Page 147 of Let Me Keep You

“Thanks for being here.”

“Thank you for agreeing to hang out.”

“No, I don’t mean just tonight. I mean, for coming back. I know you didn’t do it for me, but I’m glad you’re home.”

“I wasn’t sure it would be the right choice, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made in years.”

She stares at my lips, and I battle with my head and heart on what to do next. Before I decide, a loud scream comes from the TV, and we both jump.

“Jesus.” She rests a hand on her chest. “That scared the shit out of me.”

I chuckle, taking it as a sign. Tonight’s not the night to cross that line.

We finish watching the movie, and when the credits roll, Gemma curses me out for the ending.

“You really thought it’d have a happily ever after like one of your cheesy romance films?” I tease as I cut the cheesecake.

“Well, I was holding out hope.” She crosses her arms.

“Alright so, besides that, what’d you think?”

“It was…interesting. Not something I’d ever watch again, though.”

“That’s fine because you have fifty more to choose from.” I smirk.

“I need a break before suffering through another, okay? Like maybe something with Patrick Swayze.”

“Let me guess, Dirty Dancing?”

“Yep. One of my favorites.”

“I remember,” I say softly. “You and Everleigh went through a whole phase when you were like thirteen and played the soundtrack on repeat.”

“Oh my God, that’s right.” Her eyes light up with excitement. “We tried to learn all the steps, just like Baby and Johnny.”

“I wanted to bash my head into a wall. That was probably why I started going to the gym and taking out my frustrations on a punching bag.”

“Very funny.”

“Oh, I’m serious. Y’all were always so loud, singing the lyrics at the top of your lungs.”

“We were teenagers,” she defends.

“Exactly and, at the time, extremely annoying.” I chuckle. “But don’t worry, I only think you’re a little annoying now. So that’s progress.”

She scoffs with a small smile.

“Alright, let me add the toppings, then we can dive in.” I slice the strawberries, then add whipped cream.

“You ever thought about working as a chef, like for real?” she asks.

“Maybe, but I’d rather get my hands dirty and sweaty in a ring. Perhaps, getting hired at a restaurant will be my plan C.”

“Must be exhausting to have so many talents,” she teases, stealing a piece of fruit.

“It is,” I say dramatically. “Good thing I’ve been celibate for the past five years. Wouldn’t wanna be a complete show-off.”

Gemma chokes and gasps for air. For a split second, I worry she won’t be able to catch her breath, but then she chuckles.