Page 14 of Everything I Need

Oops. Now I see where she is going. “Well, we didn’t exactly do that. Scarlett was very professional and she was so excited that I didn’t interrupt her.” I think my face gives away just how I feel about that.

“Preston, I’m sure you know why my daughter has been upset with you all these years. Scarlett is my baby; she takes after me. We use things like that to keep people out. Even though we portray a strong front, we don’t actually have a strong resolve. My Scarlett has been using that hurt from all those years ago to fortify her independence and to not need anyone. It has obviously affected her relationships with her sisters, but I need that to stop. I need my babies to be back together, and I need Scarlett to start letting someone in her life, someone to love her and take care of her, like my Andrew did. Her taking this job with you is a step in that direction, but, and if this is none of my business please tell me, do you have a plan to get her back? Because darling, you’d be missing out on the best thing in this world if you don’t. But you will need to be a strong man to get her to listen to you.”

“Mrs. Harper, I am truly sorry. I really am. The moment she walked away from me I already knew I’d lost the best woman I’d ever find. I know what I did was wrong, and I know that Scarlett is angry with me still. I know that I messed up when she ran from my apartment, and I didn’t chase her. I was trying to figure out what was happening myself and by the time I did, her car was gone.” I hang my head. I’m so ashamed for all this time I’ve allowed to pass.

“I know Preston, I know. That is my Scarlett, she’s a stubborn one. You need to push her to have that conversation. She needs to have that closure with you. Her sisters and I have let her be angry too long without pushing. Please, please push my girl. I need her back.”

“I will, Mrs. Harper. I will try my best.”

“Thank you dear. Again, if I’m overstepping just tell me so. I will back off.” She places her hand on mine in a motherly fashion.

“Not at all. She’s your daughter. And you’re not wrong about my feelings for her. I never stopped loving her. In fact, I’ve been hoping for her to come home so I can take my second chance. I would have gone after her even to Boston, but it’d be harder for her to kick me out here. I just needed to get my life in order first, but I’m ready now.”

“Well then, sounds like you have some planning to do. I’ll let you get to it.” She winks at me and walks out of the office. Why do I feel like this whole conversation was planned?

My mind is spinning. This whole conversation made me feel terrible. Just another mistake to add to my tally with her. It was one thing to make her angry, and make me seem like a jerk, but it's another thing to think that I’d ruined so much for her over the last five years. Even if she won’t give me a second chance, I need to fix this. She is the love of my life and even if it’s not with me, I just want her to be happy.

My decision is made. I am going to take Mrs. Harper’s advice. Before I can change my mind, I send off a text to Scarlett.

Me:Hey Scarlett, it’s Preston. I was wondering if we could meet for dinner tomorrow and talk about everything that has happened between us. Please? I’d really like the chance to explain, even though I know I do not deserve it at all.

Before I can obsess over her response I call Colton on my way home to check on him with all of Elizabeth's drama.

He answers on the first ring. “Hey, Preston. What’s going on?”

“Not much. Just about to go home and wanted to call my favorite younger brother.”

“What do you want?”

“I’m hurt you would think that.”

“Preston. I’m not only your only brother, but you’ve been saying that since we were kids when you want something. So, spill it. I don’t have it in me for games today.” Oh. He’s touchy today. Something must have happened.

“Ouch, Brother. How about we start with what’s going on with you?”

“Ugh. I’m sorry. It’s been a bad day. It started out with a fight this morning and I confronted Elizabeth about cheating on me and, based on her defensiveness, I’m ninety percent sure I’m right.”

“Man, I am so sorry. I know how hard it's been for you lately. I have a slow day Friday, and only a couple appointments Saturday morning. Why don’t you come up and spend the weekend?”

“You just want me to look at the addition space so I can design it.”

“Of course I do! But I’d also love to see my brother. It sounds like you need a break from your life.”

“Alright yeah, let me ask my guys if they can manage Friday without me. I’d love to come up, and you're right, I definitely need a break.”

“Great, let me know. I’ll start changing my Friday afternoon appointments and get the guest room ready. You know Duke will be more than happy to keep the bed warm for you.”

“I love that guy. You tell him Uncle Colton is ready for a bunch of those slobber kisses.” Duke is obsessed with Colton, I should be offended by how much more he loves him than me. But then I remember all the snacks that Colton sneaks him under the table when I'm not looking, so I don't take it personal.

“Will do. I’m about to walk in the door and you know how crazy Duke will be after a day of being cooped up in the house. Text me when you talk to your guys.”

“Love you, man.”

“Love you too, Colt.”

I wish I had known how bad things were for Colton. I never liked Elizabeth for obvious reasons, but I had hoped for Colton she would change. She was for sure a name chaser. She wanted to be Mrs. West, and she didn’t care how she got it. Not that Colt’s job was anything to be ashamed about. He builds million dollar homes for the entitled rich who need two million dollar vacation homes.

I open the door and step to the side for Duke to run through. “Hey, big guy! Did you have a good day napping?” As I get into the house further, I notice a big mess in the kitchen. “Or maybe tearing up the trash?”

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