Page 54 of Everything I Need

“Okay, so after that you go. You tell her you’re an idiot, and you win her back.”

Colton is not helpful. How can I just go to Scarlett and all will be okay? She hates me now, and she has every right. I was a jerk.

She was right. I should never have believed that she would do something like that. This is just like what I did with Elizabeth and in the hospital. I didn’t go after her. Only this time I know better. I know that I need to go get her back, and in Colton’s words,lock her down. I will need something big to win her back.

Suddenly the perfect idea comes to me and I know just what I need to do.

Me:Meet me in the wildflowers at 6:00. Please?

Without waiting for her response, I put my phone in my desk drawer and go back to my patients for the afternoon. I am going to get through the afternoon, then focus on fixing things with Scarlett.

After work, I gather all that I need.

A Bluetooth speaker, a bottle of champagne, and chocolate, always chocolate.

I put on Duke’s best collar, the one with the bowtie that Colton got us when I first adopted Duke. Next, I send a text to Adelaide to get my last piece of intel. I know I need to show Scarlett how I feel, and that I’m not going anywhere.

Me:It’s Preston, I need help, please?

Hopefully, Scarlett hasn’t talked to her yet and she will still speak to me. I can’t blame her if she isn’t.

Colton comes down the stairs and looks at Duke, then at me. “Brother, if your dog is dressed better than you, your plan needs some work.”

“Thanks, Colton.” I roll my eyes at him, “I just haven’t gotten around to getting ready yet. I’m still waiting for Addy to answer me too.”

“Well, Lacey text me asking me what kind of idiot you were to do this three times, so I’d say your screw up is pretty far up the chain of gossip in the Harper family. Scarlett may be more upset than you think.” He grabs a granola bar from the cabinet and starts munching away, adding to my frustration that he can be so casual about this situation, meanwhile my whole world feels like it’s going to fall apart.

Shit. This is not good.

If Lacey text Colton then I am in deep. I need to up my game. I check my phone and see no answers from Scarlett or Adelaide.

“Can you do me a favor? I need intel from Lacey. Addy isn’t answering me and I’m guessing they’re not speaking to me.” I beg him.

“What makes you think Lacey is going to help you win her sister back?” He eyes me suspiciously, probably knowing what I’m about to ask him.

“Because, you’re going to ask, not me.” I look at him pleading for him to please help me.

“Fine, I will call Lacey, but you owe me big time.”

Smirking at him I ask, “What is living in my house rent free not good enough?”

“Whatever. Tell me what you need.” He pulls out his phone.

I knew I had him there. It was a shit card to play but I’ve got nothing else. I cannot lose Scarlett, not when I finally have her.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Scarlett

Meethimat6:00in the wildflower field, seriously?

I scoff at my phone and throw it back on the bed. Who does he think he is?

I thought my nap would make me less angry. I was thinking about going to him before my nap, after talking to Mom. Not anymore, he’s exploiting my field thinking if he gets me there I’ll be more agreeable because of all the good memories I have there. Nope. Not happening.

Mom and Addy come into my room with cookie dough. Just what I needed. “Thanks guys. How did you know I was up?” I open the container and dig out a big scoop to feed my emotions.

“We didn’t but it is 5:00 and Preston wants to see you at 6:00 so you better get a move on.” Addy grimaces when she says that.

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