After getting stuck in a little traffic, Robert and I arrive at the float with smiles on our faces. The parade route isn’t too long, and we’ll do a big loop around downtown. I told Robert to buy ridiculous amounts of candy for the kids because it was my favorite part when I was younger. As I look around, it seems like the whole town has already started setting up lawn chairs on Main Street to watch.
Robert’s dressed in his usual suit and tie, and he slicked back his hair with gel to match my 1950s attire. On the outside, we look like the perfect happy couple, but I’m screaming on the inside. My chest is tight, and I feel like the breath has been knocked out of me.
“Darlin’, are you alright?” Robert asks as I try to suck in air.
I inhale and force out a smile. “Yeah, just nerves.”
He rubs a soothing hand down my back and brushes a few strands of hair off my face. “Don’t be nervous, honey.”
Robert helps me onto the float before coming to stand next to me. One of his employees is driving the truck, and soon, we’re moving into position.
“Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I think I ate something weird, but I’m sure it’s nothing,” I tell him with a smile. Nausea rolls through me, and I question whether I’m getting sick, or if it’s something else.
We make it down the first block, handing out full-size candy bars and dollar bills. Robert makes sure his float stands out not just by the way it’s decorated but also by the extravagant things we pass out.
I start to feel better and wave to the crowd of people cheering loudly and kids squealing over their candy. Soon, we’re in front of Everleigh’s boutique, and the parade stops so the high school cheerleaders can perform a routine.
“Gemma!” Everleigh and Katie scream my name as Owen waves at us. I wave back, then notice Tyler.
Robert wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me flush against him. He’s playing the doting husband role with expertise, and I wonder if this is what it’ll be like once we’re actually married.
“Aunt Gemma!” Owen calls out.
“Come get some candy,” Robert tells him, holding out three full-size Hershey bars.
He runs up, and Robert kneels so he can hand them over. “Thanks, Robert.”
“Wait, I got something else for you.” He reaches for his wallet, then pulls out a twenty-dollar bill. I release a tight sigh, knowing how this will look to Tyler. Of course, Katie will tell Owen to return the cash, but Robert will refuse it.
“Wow, thank you!” Owen beams as he walks back to his mom.
“You’re welcome, buddy!” Robert waves again and makes his way over to me.
“That was very nice,” I tell him. “He’s going to talk about that for days, maybe weeks.”
“Just wanted to help the kid out. I know Katie isn’t making that much money at the bank.”
I’m taken aback by his rude comment. Katie might not be loaded with a hefty savings account, but she’s done damn well, considering her situation.
“Actually, I think she makes great money, and if that’s the only reason—”
“Gemma, not now. Smile, for Christ’s sake. Everyone can see you.”
My lips move into a frown as I glare at the man in front of me with disgust. I glance over at my friends and see Tyler watching us. His arms are crossed over his chest as he narrows his eyes with a shake of his head. There’s no way he could’ve heard what Robert said, but he undoubtedly sees how tense I am.
Between the disastrous double date and the fight with Robert, then my talk with Tyler afterward, my mind is a fucking mess. Robert’s true colors have always been right in front of me, and for whatever reason, I’ve turned a blind eye. I wanted to please my dad and make him proud, but it’s not his fault I ignored the red flags. I know Robert isn’t a bad man, but he might not be the man for me. His intentions have always been very clear—he wants a wife, someone who will stay home with his children and have dinner ready when he comes home.
When the parade ends, we’re out of candy and money. All the children were so ecstatic over Robert’s gifts and how generous he was. Right now, I’m feeling too claustrophobic, and I think I need some space from Robert. Once we get home and I change, I’ll explain I need to do some laundry and clean before work tomorrow. Hopefully, it will give me the ability to clear my head.
“I wish you’d stay,” he says, repeating the words he always says when I leave. “Or move in.”
My jaw tenses at his constant pushing. “I’ll see you tomorrow, I’m sure,” I deflect, not in the mood to have the same conversation again.
He tells me he loves me, and though I repeat the words to him before closing the door behind me, it’s the first time in our relationship when I’ve second-guessed if I still do.
Tyler arrives at work the next day with a mumbledgood morningand barely looks in my direction as he goes into the garage instead of making small talk. Over the past week, he’d make himself a cup of coffee or refill his tumbler and chat with me before starting with his first project. However, today he looks at me with an annoyed or pissed-off expression, though I’m not sure why.
