5. CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 5
SCARLETT
It’s good to get back to work again.
My boss gave me the week off after the robbery—paid, no less—which I really appreciated. Not only did it give me time to deal with the police and all my concerned friends, but now the bruise on my face has faded enough that a careful makeup application mostly covers it.
Most of my patients have heard about the robbery, at least the adult ones have—in a small town like Sleepy Hollow, everyone knows everything. So the fact that I got hurt isn’t a secret. But I’d still much prefer to show up for my jobs without the glaring reminder of what happened.
The time off from work had another unexpected benefit. More time to spend with Grant.
In the last week, I’ve seen Grant nearly every day. Some have been short visits, like when he had to volunteer at the station after work and he only had time to stop by to say hi and bring me a frozen lemonade from Sweet n’ Sour since it was an unseasonably hot day for September .
We’ve had quick lunches together when he can get the time away from work, like that terrible day at the police station. He’s come by in the evening with takeout from my favorite restaurants, and we’re all caught up on Love is Blind and the admittedly ridiculous Love on the Farm .
Somewhere in the last seven days, we’ve moved past quick, platonic hugs and an expanse of cushion between us on the couch to hand holding and real hugs and our legs brushing against each other while we watch TV.
I’m not sure what it means yet; whether Grant is just acting more affectionate because he feels protective of me, or if there’s more to it than that. I’m not sure how I feel about it.
But what I do know is I’ve gotten used to having Grant around more, and I like it.
The bad part of spending all this time at home is having way too much time to think. Of having too much time to listen for strange noises and second guess myself and think about all the terrible memories from three years ago. After my fourth nightmare last night, I finally gave in and emailed my old counselor in Poughkeepsie to ask for a referral.
I didn’t want to do it, but as I sat in bed covered in sweat and my heart pounding out of my chest, I knew I needed to. Even if it makes me feel weak. Which is completely ridiculous; I know tons of people who’ve gone to counseling and I’ve recommended it myself. But there’s this niggling feeling deep inside that still tells me I’ve failed .
It’s those thoughts that make me happy to be back at work. I don’t have time to think about negative things when I’m focused on Carlie and the new game her parents bought for her. Or how the twins are off their feeding tubes and gaining weight like crazy.
When I’m explaining to Mr. Simmons why he needs to stop climbing on the roof to clean his gutters—he’s seventy-five with a bad knee and a hip replacement—I’m completely focused on my job and not the sticky thoughts I can’t seem to get rid of.
By the time I leave Mr. Simmons with instructions to ask his twenty-two-year-old nephew to check his gutters next time instead of doing it himself, I’m surprised to discover how quickly the time’s gone by. It’s already eleven forty-five, which leaves me fifteen minutes to get to The Hungry Horseman to meet Grant for lunch.
When I told him over dinner last night that I was officially going back to work today, he insisted on taking me out for lunch to celebrate. Is it necessary? Not really. But using it as an excuse to see Grant again? I’ll take it.
I find a parking space right in front of the diner, which gives me a little extra time to check my hair and put on fresh lip gloss and smooth out some of the wrinkles in my scrubs. As I’m peering in the visor mirror and smoothing down some flyaway strands, a little annoying voice in my head asks, why are you so worried about how you look? Would you care so much if you were meeting Maya?
Yes , I tell myself defiantly as I rummage in my purse for my bottle of travel perfume. I’d want to freshen up after working all morning, no matter who I was meeting.
Even my reflection looks skeptical.
Just as I’m about to get out of my car, my phone chimes with an incoming text. It’s the little tone I assigned to Grant, so I’m already smiling before I even read his message.
So sorry, but I’m going to be a few minutes late. Mrs. Plimpton kept asking questions and I couldn’t get away until I told her I was meeting you. Which resulted in another five minutes of questions. But I’m leaving now. Be there in five.
I can’t help laughing. I’ve never met Mrs. Plimpton, but after everything I’ve heard about her, I want to. Smiling, I text Grant back.
No problem. I just got here. I’ll head inside and grab a table. See you soon.
After one last check in the visor mirror, ignoring my irritating inner voice this time, I get out of my car and head into The Hungry Horseman.
