Lawton Ridge Duet Series

Chapter 4

CHAPTER FOUR

GEMMA

Last night, after I had dinner with Robert, I went home and slept like total s**t. I kept tossing and turning, thinking about Tyler and his piercing gaze. There’s a tug-of-war inside me when I wake up, and I’m so annoyed that neither my dad nor Everleigh mentioned anything about him working at the garage. Yesterday, Tyler glided across the floor as if he was a ghost from my past coming to haunt me. And he is. Glancing at the clock, I realize I need to move my a*s so I’m not late. It’s one of Dad’s biggest pet peeves.

As soon as I unlock the lobby door, we’re slammed with customers. I inhale a donut when things finally slow down and replay the conversation Tyler and I had yesterday. My nerves got the best of me, and I felt like I was a teenage girl again. I shake my head and swallow, grabbing a bottle of water from the break room.

I drink it down, hoping it cools off my insides that are hot like an inferno. When my dad walks in to grab a soda, I take the opportunity to nonchalantly mention it since he hasn’t yet.

“So...Tyler Blackwood.” I casually look at him as he pops the tab of the soda and takes a long swig.

“Yeah. Could use the help. You think he’ll be good?”

My breath hitches, but he doesn’t notice. “Why didn’t you ask me before you hired him?” I glance over and force a smile. “I mean, I am the office manager.” A title I have earned and am quite proud of.

Dad lets out a chuckle and grins. “You know I was thinkin’ about your brother, and how hard it’s gonna be for him when he gets out of prison. Tyler’s in the same situation, with his record, so I thought I’d give him a chance. He’s a hard worker and seems disciplined enough to handle the responsibility, especially with his military experience. Y’all hung out together, so he can’t be too bad. And back in the day, he helped me a few times over the summer when I needed a hand.”

I lift my eyebrow, still annoyed he didn’t give me a heads-up.

“Plus, your old man ain’t gettin’ any younger. It’ll be nice to have some help, but if it makes you feel any better, I told him it was a trial run.” He finishes his drink, then throws the can in the garbage. “You’re not mad, are ya?”

“No, no. I was just curious. Hopefully, he works out for you.” I understand where my dad’s coming from because when Noah’s released, he’ll need all the help he can get. It’s a small town, and gossip travels faster than lightning around here. Most won’t see my brother or Tyler for who they are, but rather as convicts. It’s a stigma that’ll follow them around for the rest of their lives. I pray someone offers Noah the same opportunity if he decides to come home when he’s released. He calls me twice a month, always asks about Katie and Dad, my job, and other town gossip. I don’t visit much—he doesn’t like us to see him like that—but when we do, it’s better than nothing. I miss him so much and can’t wait until he’s released. Though I know it won’t be easy for him, he deserves the chance to start over.

Noah might’ve made a tragic mistake, but he’s not a murderer. My brother has the kindest, most honest heart, and I don’t care what the assholes at the grocery store mutter under their breaths when I walk in. Over the years, it’s gotten better, but the wounds aren’t fully healed, especially Katie’s.

Dad always talks about paying it forward and treating people the way you want to be treated. It’s one of his core values, one that Noah and I were taught growing up. While Tyler needs this job, it won’t make seeing him every day any easier. There are a lot of hard feelings and buried emotions when it comes to him, and it was easy to forget what happened when he wasn’t in town. Now, he’ll only be feet away from me; a constant reminder I wasn’t enough to make him stay.

My heart races thinking about it.

I glance up at the clock and notice I’m late to a lunch date with Robert. Dad pulls out his sandwich and sits at the little table, and I give him a quick squeeze and tell him I’ll be back in an hour. That’s one good thing about working here. Dad doesn’t care if I go out during the day. I have leniency, and pretty much can do whatever I want, though I never leave him hanging. It’s a cushy job, and I get paid well. My dad always wants the best for his kids, but he makes me earn it too. Handouts don’t and won’t ever exist around here.

As I drive across town, my mind spins. Mindlessly, I drive to one of the only fine dining restaurants in town.

Before I get out, I check myself in the mirror and notice how frazzled I look. I tuck my wild hair behind my ears and pull some lipstick from my purse to add some color to my lips. After a few deep breaths, I walk into the restaurant with a smile planted as I search for him.

As soon as Robert sees me, his hazel eyes light up, and he stands. I quickly realize we’re not dining alone since a couple of other men are seated at the table. Once I reach him, Robert leans in and gives me a quick kiss on the cheek. Before sitting, he whispers in my ear how pretty I look. Then being the doting fiancée that I am, I smile at all the men at the table and sit next to Robert.

