My mouth falls open. “Like what? I don’t know what you’re talkin’ about.”
Everleigh glances at me. “Are you sure, like one-million percent sure, that you want to marry Robert? And I’m only asking because you’re my best friend, and I love you. You deserve to be happy.”
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about marrying him. I do have doubts, especially now that he’s being extra pushy about moving the date. On top of it, leaving my mother’s cabin so quickly feels wrong. And now he wants me to quit my job just because he doesn’t like one of the employees? It feels like a lot of change at once that I’m not ready for, and instead of giving me time and space, he’s become more demanding and pushier.”
“If that’s any indication of how things are now, it won’t get easier being married, Gemma.” She keeps her voice low, and I hope Tyler can’t hear our conversation over the water running.
“That’s what concerns me the most. What if I learn too late that he’s super possessive, or he gives me an ultimatum that forces me to quit working at the garage? I’ll work there until I physically can’t, or he decides he wants to retire and sells the place, but he’s already told me it’s mine. It’s literally my family’s legacy in this town. My grandfather and father both spent their entire lives there. I’m shocked Robert has the audacity to even demand it. A part of me wonders if he’s doing this so I’ll tell my dad to fire him instead, then Robert gets what he wants either way.”
She lets out a calm breath. “Sounds like he’s manipulating you. On top of that, he’s controlling. I don’t remember you guys ever fighting this much before.”
“The only thing we argued about mostly was how much he worked, wanting to spend more time with him, and him wanting to set a date and moving in together. Now it’s like he wants to argue about everything until I agree with him.”
“And we both know you can’t keep going back and forth like that. Random question, but how does Robert feel about me?” she asks.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, does he know my brother lives here? I’m kinda thinking not because if so, he’d probably tell you to stop hanging out with me. He’s too jealous not to. I just don’t want his insecurities to come between us, Gemma. It would break my heart. You’re my best friend in the whole world.”
Her words have me smiling. “You’re family, Everleigh. I’d tell him to fuck off.” Though I don’t know if Robert realizes Tyler lives here or not. He hasn’t asked, and I’ve never told him, though it only makes sense, considering Tyler needs help getting back on his feet.
She laughs. “Yeah, right.”
“I would, trust me. No one will ever come between my dad and me or you and me. It’s like he wants to take me away from everyone who means anything to me so he can have me all to himself. But even if he had all my time, he’s too busy to give me any of his. I think he means well, and he has a big heart. It’s what made me fall for him in the first place. But something’s different with him lately, and I have a feeling it’s not going to get better if we can’t work through all these issues before the wedding. I’m not getting married just to get a divorce.”
“I don’t think anyone plans for that but imagine how much more difficult it’d be to get out when you have kids. Women stay with their abusive husbands because they don’t want their kids growing up in a broken home.”
“Robert would never hit me,” I say confidently.
“If he’s manipulating you, Gemma, then he’s emotionally abusing you. It’s not a stretch to think things could turn to verbal and physical abuse too.”
Her words make me sick to my stomach because she’s right. While I could never see Robert hurting me, he’s definitely hurt me in other ways.
The water stops, and I can almost hear blood pumping through my veins. The bathroom door opens, and I catch a glimpse of Tyler with wet hair and a towel wrapped low around his waist, showing off his ripped body. I hurry and turn away before I get caught.
“Well, you need to talk to him.”
“Who?” I ask, my mind on someone else.
“Robert,” she clarifies. “Put your foot down now so he knows where you stand. Make it crystal clear how you feel about his behavior and that you aren’t quitting just because he’s uncomfortable with who else works there. He should trust you no matter what anyway.”
I nod, knowing it’s what I have to do. If we’re going to be together, there needs to be mutual respect. Robert and I have a good time when it’s just the two of us alone, but those moments are few and far between lately.