It’s buzzing with activity, as it always is during lunchtime hours, but I spot an empty table in the back and make a beeline towards it. One of the servers, Ruby, notices me and gives me a little wave. “I’ll be right over,” she calls out cheerfully.
Once I sit down, I take a minute to appreciate the decor, just like I always do when I come in. Something I love about Sleepy Hollow is how so many of the businesses really embrace the Headless Horseman theme, and unsurprisingly, The Hungry Horseman is no exception.
There are dozens of paintings of the Headless Horseman displayed all over the walls, each of them created by a different local artist. Behind the counter, there’s a huge mural of a pumpkin-headed man riding a horse and holding a giant sandwich. A large billboard-style menu announces the specials for the day, which include the Roast Beef Melt with Headless Horseradish Cheddar and the Pumpkin Headed Latte.
True to her word, Ruby comes over before I’m even done reading the specials and places a menu in front of me. “Hey, Scarlett. Is it just you today? Or is Maya joining you?”
“Not Maya,” I answer with a smile. “But I have another friend meeting me. He should be here in a few minutes.”
“Ah, gotcha.” Ruby’s green eyes sparkle with interest. She puts down another menu and says, “Just give me a wave when you’re ready.”
Just as she walks away, my phone chimes again, but this time the message is from Maya.
How’s the first day back at work going?
It’s an innocuous question, but I know what she’s really asking. Are people being weird about the robbery? Has anyone said anything rude? Am I feeling okay being back at work after being attacked on the job?
I quickly send a cheery response.
It’s been good. Glad to be back at work. And my patients were really nice, just happy to see me again .
There’s a short pause before she replies.
Ok. Good. I was thinking, I’m only working part time today. Do you want to meet for lunch? Or if you don’t have time, do you want to come over for dinner? A movie? I can ask someone to watch Clara.
My cheeks get warm as I send my reply.
Thanks. But actually… I’m meeting Grant for lunch. And we’re having dinner at my place. Maybe tomorrow?
The three dots blink for a few seconds before her response appears.
Lunch AND dinner with Grant? In one day? I thought you were just friends? Is there something you’re not telling me?
A beat later, another text pops up.
Grant’s a super nice guy. Just saying. And he’s been single since he moved to Sleepy Hollow. Cole told me.
I can’t help smiling as I reply.
I know he is. But we’re just friends. At least… I think we are. Things have been different lately. Not bad. Just… I’m not sure how he feels about me.
Maya responds immediately.
Go for it! I knew there was something going on when he stayed over with you that night! That’s the only reason I didn’t yell at you for not calling me.
Just as I’m about to respond, I spot Grant walking in. He’s in cargo pants and a green Henley with the sleeves rolled up to show his very sexy forearms. The fabric stretches across his broad shoulders and hints at the muscular chest I’ve only felt, but not seen. As soon as he sees me, a wide smile stretches across his handsome face, and I think I can hear at least a few women in the diner sigh in appreciation.
I quickly type one last message to Maya.
He’s here. I’ll call you later.
As soon as Grant gets to me, he bends down to give me a hug. He smells like pine and shampoo and mint, and the combination is somehow the best thing I’ve ever smelled. “Scarlett. Sorry I’m late.”
“No problem.” I smile at him while commanding my fluttering heart to settle. “I was just texting with Maya.”
He slides into the seat opposite from me and reaches over to take my hand. I’m not sure if he even realizes he’s doing it, but his thumb slowly strokes across my palm. “Is Maya doing alright? Clara?”
“Yeah, they’re fine. She just wanted to check in.”
His expression turns serious. “And is everything okay? With work?”
“It is. Everyone’s been really nice. Just saying they missed me, stuff like that.”
“Good.” Grant’s gaze holds mine. “And no more problems with”—his brow furrows—“the police?”
My chest tightens for a second, but I blow out a slow breath and it eases. “Oliver called this morning. They think they got the guy. Vanessa Cunningham caught him sneaking around the house and called the police. They found a few pieces of the stolen jewelry in his truck, and the mask he used. ”
The tension in his features relaxes a bit. “That's good news, Scarlett. And nothing else about those ridiculous accusations against you, I hope?”
“No. Oliver said he talked to Officer White, and I haven't heard from him again. And I guess Cole talked to the captain about it. So I hope it’s all over.”
