Page 8 of Everything I Need

Shocker, I think to myself. “What? Why do you think that?”

“Well, I’ve been seeing some weird charges on our credit card for hotels. They always happen to be when I’m working late or working out of town. The hotels, though, are always in our town or close by so they aren’t from me.”

“You’re kidding me. Do you know who the guy is?” I sit up in my chair, trying to think of anyone in our circle that it could be.

“No. I don’t have any idea. I just really started to pay attention to the hotels and dates yesterday. I can’t get it out of my mind.” I can hear the sadness in his voice. “I should have seen it coming. The minute Dad suggested a prenup and was looking out for me instead of the family’s status, that should have been the biggest red flag.”

Dad was looking out for Colton because he knows just the type of person Elizabeth is when he shoved her onto Colton. After her unsuccessful attempt at winning me over, she recruited her parents to help her get a West. I tried to warn him about what happened with Scarlett, to show him who she truly is, but he didn’t want to listen. He was younger and she was beautiful, on the outside at least.

“Colt, I’m so sorry. What are you going to do?”

“Nothing right now. Guess I have to find more proof first.”

“If you need anything let me know. I wish I could help you more.” I’d love nothing more than to bring that bitch down a few notches for her part in separating Scarlett and me.

We chat for a few minutes more and Colton makes plans to visit soon to plan the addition he’s going to build on my cabin. He asks how much land I have to build on so he can get the specs right.

“I have well over ten acres. No worries on size.”

“Man, Preston, you have enough land I could just build a house out there when Elizabeth and I get divorced.”

I would absolutely love to have my brother close to me. I know by the tone in his voice though that he is actually really upset; so I keep my thoughts about Elizabeth to myself.

After hanging up with Colton, I decide to take my lonely business meeting to the diner. I pack up my laptop into its case and lock the door behind me.

Everyone can think better when they have a plate of bacon in front of them.

Chapter Five

Scarlett

Mondaysneverbotheredme.Probably because I never stopped working for the weekend, so it was just another day. But now, a Monday with nothing to do, a continuation of the weekend, is nothing but a reminder that I have no job, and no idea what I’m going to do with myself.

I am lounging on the couch, picking at a muffin, in the same pajamas I had on yesterday.

“My Sweet Scarlett, do you have any plans for the day?” Mom sweetly asks.

She of course is fully showered, dressed, and cleaning the kitchen from her breakfast.

She knows I don’t have plans. Maybe she just wants me to move off her couch, and possibly shower. I might be living my best sad life right now and Mom has always taught us not to wallow too long.

“No mom, is there something you need?” I know that even if she didn’t, she would find something just to give me something to do.

“I need a few things from the store and wouldn’t mind one of those fancy iced coffees the diner has started selling.” She goes into her purse to hand me some money, but I wave her off. I might be living at home, but I can still afford a coffee for my mom.

Chuckling at her new obsession, “Sure mom, I would love to go get that for you. Get me a list for the store and I already know your order.”

About an hour later, I’m out in town at the general store.

It's a small town store, more meant for getting the daily gossip than actual items, but it does have the best pizza shop around. The gossiping only rivals the diner. Mrs. Smith and Darlene are the owners and I think they must have a competition to see who gets the new gossip first.

Lucky me, I will be the center of attention at both. One doesn’t simply return home after five years with no gossip.

“Hey Scarlett, long time no see!” Mrs. Smith calls out to me.

She and her husband own the general store and have for as long as I can remember. Mrs. Smith claims that her husband, Walter, got a little food bug in him when he became obsessed with the Food Network. He started making pizzas and selling them at the general store. But they became so popular, they decided to buy the space next to the general store to add a restaurant for him. We’re all glad they did.

“Hey Mrs. Smith! How are you?” I wave as I enter.

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