34. Scarlet
THIRTY-FOUR
SCARLET
Leaving the house this morning for work was harder than ever before—and trust me, leaving Ellis Wilder’s bed is always a challenge. But with both his mom, who I officially adore, and James there? Yeah. I definitely regret not taking off.
Today’s also my first time driving myself to work since my car was vandalized, and while I don’t want to say I’m on edge, I’m not not on edge either.
The only upside is Ellis has texted me cute pictures all morning of him and James.
The downside is, I’ve almost gotten caught on my phone twice, and while Dr. Snider is amazing to work for, she’s a stickler for the rules. Usually, I have no problem following them, but today… the struggle is real.
My phone pings yet again, and I can’t help but smile when I tap the notification and find another picture of Ellis and James. This time it's of James sitting in the high chair, his face covered in what looks like spaghetti sauce, his chubby cheeks mushed up in a huge grin.
I giggle and immediately fire off a reply.
Me: Stop. What a cutie.
Sunshine: Wish you were here.
Me: I'm sorry. I should have taken off. *sad face emoji*
Sunshine: I wasn't trying to guilt you. I just miss you. And James does, too. He keeps calling your name and walking around the house looking for you.
My heart melts a little in my chest, but before I can reply, there’s a knock at the door, alerting me to the arrival of my next patient.
By the time my lunch break rolls around, I'm half tempted to drive home to see them, but it would be pointless—half my lunch would be over by the time I got there, and I’d only get to visit for a few minutes before having to turn around and drive back.
So, a sandwich and a soda in the break room it is. Except Clint stops me in the hall just outside of the door. “You ready?” he asks, spinning his keys around his index finger.
“Ready for what?” I ask, wondering if we made plans I forgot. He, Cara, and I get lunch pretty regularly, but there’s nothing in my calendar for today.
He looks at me like I should know what he's talking about. “Lunch. Cara said she was gonna tell you. She's meeting us there.”
“Oh. Hmmm.” I grab my phone and quickly scan through my texts, but there's nothing there. “No? She didn't tell me.”
He sighs. “She must have gotten busy. So do you just want to ride with me? She said something about having to grab a prescription or something first on the way, so she left a little early.”
“Okay. Yeah, sure. Let's go. Um, what are we… what are we eating again?”
“Miss Fortune’s.” He pushes the bar on the exit door, holding it open for me.
“Oh, that’s the new diner downtown, right?” Cara and I definitely talked about trying them out. Their social media pages are cute as hell and the food looks good.
He nods, falling into step next to me.
“Sweet, I've been wanting to try them. I've heard really good things.”
“I went when they opened. The food’s to die for. And, they have a salad bar.”
I rub my tummy as it rumbles. “I do love a good salad bar.”
He glances at me from the side of his eye as his car comes into view, his mouth curling into a small smile. “Well then, you're in luck.” He opens the passenger door for me. “After you.”
I roll my eyes but slide into the passenger seat. As excited as I am to try out Miss Fortune’s, I kind of wish I was in the breakroom. At least then I could have called Ellis.
Oh my god. Could you be any sappier? Be less needy, Scarlet.
“So how's your day been?” he asks as we pull out of the parking lot.
“Pretty good.” I shrug, checking my phone when another pic comes in. This time, it’s James and Fefe.
Sunshine: These two are a nightmare together. They stole mom’s RV keys, her lip balm, and one of her slippers.
Me: Oh no! I hope she’s not too mad.
Sunshine: Worse… she’s highly amused and is encouraging them.
I laugh under my breath as I save the image to my phone.
“Good to hear you laugh,” he says tightly. “You’ve been off today.”
Geez, I didn’t realize he paid such close attention. Maybe he’s just really perceptive. “My best friend is on her honeymoon, and I'm helping watch her son, and I feel bad for not taking off.”
“Ah,” he says, as if he understands far more than I’ve said.
“Ah, what?” I ask, arching a brow.
“Got a case of baby fever?” There’s a knowing lilt to his voice, and I’m not entirely sure how I feel about it. Because, yes, I want children but it’s absolutely not on my radar yet. Not really.
“Sure.” I laugh it off. “Something like that.”
“Hmm,” is all he says, as he drums his fingers against the steering wheel.
“So, where exactly is this place?” I ask after a few minutes. I thought it was downtown, but we’re heading toward the interstate.
“Taking the scenic route.” He glances at me before training his eyes back on the road. “They’re replacing some drainage pipe or something, so there’s a detour. The traffic’s a nightmare.”
“Right.” I shove my hands beneath my thighs to keep from fidgeting. Something doesn’t feel right, but I’m ninety percent positive that’s my paranoia talking. Clint’s been nothing but nice—a good friend—for as long as I’ve known him.
He tries to make small talk but the further we get from downtown, the more anxious I become.
“Are you…” I glance around, forcing myself to swallow and keep my voice calm. “Are you sure we didn’t miss our turn?”
“That’s precisely the issue, Petal.” Clint goes deathly still as he pulls to a stop at the red light. “We did miss our turn.”
My pulse thunders in my ears as my breathing turns ragged. “Wha-what did you just call me?”
“You heard me.”
“Clint?” My vision flickers as I try to make sense of what’s happening. “It’s been you…” I shove myself against the car door. “This whole time?”
He laughs but it’s nothing like his usual, easy-going laugh. No, this one’s dark and mean. “Who else would it be?”
I scramble for the door handle, but it’s locked and I can’t figure out how to get it open. “I thought you were my f-friend.” I try to suck in much-needed air but my chest feels like it’s caving in.
“I’m so much more than your friend, Petal. You’ll see.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a syringe.
“Clint, no!” I scream, fighting like hell to push keep him away from me while trying to find a way out of this godforsaken car. But it’s no use. I feel a sharp sting, and then…
Nothing.