Grant still doesn’t look happy, but it’s miles better than when he was at the station a few days ago. Not that he was outwardly angry—Grant is one of the most in-control people I know—but I could see the fury banked in his eyes.
It made me feel better, really, knowing he was angry about how I was treated. That he didn’t doubt me for a second. That he was ready to go to battle—figuratively—to defend me.
“Well,” Grant humphs, “I hope it stays that way. But if you have any problems—”
I smile as I echo the same thing he’s told me at least a dozen times. “I know. I’ll call you.”
His gaze softens. “Any time, Scarlett. I’ll come whenever you need me.”
My heart squeezes.
Are we just friends? Or does Grant have the same conflicted feelings as me?
“Hey, guys!” Ruby’s chipper voice interrupts us as she returns to our table. “Can I get you something to drink? Or are you ready to order?”
Once we order our food, the conversation turns to less serious things. Book club night with Maya at Blade and Arrow next week; which is just wine and charcuterie and talking about romance novels, but is way more fun than any serious book club I’ve been in. And Mrs. Plimpton and the interrogation she put Grant through once he told her he was meeting me for lunch.
“She kept asking when she was going to get to meet you,” Grant recalls with a smile. “And she wanted to see pictures. So I showed her one of you. I hope that’s okay.”
“It’s fine. I don’t mind. And I’d like to meet her, too. From everything you’ve said, she sounds really interesting.”
He laughs. “She’s interesting, alright. Kind of tough on the outside, but she’s a big softie deep down.”
It just slips out. “You mean like you?”
His eyebrows raise, and a corner of his mouth quirks up. “You think I’m tough?”
“On the outside, yes. You were Special Forces, and you’re all strong and good at building things, and you have this kind of intimidating vibe. Like someone would be crazy to mess with you.”
Concern darkens his gaze. “Did you think I was intimidating? When we met?”
“No.” I smile, thinking back to our first meeting. “You were so kind. Explaining everything to me, and then you got rid of those dead mice in the attic so I wouldn’t have to deal with them. And… I don’t know. I just felt so comfortable with you.”
“So you think I’m sweet, then?”
I hesitate, trying to decide how much to reveal. “I know you are. To the people you care about. You’d do anything for them. ”
Grant stares at me, emotion tightening his features. “Scarlett…”
There’s a breathless moment when the sound in the diner seems to dim. When it’s just us looking at each other, on the precipice of confessing something that can’t be undone.
So of course, we’re interrupted again.
“Scarlett! Oh my gosh! How are you?”
I tear my gaze from Grant to look up at the redhead standing beside our table. With a smile, I reply, “I’m good, Lina. How are you?”
“Oh. I’m great!” Her smile brightens. “I just got back from a long weekend in the Hamptons. It was the perfect time to go, not as many tourists, and the weather was lovely for walking on the beach. I just had the best time.”
“That’s great. I’ve heard it’s nice out there.”
“Oh, yes.” If possible, Lina’s lipsticked smile grows even bigger. “And I stayed at this incredible B and B, and they had four course bespoke breakfasts each morning, and hot tubs in all the rooms, and a masseuse on staff to give massages in our room.”
“That does sound lovely.” While most of my focus is on Lina, out of the corner of my eye, I notice Grant’s lips twitching.
“It really was, Scarlett. You should—” She stops, eyes going wide, and claps her hand over her mouth for a second. “Oh gosh. I’m such an idiot. Here I am going on about my trip when you were attacked . How are you feeling?”
“I’m good. But thanks for asking. ”
“Still. I just can’t believe it. And at the Cunninghams’ of all places. It’s crazy. And to think…” Her voice lowers to a near whisper. “That could have been me . I was there for the morning shift. I wouldn’t have known what to do.”
My teeth clench as I force myself to keep smiling, reminding myself that Lina might be ditzy and not the most tactful, but she means well. “Well. I guess it’s lucky you weren’t there, then.”
“You’re right,” she agrees. “I would have just panicked. I don’t know how you handled it.”
As she continues going on about how badly she would have freaked out, I glance over at Grant again, noting a tiny line of irritation between his brows.
“Lina,” I interrupt, “I’d like to introduce you to my friend Grant. And Grant, Lina’s an RN at my agency. She shares some of the same patients as me.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” Lina exclaims as she turns her attention to Grant. “I was so worried about Scarlett, I…” She trails off as she takes him in, her eyes lighting in appreciation. Two spots of pink rise on her cheeks.
