Page 191 of Let Me Keep You

They shoot the shit, talking about the garage, and Robert mentions his new client. I make our drinks and set them down on the table. He vocalizes how much he appreciates and loves me. Actor Robert is great. The real-life one is a nightmare.

I place the steaks, potatoes with all the fixings, and garlic bread on the table, then serve everyone. The conversation is light and pleasant, even if it’s fake and awkward as hell.

“So how did the meeting go?” I ask, wanting to fill the time with something other than silence.

“I have a verbal agreement on a contract for an eight-figure deal,” he nearly screams with excitement. I haven’t seen him this giddy…ever.

“Really?” I ask, trying to hold back my laughter.

“Yes.” He looks at me, then my father as he cuts his steak, then pops a huge bite in his mouth. “It’s even bigger than the job I was gonna do for Victoria, so I’m thrilled.” He glares at me, then turns his smile right back on.

The asshole is still throwing jabs at me, but I keep grinning, listening to how worked up he is over this.

“Once we return from the honeymoon, he’s gonna come to the office and sign all of the paperwork. He wants to build a damn outlet mall on the outskirts! Can you believe this, Gemma?” Robert smiles.

“Wow,” I reply, faking amusement.

He grabs my fingers and kisses them, but I quickly pull my hand away when I notice my dad’s discomfort.

“It seems everything is finally working out just perfectly. We’re officially married, and now we’ll go on the honeymoon of a lifetime. Make a baby, expand our family, and we’ll have everything we both ever wanted in life. Everything, sweetie.”

I try not to throw up in my mouth.

“Wow, that’s impressive,” my dad says, glancing at me.

“It’s very impressive.” I temporarily stroke his ego, and I swear I see his chest puff larger. My heart beats rapidly, but I’m ready for this. Clearing my throat, I add, “Too bad it isn’t real.” Tilting my head, I shrug, then fill my mouth with potato.

“What’re you talking about?” Robert asks.

Dad looks between us, confused.

“It’s fake, all of it, all of…this.” I wave my fork around before setting it down.

“Please explain, Gemma,” Dad interrupts.

I giggle, really enjoying this. Grabbing my glass, I take a sip. “What was your client’s name, Robert?”

“Excuse me?” he snaps, his brows furrowing.

“His name. The multi-billionaire you met.” I speak slowly as if he doesn’t comprehend my words.

“Eric,” Robert barks. “Why?”

I’m full-on laughing now, and tears stream down my face at how Eric performed the role perfectly. He was more than willing to act like a wealthy businessman and fool Robert. I’m bent over, gasping for air at this point. Dad narrows his eyes at me as though I’ve officially lost my mind. The doorbell rings, and I grab my napkin and wipe my cheeks, then stand.

When I open the door, I see Tyler. I flash him a wink to let him know it’s all going as planned. We both smile as we walk into the dining room holding hands. Dad sees him just as Robert slams down his silverware, completely infuriated.

“What’s he doing here?” he hisses.

Tyler wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me close before kissing and stealing my breath away. I melt into him, finally tasting him again, and I’m happy to have an audience to witness it all.

Dad’s lost, and Robert looks as if he’s going to blow a damn gasket. Before either of them can speak up, Tyler pulls a piece of paper from his back pocket. He unfolds it and holds it out for them to see.

“What the fuck is this?” Robert says between gritted teeth after he studies it. “Is this a damn joke?”

I smile like I’m Vanna White presenting the key phrase. “It’s our marriage certificate.”

“Whose?” Robert furrows his brows.