Page 14 of Gentleman Wanted
“Gem isn’t here.” Cali hovered in the doorway of Gemma’s small apartment. I had spent a good hour riding around town trying to find them. To no avail.
Going to Gemma’s poxy little flat was the last place I could think of. Where else would they be?
My eyebrows slammed down. What the hell did she mean Gemma wasn’t there? “Where is she?” I couldn’t help the worry that tinged my voice. It was dark. And I didn’t like the idea of Gemma wandering around in the dark by herself. Which was stupid, seeing as she wasn’t my responsibility anymore.
There was that word again. Responsibility.
Something flickered across Cali’s face. It shut down entirely, and I knew instantly that she didn’t want to tell me.
“Gent.” She looked away guiltily.
Sighing, I closed my eyes. “Just tell me, Cali. I just want to make sure she’s safe.”
“She’s just gone out for coffee….” Another equally guilty look swept across her face.
It hit me then. Cali didn’t want to tell me because Gemma was on a date. It was surprising how gutting that thought was.
Gemma was on a date.
She had moved on, so much quicker than I had thought possible. Not that there was anything to actually get over. I wanted there to be, though.
I wanted her to miss me as much as I missed her.
“She’s on a date?” I sounded flat. Emotionless.
“It’s just coffee and….” Cali tried to back peddle fast. “She doesn’t even really like him. He did her a tattoo and kept asking….”
It was like I had been gut-punched. She was on a date with another artist? Like she was trying to replace me in her life totally.
Something must have shown on my face; Cali’s hand came down on my arm. “Gent, it’s just coffee.”
“Doesn’t matter.” I shrugged, trying to play down the warring emotions in my chest. “Where’s Bobby?”
“Sleeping. I’m watching him.”
“Why don’t you head home? Truth will be wondering where you are. I can watch Bobby.” And have a serious talk with his maddening mother.
“Gent, I don’t think that’s a good idea. You’re both obviously mad at each other for something, and…”
I cut her off. “I’m not mad at her at all. I just haven’t seen Bobby for weeks. It will be good to spend some time with him.”
Cali’s eyes met mine. She didn’t believe me, and that was fine. I wouldn’t believe me either.
“Fine Gent, but don’t upset her, ok? Promise me you won’t fight.”
“I don’t want to fight with her, Cali. I just want to talk to her and spend some time with Bobby. I’ve missed him.”
Our eyes met. And then slowly, she nodded. “Fine, but don’t make me regret this, ok. I will kick your ass.”
