wouldn’t have done anything different. I’d do it all over again.
As I sip a glass of wine, surrounded by bubbles, I think back to when I first met Robert. It hadn’t been instant attraction, and I’d rejected him the first couple of months he asked me out. Eventually, I convinced myself it was time to move on and that I was pathetic for not pursuing a relationship at my age. I pressured myself to open my heart again so I could prove I wasn’t broken.
Robert was charming from the start. He always sent gifts and gave me countless compliments. In a way, he was too good to be true, but everyone kept telling me I was lucky and deserved him. So we kept going on dates, and I wanted to desperately believe what people said about his character. It’d been a long time since a man’s hands had touched me, and I’d finally had the desire to feel that again.
Within six months, Robert was calling and texting me all day long, reminding me how much he loved and wanted a future with me. It happened so fast that I told myself I wanted that too, but now I realize I was only covering my pain.
I knew if I couldn’t give myself to someone as great as Robert, then there was no hope for me.
I wanted the loving husband and kids. I wasn’t getting any younger, so when he proposed in front of a crowd, I couldn’t say no. All the red flags were there, yet I ignored them. If I wouldn’t have put so much pressure on myself to get married, I might’ve seen who he truly was—a manipulative asshole.
As I drown in regret, my thoughts wander to the idea of having a future with Tyler. My heart wants to believe he’s staying, but my head wonders if Lawton Ridge will really be enough for him—or if I could be.
Whatever happens between us can’t be rushed. Though my body remembers his every touch, we need a fresh start.
After an hour of soaking, I dry off and get ready to hang out with the girls. We’re meeting at Everleigh’s, which means Tyler will be there at some point. While I should be wallowing in the loss of a two-year relationship and broken engagement, the idea of seeing Tyler gives me butterflies.
“Heeeey!” Everleigh pulls me inside after she opens the door.
“Good lord. Did you start drinking already?” I giggle when I catch a glimpse of Katie behind the counter with the blender.
“I couldn’t wait any longer.”
“I’m thirty seconds late,” I deadpan, glancing around for Tyler.
“Well, I was pre-gaming.”
With a snort, I walk to the kitchen. “Then I better catch up.”
When the three of us have full glasses and a large bowl of popcorn, we get cozy on the couch. Everleigh grabs the remote and turns on a movie.
“Pretty Woman,” I say. “Haven’t seen that one in years.”
“It’s a classic and total girls’ night movie worthy,” Katie smacks and pops some kernels in her mouth, then continues. “Who doesn’t wish they’d get swept off their feet by a handsome, rich man after he’s paid you thousands of dollars to be his escort?”
“Sounds like my kind of happily ever after.” Everleigh nods.
“You two are twisted. Minus the hooker and falling madly in love part, that was almost my future, remember? It’s not as great as it sounds.”
“Oh shit.” Everleigh covers her mouth. “I’m sorry, Gemma. I wasn’t thinking.” She holds up her drink. “Clearly. We can turn off the movie and talk about it.”
“There’s nothing to discuss,” I insist. “Y’all knew I was second-guessing everything, and now that the wedding is officially called off, I feel confident about my decision. I wouldn’t have been happy as his wife.”
“I’m glad you came to that conclusion on your own,” Everleigh says in a serious tone. “Now we can work on making you my future sister-in-law,” she adds with enthusiasm.
Rolling my eyes, I take a long chug of my margarita to avoid responding.
The door whips open, and we turn and look.
Speak of the devil.
Tyler walks in with Ruby, and they greet us with wide smiles.
“Hey,” he says in a sexy baritone.
“Ruby, join us!” Everleigh squeals, then stands and grabs her hand, dragging her to the couch. “Sorry, Tyler. No boys allowed.”
“Alright, I was salty before for not getting invited, but now you stole my guest, and I still can’t join?” The sarcasm in his voice has Katie and me bursting out in laughter.