seven? Need to stop by the store and hit the shower first.”
“Yep, see you then.”
I throw my trash away, then brave the next four hours with a man who thinks I’m trying to steal his daughter away from her future husband.
This should be very interesting.
Chapter Four
GEMMA
The rest of the shift passes in a blink, and I can breathe again knowing Tyler’s safely back in town. Though it’s not my business, I’m not completely convinced he’s staying in Lawton Ridge for good. A small voice in the back of my mind says it’s only a matter of time until he leaves again. I wasn’t enough for him then, so what makes me enough now? Nothing. He’s explained himself several times, but it still hurts. I force away the self-deprecating thoughts and go home to take a shower before dinner.
For the past two days, I’ve felt like a hollow version of myself. When I replay what happened with Robert, it still seems like a nightmare. Because of his threats, my paranoia has been in overdrive. I’m waiting for him to retaliate because he’s always been a man of his word and doesn’t like not getting his way.
Once I’m inside my cottage, I release a deep breath, thankful nothing happened on my drive home. I hate how much power Robert’s words have over me and knowing what he’s capable of doing to me. Undoubtedly, he’s planning something. He won’t go down willingly.
I take a quick shower, then blow-dry my hair and put on some light makeup. My eyes are swollen from crying, and when I look in the mirror, I barely recognize the reflection. No man should ever make a woman feel so broken, and I hate that I’ve allowed him to.
Tyler said to come over around seven, so I try to keep my mind busy and tidy up in the meantime. My mind wanders as I think back to Monday and how I should’ve canceled dinner after I found that receipt. After everything, I should’ve predicted he’d have a bad reaction, so why did I stupidly put myself in that situation? Everleigh always joked that Robert seemed a little off, but now I wonder if she wasn’t kidding.
I put a load of clothes in the washer, then fold the ones I left in the dryer yesterday. Once there’s nothing else for me to do around the house, I leave. Arriving a little early will give Tyler and me the opportunity to have some privacy before Everleigh comes home.
My mouth goes dry when I see a black Suburban in my rearview mirror speeding around the cars behind me. Immediately, I press on the gas, trying to lose them.
“Fuck,” I whisper under my breath when the light turns red. My heart rate quickens as I grab the steering wheel with white knuckles. The SUV stops next to me, and I keep my face forward until my curiosity gets the best of me. Looking over, I make eye contact with a woman who has fire red hair and a vehicle full of kids. I let out a relieved laugh because my fear created a totally different scenario.
During lunch yesterday, two dozen pink and yellow roses were delivered to the shop in a crystal vase. Even before reading the card, I knew they were from Robert. Anytime we have a fight, he sends flowers and gifts. It’s his way of showing or rather buying my love, and I used to fall for it too. I’d accept his apologies and excuses. Not anymore.
As soon as my father left to grab food, I opened the note. It simply stated the wedding would happen whether I liked it or not. Immediately, I grabbed the expensive vase and flowers, stormed outside, then threw them in the dumpster. Though I hated trashing something so pretty, what they initially represented made me sick to my stomach. The pungent smell of them stayed in my nose until I got home. It didn’t take long for Robert to text me, asking why I got rid of them.
I should block his number, but it wouldn’t stop him from finding ways to torment me.
I demanded he stop fucking watching me and leave me alone. The wedding isn’t happening, and I won’t change my mind. So, naturally, after yesterday’s incident, my senses are in overdrive.
The light turns green, and I suck in a deep breath, shaking my head at myself. When I arrive at Everleigh’s, I grow more anxious. I’m already on edge, but knowing I’ll spill