His hard work and determination are admirable. Business is booming right now, and he works himself to the bone. While I understand why he’s always on the go, this typically means we don’t get to spend as much time together as we’d like. The moments we do have, I want to treasure and not share him with other people, but I make exceptions.

I should be used to this by now, though, because it happens so often. I’m lucky to have found a loving man who wants to make me happy. Most people assume that since we’re fifteen years apart, I’m only with him because of his wealth. Being with Robert has nothing to do with his money or businesses. Though he’s every woman’s cliché of the perfect man—tall, dark, and handsome—I wanted a relationship based on mutual love and respect. I don’t care if he can buy me the world. Large diamond rings, mansions, and fancy cars don’t matter to me.

“So this is your beautiful fiancée,” a man says, then continues, “I’m Stanley.”

Robert wraps his arm around me, pulls me close, then properly introduces everyone. Afterward, we order, and I consider getting a glass of wine to relieve the tension. Though my dad wouldn’t mind, I try not to go to work buzzed.

As I sip my water, I play out everything that’ll happen during this predictable lunch. They’re always exactly the same as if we’re all reading from a script. Robert laughs when he’s supposed to, and I join him like I’m supposed to. I can tell they’ve been talking about this for a while when Robert reminds him other buyers are interested. By the time we finish eating, Stanley finally makes a decision and wants to close on a few acres of land on the outskirts of town. Robert is thrilled about sealing the deal and hands his credit card to the waitress to pay for everyone. They plan to meet at Robert’s office in an hour to sign the contract and make it official.

When we get up and say our goodbyes, Robert lingers behind with me as the men leave. He looks at me with bright blue eyes and grins.

“See, sweetie, you’re my lucky charm.”

I laugh because this isn’t the first time he’s said that, and I wonder if he really believes it. Perhaps it’s why he invites me to these meetings even though I’d rather just spend time alone with him.

Robert and I walk outside hand in hand as he leads me to my car. Before I open the door, he pulls me into his arms and places a chaste kiss on my lips.

“Thank you, beautiful,” he murmurs, sliding his arm around my waist.

“For what?”

“For coming to lunch. Agreeing to marry me. Loving me.” He nuzzles his lips into my neck, and I can smell the mixture of his soap and cologne. “I miss you so damn much.”

“You saw me last night.” I chuckle, but I’ve missed him too.

“Yes, but I hate waking up without you next to me. I hate that my girl won’t move in so we can start our life. You should think about it, Gemma. I keep asking because I’m not a patient man. I want you now.” He flashes a boyish grin that almost always gets him his way.

He slides his lips across mine, and I sink into him. When we break apart, I let out a dreamy sigh.

“I just want to wake up together every day to be special after we’re married,” I remind him.

“It’s so old-fashioned to wait until marriage, though. There’s plenty of room for you in my house. And plenty of room for you in my bed.”

He mentions this so much that there’s no way I’ll be able to keep squirming out of it. So I tell him the truth. “I’m not ready to leave my house yet.”

The mood turns serious, but Robert brushes it off like he always does. In another week, he’ll bring it up again, hoping I’ve changed my mind and won’t say no, but I will. Then we’ll go our separate ways, and he’ll be full of disappointment while I harbor all the guilt.

“I’m a greedy man when it comes to you, Gemma. I want to spend all my time with you, and it wounds me that I can’t. But I don’t want to force you into something you don’t want right now.” He places his soft lips on my knuckles, and that’s when the shame swells inside me.

“There’s no need to rush when we have forever,” I say sweetly, and he nods. Sometimes, I feel like he’s trying too hard, and he shouldn’t. Is it insecurity, maybe? Before I can continue to reassure him, his cell rings, and he tells me he has to take the call. Another client. More property sold. And just like that, he gives me a quick peck and rushes to his car.

I drive back to the garage with too many thoughts streaming through my mind, which make me anxious. After I walk back into the shop and tell my dad I’ve returned, I grab my phone and text Everleigh since I forgot to last night.

Gemma: Please tell me you didn’t know your brother would interview for a job at the garage.

The text bubbles pop up then disappear before she finally responds.

Everleigh: I might’ve known, but I wasn’t sure your dad would hire him. That was all Jerry!

I send her an eye roll emoji because she’s so f*****g sneaky and then tuck my phone in my pocket when Dad comes in and says my name. He hates it when people are on their phones during work hours, and I’ve gotten my fair share of scowls for bringing it out.

“Wanna join me out here and chat?” he asks, but his demanding tone leaves no room for a discussion.

