26. Scarlett
Chapter 26
Scarlett
I t’s two thirty p.m. on Monday, but I slump into my chair behind my desk at the garage and take a deep breath.
I’m exhausted.
I came in late even. I didn’t have anything pressing to do and I’m still recovering from the weekend away.
But I can’t help the huge smile, and the warmth in my chest that’s been there, like a big, full bubble since Friday, seems to expand.
The weekend was a whirlwind.
I loved every minute of it.
After our bath Saturday night, I fell asleep in Cian’s arms.
We slept late on Sunday, but we still had time for a huge breakfast at Ellie’s before Cian took me on a swamp boat tour. I’d thought I was maybe going to get a private tour but there are just too many people that all like to hang out together. Our boat was full, and when I video called Mariah from deep in the bayou to tell her what I was up to, Saoirse joined the call, much to Mariah’s delight.
The girls hit it off, exchanged numbers, and have already texted.
It was actually hard to say goodbye to everyone, but they all seemed to think it was only temporary and that we’d be seeing each other again.
I hope so.
I want to.
And I know I can make that happen. I just have to take a deep breath and dive into a full-blown relationship with Cian.
To distract myself from those overwhelming thoughts, I look around the office. Brian had thankfully kept his records and paperwork pretty organized, so going through things after I’d moved back hadn’t taken too long. The office isn’t huge. The real work in a garage happens out in the bays, after all. But the desk and chair, half a drawer in the file cabinet, and my laptop will at least get me started on putting together Cian’s new foundation.
I open my laptop and pause with my fingers over the keys.
I don’t even know what to type in.
How to run a foundation? Steps to setting up a foundation?
Is that even something I should just search the internet for?
We need a lawyer. Probably. Right?
You need Linnea Olsen .
I nod. “That’s exactly who we need,” I say out loud.
She would absolutely know how to start a foundation.
She could probably put it together in half a day.
Okay, maybe not that but…
Maybe.
I have zero idea.
So, instead, I start searching for logos that have elephants in them.
This isn’t exactly what Brian had intended for me to do in this office when he’d left me this place, but I think he’d like the idea. I know he would like the single mom community idea. I know he’d like Cian. And I know he’d like me feeling like I was doing work that matters. Work that makes other people’s lives a little easier, and better.
“Hello?” a voice calls from out in the first bay.
I push back from the desk and head out into the garage.
“Hey, Diane,” I greet the older woman.
“I got your message that the car is done,” she says with a smile.
I chuckle. As usual, the car didn’t really need any work. I changed the oil first thing when I came in, checked all the fluids, the tire pressure, even intended to vacuum the floor mats. But since Diane had only put forty miles on the car since the last time I’d worked on it, there wasn’t even one speck of gravel.
I dig her car keys out of my front pocket and hand them over. Then I have a thought.
I feel inspired from this weekend. After seeing the community Cian built, and hanging out with the Landrys, and witnessing how they all come together to make their family businesses work, but also seemingly take care of the entire town, I say, “Hey, Diane, can I run an idea past you?”
“Of course.”
“Okay, you know I love our arrangement. But, you and I both know this car doesn’t actually need this much attention.”
Diane looks like she’s about to argue so I hold up a hand. “Hang on, hear me out.”
Diane pauses.
“Mariah is also getting old enough that she needs to learn to cook. And our schedules are crazy so we’re not sitting down around the table quite as often.”
“But that’s the beauty of the frozen meals,” Diane says. “They’re just there whenever you need them. And the leftovers warm up well.”
“They absolutely do. And they’ve been a huge help. But I just don’t think we really need them as much anymore.”
Diane looks a little sad. “Do you know why I’ve wanted to do this for you?” she asks.
“Because you’re a wonderful woman and you knew that I needed some extra support?”
She smiles and says “Yes, I knew you needed support. But that’s because when I was a working mom with young kids, my sister made frozen dinners for us.” She swallows. “She died about three years ago. Cancer.”
My heart squeezes and I reach out, putting my hand on her arm. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know that.”
“I miss her. And now that my kids are out of the house, it occurred to me that this was a way I could kind of keep her memory alive. The things I make for you are all her recipes. Whenever we have them, I think of her. And when I make them for me and my husband, I figured I could just make extra and help someone else out the way she helped me.”
I feel tears in my eyes and I have to blink rapidly. “Diane, I have a really wonderful idea that I think you’re going to love.”
“Really?”
“I trade services with a friend of mine, Amber Connors. Do you know her?”
“I know who she is.” Diane furrows her brow. “She has really curly blond hair?”
“Yes. Always smiling. Really friendly,” I say. “She owns a hair salon. She also does nails and facials. She has two kids in school, and she just found out she’s pregnant.”
