11. Scarlett
Chapter eleven
Scarlett
A knock at the front door causes me to drop my book in my lap. Brutus, previously sound asleep, jumps up beside me, growling. A second later, I hear the door swing open, my heart racing, even knowing Eli is stationed outside and won’t let anything happen to me.
“Hello?”
My body relaxes from the familiar, sweet voice of Mrs. Alarie.
“There you are.” She smiles as she saunters over to me, appearing elegant as ever in a navy shift dress.
I stand, smiling. “To what do I owe this surprise visit?”
“Oh, I hope you don’t mind that I stopped by unannounced, but I was just on my way to pick up Madeleine to join me on a visit to the St. Elizabeth Jean’s Center for Women and Children when she, unfortunately, had to cancel. I have so much to bring over there that I was wondering if you might be available to help me?” Her hand finds the top of Brutus’s head as he angles it for scratches behind his ear.
“Oh, umm…” I tuck my hair behind my ear, my gaze darting to the ground. Why would a place like that want someone like me to step inside their doors? I’m sure the neon sign above my head, blinking broken , would probably deter everyone from me.
“It’ll be a quick drop-off. Back before you even know it,” she says, arching a brow while giving me her best smile. A smile that no one would ever be able to say no to. Least of all me.
The corners of my lips tug up. “Sure. Let me grab my bag.” I place my bookmark in my book and then give Brutus a quick scratch on his head. “I’ll make sure to give you extra tummy rubs when I get home.”
Her hands clasp together. “Oh, wonderful!” She looks down at Brutus, scratching his chin. “Are you okay if I borrow her from you for a little?”
He barks once, making us both laugh.
Thirty minutes later, we pull up to a large brick building. My stomach tightens at the sight. Cement blocks surround the structure, making it look almost like a prison with no signs of any plants or colors. I step out of the car that Eli drove us in and meet Mrs. Alarie by the SUV trunk.
“I can help with those,” Eli offers.
“I’m sorry, Eli, but I’m going to have to ask you to stay outside.” Mrs. Alarie frowns. Eli’s face scrunches together as he shakes his head, appearing ready to disagree. “Most women in here are not comfortable with the presence of a man. You may scare them without even intending to.”
He squeezes the back of his neck, examining the sidewalk. “I understand. I’ll wait right outside the front door. Is there any other entrance to this building?”
“I believe there is a back exit.”
“Okay.” He pulls out his phone. “I’ll have Alex hack into the camera system to keep an eye on the back.”
Mrs. Alarie smiles. “Great.” She turns toward me. “Shall we?”
I follow closely behind her as we approach the front door and step inside the small vestibule. An older woman with pure white hair, sitting behind the plexiglass window, looks up from her paperwork.
Sliding open the window, she says, “Mrs. Alarie, I didn’t realize you would be joining us today.”
“Oh, I just had some things I’ve been meaning to drop off.” Her eyes glance over to me. “I’ve brought my daughter-in-law here with me today for some assistance. Scarlett, this is Mrs. Webber.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Webber.”
A wide grin pulls at her face. “Just call me Betty, child.” She presses a button on the wall beside her, and the door at the end of the hall unlocks. She meets us on the other side, holding the door open for us. As we step through, my eyes take in the lively room filled with vibrant colors and plants, appearing nothing like the mundane display outside.
“Welcome to St. Elizabeth Jean’s Center for Women and Children,” Betty says, taking a few bags from my hands and leaving me with only one small one. “Follow me this way. Do you two have time for a little tour?”
“Oh, I’m not—”
“Of course,” Mrs. Alarie remarks, answering for the both of us.
I suppose a short little tour won’t hurt.
Betty begins walking through the room, pointing things out on the way. “Over here, we have the game room. On Tuesdays, we run a bingo night that can get pretty crazy. Prizes range from a five-dollar coffee gift card all the way up to a toaster oven.” She chuckles to herself as we continue walking. “In this section, we have the mental health rooms where a nearby therapist comes several times a week for appointments or walk-in visits. Many women here need someone to talk to, and we pride ourselves on always making this an available resource for our residents.” My free arm wraps around my mid-section, knowing how much it’s helped me to have someone like Dr. Raven to talk to. I couldn’t imagine not having that resource available. We pass a few people who Betty works with and introduces us to. She seems to know every face in the place. “Down that hall leads to the apartments.”
“Apartments?” I ask.
Betty nods. “Many women and children who come here need a warm bed and a roof over their head. Some come because they can’t afford anywhere else. Some come seeking refuge from an abusive partner. And many simply come because they have nowhere else to turn in a time of need.” She looks sorrowfully down at the bags in her hands. “Unfortunately, it’s just not possible to have enough rooms for everyone who needs one, but we do the best we can to get the women the help they need so that they’re able to use these units as a source of transitional housing before heading on their way. A quicker turnaround makes it possible for us to help more people. The more resources we can offer, the better chance of getting someone a new start on the right foot.” She gives a big smile, and the optimism radiating off her feels pretty contagious.
