We pull into the parking lot of the restaurant, and I turn off the engine. Sucking a deep breath, I lean back on the headrest and close my eyes. The restaurant causes bad memories to flood in.
“You’re sure about this?” he asks again.
“It could be a huge mistake, but I’m glad I won’t have to pretend everything is fine because he wants me to. You have no idea how much it means that you came with me,” I admit, already feeling overwhelmed. I just want to get this over with and make it known to everyone that the relationship is over.
He takes my hand in his, brings my knuckles to his lips, and presses a soft kiss on them. “I promise I’ll do whatever I can to help and to make sure you’re safe. Even if it means going to a bougie ass restaurant and wishing I were somewhere else. But I’ll go anywhere with you, Gemma.”
His words have my heart melting. “It seems upscale, but the food actually sucks, especially compared to yours.” I smirk, then check the time. “I guess we should put our game faces on and go inside.”
“Yeah. Don’t worry, we’ll get through this together,” he reminds me, then we get out of the car and walk toward the entrance.
Tyler glances over at me and tilts his lips up. “Just in case no one has told you today, you look beautiful.”
Heat rises from my core, and I tuck my bottom lip into my mouth as Tyler opens the door for me. When our eyes meet, the intensity is enough to steal my breath away, and it only reinforces my decision not to marry Robert.
Chapter Seven
TYLER
I’m not sure what I should expect when we walk inside. The waiters wear ties and dress shirts, and each table is drinking wine in crystal glasses. It’s the type of place you take a date with the expectation of getting fucked afterward. I can’t even imagine how expensive the meals are, but it’s not any of my worry because Robert’s paying. Perhaps I’ll order the most expensive dinner I can.
When Gemma moves toward the host stand, I can tell she’s uncomfortable.
It’s reserved seating only, so she gives them Robert’s name. Moments later, they’re escorting us through the dining area to a semi-private room in the back. As we pass tables, I feel as if there’s a spotlight on me and everyone knows I don’t belong. It’s times like this when I’m convinced I have the word convict tattooed on my forehead. We continue and are finally brought to a secluded area where Robert’s sitting at a table with a blonde. The way he creepily studies the woman, who I can only see from behind, is disgusting. It’s as if he’s undressing her with his perverted eyes.
Gemma glances over at me, and I flash her a wink of comfort. It’s enough to make her lips turn up as we move closer. Robert stands to greet and kiss Gemma’s cheek, but she takes a step back. When I step forward, the woman turns her head. The room briefly fades and goes black as the shock of who’s in Lawton Ridge settles.
“What the hell?” My voice booms as I zero in on her—Victoria O’Leary.
Her plump lips turn up into a sneer as she finds joy in my expression, and I can barely control my temper.
“Oh, fantastic.” Victoria crosses her legs, showing off her bare thighs. “How lovely to see you again, Tyler. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?. About...five years?” She forces out a malicious chuckle as I narrow my eyes and ball my hands into fists.
Gemma looks between us. “You know her?”
I glare at Robert and Victoria. “That’s the bitch who framed me and got me locked up.”
Victoria’s hand flies to her chest, and she cackles so loud it pierces my ears. “You got exactly what you deserved.”
“Did you know about this, Robert?” Gemma asks in an accusing tone, crossing her arms over her chest. “This is low, even for you.”
The room is tense as hell, and I gently grab Gemma’s arm and pull her back so she’s not too close to Victoria.
“I had no idea,” he claims, huffing as if he’s insulted she’d even ask.
I move closer, putting space between him and Gemma. “Cut the shit, Robert. You knew exactly who she was. Fuck you.”