Diane nods. “That’s a handful.”
“Very much so. She’s got a great husband, but he works late shifts. I think she would be so incredibly grateful and it would help her so much to have someone like you help her with meals. And you need to get your haircut sometimes, right?”
Diane laughs and lifts her hand to her hair. “Of course.” She looks down at her nails. “I don’t really do manicures, but I’ve always wanted to try one.”
“Oh, you definitely need to try a manicure,” I tell her. “And a pedicure. Those are the best.”
Diane smiles. “I bet Amber is really busy. And with three kids, they might need dinner more than just twice a week.”
My grin grows. “I bet you’re right.” I already love this. It bothered me to let Diane cook for us even twice a week, but I am certain Amber is going to welcome this. And while she will happily do Diane’s hair and nails, I don’t think Diane will mind doing this cooking at all. In fact, it wouldn’t surprise me if Amber ends up with some babysitting offers as well.
It does occur to me, however, that I hope Amber still needs help with treats for school and dance recitals once in a while because those are kind of fun for me.
Diane leaves and I place a quick call to Amber. I put her on speaker while I explain the situation. She seems pleased and humbled.
“This is amazing,” she tells me. “You know, we should form a group for this. There are so many people in town who could be exchanging services. I’m sure there are some older women who could use help with cleaning their gutters and mowing their lawns and they would love to pay in cookies or something.”
I laugh. “And I’m sure there are a bunch of young guys with lawnmowers who would be absolutely thrilled to have homemade cookies.”
“Brilliant.” Amber sighs. “Seriously. I’m going to talk to some of my clients as they come in today. We should put this together. This sounds like the way my grandparents used to describe things. People just helped one another out. But if we need to formally organize it, so what? People are still going to get what they need, right?”
“Absolutely,” I agree. While it would be great if this all just happened organically, I think there are a lot of people like me who feel funny accepting help without having something to give back in return.
“We should have a town meeting or something. Or maybe send out a mass email. Or put up signs?” Amber laughs. “I don’t really know how to reach the whole town.”
“You feel free to run with it,” I say. “You know a lot more people. Especially younger families who could use help. I think the grapevine and word of mouth is probably best.”
“But this was your idea. Besides, young families aren’t the only ones who need help. We just need to come up with a way to connect everyone. Oh, a website!” Amber exclaims.
I still feel myself resisting being the one to do it. I think about Cian’s foundation and the fact that I can work on that in Columbus and cities even further away. It doesn’t have to involve Emerald or anyone here that I know.
I realize that’s the bottom line. I don’t want to be up in front of people in Emerald. I appreciated what Henry said on Saturday about people being able to truly see I’ve changed that way, but…I can just be happy knowing I’ve changed. That’s enough. I don’t need to be running my mouth around town.
“I think you should totally do that,” I tell Amber. “Bounce it off some clients and see who they know that could build a simple website that could match people up.”
“Okay, it’s a great idea. I have to run, but thank you! I can’t wait to talk with Diane.”
We disconnect and I take a deep breath.
What was that? A tiny panic attack at the idea of getting involved in Emerald? Brian on the other hand, would’ve jumped at the chance to head down to the diner or the bar and start talking about the idea with people.
But Brian had friends. He felt like a true member of this town. It would have felt natural to him to be a part of something to bring the community together.
For me it would just be a part of this damned mission or whatever this is that I’m doing here, and I realize I don’t want that.
I’d come here to just live my life. To raise my daughter. To run the business my beloved stepfather had left me. To…
I sigh. Who am I kidding?
I came here to prove a point. I wanted the people from my past to see me. The real me. The now me. I wanted them to notice the ways I’ve changed and be… I’m not sure what word I’m looking for. Impressed? Maybe not that. But affected. Moved. I wanted it to make an impression . I wanted it to make them think of me differently.
I see now that there’s no way that was really going to happen because I’m not letting them know me. I’m not doing anything that would make an impression. I’m keeping to myself, trying to keep off their radar. Do I wish living a quiet, simple life could be enough? Maybe.
But then I look at Cian doing all those little things like captaining swamp boat tours and helping Zeke—I’d figured out which twin was which by the end of Sunday—do construction jobs around town and I realize that those jobs mean a lot to the Landrys because they are theirs, the way this shop was Brian’s. It’s what makes them truly happy, because it’s taking care of their people. Their family, their friends, their town, their bayou, and their animals.
My people—Ruby and Mariah, and yes, Cian—don’t need this garage and they don’t need a community program that connects people who can exchange services.
We need more than that. We need to think wider. We need to find things that make us truly passionate.
So, I open my laptop.
I have a foundation to run.
