Chapter 4 #2
But when I glance back at Scout, I see she’s preoccupied looking around.
“Well, what do you think? It’s barely recognizable from when you lived here, right?”
“Yep… You’ve certainly made it your own,” she says through gritted teeth as she kicks off her shoes.
I almost laugh at her painful attempt to stay polite, despite how obviously pissed she must be. The fact that Scout can be so justifiably furious with me and still have the manners to leave her shoes by the door only confirms what I’ve always known. She hasn’t changed a bit…
Hell, if anything, she’s even weaker now than she was back then. And somehow, that realization only stokes the hot coal of fury already burning inside me.
I study her for a moment as she shrugs out of her cardigan, folding it over her arm rather than placing it on the hook.
Her cheeks are flushed pink as she pushes her emotions back down to wherever she keeps them hidden away, and I find myself growing more curious about the circumstances that led her back here.
What is she hiding in that pretty head of hers, and how can I provoke her enough to finally get her to break?
Without another word, I make my way to the kitchen, Scout following closely behind me as we both carefully step over the loose wooden plank that, despite all my upgrades, I couldn’t make myself fix. I don’t have to give her a tour; she knows the layout of this place better than anyone.
Scout clenches her cardigan to her chest, standing awkwardly like she’s waiting on direction…or permission for what to do next.
I make my way over the bar cart. “I don’t know about you, but I could use a drink.” I don’t wait for her request; just make her the same gin and soda that I’m having, adding a few maraschino cherries to her glass before handing it to her.
It’s a small, thoughtful gesture, but old habits die hard, I guess.
She gingerly accepts the drink, and I hold out my glass. “To reconnecting with old friends,” I say, clinking my glass to hers before throwing back half its contents in one long gulp. In contrast, Scout takes a tiny sip, coughing in surprise as she swallows.
“I may have gone a bit heavy on the gin. I hope you’re not still a lightweight,” I tease, and then I notice the slightest tick of her jaw and even more intriguing, the flicker of challenge flashing behind those pretty hazel eyes.
Maybe there’s a little bit of the old Scout still in there after all…
Good. Get mad. Tell me how much you hate me. Tell me how you wish we had never met. How you regret everything we shared that night. Give me all your pent-up rage so I can finally let go of this grudge and move on with my life.
I wait, but her expression shifts, melting back into that pleasant, neutral mask she’s always been trained to wear.
“Why don’t we have a seat, and you can catch me up on what you’ve been up to?
” I gesture to the living room, kicking away a dirty pair of jogging pants to clear our path.
“You’ll have to forgive the mess. I wasn’t exactly expecting company,” I say as I take a seat in a leather armchair.
Scout takes a seat in the other armchair across from me, rather than the sofa that’s in the middle.
She sits perched on the edge of the seat as she sips her cocktail, surveying the cozy living room for every new detail.
“Wow, that’s a big TV. I didn’t realize they made them that big…
” It’s a dig—a polite dig—but a dig, nonetheless.
Judging by her stark change in appearance, I’d bet her love for horror movies is just another thing she’s abandoned along with the outdated version of herself.
I hate that that bothers me so much. What’s it to me if she’s changed in eight years? Lord knows I have, though I don’t think the core of who I am has changed much, but I’ve hardened up a bit…grown up a hell of a lot.
“You know I love a good movie night, so when I was furnishing this place, I had to have the best setup I could get my hands on.” I kick my feet up on the coffee table and sink into my seat. “And let me tell you, the sound system on this baby is incredible. It really makes the experience.”
She shifts in her seat uncomfortably, and I take it as my cue to tease her a little more.
I sit up, propping my elbows on my knees as my gaze zones in on the bare finger where her engagement ring should be.
“So how’s wedding planning going? I hope you’ll send me an invite. I’ve always loved weddings.”
Her posture is rigid and forced, like sheer determination is the only thing holding her together—much like the pretty velvet bow in her hair, uselessly clinging to the wild, windblown strands.
I love seeing her so disoriented. It’s as if karma is finally on my side; all of the pieces that had been used against me are finally falling into place. All it would take to unravel her is one deliberate tug of the ribbon…
Her throat works as she takes a large gulp of her drink. “We…uh…we recently broke up, actually.”
I can’t deny the feeling of relief that washes over me at that confession.
It’s not like it really matters, but at least that walking shit-stain doesn’t get to keep the girl, too.
Scout may have lost all her sparkle, but I don’t have to know him to know she’s still too good for him.
The version of her I used to know, anyway.
She pauses for a moment, then finally adds, “It’s sort of the reason why I’m here. It’s a long story, but I hope to get things sorted out soon.”
