Chapter 41
Scarlett
Not only did Matt make an appointment for a massage, but he also made an appointment for a manicure, pedicure, and hair treatment.
I’m a girl who likes some pampering, but it’s weird he didn’t come along.
It’s not like this was a couple’s activity.
I need to get on equal ground with this guy, and quick.
A few ideas came to mind while I was sitting in the salon chair.
I’ll have to wait until we get back to Washington to carry them out.
I’m doing things my way once we get back to Lakebrook.
I want to show him Washington has cool things too.
Maybe get him to consider moving there permanently.
It’s been nice to be carefree, but it’s also nice being the girl I am—Type A with an attitude.
~
I’ve had about a week in Lakebrook to get back to reality.
Now we’re at the day. Today we take over the gym.
Along with leading classes and training clients, I’m finding the right equipment to bring the gym into this century.
Paige has the colors picked out for painting and we’ll be starting that project once the gym closes for the night, keeping to my color-coded schedule.
Lana has completed the logo and website, but the app is going to take her a lot longer than she was anticipating.
She’s working on other side projects, so the app will come along when it can.
Tonight will also be the first night I’ll be going to Matt’s place and hanging out with his sister.
I’m wondering if it’s going to bring us closer than we already are.
He’s good at hiding his emotions. The most I get from him is he feels relaxed around familiar places and people.
It’s not helping me with what he’s thinking.
I get up and find Matt in my living room working on his laptop.
Although he’s in the middle of a project, he looks at new real estate options every day.
What he looks for is still a mystery, but he filled me in on some of his daily tasks.
He’s in his workout gear, so he has probably done something productive before the sun was up.
“Good morning,” I go straight to the coffee.
“Morning sweetheart.”
I sit next to him on the couch, staring at the blank wall.
“Why do you always stare right there?” He furrows his brow.
“It feels like there should be a fireplace there.”
“It’s kind of hot. Isn’t this a rental?”
“It’s a rental, but it’s crisp in the mornings. A fireplace should be there.”
He responds with a grunt.
I continue waking up, going over my day and checking my itinerary. I’m teaching two yoga classes, training three clients, and it’s the first night we’ll be starting the remodel. Then I’ll come home and get ready to go over to Matt’s.
After a cup of coffee, I head to the shower. Matt joins me. We head out to the kitchen for breakfast, and I make my famous “facon” and eggs with cardboard toast Matt has seemed to start loving. I don’t get any complaints anymore, at least .
And then we’re off separately to work. I like the little couple bubble we’ve created, but I should really get together with the girls soon. They’re going to think I’ve deserted them.
~
At the end of the day I head to the front door of the gym with our new keys and lock it, ensuring everyone is out first. I turn around to Lana, Paige, and Jason, who are all waiting by the front desk to get started on our first improvements.
Jason didn’t have to stay, but I’m glad he wanted to help too.
“Okay, I have tarps in the office,” I start. “Let me get those. Paige, grab the tape so we don’t get paint where we don’t want it. We’ll pull out the carpet after we paint. It can be its own version of a tarp since it’s so hideous. I can’t wait to get rid of that stuff.”
“You got it,” Paige responds.
Once everything is covered and prepped, I turn to the group. “Okay, everyone, grab a brush. Let’s get this over with.”
“Oh come on, Scar! This is exciting! We can finally make the gym look modern instead of...green.” Paige states.
“Forest green is the worst color for a gym—and it was painted this way for years.” I shake my head. “This light gray is going to be perfect, Paige.”
“I know, I know. I’m magnificent! You don’t have to tell me twice.”
“I didn’t tell you once,” I mumble.
“I heard that! Lucky for you, I’m not paying attention to that comment. I happen to be on cloud nine.”
“Try cloud four hundred,” Jason pipes in.
I’m laughing, Lana is smirking, and Jason is ignoring the terrifying death stare Paige is giving him.
“I have not slept with four hundred guys.” She stands taller. “You’re one to talk! You had three dates this week, each with a different guy. You’re just jealous because I got two more than you.” She turns and starts taping the door, even though it doesn’t need any more tape.
“Puh-lease. I could get as many guys as you, but I have standards, babe.” Jason raises an eyebrow.
“Okay, okay. This is getting too harsh.” I try to calm the room with my hands.
“We all love each other, remember? Anyone can date who they want, however many times they want. Relax. Actually, Paige, start taping the next room so we can keep this project on time. While the primer is drying, we can start a different room.”
“I’d be happy to.” Paige leaves with her nose held up to the sky.
I finish painting my little wall and then go to help her in the next room. Jason and Lana stay and continue painting.
“So, did Mr. Red tell you he’s in love with you yet?” she asks.
“What? This isn’t The Bachelor. We’ve been dating for a month. Of course, he hasn’t said that. But he did agree we’re official. I have a boyfriend. Or manfriend. You might call it a dick friend.”
“Dick friend? I like that.” She bobs her head up and down.
“Figured you would. He’s stayed over every night since we got back. If we get out of here at a decent hour, I’m going to his house. I’ll be meeting his sister.” A scared frown takes over my face.
“Wow. No wonder you’re itching to leave us. You have another itch you need to get scratched.”
“Oh geez, Paige. ”
“You guys have gone quite a few steps already. You can tell a lot by where a guy lives.”
“Like what?”
“If he’s anal, if he uses toys, if he’s adventurous.”
“Those all sound like sex things.”
“What did you think I was talking about?”
“His personality.”
“Oh,” she swats her hand, “I’m sure his house could tell you those sorts of things too.”
I smack my forehead, leaving a streak of paint on it. This is going to be a long night.