Page 41 of Everything I Need

All seems quiet for the most part until our last load. That’s when Elizabeth pulls up and loses it on Colton. Insisting they are absolutely not getting divorced. She never once apologizes for what she’s done, or tells him she loves him. She just keeps demanding that he isn’t leaving her.

Scarlett just sticks to my side and helps me load up all Colton’s stuff in silence. I feel so terrible leaving him here with her. I wish he could make a clean break.

In the car on the way home Scarlett is unusually quiet.

“I’m really sorry for my family Scarlett. I know they’re not like your family. They flat out suck.” I place my hand on her thigh, relishing the silky soft feel of her skin.

“Please do not apologize for those people. They are just like my colleagues from Boston. Only out for themselves and the money. They are not family.” She gives me a weak smile.

“Still. It definitely isn’t how I envisioned the night going. Especially with that red dress.” I wink at her, trying to break the sadness blanketing over us.

“Oh, yeah? I still have that red dress ya know. You also have an empty, all to yourself house we are going back to.” She is looking at me, biting her bottom lip while stroking me through my jeans. This is going to be a hard drive home. Literally.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Scarlett

Itisseveninthe morning. Who the hell is texting me so early? I grumble and try to find my phone on the table next to my bed. I finally spent the night in my own bed after an exhausting few days. Between working with Preston’s re-brand, training Mom at the office, and going down to Colton’s to help him move more of his things, I am exhausted.

Today is supposed to be my day off, a day to relax and rest. I squint at the phone trying to get it to recognize my face.

Donna Edwards:Hey, Scarlett! Hope I don’t wake you. I met with your brother in law yesterday. He told me you opened your own business now. My contract is up with your old firm and I was hoping we could schedule a meeting with you. We all miss you.

Who was grumpy about this text? It certainly wasn’t me. No, I would never be upset about a client wanting to leave Niles for me.

Me:You didn’t wake me at all! I would love to set that up. Just let me know when you're free and I’ll get it on the calendar.

Wow. I certainly didn’t think this day was going to start like this!

I never signed a non-compete with my old firm, Niles isn’t that smart, so I technically can take anyone who wants to be my client again.

I’m so happy I can’t wait to tell Mom and Preston. While I’m typing a text to Preston my phone rings again. This time I see Lacey’s name on the screen. My goodness, what is going on this morning?

“Hey, Lacey, everything okay?” I mean it is very early on a weekday for her to call.

“What? Oh my gosh Scarlett. Yes, everything is fine. I’m sorry. Oliver is up at five and I forget the rest of the world doesn’t start their days so early. I can let you go.” She says quickly.

“No, no it’s fine. I’m awake already. I’d love to chat.” I sit up in bed, propping the pillows behind my back.

“Oh, great. Listen, I've been talking to Addy. I just want to let you know that if you want to have a conversation we can, but I really just want my sister back. We lost a lot of time, but I understand what happened and the situation is what it is. I just miss you and don’t want to waste any more time with a conversation.” My chest squeezes.

I’m sobbing. First thing on a Monday morning.

“Lacey I just want you all back too. I don’t care what happened in the past. I just need my sisters.” I’m thrilled she feels this way!

“I’m so happy to hear that, Scarlett. I’m proud of you for what you're building in New Hampshire. I’m proud of you for finally leaving that toxic workplace in Boston. You’re an inspiration. You belong home with us.”

“Thanks, Lacey. I really needed to hear that. I know we’re older now, but it means a lot that you’re proud of me.” Hmm, I wonder what that inspiration comment is about.

“I’ll always be proud of you, Scarlett. I always was.” I detect some sadness in her voice.

“Thanks, Lace. I’m pretty proud of you, too. You’re a great mom and a kickass salon owner.”

“Sometimes I don’t feel it, but it is nice to hear. Oliver and I are coming for a visit soon. Probably this weekend. Are you going to be around for us to see you?”

“Of course. I will give you all the time you want.” I am so relieved that Lacey is ready to move on with our relationship. I've missed her so much and it’s really impacted my relationship with her son Oliver, too.

“Great. Mom said she’d take Oliver so we could have a girl’s night. I’m so excited, I really need this break.” We fill each other in on our lives for the next hour until Oliver has a crisis that needs her attention.

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