Page 163 of Let Me Keep You

Thought I’d lay around naked and wait for you to come over.

Tyler

You’re making this really hard.

Gemma

Well, if you’re hard, get over here!

I totally set myself up for that response.

Tyler

Get up. Eat breakfast. Put on some clothes because I’m taking you somewhere this afternoon.

Gemma

OOH! Where?

She always ruins her surprises.

Tyler

I’m not telling you, but dress to be outside until after dark.

Gemma

Okay! How much time do I have?

Tyler

I’m picking you up in 2 hours

Since it’s the third week of October and the temperature has dropped significantly, I dress in a long-sleeve T-shirt and jeans. I even grab a light jacket because it’s been brisker at night. Before I leave, I take Sassy for a walk and think about hanging out with Gemma and creating new memories together. Once we’re back, I feed Sassy some dog treats, then head to the boutique to get Everleigh’s car.

Everleigh has the place decorated from head to toe in black and orange. Each corner has witches and wizards, the mannequins are skeletons, and spiderwebs dangle from the ceiling. She wanted to create a haunted house vibe with the music and sound effects. Every customer who enters is greeted by Cara, who’s dressed like a ghost and hands them bags of candy. Everleigh has outdone herself with the decorations, and it makes me chuckle. When she pops out from behind a mannequin wearing black lipstick, I pretend to be scared. “Got me!”

“Shut up, you didn’t even jump,” she says.

“Prison will do that to a person,” I remind her, and she shakes her head. “Keys, please?”

“I’ll give them to you under one condition only,” she teases.

I groan. “Walking Sassy was the only thing you asked. Anything else isn’t a part of the deal we made.”

“Oh well.” She shrugs. “I want you to bring Gemma by the shop so I can finally see you two together in public.” She dangles the keyring on her pointer finger. I try to swipe them from her, but she’s too fast. “Say you will…”

“Oh my God. You’re so annoying.”

“Uh-uh, promise me,” she continues, and I finally give in.

“Okay, fine. But we’re not staying long.”

She drops them in my palm. “Works for me.”

“You little shit,” I throw back before I turn on my heels.

“You love me!” she shouts across the way just as an animated ghost wiggles and flies on a string across the ceiling. Cara tries to hand me a bag of candy, but I refuse.