Or a foundation to create so that I can then run it.
I hear a knock on the door frame and look up.
A very handsome prince is leaning into my office. I immediately grin. “What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be enlightening young minds?”
He chuckles and steps into the office. “Do you even know what time it is?”
I look down at the clock on the corner of my screen. It’s after four. After school.
“Oh my gosh,” I say, looking up with a laugh. “So how was the first day?”
He comes in and settles his hip on the corner of my desk. “Awesome.”
His face has lit up.He also looks damned good in those glasses. He shaved today and I miss his weekend scruff. But I like the khakis and dark blue button down rolled up to the elbows and open at the neck. He’s wearing brown dress shoes that are a little scuffed and he’s totally pulling off the casual, but still sophisticated hot professor vibe. I’m very into it all.
I grin. “It was good?”
“Totally nailed it.”
I lean back in my chair and prop one of my boots on my opposite knee. “Why am I not surprised? Is there anything you’re not good at?”
“The kids were great, got through today’s lessons with no issues. I think it’s going to be fun. And,” he says. “I have a ton of the football players in my classes.”
I laugh. “It’s not a very big school. And a lot of the boys play football.”
His grin gets even bigger. “They’ve already told me about the big tailgate party and the game on Friday. I can’t wait.”
“Do you like football? Do you play football in Cara?”
“Mostly hockey and what’s called soccer here. But I do like American football. Haven’t played it myself. But it’s a big deal in Florida and Louisiana, as you know. I learned so I could blend in but ended up really liking it.”
That makes sense. “It’s a big deal here too.”
“Oh, I’ve been informed.” He laughs. “So, we’ll go to the big tailgate party, then hang at the game, then they said a bunch of teachers head down to the bar afterwards. Sounds fun, right?”
I frown and shake my head. “Count me out. But you go have fun. Ruby will probably go. And Mariah.”
“You don’t like football?”
“I like football a lot,” I say. “I don’t really like big community social events in Emerald.”
He settles more fully onto my desk and braces his hands on either side of his hips. “I see. I don’t have to go.”
My eyes widen. “No. Don’t be ridiculous. You should go. Like you said, a lot of the players are in your class. You probably have a bunch of cheerleaders too. And kids who are in the band. The whole community gets involved in these things.”
“Except for you.”
“Okay. Except for me. And maybe six or seven other people.” And that’s not even much of an exaggeration. I’m not kidding when I say football is a big deal in Ohio too.
“I am here in Emerald because of you, Scarlett,” he says, his voice a little gruff. “I want to spend time with you.”
“I know. But one football game, a few hours long, won’t hurt.”
He hesitates and I can tell he really wants to go to the game. I’m not jealous. I just wish, for the millionth time, that I was living in my hometown as a normal alum of the high school and could go and enjoy things like this.
“Go. I’ll be fine. I’ll see you after,” I tell him.
“Why does Ruby go if you don’t?”
I shrug. “When I got involved with the church, I burned a lot of bridges with childhood friends. The church kids were my friends. But when I was thrown out of the church, I lost all of them. So I don’t have a friend group here in Emerald anymore. But Ruby stayed in touch with a few of her friends from high school when we left town.”
If anyone asked me if I have a little niggle of envy over the fact that my sister feels more comfortable and fits in here even after all these years, I would deny it. And I would be lying.
But it’s my own fault I don’t have friends here. Ruby kept her relationships going. There were several people who were happy when she moved back. And I told her what I am telling Cian now. I am fine on my own and she deserves to go out and have fun once in a while. She doesn’t have to stay home with me just because I was a stuck-up bitch in high school. I’m glad those friends don’t hold that against her.
“I’ll come over after the game,” he says.
“Sure. That’s great. Just go and have fun. You’ll know where to find me.”
“I really liked this past weekend,” he says. “When we didn’t have to sneak around. When I could touch you and kiss you in public. Where everyone not only knew we were together, but they were thrilled for us.”
My chest feels tight. “Yeah, me too.”
And I mean it so much that it’s scary.
“Can I show you something?” he asks, pulling his phone out.
“Of course.” I sit forward in my chair.
He opens a screen and holds it out to show me. It’s a text message. The top of the screen says TORIN.
Fiona told me what you’re up to. Sounds amazing. Let me know if you need anything.
I look up at him. He’s smiling. “Fiona told Torin about the moms’ community?”
He nods. “And the foundation.” He taps on his phone screen and holds it out again.
This message is from Abigail.
Torin told me your news but Charlie had already filled me in! Amazing!
I look up and his smile is bright.
He taps again and then turns the phone.
LINNEA is at the top of the screen now.
I can’t wait to hear more! I’m at your disposal to help in any way I can! Jonah too.