“I need you to show Tyler around on Monday. Explain how we do things here. I’ll be pullin’ the engines in two Jeeps that day, so it’d be nice if you could help him out on his first day.”

I keep my reaction neutral and nod. “Sure, I’ll tell him how anal you are about oil spills and how dirty rags need to be put in the hamper after every shift. Oh, and I’ll demand he stay off his phone because it might give you an ulcer.”

Dad smiles and laughs. “That’s my girl.”

Noah and I grew up helping Dad in the garage. Not many women can change their own oil, pull a radiator, and rebuild an engine. It got to a point where we needed a trusted person to handle the finances and set up appointments without f*****g it up, so after I got my associates degree from the local community college, I decided to do exactly that.

Working closely with Tyler sounds like a nightmare, but I’ll suck it up for my father’s sake because he desperately needs the help.

The rest of the day passes quickly, and I lock up once the floor is swept and my desk is organized.

Once I’m home, I pour a glass of wine and soak in the bathtub. It’s peaceful and quiet, but as much as I try to relax, it’s no use. My mind is too loud with thoughts.

My phone buzzes in the living room, a reminder that it’s time to get out. After I wrap a towel around my head and body, I see several missed group text messages.

Everleigh: Okay, girls. I need to use your pretty faces again.

I instantly smile. Though I’m still kinda annoyed she didn’t give me a heads-up about Tyler, it’s obvious she means well and wants the best for him. Everleigh owns Ever After, a cute boutique around the corner from my dad’s shop. It’s full of accessories, graphic T-shirts, and fashionable clothing for grown-up millennials. She’s worked hard to grow her social media presence, and any time a new shipment arrives, Everleigh asks us to model them.

Katie: When? Do I have time to lose five pounds before you put my picture on the internet again?

Everleigh: Tomorrow night around 6:30ish? All the new stuff that just arrived is so adorable that I want to get pictures posted as soon as possible. Plus, I’ll provide unlimited wine ;)

A chuckle escapes me as I finish my glass. Everleigh knows the way to our hearts.

Gemma: You said the magic word. Wine and I’m in.

Everleigh: I knew that’d work!

Katie: Fine, fine. Let me see if I can find a sitter. I need a girls’ night anyway!

Gemma: I guess that means I need to freshen up my hair and makeup beforehand?

Everleigh: Unless you want to look like a hot mess monster on my website and social media, I’d say yes.

I think about the schedule for tomorrow. Considering it’s a Friday, there’ll be mostly oil changes and state inspections. I’ll bring my makeup case and hairspray with me so I can touch up my face and hair before going to Everleigh’s shop. It’ll probably take a couple of hours, considering we fool around a lot when the three of us get together. I’m already exhausted thinking about it, but I’m excited to hang out with them after the week I’ve had. Plus, it helps her get more business. When people see the clothes and accessories on bodies rather than mannequins, they immediately want it.

Shit. I usually spend the night at Robert’s Friday and Saturday nights, but I’m sure he won’t mind if I cancel this one time. Heat rushes to my face, and I’m not sure if it’s the wine or the fact that I’d rather be with my friends.

I sit on the couch as I text the girls, and we chat about how the last time we got together for a photoshoot. We drank too much, then stumbled to Everleigh’s house for more drinking and girl time. Katie was up early to pick up Owen from her parents’, but I slept like a brick on her couch.

Once my glass is empty, I notice the sun is setting and decide to text Robert since I hadn’t heard from him since lunch.

Gemma: Hey babe, wanna come over and watch a movie with me? I’ll even let you pick this time! No chick flicks, I promise.

We take turns picking and go between action movies and rom-coms. I happen to like them both. When we first started dating, we’d gone through our list of favorite childhood movies. Since he’s fifteen years older than me, there were quite a few titles I’d never seen before.

Robert: Sorry, darling. Wish I could, but I’m still at the office finishing up some schematics, and I’m hungry and exhausted. It’s been a long day. I’ll be heading home within the hour, and you can meet me at the house, or you know, move in with me ;)

The blood drains from my face as I read his message and feel as if he punched me in the gut again. No matter what I do or say, he won’t stop until I admit defeat and move in.

I send Everleigh a message outside our group text.

Gemma: Robert is getting pushier about me moving in. I tell him I’m not ready, but it’s not enough for him to stop asking, and things get more awkward every time I tell him no.

Everleigh: Stay strong. Enjoy your freedom while you can, because once you move in with him, you’ll lose it all.

I chuckle at her response. It’s so like her, too. She’s independent and fierce, always has been.

Gemma: Sometimes, I wonder if you’re a bad influence or not.

Everleigh: Oh, I absolutely am.