A second later, she sets her shoulders and thrusts out her chest. “Oh.” Her voice dips, going low and sultry. “How could I have missed you sitting here?” She twirls her ponytail and bites her lower lip before adding even more breathily, “I’m Lina. It’s so nice to meet you.”
Grant gives her a tight smile. “It’s nice to meet you too, Lina.”
She moves closer to Grant’s side of the table, all her focus completely on him. “You know, I think I’ve seen you around town. You work for that construction company, don’t you? Collins Contracting?” She bites her lower lip again. “I could use some help at my apartment. Maybe I could hire you?”
Grant stares at her for a moment with that same forced smile, and then he reaches across the table and takes my hand. “Actually, I own the company. And unfortunately, I’m fully booked at the moment. But if you want to call my office and get on the waiting list, my assistant will be in touch when we have an availability.”
Lina’s gaze drops to Grant and my clasped hands, and her smile dips. More flatly, she says, “Oh. Well. It’s probably nothing, anyway.”
“Okay.” Grant’s thumb rubs across the back of my hand, sending little sizzles of heat across my skin. “Well. It was nice meeting you, Lina.”
“Right.” Irritation creases her brow, but it’s gone as quickly as it came. With a less-bright smile than before, she says, “It was nice meeting you, Grant. And it was good to see you, Scarlett. I’m sure I’ll see you around.”
She’s ten feet from our table and I’m just about to breathe a sigh of relief when she turns around and calls back, “You should really carry pepper spray, Scarlett. And one of those whistles. I’ve heard they really help.”
She means well.
As I grit my teeth and smile, I remind myself, she means well. And Grant’s an extremely good-looking guy. That I called my friend. I can’t be mad that she flirted with him .
Still. I feel like steam is leaking from my ears.
“Scarlett.” Grant’s voice is like a soothing balm. He squeezes my hand gently. “Are you okay?”
“Of course. Why?”
He reaches across the table with the hand that isn’t holding mine and traces a line across my forehead. “Because when you’re irritated, you get a tiny line right there.” His finger trails down my cheek before he lifts it away. “And I didn’t like how she spoke to you.”
“I’m sure she didn’t mean it.” Being tactless about the robbery, at least. Flirting with Grant right in front of me; she definitely intended. “And anyway, we’re not friends. I see her at trainings and staff meetings, mostly.”
“Still.” Grant’s gaze goes dark and intense. “I didn’t like it. She made you uncomfortable. And that’s not okay with me.”
“I’m okay. Really. It’s not a big deal.”
“Maybe. Maybe not.” His hand is still big and warm and comforting around mine. “But you handled yourself a thousand times better than that silly Lina would have done. And—” A ruddy pink touches his cheekbones. “I would never look at her. Consider her. Not when I have you sitting across from me.”
My breath catches.
Is he saying what I think he’s saying?
Do I ask?
“Hey, Grant!” Once again, we’re interrupted, this time by Grant’s friend and fellow firefighter, Ian. He’s crossing the diner with his pretty wife, Rose, tucked into his side. As soon as he gets to us, he flashes Grant a wide grin. “Imagine finding you here. And on a—”
“Ian,” Rose scolds lightly, and jabs him in the ribs with her elbow. With a kind smile, she adds, “Just a hello is fine. How are you both doing?”
“We’re good,” Grant replies. He still hasn’t let go of my hand. “Just enjoying lunch before we have to get back to work.”
Rose looks at us with an introspective gaze. I can practically see her thoughts— why is Grant holding my hand, are we dating —but Rose is far too quiet and polite to ask. Instead, she glances at Ian for a second and they share an unspoken message between them.
“You know, we were talking about having some people over this weekend,” Ian tells us. “While it’s still warm enough to grill outside. Play some games. Cornhole. Ultimate Frisbee. You guys should come.”
“Yes,” Rose adds, widening her eyes at me. “We’d love it if you both came.”
The two are about as subtle as a runaway train.
But it doesn’t phase Grant at all. “What do you think, Scarlett? Want to go?”
I still might have unanswered questions, but I don’t have to think about this one. “I’d love to.”