Page 142 of Let Me Keep You

Gemma

Besides eating ice cream with Tom Hanks, nothing.

Tyler

You have a weird obsession with him.

Gemma

Not any weirder than your Jack Nicholson infatuation.

I laugh because she has a point.

Tyler

Well, speaking of which, I’d like to make you dinner tonight. Then maybe we could watch The Shining since you’ve never seen it. What do you think?

Gemma

Just the two of us?

My throat tightens because I can’t decipher if she’s asking with excitement or panic.

Tyler

Yes, just the two of us. Well, and Jack Nicholson

Gemma

I guess I can squeeze it into my very busy schedule for you and Jack.

I can hear her sarcasm in my head, and her smart mouth causes me to chuckle. I don’t want to freak her out and call it a “date,” but I like the idea of us moving in that direction. I’m okay with going slow so we can see where things go, as long as she wants the same.

I’m sure she won’t mind hanging out in private because there’s no prying eyes. Now that the rumor mill has started about her and Robert breaking up, everyone suspects she’s heartbroken.

Tyler

Well, thank you for making time for us. We appreciate it.

Gemma

Of course. What time?

Tyler

Six? We can eat, then watch the movie after.

Gemma

Sounds good. I’ll see you then.

She ends her text with two red hearts, and I’ve officially lost my man card because it makes me giddy as hell.

Now I need to figure out what I’m going to make, grocery shop, and perhaps find a new shirt.

I’m glad Everleigh’s at work this morning so she can’t give me shit for overpreparing, though I wish I had her insight on what to cook. It’s been so long since Gemma and I have spent an evening together, and I want it to be special.

After researching some recipe ideas and making a decision, I text my sister.