Familiar Fries
Scarlett
I can’t stop the tears from falling down my face. Even if he can’t say it, I know that Callum loves me. I want to protect him, like he protects me. And that starts with not mentioning the note.
Before I came outside, I already knew he was parked out front.
Something just feels different when he’s nearby— like a magnetic pull I can’t escape.
So, it wasn’t a surprise when I spotted his car from my bedroom window.
As I approached, I saw him sitting there.
He was probably debating whether to come inside.
I know him too well at this point—or at least it feels like I do.
I’m not naive to the parts of him that I’m not familiar with.
I know I must accept them all regardless.
Sitting here with him feels heavy. There’s tension in the air. I know he feels it too. We both need a distraction, so I let him kiss me.
A fire is ignited between my legs when our lips meet. His tongue pushes into my mouth, the pressure building on my clit. Wetness builds as he gently grabs a handful of my hair and pulls my head back. I need this, I need him. His arms are the only place I seek refuge lately.
My hand finds the back of his neck as he pulls every bit of sanity from me. I don’t want to do this here, but I can’t tell him to stop.
His hand snakes its way through my jacket and up my shirt—the sensation causes my skin to feel alive again. He caresses my nipple between his fingers. My hips rock to relieve the burn, before he pulls me back to reality.
“Not here, Angel.”
“So, you’ll fuck me while my dad is in the next room but in your car is where you draw the line?”
“No, Scarlett. We’re in the open, anyone can watch us. And if anyone sees you like this, I’ll have a body to clean up.” By his tone, he doesn't sound like he’s bluffing. He’d kill for me.
“That’s not funny, Callum.”
“Oh, it’s not a joke, Angel.” Disgust washes over me but quickly turns to a yearning between my legs. My breath picks up.
“Does that turn you on, Scarlett?” His hand trails over my other nipple. “Thinking about me ending someone’s life for you?”
It’s so wrong. I shouldn’t be turned on by that thought.
“Answer me, Angel.”
Without hesitation, I nod my head yes. I couldn’t possibly admit it out loud, and that’s all I’m willing to give him.
He removes his hand from my chest and returns it to the steering wheel.
“Callum—” I whine.
“I said not here.” His voice is assertive.
“Where do you want to go then?” I try not to pout, but he’s never denied me before.
“I have a meeting I can’t be late to. I’ll be over after.”
“Okay.” I hide the disappointment in my voice.
He glances at me for a minute, like he’s trying to read me. I remember all the times I’ve seen him vulnerable—like when he opened up to me about his family and his father. All he needs is to be loved. I stroke his face, and he flinches.
“I’ll see you later.” His eyes turn into slits as he watches me get out of the car.
I walk up the driveway, more confused than before. I know that there’s more to this secret society that he’s mentioned.
“Dad!” I yell as I open the door to his shop.
“Back here!” I see him over by the tool bench. A flashback of Callum and I in the garage sets in.
“Scarlett?”
I didn't realize that Dad was talking to me.
“Oh, sorry.”
“You okay?” He wears a concerned look.
“Yeah, just came to ask what you want to do for dinner?” I scan the shop—he’s worked so hard for all of this, for me. Anger washes over me. How could my mom leave him? He did everything for her, for us. He hasn’t dated since, and I don’t know if he ever will.
“I was thinking of ordering something? What do you feel like?”
“Um...I think I’m feeling Thai?” I think about it for a minute. “Or we could go grab some burgers,” I add.
The Burger Bar in town has the best fries—crispy with seasoning.
They’ve been in Millhaven since the town was formed and it’s stayed in the Morrow family since.
The interior has classic red and white checkered floors with matching red booths.
Julia, the daughter of the current owner, went to middle school with me.
I feel like if I wasn’t so close with Sophia, we could’ve been friends, but I’m the type that doesn't need many close friends—I like to have one good one.
She was always kind to me, and I see her behind the counter or serving tables when we go in. I always make friendly conversation.
“Now you’re speaking my language.” He responds with a smile. “I’ll just need a bit more time in here. There’s a fresh loaf of banana bread on the counter from Gerry’s wife.”
“Okay, I’ll be inside if you need me. Come get me when you’re ready.”
The kitchen greets me with the warm smell of baking. I walk over and cut myself a slice of the warm loaf. It’s completely dark outside now.
Just then, I spot headlights coming down the street.
I squint, trying to see if it’s Callum’s car, but the glare against the window stops me from confirming it. I sigh and walk around to the living room window to see if it’s him.
“Scarlett, I’m going to call it a night, want to head out now and save the loaf for dessert?” Dad yells into the kitchen.
I jump as he walks around and into the living room.
“What are you looking at?” His grey eyebrows meet.
“Oh, I um, thought I saw something.”
He moves to the kitchen sink and washes his hands, just like he does every day after working in the shop.
