CHAPTER 14 #2
The conversation carried on to favorite movies—they did not have many in common—to favorite foods and so on.
They effectively covered everything she and Mr. Wrong Number had discussed over the past two months, but for some reason, Josh’s answers didn’t interest her as much as her texting buddy’s.
She probably glanced at her phone a dozen times, trying to simultaneously listen to Josh and think of a response to Mr. Wrong Number’s message.
By her second glass of wine, Scarlett had to admit that while she still wasn’t particularly interested in Josh, she was glad that she had come out and that they had been able to move past the history lesson on Theo.
Although she was sure she would be replaying that part of their conversation in her head for the next few days.
When they’d finished their food, the waitress came to ask if they’d like something else.
Deciding to call it a night, Josh said, “The bill, please.”
“Very good,” the waitress said, and left.
“You want to split it down the middle?” Scarlett asked.
“Oh no, I got this.”
“Ah, I can’t let you do that,” she said.
“Sure you can.”
“No, really,” she said, reaching for her phone to check the time. “I can’t let you.” She had received another message. She clicked on it.
Actually, I think I missed you.
Scarlett stared at those words, reading them several times over. Josh must have noticed.
“Everything okay?”
“Hm? Oh, yeah,” she said as she quickly typed, I missed you too. She looked up. “We’re splitting the bill.”
He rolled his eyes. “Fine. I’m going to run to the bathroom. I’ll be right back.”
“Okay.”
Her phone buzzed in her hand as he stood up and left the table.
I actually can’t stop thinking about you. What are you doing right now?
A zing went through her. He couldn’t stop thinking about her? She texted back,
Finishing dinner at a restaurant.
Are you on a date?
I wouldn’t say that.
Are you alone with another person?
Yes.
Is there wine?
Yes.
Sounds like a date.
Her brow lifted. So, what if it is?
Are you enjoying yourself?
You know, you’re awfully curious for someone who doesn’t know my name.
He didn’t answer, and she rolled her eyes. He had some nerve, after ghosting her for the past few days.
“Fine,” she muttered to herself as she typed,
It was okay.
Just okay?
Is there a point to these questions?
I’ve got to tell you, I’m a little jealous that someone else is getting to sit across from you at a table, drinking you in. I wish it were me.
Scarlett tried to ignore the fluttering beneath her ribs.
She wished it were him too, but with her little make-out session with Theo, and going out with Josh, she was juggling too many situationships at once.
At least, it felt like it, but in reality, she and Josh were going to remain friends, and Theo had made it clear that he didn’t want anything to do with her.
So really, the only person she was seeing was the one person she actually couldn’t see.
Me too.
Then she added,
But imagine the pressure.
First dates are always so tense.
Well, it wouldn’t really be our first date, would it?
I guess not.
I wonder where I’d take you. It’d have to be better than dinner at some restaurant.
“Ready?” Josh said, causing Scarlett to jump in her seat. She slammed the phone, screen down, on the table, and he cautiously added, “Are you sure everything’s okay?”
“Yeah,” she said, her voice a little high. She coughed. “I mean, yes.”
“Ah, well, I lied about the bathroom. I went to pay the bill,” he said with a wink as she stood. “But in my defense, I’m from the South, and my grandmama would roll over in her grave if she knew I didn’t pay for a date.”
“That was very nice. Thank you,” she said, standing.
“You need a ride, right?”
“Eh, no. I can get an Uber,” she said, putting on her jean jacket.
Josh gave her a pointed look, and for the first time, Scarlett could see a hint of attraction. God, she had a problem.
“I’ll give you a ride.”
“Thanks. And you know, you should confront Theo about what you told me, if you honestly think that’s why he’s keeping you off the field.”
Josh rolled his eyes. “Oh yeah, I’m sure he’d be thrilled to hear me say all that.”
“You never know. He might not even be aware of it. Hurt people hurt people, you know?”
Josh nodded. “I guess. I might talk to him, then.”
Scarlett grabbed her purse and kept her phone clenched tightly in her hand the whole ride home.
She refrained from texting, trying to be as polite as possible.
When they pulled up to Maxie’s house, she gave Josh a quick hug and hurried out of the vehicle before he had a chance to get out and open the door for her.
Really, it was too much, and she was eager to be upstairs, in her bedroom, alone with her phone.
But she had no such luck. Maxie and Devon were lounging on the couch when she walked in, watching some murder mystery.
“How’d it go?” Maxie called out, although she didn’t take her attention off the screen.