“I was just thinking that she could be a fantastic resource!” I say.
He grins. “Definitely. We’ll talk to her soon.”
He pulls up another message.
ASTRID: Wow. Knew you were more than a pretty face. Way to go!
I look up at him, my brows up. “Really? You’re showing me texts from your fiancée ?”
He narrows his eyes playfully. “Watch it, little witch. I will spank you right here.”
Of course, my body responds to that instantly. But I say, “ You’re the one getting texts from hot, single girls.”
He leans over and tips my chin up. “I’m getting texts from family and friends. ”
I smile up at him. “I know. And I’m really happy for you. This is what should be happening. I’m so glad they all know.”
He sits back and turns the phone again.
DECLAN: Nice work. Let me know what I can do to get involved.
My eyes are wide when I look up. “Wow. That’s…” Suddenly I’m choked up. This is what I wanted for him. At least in part. I want people to know what he’s doing, and I want him to be praised for it. Especially from the people he most admires. I sniff and say, “With Declan’s help, you won’t have to fundraise at all.”
Cian chuckles and I can see how much this all means to him. “But I still will. All those other rich fuckers need to give their money away.”
I laugh.
He sobers slightly and taps once more, turning the phone.
KING D.
I look up at him. “Your grandfather?”
He nods, and now he seems a little emotional.
I read the message: Well done. I’m proud of you.
Now tears definitely fill my eyes. I put my hand on his knee and squeeze. He covers my hand with his.
And it hits me that Cian’s family is truly seeing the man he is. Maybe for the first time. They’re proud of him .
They’ve probably also seen him as a ‘sidekick’. I know they love him. That was more than clear this weekend. I’m positive Fiona knows how much he did for her and Saoirse. But, as Henry said, he’s been the guy who’s always been there, helping everyone else out, filling in the gaps, but not taking anything on by himself.
Now he’s making a difference, doing something big on his own, and they’re seeing him. They’re seeing that growth and change. They’re impressed. And they’re supportive. They want to help him , now.
These are the things I’ve wanted from Emerald. Or so I thought. But it has to mean so much more coming from his family and friends. The people he looks up to.
But that wasn’t why he did it. Cian did something good for other people, not to prove anything, not to shut anyone up, not to impress anyone or to get accolades. He didn’t even tell his family about the communities he built. He created those communities simply because he wanted to and because he could. He liked the idea and thought it was something that would help people. His motivation was pure.
And I realize that’s why I haven’t been inspired to actually do anything in Emerald beyond the garage. I haven’t had the right motivation. Being here is all about proving people from my past wrong.
But why do I care what Emerald thinks?
I don’t admire my father. I don’t want to be like Hannah. I don’t want to return to the church.
So, why do I care if they approve of me?
I stand and move between his knees. His hands come instantly to my hips and I wrap my arms around his neck.
And I just hug him.
And he hugs me back.
“You are an amazing person, Cian O’Grady,” I tell him, leaning back after a minute. Surprise flickers in his gaze, but it’s almost immediately replaced by the affection I’m getting very used to seeing there. “Thank you for coming after me.”
“I will always come after you, Scarlett.”
I sigh happily. “God, I want you right now.”
He squeezes my hips. “Want to go to the B&B? Mariah is probably home by now.”
“Yes,” I say quickly. Surely there’s a way for me to sneak in and out of there.
“Or,” he says, moving his mouth to my neck. “We could stay here. I’ve had fantasies of bending you over a car or fucking you on a hood.”
Tingles shoot through my body. “Have you now?”
“Only every single time I see you in these boots. Or these coveralls. Or in this garage. Or with a streak of grease on your face.”
I step out of his arms and cross to the door, where I turn the sign to CLOSED and lock it. Then I head into the bay, hitting the button to close the big garage door on my way past.
“You coming?” I ask him over my shoulder.
He’s right on my heels.
I lead him toward the ridiculously expensive Rolls Royce parked in the second bay.
“Is this the car Henry got?” he asks.
“Yep, this is the car I’m supposedly fixing for Professor Dean Brady,” I say, unzipping my coveralls.
“Oh, this is going to be fun.” His hands go to my waist, and he lifts me onto the hood.
“I’ve never had sex on such a nice car,” I say, my fingers on his shirt buttons.
He stops sliding my coveralls down. “But you have had sex on a car before?”
“One of the guys I dated in New Orleans was a mechanic at the same shop as me and we?—”
He covers my mouth with his hand. But his eyes are sparkling. “Witch,” he says affectionately. “Have you ever been turned over the hood of a car and spanked ?”
I shake my head quickly and I know my eyes are sparkling with excitement now too.