“What kinds of resources are offered here?” I ask, curious as this is not at all what I had been envisioning.
She blows out a breath of air as we come to a stop. “Where to start? Well, besides the mental health rooms, we also offer assistance for those who may be struggling with drug or substance addiction. We offer affordable healthcare resources with an onsite doctor. We have counselors ready to assist with the transition from living in temporary housing to finding a permanent home. We have career counselors who aid in job advancement and help with anything from setting up a resume to landing an interview. We provide financial support to as many residents as possible who would like to attend college courses. We provide three meals a day served through our food pantry. Much of the food is locally produced or donated from neighboring restaurants and grocery stores.” She looks out of breath when she turns to me with a big smile. “Should I keep going?”
My lips part in shock. I had no idea all of that would take place somewhere like this. “That’s amazing that you guys are able to do so much for the people here.”
“We do what we can with what we have. We’re always grateful for people like you two who take the time to come here and spread your generosity. We wouldn’t be the place we are today without people like that.” She points a finger at Mrs. Alarie. “Especially this one.”
“Oh, stop.” Mrs. Alarie waves a dismissive hand. “I just do what I can.”
“Betty! I’m so glad I found you.” A petite woman wearing a hairnet rushes up to us. “We’re short-staffed in the cafeteria today. Is there any way you might be able to lend a hand?”
Betty shakes her head. “I have to get up to the front desk for coverage. It’s just Debra up there now.” Her brows scrunch together, deep in thought.
“If you need help,” Mrs. Alarie starts, “Scarlett and I can lend a hand.”
Anxiety spears me. I’ve never cooked a damn thing in my life. Sure, I can throw together a salad or boil spaghetti until cooked al dente. But this? I rub my wedding band nervously. What if I fail at this? What if I let everyone down?
Betty shakes her head. “I couldn’t ask you to do that.”
“Well, if you can’t,” the other woman begins to say, “I can. Any chance you two wouldn’t mind getting dirty in some elbow grease and helping a poor old lady like me serve up some lunch?”
Betty scoffs. “You’re younger than me.”
“I didn’t say you weren’t old either.”
The two of them chuckle at that.
Mrs. Alarie looks at me. “What do you say, Scarlett?”
I suck in my bottom lip, glancing around before saying, “Sure.”
A few minutes later, I find myself donning a hairnet and sporting an apron tied around my waist. Clutching a silver serving spoon, I prepare to serve mac and cheese on people’s trays.
Deep breath in. I’ve got this. I can do this. I will be the best mac and cheese server this place has ever seen. Deep breath out.
“Yay! I love mac and cheese,” a little girl squeals as she reaches my station. The woman beside her, who I assume is her mother, beams, looking down at her as if she’s her whole world.
And I suddenly understand that she probably is.
The woman’s fading blue bruise around her eye catches my attention, but I quickly drop my gaze before she notices me staring and glimpse down at the girl. “Want to know a secret?”
The girl nods her head eagerly.
“I love mac and cheese, too.”
The girl’s mouth opens wide. “No way!”
“Yes way.” I grin, scooping a healthy portion onto her plate.
“Even as an adult?”
I chuckle. “Even as an adult.”
After the line is served, Mrs. Alarie walks over to me, and it’s a sight to behold. Her navy shift dress is hidden behind a giant neon pink apron. Her dark hair is pushed back behind a hairnet. And her hands are completely covered in bright yellow gloves. “Well, I think I just gave those dishes a run for their money.” She smiles as she removes the hairnet, her perfectly coiffed hair falling back into its original place.
“If anyone can pull off this look, it’s you,” I tease.
She examines her reflection on the giant stainless-steel fridge’s surface. “It is quite the look.” She removes the gloves from her hands and rests her hip against the counter. “What do you think?”
I peer over the room; many people are still enjoying their meals. A sense of pride fills me, knowing I helped with this. “It’s pretty amazing what they’re doing here.”
“It is.” Her hands reach behind her, untying the apron. “I try to get over here as much as I can, but I’m ashamed to admit that it’s been a while since my last visit.”
“I heard you two were the dream team over here.” Betty walks up to us with a glass of water in her hands for both of us. “If only there were more people out there who’d be willing to help out like this.”
I remove the hairnet, tucking my hair behind both ears. “You know, I was thinking, I have time on my hands if you need help with anything. I don’t know what I could be good for, but…” I give a slight shrug. “I’m available.”
