Today’s the second day in a row she’s worn a tight pencil skirt and low-cut blouse to work. I’m pretty sure she’s trying to kill me or at the very least give me blue balls.
“Tyler,” Jerry calls as I wash the grease off my hands. He walks over to me, then slaps a hand on my shoulder. “You have lunch plans today?”
“No, sir.” I grab a towel and dry off.
“Good. Come with me to the Main Street Deli. We can chat and eat.”
“Sounds good.”
Jerry and I walk a couple of blocks to the deli, and as soon as we enter, we’re greeted by the owner.
“Hey, Belinda!” Jerry waves. “Remember Tyler Blackwood?”
“I sure do. Heard you were back. Welcome home.”
I give her a head nod. “Thanks.”
“Sit wherever y’all want. I’ll be right there to take your order.”
“This place hasn’t changed.” I chuckle as I look around. I haven’t been inside since before the summer I left.
“That’s not true,” Belinda says, pulling out her notepad and pen. “Fresh paint and new tables.”
“It all looks great. I bet the food is just as amazing, too.”
Jerry laughs. “Of course it is! Speakin’ of which, I’ll take my regular and a Diet Coke.”
Quickly glancing over the menu, I order a turkey melt and a water.
“You got it. Be back in a jiffy with your drinks.”
“I know it’s only been a week, but what do you think about workin’ at the shop so far? Any concerns or things you wanna discuss?” Jerry asks after Belinda walks away.
“Honestly, I like it. Keeps my mind busy, and I like fixing things.”
“Everleigh said you were a boxing trainer in Vegas?”
“I was. Trained in Sacramento, too. I really miss it.”
“Did you check out the gym here?”
“I did last Saturday. It’s been a good stress reliever.” I grin. “Plus, there’s nothing else to do on the weekends since my sister works at her boutique, and I don’t really have any friends here.”
“Nonsense! We gotta change that.”
I chuckle, and we continue chatting until Belinda delivers our food. It’s as delicious as I remember, and I’m relieved things aren’t awkward with Jerry.
Once we finish eating and pay, we head back to the garage.
“How was lunch?” Gemma asks sweetly as soon as we walk in. She stands, glancing back and forth between her father and me. If she’s trying to act unaffected by us spending time together, she’s doing a shit job.
“Delicious as always.” Jerry pats his beer belly. “Belinda told me to say hello, by the way.”
Gemma smiles at him, then lowers her eyes to avoid mine.
“I had a great idea,” Jerry says before we get back to work.
“What’s that, Daddy?”
“You and Robert should plan a double date with Tyler. Help him get back out there and meet some friends.” Jerry grins wide as if he’s proud he suggested it.
“Uh, I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Gemma fidgets with the hem of her shirt, and I cock my head at her hesitancy.
“Why not?” Jerry pats me on the back. “He’s a good-lookin’ guy. Tall and muscular. Women like that, or so I’m told.” He chuckles at his own joke.
“Yeah, why not?” I cross my arms over my chest. She finally meets my gaze, and I flash her a smirk, knowing she has no excuses. Jerry knows we briefly dated after I returned from the Army but isn’t aware of the repressed feelings we still have for each other. Gemma pretends they don’t exist and has convinced herself to marry Robert, but I see through her façade.
“I’m not sure who I’d invite.” Gemma shrugs.
“How ‘bout Katie? I mentioned it when I saw her yesterday, and she seemed excited. Plus, she’s single, has a good job at the bank, and Tyler said he likes kids. I bet they’d really hit it off!” Jerry waves his hand around. “Set it up, Gemma. I think Katie would love to get to know Tyler better. Maybe they’ll be the next couple to get engaged in Lawton Ridge.”
Gemma swallows hard, licking her lips. Amusement floods through me as I watch her panic, but she forces a smile. “Sure, Daddy. I’ll ask her when she’s free.”
“Perfect!” Jerry grins, then walks around me and opens the door to the shop. As soon as it closes, I step toward Gemma as she moves behind the counter.
I tap my knuckles against the wood. “You sure you’d be okay with that?”
“Of course. Why wouldn’t I?”
“Most people who hang out together are friends. Not sure we classify as such.”
“We can be friends. We’re co-workers, so we might as well be.”
Arching a brow, I study her features and notice her lying tells. “Might as well be, huh?”
Her shoulders slump. “That’s not what I meant. We’re going to see each other a lot, so it’d be easier if we were friends. That way it’s not weird between us.”