Page 91 of Let Me Keep You

“Just got a call from one of my part suppliers, and he’s not gonna be able to deliver the parts I need until after close. I have to meet a long-time customer about a car that won’t start. Kinda disappointed because it was all supposed to be here this mornin’. Don’t feel obligated to say yes, but do you mind waitin’ around for it to make sure it’s what we need?” Jerry asks between eating bites of a chocolate frosted donut. He let me leave early last week because I was so exhausted, so I owe him, plus he doesn’t ask for much.

“Sure, I don’t mind,” I say as I replace an air filter in a car.

Jerry smiles, then pats me on the back. “Thanks. Appreciate ya, son.”

After I’m done changing the oil in three vehicles and adding refrigerant to another, I glance at the clock and see it’s lunchtime. When I walk into the lobby, there’s a dozen roses on the counter. I lift an eyebrow, then leave and go to the deli on the corner. Belinda sets a sweet tea down on the table, and I order a hoagie. Once my food is set in front of me, my phone goes off, and I see a text from Liam.

Liam

Maddie’s water broke early this morning! Baby should be here today!

Tyler

Awesome, man! Keep me updated!

I finish eating, then go back to the garage and immediately busy myself. I try to keep my mind focused on the tasks at hand, only taking breaks for water. It’s miserably hot, and I’m sweating nonstop. When I walk into the lobby, I hear Gemma humming and wonder how I’ll be able to move on.

When five o’clock finally hits, Jerry cleans up and thanks me again for staying late. I put all my tools up because he hates a messy shop. After I’m done, I walk inside and go into the break room where Gemma sits at the small table texting. Once she realizes I’m in there, she locks her phone, then gets up and walks away. I grab a bottle of water and nearly finish it in one gulp as I follow her to the lobby.

“Do you want me to lock up?” I ask since I’m staying late.

I’m sure she has a hot date to get ready for, considering she stays at Robert’s house every weekend—well, when it’s convenient for him—plus, he sent more roses today.

“I’m more than capable,” she snaps.

“Okay, well your dad asked me to wait for some parts for the Chevy he’s rebuilding. Supposed to be here around seven.”

“Seriously? He asked me to stay so I could pay the guy.” She sighs. “Great.”

A smirk hits my lips, and I almost wonder if Jerry planned this. He’s asked Gemma what was going on between us, and he’s not stupid. The thought makes me laugh as I sit in one of the chairs and pull out my phone and text Liam for an update on Maddie.

Tyler

Any news?

Liam

No baby yet. Doctor says it will probably be a few more hours. I’m pacing while Maddie’s as calm as can be.

Tyler

It’s because she thrives under pressure. You better tell me when Tobias is finally here!

Liam

Will do!

An hour passes and neither of us have said a word to each other. The air is thick, and I can smell the stench of those flowers. Must suck to have to overcompensate so much. Right now would be a perfect time to discuss what happened, but I don’t know how to bring it up or what I’d say. She’s already said what she had to say.

I think back to when she saw Ruby at the house and realized I wasn’t alone. Gemma looked crushed as hell. Her face turned bright red, and I could see her pulse racing in her neck. That level of jealousy is dangerous, but it also sends so many damn mixed signals. It was adorable to see her get so worked up, which is why I continued the act.

This way, she’ll continue with her plans, marry the douchebag, and become the woman he’s determined to mold her into—someone I won’t even recognize.

It’s nearly six when Gemma gets a call from the supplier. I try to focus on my phone but can’t when she’s so worked up and aggravated.

“Eight o’clock? Wow. Guess I don’t have any other choice. No, don’t reschedule for tomorrow. I’ll cancel my dinner plans. We needed those parts this morning,” she barks, then continues, “I’ll be here, just hurry up.”

After she hangs up, she picks up her cell and starts typing furiously. I’m sure she’s telling Robert she won’t be able to entertain his clients tonight with her phony smile and fake interest in their pathetic lives. The thought makes me snort.