Needing You Close (Ex-Con Duet 2)

“You’re wearing a polo?” I ask, not used to seeing him in a shirt with a collar. It’s bright blue and looks good on him, but it’s different, considering I see him in his uniform ninety percent of the time.

“You know how judgey Robert is.” He releases a sigh. My heart begins to race when he mentions his name. He’s on both of our shit lists right now. I bite my tongue and continue inside, trying to gather my courage. As soon as Robert arrives, I’ll be forced to put on a show of a lifetime.

Dad helps me unload everything, then I pull out a skillet, the butter, and the seasoning. I even grabbed a loaf of garlic bread too. As I turn on the flame, I take a deep breath and follow the directions I found online. Once the potatoes are wrapped in foil and roasting in the oven, I place the steaks in the skillet. The kitchen quickly fills with the delicious smells of spices, and my stomach grumbles even though I have no appetite. My nerves have replaced my need to eat.

Before the food is ready, the doorbell rings, and Dad quickly answers it. Hearing Robert’s voice makes me anxious, and I try to push down all of my thoughts, not giving them the opportunity to swallow me whole. I refuse to wear that stupid look I used to have when I’d see him. I’m sure Robert had hoped I’d stay under his spell much longer.

Robert comes in and kisses me on my cheek. He makes sure to tell me how lovely I look and how great the food looks and smells before he sits next to my father at the table. Dad gives me a look, but Robert doesn’t notice. 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 going to 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’s smile is so wide, I think I see his teeth sparkle.

“Wow,” I reply, faking amusement.

He grabs my fingers and kisses them, and I see how uncomfortable my dad is, so I pull my hand away.

“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 turns and sees him just as Robert slams down his silverware, completely infuriated.