Page 111 of Let Me Keep You

As I go through my to-do orders, I think about what to make this evening. I never asked her what she thought of the chili I made at her place. Tonight, I’d like to surprise her with something special. Even though we won’t be alone and it won’t be a date, she deserves it after the past few days she’s had.

“Jerry.” I walk up to him before my lunch break. “What’s Gemma’s favorite dish?”

His lips pinch together as he studies me.

Quickly, I add, “She and my sister are having a girls’ night, and I offered to cook. So I was wondering if you could help a guy out.”

That makes him chuckle, and his shoulders relax. “Shrimp and grits.”

Grinning, I nod. “Thanks. I’ll see what I can do.”

“You can’t go wrong with biscuits and gravy, either,” he tells me.

“Is her favorite dessert still red velvet cake?”

“Sure is.”

Good to know.

“Thanks. Sounds like I’ll be putting my cooking skills to the test later,” I say with a laugh. It’s been a while since I’ve made seafood.

Jerry steps around me but not without a strong pat on the back. “Just remember she’s an engaged woman.”

I swallow hard and straighten my stance so he doesn’t notice the tension in my shoulders. “I’m well aware.”

Without another word, he walks away.

He definitely doesn’t know about their current situation, and I won’t be the one to disappoint the man. According to Everleigh, Jerry’s tremendously supportive of Gemma marrying Robert. When he learns it ended, he’ll probably want to point fingers at someone.

I head to the break room and pull out my phone to text my sister.

Tyler

Gemma told me she and Robert broke up. She didn’t give me all the details. We’re gonna talk at your place tonight. That okay?

I set my cell on the table and grab the leftovers I brought. Everleigh made some sort of mystery meat the other day, and I didn’t want it to go to waste. I take a sniff and decide to give it a shot.

Everleigh

That’s fine. Just brace yourself. It was a bad situation.

Tyler

What do you mean?

My blood pressure rises.

Everleigh

I picked her up from his house on Monday night, and he didn’t want her to go. Told her she’d be sorry if she did.

That motherfucker.

Tyler

Jesus Christ. No wonder she’s still upset.

Everleigh