“Oh.”
When they arrived, Tim unlocked the building, then entered and tapped on the nearest light switch. The hum of electricity filled the building. “Where would you like to sit? A booth? The counter? The kitchen?”
Gemma’s eyes swept the room. “The counter.”
“Good choice. That’s the closet spot to the milkshake machine.”
Sitting on the padded stool, she rested her head on her elbows and watched as Tim expertly turned on the machine and pulled a few different levers to mix the ice cream. She tried to keep the conversation neutral and flowing. “How did you end up becoming an investor? Isn’t this a family-run business?”
“A couple years ago, the roof on the building needed an emergency repair. Sequoia Valley is a small town. It didn’t take long for word to spread that the owners didn’t have enough cash to cover everything. So I jumped in and offered to foot the entire cost of the repair bill in exchange for a ten-percent stake.”
“They didn’t mind that you aren’t family?”
“Technically speaking, Iamrelated to the owners through my mom. She’s a third or fourth cousin.”
“That was kind of you.”
Locating a glass, Tim held it under the spout and began to fill it. “This place is special to my family. I had the money, so why not help if I had the means to?” He placed the cup on the counter in front of her. “One chocolate milkshake.”
“Are you going to have a vanilla one?”
“I am.”
As Tim started crafting his own drink, Gemma took a sip of her beverage. She wasn’t sure what to say next. Things felt awkward. She had no idea where they stood.
Do I just jump right in and ask him things directly? Should I continue to make small talk? Or is it better to stay quiet and let Tim handle the conversation?
Filling a glass with the thick vanilla ice malt, he walked around the counter and sat on the stool facing her. “Gemma?.?.?.”
“Tim?.?.?.”
A moment of silence passed.
“I—no, go ahead.” They both spoke at the same time.
Tim held out his hand and gestured for Gemma to speak. “I was going to say that this conversation is going to be awkward no matter what we do,” she said. “I’ve sat here for the past couple minutes trying to figure out how to start or where to start.”
“That’s how I’m feeling too.” He gripped the milkshake glass tightly. “So how about if I go first and offer you another apology. I’m sorry, Gemma. I wasn’t myself tonight. I lost control and I took it out on you. I never wanted to hurt your feelings or ruin our relationship.”
“Apology accepted. Emotions were running high for both of us. I made a mistake too, and for that I also owe you an apology. I should have come clean with you aboutCupid’s Arrowfrom the beginning.”
“Why did you even apply for the show?”
“Because it was a bucket-list item? Because I was tired of not being able to find the right bloke to date? I wanted to have what all my friends around me have—a loving relationship.” Gemma drummed her fingers against the counter. “It seemed like the perfect solution at the time. I love—well, used to love the show.”
“What happened?” Tim frowned.
“Talking with the casting director today made me realize that the entire production is fabricated. The point of the program isn’t for people on the show to find love. It’s about entertaining the viewers and making money.”
“For what it’s worth, I’m sorry, Gem.”
“It doesn’t matter now. I told the casting director that I’d met someone special and wanted nothing to do with them, but the bloke didn’t get it. He tried to change my mind by telling me that if I wanted you to be a contestant on the show, he’d pull some strings and make it happen.”
“What?”
Gemma took a sip of her milkshake and nodded. “I told him I didn’t want you involved in it. That’s when you found me in the car.”
“I can’t believe how low these creeps can go.” Tim face-palmed. “If only I’d listened earlier, you could’ve told me all this and we could’ve avoided the fireworks display.” His shoulders sagged. “Instead, I assumed you wanted to go on the show because you hoped to replace me with a better guy.”