“Good. I mean, nothing exciting. I think we’re more friends than anything,” Scarlett said as she removed her heels. “Anyway, I’m going to bed.”
“Bed?” Devon repeated. “It’s not even ten.”
“Yeah, Scarlett, come watch TV with us.” Maxie finally turned to see her. “It’s sad to be going to bed so early on a Friday. Particularly after a date with a footballer.”
“I would, but”—Scarlett held up her phone and grinned—“he’s back.”
“Ah!” Maxie yelped, shoving a bowl of popcorn she had been holding toward Devon and scrambling off the couch. “What did he say?”
“That he missed me and can’t stop thinking about me.”
“Eeee!” Maxie jumped up and down, and Scarlett joined in.
“I don’t get it,” Devon said, watching them both. “You have a real-life footballer taking you out on dates, and you’d rather be texting someone you’ve never met? What if he’s bald?”
“Oh yeah, such a deal breaker,” Maxie said sarcastically. “Scarlett doesn’t care what he looks like, isn’t that right?”
“I mean, it would certainly be a plus if I found him physically attractive.” Theo’s damn curls flashed in Scarlett’s head. “And hair is nice, but not a requirement. Besides, there are a number of handsome bald men.”
“Yeah, like the Rock, Jason Statham, A.J. Compton.”
“Detective Stabler,” Scarlett added. “Mark Strong.”
“All right,” Devon said, getting up from the couch, “but that doesn’t change the fact that you’ve never met him. At least you can actually see the footballer.”
“Yeah, but I have more of a connection with Mr. Wrong Number than Josh.”
“And what about Theo?” Maxie asked, having been told about the kiss session that had taken place earlier that week. “Is that over?”
Scarlett shrugged. “It never really began, did it?”
“It’s too bad you can’t roll them all up into one person—the physical attraction you have to Theo, the emotional availability of Josh, and the deep connection you apparently have with MWN.”
“MWN?” Devon repeated, confused. “What’s that stand for?”
“Mr. Wrong Number.”
“Yeah, well,” Scarlett said, holding up her phone, “unfortunately, I’ll have to take what I can get. So, if you’ll excuse me.” Her phone buzzed. “I have to take this.”
Maxie smirked as Scarlett headed down the hallway to the staircase. Reading her phone as she entered her room, she saw several messages.
I’d probably take you to Lyme Hall. It’s right outside the city, in Stockport.
***
Or maybe not?
She texted back,
Sorry. I just got home. What’s Lyme Hall?
Scarlett quickly undressed, donning her usual oversized Northwestern tee shirt before switching off the lights and climbing into bed. She turned the TV on out of habit, but was too focused on her phone to see what was on.
It’s an estate house about an hour and half’s drive out of the city. They filmed one of the Pride and Prejudices there.
Really? Which one?
I’m not sure honestly. H/o let me check.
She pulled the comforter up to her chin while she waited for him to finish typing.
The Colin Firth one?
Scarlett smiled. I love that one.
I imagine you’d like Lyme Hall, then. It’s an impressive place, large, Italian-styled gardens, a stream-fed pond in the back. Lots of space to roam around.
It sounds beautiful. So that’s where you’d take me on a date?
I think so.
What would we eat?
Sandwiches, most likely. It would have to be a picnic. I’m pretty sure they don’t serve food there.
You know, I’ve actually never
been on a picnic.
Really? Then it would definitely be a picnic date.
Scarlett smirked as she lounged back into her pillows.
What would we do on this picnic date? I’m assuming you’d give me a history lesson on the house.
I would. It’s one of my favorite places to go. I’d probably show you around the grounds. They have decent hiking trials there too. Do you like to hike?
I do.
Then I’d definitely recommend it. We’d have to wear wellies, though. It gets pretty damp.
Would it be raining on this date?
It’s England. It’s to be expected.
She laughed. So, we’d be caught in the rain on this hiking trail? Is there any place to take cover?
There are a few impressive oaks in Hampers Wood. But the public doesn’t generally have access to that part.
But in this scenario, we would, right?
Absolutely.
So, it’s raining, and we’re huddled together under some ancient tree…
Yes.
Scarlett hovered over the keyboard, hesitating for only a moment before answering.
I guess that would be the time
that you would kiss me?
Ignoring the shake in her hand, Scarlett hoped that she hadn’t crossed some invisible line—
You’d think that, but it would only be a tease.
Her brow lifted.
A tease?