Only Him (Only One 1)

Tyler returns to the living room, sipping a beer. I avoid looking at him because I don’t think I’ll be able to pick my jaw off the floor before he notices.

“Welp,” he says. “I’ll leave you two hens to it.”

“Mm-hmm.” Everleigh continues to scroll through the pictures.

When I look up, he’s staring at me with so much intent that I stop breathing. Tyler blinks, breaking our contact.

“Good night,” I say, but it comes out in a whisper.

“Night,” he says, then leaves the room, taking all the air with him. If Everleigh notices my reaction, she doesn’t say anything, and for that, I’m grateful.

“How about this one?” she asks, bringing me back to reality. It’s one of Katie and me laughing our asses off at something Everleigh said without a doubt.

“Yes, I love that one! It’s perfect and looks so natural. The only thing it’s missing is you in there with us.”

“I have the satisfaction of knowing this picture was taken when I was talking about butt stuff.”

Cabernet nearly shoots out of my nose, but I manage to choke it back down. “Jesus, give a girl some warning.”

“I can’t help that we’re like twelve-year-old boys when it comes to that.” She giggles.

“Oh, for sure.” I point out a few more that she should definitely use. By the time we get through half of them, she has a notebook page full of image numbers. Hanging out with her was just what I needed tonight.

“So, you gonna tell me what had your panties bunched in a big old knot when you showed up, or am I’m gonna have to beat it out of you?”

I roll my eyes and huff. I swear this glass of wine is never-ending because I need more alcohol in my system to discuss this. “Robert.”

She doesn’t make a face or react, but just listens to me as I explain my frustrations and insecurities. As I talk, Everleigh grabs an empty glass and the bottle, then returns to the couch. She refills mine and pours her some too.

“And I understand he wants me to be involved in his work, but you’re well aware of how I feel about a big crowd. Especially when they put me at the center of attention. I want to throw up.”

“Youhateit. Always have.”

“Right! It makes me anxious, and I always have to answer the same questions over and over. It’s just, I dunno, it makes me feel weird—like I’m a prop in his business deals,” I admit.

“Like you’re playing a part.”

“Right, like an actress showing up to a movie set whose character is married to the rich and famous, living a glamorous lifestyle.”

Everleigh glances down at the big ass ring on my finger, then shrugs before sucking down half of her glass. “If the ring fits, though, right?”

Groaning, I lean my head against the couch. “I wanted a simple life with a husband and a couple of kids. Though I knew how important Robert’s career was before we got engaged, entertaining people has become an every week occurrence now.”

“He’s definitely driven. But aside from that, when’s the last time you two did it?” she blurts out.

I close my eyes, trying to remember, but it’s been too long. “Weeks. Fuck, maybe months. He’s been so busy with clients, contracts, golfing—and that doesn’t include my schedule. By the time we’re actually alone, we’re both exhausted. I know it’s stupid to think this, considering he’s the one who’s eager to have me live with him, but sometimes, I don’t feel like a priority to him.”

The realization has me burning from the inside out, and I feel smothered by my thoughts. The only thing that saves me from drowning is Everleigh placing her hand on mine.

“Gemma. Are youabsolutely,without a doubt, positively sure you want to marry him? It’s not too late to change your mind. Everyone would understand.”

I pause, not sure how to respond. No one has really questioned me about our relationship, and everyone has been supportive. Even my dad is caught in Robert’s web.

“Well…” I swallow hard, trying to find my words.

“You’re hesitating.” She arches a brow.

“I don’t know.” I shrug, lowering my eyes as I hold back tears. “Things have been off between us, and maybe they have been for a while, but I’m just now seeing it. He’s pushy about me moving in with him, and since we don’t get to see each other much, he thinks living together will give us more quality time.”