Page 14 of One Goal in Mind

“Nope,” I reply, popping the ‘p.’ “Innocent until proven guilty.”

“The receipt literally says ‘from your best friend’, and there is no way Rachel sent it.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes,” she laughs, and the sound fills me with warmth like I’ve never felt before—except with her. “Did you send it?”

“You know I did.”

“I know,” she sighs. All of the levity has been sucked out like a vacuum.

Treading carefully, I offer, “We’re supposed to celebrate your new job.”

“You’re right.” There’s a faint sound of the wax peeling from the bottle, and I’m almost positive she’s taking a drink directly from it. She coughs, confirming my suspicion. “Bottoms up, bestie.”

“Hey, be careful! That’s not a beer.”

“I know what I’m doing, Russ,” she snaps.

“And what’s that exactly?”

Scarlett pauses for a moment before she answers, “Drowning my feelings.”

“Because you’re in love with me and wish you were here?” I tease, but hope blooms in my chest that I’m right.

“Yes.” The small word takes me by surprise, but my whole world crashes down around me when she corrects, “I mean no. We’re just friends.”

That fucking F-word.

I can’t bring myself to admit that I’m falling in love with her, especially with her putting up walls between us. I default to what has always felt safe—humour. “Friends who kiss and stay the night together.”

“Why are we doing this?” she echoes her question from earlier.

“Because no one can be best friends for just one night, like you suggested. You know me better than my therapist I’ve been seeing this past year. I don’t care what you want to call this, Red, but I’ve been all in since the moment the hotel door clicked shut behind us that night. I know how important this interview was for you, and I’m so fucking proud you got the job. Let me celebrate with you, even if it’s just as your friend.”

Scarlett blows out a long breath, then chuckles to herself. “We will…should.I’m sorry for questioning this, it’s just?—”

“I know. Should we also celebrate my new jewelry I’m getting?”

“To be clear, what you do with your body is your choice. But… I selfishly love that no one will touch you if you get pierced.”

Scarlett is the last woman I’ve been with; I don’t want anyone else. Keeping my tone light, I ask, “You like the idea of staking your claim?”

“Yeah,” she sighs. “I think I do.”

CHAPTER 7

SCARLETT

ONE MONTH LATER

Bestie

Happy two-month best friendaversary!

Oh, this is a thing now?

Why wouldn’t it be? We’re best friends.

---