Betty beams. “Well, isn’t that something? We were just saying upfront that we need someone to come and read to the children on Mondays and Wednesdays in the afternoon. Is that something you might be interested in?”
“Yeah.” I nod enthusiastically. “I would love that.”
“Then it’s settled.” Mrs. Alarie smooths out her skirt. “Sign me up for whatever you need, Betty. I’ll come with Scarlett on those days.”
Betty pulls out her phone. “Let’s get the schedule figured out.”
“Excuse me?” I peek over the display case to find the same little girl from earlier. “Do you happen to have any more mac and cheese? I’m extra hungry today. My mom says I’m going through a growth spurt.”
I laugh. “You’re in luck because I do.” I scoop a serving into a bowl for her and hand it over.
“Would you want to come have lunch with us?” she asks.
“Oh, I don’t know if I’m allowed—”
“Go on,” Betty says. “We’ll figure out the schedule in the back room.”
I look back at the little girl and say, “Lead the way.” I scoop myself a small bowl of mac and cheese and walk over to the table where her mom waits. “Is it okay if I sit here?”
“Of course.” She gestures to the seat across from her.
“I’m Scarlett,” I tell them as I sit.
“I’m Willow,” the little girl points to herself. “And this is my mom.”
Her mom laughs. “You can call me Celeste.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” I respond before taking a bite of my food.
“Mommy doesn’t have any friends here. So I thought if you ate with us, you could be friends.”
Willow’s words cause her mom’s cheeks to heat up, and her gaze travels down to her plate.
“I don’t have many friends either.” I give a slight shrug. “Friends are hard to make as adults.”
Willow looks sad. “They are?”
I nod. “So it was good that you asked me to sit with you, or I wouldn’t have had anyone to eat my lunch with.”
Celeste smiles at me and then looks at her daughter. “Hey, Willow, isn’t that Amber over in the corner playing in the princess’s dream house?” Willow’s eyes widen, an excited smile lighting up her face. “Go on,” Celeste says with a grin.
Willow jumps from her seat and scurries over to the other child.
Celeste gives a slight chuckle. “Sorry, my daughter has this lovely habit of just saying whatever is on her mind to anyone.”
I wave a hand dismissively. “Don’t worry. She’s adorable, really.”
“Thank you.” She cuts a piece of her meatloaf, and my eyes catch on the knife. The metal glimmers under the lights above, and I swallow down my nervous energy. Quickly, my eyes move to hers. “So, did you just arrive here for temporary housing or…?”
“Oh no.” I shake my head, placing my fork down. “I came with my mother-in-law to help her drop some things off. But it looks like I also just signed myself up for visits to read to the children.”
She nods, her brows furrowing. “So, you’re married?”
“Yes.” I instinctively twist the wedding band on my finger.
“And he’s good to you?”
I blink a few times, a little taken aback by her question. “He’s—”
“Sorry.” She runs her fingers through her brown hair. “That was completely inappropriate of me to ask.” She taps the table, giving a half smile. “I guess you see where my daughter gets it from.”
I smile. “No. It’s fine.” I lift my fork, twirling it through my bowl. “My husband is very good to me.”
She nods. “You’re lucky.” She points to her eye, the one with the fading bruise. “I’ve never been able to say that before.”
“I’m sorry,” I immediately reply. An ache extends across my chest, wishing there was more that I could say or offer than those two words. A phantom-like stab slashes me across the back, and I realize Celeste and I might have more in common than she realizes.
She just can’t see my scars like I can see hers.
“Don’t be.” She sits back in her chair, folding her arms over her chest. “I should have known better. But we’re here, and we’re safe. And that’s all that matters now.” Her eyes search across the room, hooking onto her daughter. “I will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Even if that, unfortunately, means keeping her away from her father.”
“Scarlett, dear,” Mrs. Alarie calls over. “Are you ready to get going?”
I look back at Celeste. “Will you be here next week?”
“I’m not sure. We just arrived here three days ago and started going through the motions of everything.”
“Well, if you are,” I start, “I’d love to have lunch with you again.”
She smiles, and I notice a slight glimmer in her eyes. “I’d like that a lot.”
“Great.” I stand, removing my apron. “It was really nice to meet you. Hopefully, we’ll see each other again.” I turn and make my way toward Mrs. Alarie.
“Everything okay?” she asks.
“It is.” I gather my hair together, twisting it into a loose bun on the top of my head. “Thank you for inviting me today. I think I needed this.”
She smiles warmly. “Then it’s a good thing you were available to help me today.”
I side-eye her, crossing my arms over my chest. “You were never bringing Madeleine here with you, were you?”
She grins, looping her arm through mine as we walk out. “I guess you’ll never know.”