“Oh, man. I’m sorry to hear that,” I lie, biting my cheek to hold back my grin. “Well, at least you have your parents to fall back on.” I barely manage to get the last part out without laughing, and this time, Scout zones in on it.
Glaring daggers at me, she tosses back the last of her booze, slamming the now-empty glass down on the coffee table and shooting to her feet.
“You know what? Screw you, Luka. I knew I shouldn’t trust you after the way you treated me back there.
I get it, you hate me. But I guess you’re going to have to get in line behind everybody else. ”
She sucks in a sob as she rushes back through the kitchen, depositing her empty glass in the sink before stepping back into her shoes.
“Hang on. Hang on. Don’t be so dramatic. It’s nearly ten o’clock at night, you have no money, and we’re ten miles outside of town. Unless you plan on spending the night in the woods tonight, I don’t know where you think you’re running off to.”
“Then I guess I’ll have to take my chances sleeping in the woods. It can’t be any worse than staying here with you.”
“I’m sorry, all right?”
“Sorry for what?”
“I’m sorry I provoked you about your failed engagement and then immediately pointed out how shitty your parents are. Okay? Just don’t…don’t go…”
“Why shouldn’t I? It’s not like you care about me. You’ve made that abundantly clear tonight.”
I drag my fingers through my hair in frustration. “Seeing you has brought up a lot of old feelings, that’s all. But that doesn’t mean I want to see you put yourself in danger. Just… stay here tonight and we’ll figure out a plan in the morning.”
“Fine. But I’m leaving as soon as I get my money and card situation sorted out.
I tense as a strange sense of disappointment sinks in my stomach at her threat.
I guess that alcohol hit me faster than I realized; it has my body acting on its own accord.
“Come on. I’ll show you to your room,” I lead her through the hallway, pausing as we pass the stairwell.
“You can stay down here. Stay as long as you need, but just don’t go upstairs. ”
“Why? What’s upstairs?”
“That’s where I keep all my shit. It’s none of your business,” I snap.
She holds up her hands in defense. “Okay… Jeez. I won’t go up there.” She crosses her arms over her chest, her heated stare meeting my gaze.
I notice the slightest tremble in her chin, but she bites the inside of her bottom lip to fight it off.
She’s acting tough, but I know it’s all for show, and I almost start to feel sorry for her…
But then I remember the sting of her betrayal, how devastated I was when I learned she’d just moved on with her life, leaving me to deal with the mess she made.
And any pity I had for her instantly vanishes.
I clench my jaw and nod. “Good.”
Then, without another word, I spin on my heels and make my way upstairs, putting as much space between us as possible.
What the fuck am I doing?
Before I can talk myself out of it, I’m pulling out my phone to text the only person who could actually understand me right now.
Are you up?
Jett
I am now
What’s going on? Please tell me you’re not in trouble again…
No. Nothing like that
Jett
Then what the hell do you want? I’ve got six hours before I’ve got to be up
I need some advice
Jett
Seriously? What, are Roman and Guy too busy or something?
No. I wanted your opinion on something
Jett
That’s a first
Is this about Scout?
Yes
Jett
Of course it is.
It’s a bad idea, bro. Save yourself the heartache now and WALK AWAY!
I can’t exactly do that, considering I offered to let her stay with me…
Jett
Why the fuck would you do that?
I don’t know. Moment of weakness, I guess.
Jett
Pussy
My bartender told me her card was declined earlier. What the fuck is going on?
I don’t know, man…but she told me she called off her engagement.
Jett
Fuck, dude. Any idea why?
No clue.
Jett
Tread carefully, little brother. I’d hate to see you get your heart broken a second time.
Trust me. I have no intention of ever getting that close to anyone again.
That’s what they make sex toys for.
Jett
Yeah… I guess we’ll see about that.
I’m serious, dude. My plans are far more sinister than that.
Jett
Now you have my attention
What are you thinking?
I’m not sure yet. I need to figure out what the hell she’s running from first…
Jett
If you need some ideas, you know where to find me.
Thanks, dude.
Jett
I’m invested now. If you’re going to drag me into this shit, then you’d best know I expect an update the moment you figure out what’s going on.
Don’t worry, I wouldn’t dream of keeping any juicy gossip from you
Jett
Good. Now leave me alone. Some of us have to wake up early in the morning, and my head still hurts from that stupid town meeting tonight.
Oh yeah, I feel terrible for you. That must’ve been so hard to sit through
Jett Kingsley has silenced notifications.
I laugh at the automated message and hit notify anyway before rolling over and turning off the light.