49. SCARLETT
Chapter 49
SCARLETT
T he clicking and typing of computers distract me momentarily, and I shake my head. I’m almost done with my shift, only a few more patients left on my list. I go through it, knowing they’re all in the ICU. Until a name catches my attention.
Noah Milner.
My stomach drops, and I click on his chart.
Twenty-nine year old male; lacerations to both wrists. Suicide attempt.
What the fuck? How fucking dare he? He takes everything away from me and he’s just going to throw it all away? As if I’m going to let that happen!
I walk to the ICU with purpose, my strides hurried. I don’t bother knocking as I take my computer on wheels into the room, just to stop short and stare. His blue eyes connect with mine, but I drop them to where his arms are both covered in bandages with blood seeping through them. There’s an IV in his neck, and there’s saline infusing into it. Antibiotics too.
I’m not sure when I started moving, but suddenly I’m at his bedside, my nostrils flaring as I try to contain my anger. He actually cowers, and I shake my head, my hands on my hips. We stare at each other for a long moment, and I wonder what he sees. Does he know that deep down I care about what happens to him, even if I’m fucking pissed? Why do I even care? He’s the man who stole my husband. The one I hate. Yet I can’t erase twenty-nine years of history between us.
I think about breaking the silence, but suddenly I don’t know what to say without tearing him apart. I don’t want to be the reason?—
“I’m sorry,” he says softly, and I frown. “For being a home-wrecker. For stealing your husband.”
I shake my head. “He was never mine to begin with.”
“He was yours in ways that counted for something,” he replies. “And I want you to know I never meant to hurt you, even though I know I did.”
“You have a funny way of apologizing, you know?” I growl. “You take everything away from me, and you’re just going to fucking kill yourself?”
“I—”
“You’re pathetic,” I spit, and he flinches. “I can’t believe you did that. You took everything, Noah, and you just gave up?”
“I know.” His voice cracks, and I narrow my eyes at him. “That was fucked up of me. I don’t know if Tyler will ever forgive me.”
“He better,” I growl, stepping even closer to him. “I left—gave you your stupid happy ending. But I’m done with both of you. I need you to be there for him because I won’t be ever again.”
Noah nods.
“Don’t you dare leave him,” I tell him, and his eyes water, one tear trailing down his face. My back goes ramrod straight.
“I won’t.” He shakes his head. “But I need you to know that I’m sorry. That I never meant to hurt you. I know I still did, and I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I truly hope you find peace, love, and happiness.”
I sigh. “I don’t forgive you. I never will,” I say with conviction. His bottom lip wobbles, but I focus on eye contact, refusing to cave. Refusing to be weak as I’ve always been. I’m better than that now. “But I don’t want you to die.”
“I understand,” he whispers. “I don’t deserve forgiveness.”
“Damn right you don’t.” But I still smile at him. I’m free. “I wish you the best, Noah. I wish you both happiness. But I won’t be part of your lives anymore. Please never contact me again.”
“Okay,” he whispers again as if speaking any louder is impossible. “I wish you happiness too, Scar.”
“Goodbye, Noah.”
I don’t wait for him to say it back, instead, I walk away. I’ll get a coworker to draw his blood. I don’t want to be in the same room as him anymore. I said everything I needed to say. I feel good. Excited about my future.
I’m no longer stuck.
Just as I exit his room, my phone begins to vibrate in my scrubs pocket. I frown looking at the name on my screen. It’s Austin.
“Is everything okay?” I ask him, my voice shaking, expecting a fucking tragedy. It’s the only explanation as to why he’s calling.
“Everything’s fine, Scar.” His deep baritone voice washes over me, and I smile. “I just wanted to hear your voice.”
I chuckle. “That’s new.”
“I wanted to let you know I bought the bar,” he says softly, and I raise an eyebrow even though he can’t see me.
“And why are you telling me?” I ask him, and he chuckles.
“Can’t a friend call you?” he asks with amusement in his voice.
“Is that what we are?” I smirk, then notice I’m definitely flirting with him. Who even am I?
“I hope not.” This time he laughs, and the sound makes my stomach flip. Why didn’t I see it before? Why did I never notice him until now? “Let’s go out on a date.”
I laugh, and he’s quiet. “Is that a question?”
“Will you go out on a date with me, Princess?” he asks with a chuckle, and I laugh even harder.
“Princess, huh?” I jab playfully. “That’s new, too.”
“You deserve to be treated like one.”
You know what? Fuck it. “Yeah, Austin. I’ll go on a date with you.”
“Great,” he says softly. “Pick you up at seven tonight?”
“That works,” I tell him, knowing I don’t have to work tonight. It’s perfect, really.
“Oh, and Scar?”
“Yeah?” I ask. “What’s up?”
“Wear a nice dress.”
I chuckle. “Okay.”
“See you tonight.”
I smile and hang up.
Yeah, this is exactly what I need.