Walking through the front door, I gravitate toward Leo’s office, knowing that’s where I’ll find him. I knock on the wooden door, slightly pushing it open, revealing him sitting behind his desk, looking out the window, deep in thought.
His face softens as soon as he sees me, his tired eyes shining slightly brighter.
I walk over to him, needing to be near him. Needing to be in his arms. The place I have always felt safest.
“Hey, how did everything go with—”
I cut his words off when I take him by surprise, sitting on his lap, wrapping my arms around his neck, and crashing my lips to his.
For the first time in our marriage, I initiate a kiss.
And I instantly regret not doing this sooner.
He’s tense beneath me, but only for a moment. Once he relaxes, his arms wrap around me, pulling me closer to him. The taste of his lips instantly calms me. It soothes the aches within me. The pain that no one can ever see from the outside.
After a moment, we separate, and I stare into his eyes, getting lost in the darkness.
“Not that I didn’t love that, but what was that for?” He brushes my hair down my back and then kisses the tip of my nose. “Is everything okay?”
I lift a shoulder and then let it drop. “I missed my husband.”
His eyes darken. “Say that again.” His voice comes out husky and deep, desire laced in each word.
The corners of my lips lift. “I.” I kiss the tip of his nose. “Missed.” I kiss each one of his cheeks. “My.” I lean up, kissing his forehead. “Husband.” My lips press to his, and I part them, welcoming his eager tongue. His hand grips the back of my head, his thumb massaging my scalp as we take a moment to explore and taste. When he sucks on my bottom lip, I find myself letting out a whimper. His lips travel down my neck, spreading goose bumps all over my body like an electric current that can’t be shut off. I feel my nipples harden against my bra, and wetness pools between my legs.
“I could spend all day kissing you,” he breathes against my neck as he kisses, nips, and sucks every inch.
In a haze, I start to grind against him, seeking friction, and then suddenly freeze, my whole body going tense. My eyes blink open, and as if Leo knows my body better than I do, he stops his ministrations and cups my cheek.
“Hey, are you okay?”
“Yeah.” I swallow. “I think I was just getting carried away.”
He shakes his head. “There’s no such thing as getting carried away with me.” His lips turn down, noticing my reluctance. “Remember, we play by your rules. Not mine.” He kisses my chin. “You run the show. Not me.”
I relax in his hold, resting my head on his shoulder. “You make everything so easy for me.”
He laughs. “Is that a bad thing?”
“No.” I glance up at him. “Sometimes being married to you doesn’t feel real.” He smooths out my hair, twirling a piece around his finger. “When I was out with your mom at the women and children’s center today… Well, there were a lot of women there. Women who had nowhere else to go. Women who were…”
“Abused,” he answers for me.
I nod. “I had lunch with this woman who had a bruise on her face. And I just knew right away what it was from.” A single tear escapes, and before I have a chance to wipe it away, Leo does it for me. “It’s hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that there are men out there who feel it’s okay to abuse women.”
“Those men are not men at all. They’re weak cowards who prey on innocent targets. They get a power high, bringing down those who are physically weaker than them. They’re monsters.”
His arms tighten around me as if protecting me from outside forces.
“And then there’s you,” I say softly, my eyes meeting his. My heart pumps in my chest as I look at the man before me who would do anything for me. “You’d burn the world down for me if I asked you. Wouldn’t you?”
His lips graze my temple. “I’d burn it to ash and await your next request.” He places the palm of my hand over his heart. I can feel his mirroring my own. “My heart may beat beneath my chest, but it’s you who owns it. It’s yours to do with whatever you please.”
Without hesitation, his lips land hard on mine, consuming me whole, and I find myself unable to get enough of him, but also not knowing how far to take this. As if sensing my internal conflict, Leo pulls back and rolls our foreheads together. His breaths come out fast and hot as his hands grip my waist, reining in his control.
His hand slides up my back, a gentle caress with each stroke.
“I wish you didn’t have to leave tomorrow,” I whisper.
He informed me last night he needed to leave for a few days to take care of some business without giving me any details. But I know, in my gut, who it has to do with: the monster in my nightmares. So, I don’t question him for specifics, especially knowing Leo probably wouldn’t even tell me them anyway, not wanting to cause me any fear. But since our marriage, this will be the first time he’s spent a night away from me. And although we don’t share a bed, it still leaves me feeling slightly more alone than usual. I tuck my head into the crook of his neck, inhaling his familiar, comforting scent—leather and sandalwood.
His nose nestles over my hair, his lips peppering the top of my head with kisses. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. Eli and Mauro will both be here for you, switching shifts. If you need me for anything, call me. Okay?”
“Okay.” I brush my lips against his neck. “Promise you’ll come back for me.”
“I promise, Firefly. I’ll always come back for you.”