“Ready when you are.” I grab my purse and rain jacket off the kitchen chair and head toward the side door. We always take Dad’s truck when we go anywhere together. The pride in him won’t let me drive. I don’t even remember Mom being allowed to drive when she was around.
I open the passenger door and step up. As soon as I’m in the cab, the smell of leather and grease welcome me. It’s Dad’s distinct smell—I love it.
He backs out of the driveway, and we make our way to the other side of town, by the riverbank.
The red neon Milkshakes sign flashes beside the Burger Bar entrance.
Dad locks the truck’s doors before he shuts it.
There’s no remote locks or power windows.
He’s restored it multiple times. Always working on a different part of it and refuses to buy anything new.
“Why would I do that when I can fix this one,” he’d say.
The door dings as we walk in—matching the rings that escape from the kitchen. Julia rushes over to grab the ready plates.
“Sit anywhere!” She yells from the kitchen.
Dad motions for me to go first. I pick a booth near the back. It’s a typical steady evening. Even on slow days, most tables are full. They are easily the busiest spot in town.
Julia brings menus and water to our table. “What can I get you guys?” She asks, hiding gum in the back of her mouth.
“Oh, I think we know what we want without needing these.” Dad chuckles. “Right Scar?”
He asks me like I’m thirteen again. She smiles at him—it’s genuine, everything about her always is.
“Yeah, I’ll have the Country Burger, no mushrooms, with fries and a Diet Coke please.”
“Of course, and for you?” She looks at Dad.
“The Big Country with mushrooms, fries and a Diet Coke too, please.” He grabs our menus and hands them back to her.
“So, have you made any decisions about next year?” I know he’s not trying to pry. He just wants what’s best for me, but I don’t have the answers.
“Not really, to be honest, I’m just trying to get through this semester.”
He looks down at his water then back up at me. “It’s taken a lot out of you. I can tell. Is there anything I can do to help?”
I smile up at him. “Thanks Dad. Nothing you can do. How are things with you. How’s the shop?”
“Well, it’s the same that it’s been the last twenty-six years that I’ve owned it. It has its slow times, but customers always come back for good work. Especially with these damn new cars, I swear I fix them more than I fix the old ones.”
There’s a sense of pride in his tone. He’s the hardest worker I know.
He takes everything on himself and has never wanted to employ anyone else in the shop.
This one time, I remember he was working late on a client’s car, and she had to pick up her daughter from dance.
So, his client and I got in his truck with him and picked her daughter up from her dance lessons. That’s just the kind of guy he is.
It’s not long before Julia returns with our drinks.
“How’s Sophia?” He asks as he takes a sip of his Diet Coke.
“She’s doing okay. You know her, always has something on the go.”
“Yeah, she always takes on too much. She tries to impress her damn parents.” He sighs.
“She misses you. She said she’s going to come over for dinner soon. Maybe we can convince her to stay and watch a movie, like old times?”
“I’m sure it wouldn’t take much convincing. She’s always welcome. I worry about you girls. You both have a lot of big decisions you have to make over the next year. Is she going to continue in law school?”
“That’s the million-dollar question. I’m not sure. I think she will end up sticking with it. I know she started down that path to impress her dad, but I think she is enjoying it now.”
He smiles at me, content with my answer.
Sophia has spent countless hours seeking refuge in our house.
Her parents live a different lifestyle—one I’ll never understand.
It often involved her being alone. So, she’d come over, whether it was for dinner or a weekend stay, she was always welcome.
My Dad never makes her feel like a friend whose time at our house is limited.
If she ever asked, I know he’d take her in.
“I have to ask, how are things with Callum?” His voice changes. I know that he doesn’t love the idea of us together.
“Things are,” I sigh, “complicated.” I don’t have to look up at him to feel the disappointment in his eyes.
“I just want you to know that I’m always here to talk or listen.” He reaches for my arm. “You’re the most important thing in my life, and I’m always going to be here for you—even if we don’t see eye to eye on certain things.”
“Thanks Dad. I really appreciate that.” Hearing that gives me just enough courage to open up a little. “I just feel like, Callum has a part of him that no one else sees, because he doesn’t let them. He’s been so beaten down his whole life, and I sometimes don’t know how to properly support him.”
“That’s fair, and brave to admit, Scar. Just listen. It sounds like support is what he needs. And you’re great at that.”
“Ha, thanks.”
Julia appears with two overflowing plates. “No mushrooms for you, Scarlett.” She rests my plate down in front of me. “And mushrooms for you, Mr. Voss.”
“Thank you.” I smile and grab a fry. Yep, just as good as I remember.
“You guys need anything else?” She asks and clasps her hands together.
“I think we’re all good. Thanks,” Dad says as he reaches over for the ketchup.
It’s these little moments that I could live in forever. I eat my food and try not to think about all that’s crumbling around me.