Page 197 of Let Me Keep You

Monday morning comes bright and early. I won’t be able to concentrate until Gemma texts me and confirms the deed has been signed and filed. Since Gemma’s coming into work late, Jerry and I have been taking turns helping customers. All morning, I’ve been busting my ass, moving around like I drank ten cups of coffee, and Jerry notices.

“You good?” he asks.

“Yeah, fine,” I tell him and grin, though he’s not convinced.

“You know, I’m really sorry about all of this, Tyler. I know you love my da⁠—”

“Mr. Reid. With all due respect, there’s no need to apologize. Gemma’s a smart woman, and I know she’s made the right decision. It’s water under the bridge.” I pat him on the back and get back to my tasks.

He offers me a sad smile, and I wish I could tell him the truth because it’s obvious how much this has affected him. He’ll know soon enough, and it’s what keeps me going.

When my phone vibrates in my pocket, I tell Jerry I’m taking a quick coffee and donut break because cell phones are his pet peeve. Once I’m in the lobby, I pull out my cell and see a text from Gemma.

Gemma

It’s signed and notarized. Just filed it at the courthouse. It’s a done deal, baby. We’ll be together soon.

I quickly text her back with a shit-eating grin on my face.

Tyler

Fuck yeah, sweetheart. I’m counting down the days.

I’m so damn happy I can barely contain myself as I walk into the garage. When she finally arrives at work, we keep up our avoidance act, but I can’t help but notice how beautiful my wife is. Jerry and I both go into the lobby for refills, and he reminds her about dinner on Thursday night. I just want to kiss her luscious lips and make love to her all night long. The urge to be with the woman I’m crazy about nearly takes over.

I grow tense and anxious knowing our big reveal is right around the corner. Wanting to give Jerry and Gemma some privacy, I walk back to the garage, giddy as a fool. I can’t fucking wait to see the look on his face when he realizes what we’ve done. And better yet, how he’s lost.

TWO DAYS EARLIER

By the weekend, I’ll be holding Gemma in my arms where she belongs. At lunch, I decide to walk down to the café and have some chicken and dumplings. While I’m there, I get a text from Gemma.

Gemma

All of my stuff is back at the cottage! OMG, I can’t tell you how happy I am right now.

Tyler

Good, baby! I told you it would all work out.

Gemma

This will be over so soon!

Tyler

2 days!

When Belinda walks up, I set my phone down, not wanting to be rude. I compliment her dumplings, and she gives me a cheesy grin. After I’m done eating, I walk down to the Coffee Palace and grab a black coffee and a Candy Cane Mocha for Gemma since the temperature has dropped. Before I leave, I get a text from Eric.

Eric

About to meet this stupid fuck for lunch. Pray I don’t punch him in the face before this is all done.

I smile, wishing I could give him the green light to do just that.

Tyler

Good luck with that.