Chapter 40
Matt
I thought the spa would be a nice place for Scarlett to relax. It’s our last day here, and I figured a little pampering before returning to real life would be good. Girls love this pampering shit. I hope.
I need her to want to move to Texas so we can still be together. I’m going to do anything to make that happen, starting with spoiling her.
She almost made me spill my plans to her last night. She’s like me, which means she needs time to deliberate on the possibilities. I can’t assume she’ll move to Texas. But if I get her to consider the idea, I think I’ll get my way.
I make some work phones calls while I’m waiting. I’m fucking waiting. What has this girl done to me? I don’t wait for anyone; they wait for me. Usually to not call them. Yet, here I am, waiting.
The amount of work I’ve let slip since our vacation started is unheard of. Thank goodness for work right now. It’s the focus I need. I get busy adjusting an order, checking in with the inspector, and then make a phone call to Grant. It’s long overdue.
“Was wondering when I was going to hear from you,” he answers.
“I’m on a little vacation. ”
“Yeah, but you always work through your vacations.”
“I’m as surprised as you.”
I mean that. This is the most relaxed I’ve been in a while.
I’ve done a little work here and there, usually when Scarlett is still sleeping.
Everything is different when it comes to her—she comes first. I like watching her enjoy the moments I make.
That means I’m distracted from doing real things, like work.
Fuck me. Any moment now I’m going to be reciting poetry and Shakespeare quotes.
“You’re supposed to be staying focused, Matt. Should I be worried?”
“The deal is going through next week. We should be able to start the project soon after, as long as the permits come through,” I tell him.
“Yeah, I got your e-mail. Sounds like you made a lot of progress. How long until you can start renovations?”
“By the end of next week. I’ve been ordering everything we’ll need. The project shouldn’t take too long.”
“Perfect. Who did you bring on your fuck fest this time?”
My fists clench, wanting to punch him through the phone.
“This is different,” I manage, through gritted teeth.
“Oh, shit. You have your bride-to-be with you?”
“Your mom was busy.”
He starts laughing. I’m beginning to forget why this douchebag is my friend.
But he’s also my only friend and I need advice. “How would you make someone fall in love with you?”
Once the question leaves my mouth, I’m as perplexed as Grant is, I imagine. Why am I thinking about love? She just needs to move out to Texas with me. When did love come into play?
After a pause, Grant responds. “You can’t make someone fall in love with you. And who am I talking to? Have you been in an accident? The aliens finally got to you and changed out your body?”
“What the fuck are you talking about?”
“Matt, you’re a great catch. You’re usually a jackass, but I know you have a soft spot you’ll show to the right person.
Anyone would fall for you. I wouldn’t worry about love.
You can’t control everything, you know. What you should be worrying about is this project making a profit or we’re going to be down a lot of money. ”
He may be right about the aliens. They’ve abducted my mind.
“I’ve got the project under control.” It’s my little vixen I don’t know what to do with. I add, “I am pretty spectacular.”
“And that’s my cue to end this call. Let me know if you need anything to help with the project.”
“Okay, bye.”
I continue to work on a bench outside the spa. I wasn’t looking to fall for someone, but Scarlett is worth it. I wouldn’t do it for anyone else. She has more of a hold on me than she probably knows. I just have to make her see how perfect her life could be in Texas with me.
If I don’t, we’re not going to be able to stay together.