Page 20 of Let Me Keep You

Dad smiles and laughs. “That’s my girl.”

Noah and I grew up helping Dad in the garage. Not many women can change their own oil, pull a radiator, and rebuild an engine. It got to a point where we needed a trusted person to handle the finances and set up appointments without fucking up, so after I got my associate degree from the local community college, I decided to do exactly that.

Working closely with Tyler sounds like a nightmare, but I’ll suck it up for my father’s sake because he desperately needs the help.

The rest of the day passes quickly, and I lock up once the floor is swept and my desk is organized.

Once I’m home, I pour a glass of wine and soak in the bathtub. It’s peaceful, but as much as I try to relax, it’s no use. My mind is too loud with thoughts.

My phone buzzes in the living room, a reminder that it’s time to get out. After wrapping a towel around my body and another around my head, I see several missed group text messages.

Everleigh

Okay, girls. I need to use your pretty faces again.

I instantly smile. Though I’m still kinda annoyed she didn’t give me a heads-up about Tyler, it’s obvious she means well and wants the best for him. Everleigh owns Ever After, a cute boutique around the corner from my dad’s shop. She’s worked hard to grow her social media presence, and any time a new shipment arrives, Everleigh asks us to model them.

Katie

When? Do I have time to lose five pounds before you put my picture on the internet again?

Everleigh

Tomorrow night around 6:30ish? All the new stuff that just arrived is so adorable that I want to get pictures posted as soon as possible. Plus, I’ll provide unlimited wine

A chuckle escapes me as I finish my glass. Everleigh knows the way to our hearts.

Gemma

You said the magic word. Wine and I’m in.

Everleigh

I knew that’d work!

Katie

Fine, fine. Let me see if I can find a sitter. I need a girls’ night anyway!

Gemma

I guess that means I need to freshen up my hair and makeup beforehand?

Everleigh

Unless you want to look like a hot mess monster on my website and social media, I’d say yes.

I think about the schedule for tomorrow. Since it’s a Friday, there’ll be mostly oil changes and state inspections.

I’ll bring my makeup case and hairspray with me so I can touch up my face and hair before going to Everleigh’s shop. It’ll probably take a couple of hours since we fool around a lot when the three of us get together. I’m already exhausted thinking about it, but I’m excited to hang out with them after the week I’ve had. Plus, it helps her get more business. When people see the clothes and accessories on bodies rather than mannequins, they’re more likely to want them.

Shit. I usually spend Friday and Saturday nights at Robert’s, but I’m sure he won’t mind if I cancel this one time. Heat rushes to my face, and I’m not sure if it’s the wine or the fact that I’d rather be with my friends.

I sit on the couch as I text the girls, and we chat about the last time we got together for a photoshoot. We drank too much, then stumbled to Everleigh’s house for more drinking and girl time. Katie was up early to pick up Owen from her parents’, but I slept like a brick on her couch.

Once my glass is empty, I notice the sun is setting and decide to text Robert since I hadn’t heard from him since lunch.

Gemma