Page 129 of Let Me Keep You

“What’s goin’ on here?” he asks.

Robert instantly snaps on a smile, and I follow his lead. He clears his throat, changing his persona, and speaks. “I was just picking Gemma up for an important dinner, sir. We were just leaving.”

Robert holds his hand out and waits for me to take it.

I’m livid and need to figure a way out of this. Then a thought comes to me.

“Yep, and Robert just asked Tyler if he’d like to join us,” I add with a wide smile.

Robert’s grin slightly falters, but he slaps it right back on. My dad doesn’t notice at all, but Tyler’s face contorts as if I’ve lost my damn mind. Maybe I have.

“Son, I think that’s a great idea for you to go with them. Might be fun,” Dad suggests, patting Tyler on the shoulder. Tyler’s actually at a loss for words, and for the most part, so is Robert.

“That’s really nice of you, Robert. I always knew you were a good guy,” Dad continues, and I want to groan, but I hold it back. “So are you going?” he asks Tyler.

“Tyler said he didn’t want to go,” Robert declares.

“But we’re trying to convince him to come because the food is amazing. Plus, we’re meeting one of Robert’s clients, so it should be a fun time,” I squeal, acting excited. I won’t let Robert get out of this that easily.

Robert’s nostrils flare. If he wasn’t so concerned with impressing every Tom, Dick, and Harry, this wouldn’t be an issue, but I know his weaknesses and will use them against him. I just hate that he has my dad believing he’s a goddamn saint when he’s the devil in disguise.

“You know, I think I will go,” Tyler agrees, and I want to scream out in victory.

“Fantastic,” Robert mutters, showing his pearly whites. “So, are you ready, darlin’?”

I love how my dad proudly watches this unfold, having no idea how much of a cluster fuck the reality is.

“I still have some things to finish up first. Tyler and I will meet you at the restaurant, if that’s okay, sweetheart? What time should we be there?”

“That’s fine. Six. Sharp,” he says between gritted teeth, and it’s obvious he’s furious about Tyler tagging along. Watching Robert squirm is the highlight of my whole day.

“Perfect,” I sing-song. “We’ll be there.”

Dad’s so damn happy.

“Welp, you kids have fun. I’m gonna head home,” Dad says, then leaves through the back door.

Robert glares at me. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

I take a step forward, more confident than before because Tyler’s beside me. “I’ll join you on my terms, so if you want me to go, you’ll agree to it. And afterward, I’m giving you this damn ring back because we. Are. Over.”

He narrows his eyes as his entire body tenses. He’s losing control, and if Tyler wasn’t here, there’s no telling what he’d do to me.

“Fine. Have it your way, but this isn’t over, Gemma. Far from it,” he warns, then glances at Tyler. “Make sure to clean up. I usually like to take the trash out, not bring it inside with me. Don’t be late, sweetheart.”

Robert turns on his heel and walks out, slamming the door.

“What the fuck?” Tyler groans as soon as Robert is out of sight.

I’m about to have a panic attack and brace myself on the counter, trying to breathe and gain control as the world collapses around me.

Tyler rushes over, his hand bracing my elbow. “Gemma, are you okay?”

I nod. “Too much adrenaline rushing through me at once.”

“You’re absolutely sure this is what we should do?” he asks me as I straighten my stance, then turn off all the lights. “We don’t have to go anywhere.”

“I wanna get this over with so I can give him this ring back and be done with it all. At least now, Dad won’t think the worst of you. Silver lining, I guess. Plus, now I won’t have to be alone with him and his client. Robert won’t be a dick in front of her or you. But right after dinner, I’m handing it over. It’s a final fuck you, leave me alone gesture.”