Page 11 of Don't Make Me Beg
Until I see who just walked in.
A wave of gasps and surprised murmurs sweeps through the room—noticeably different from the reaction I just received a few moments ago—as everyone realizes who has joined us.
“My goodness, is that who I think it is?”
“Well, would you look at that. Our favorite hometown girl has finally come back.”
Scout smiles and offers an awkward wave, somehow looking even more innocent and meek than she did at seventeen.
I don’t know what I was expecting her to grow up to be like, but it sure as hell wasn’tthis.
She doesn’t look anything like the girl I remember, all muted neutrals and stripped of individuality. She’s wearing high-waisted khaki trousers and a cream turtleneck top. Her arms are crossed as if she’s trying to use her bulky tan cardigan as a shield.
Her mousy brown hair’s pulled neatly back in a black velvet bow, making her bright red cheeks that much more noticeable.
I don’t know why, but I get a small rush knowing she wears every single emotion on her skin. It’s probably why she’s gone to such great lengths to cover herself... It’s hard to lie convincingly when your body gives you away.
“Come over here and sit by me. We’ve got room,” Hazel calls, as she shuffles over to make enough room for Scout.
“Sorry… I didn’t mean to interrupt… Please continue. I’ll just—” She offers everyone an embarrassed wave before ducking her head and weaving through the crowd, settling into the empty seat beside Hazel.
“It’s good to see you, Scout,” Roman says smoothly, picking up without missing a beat. “We were just talking about how Luka’s been elected to lead this year’s Phantom Festival. Now, does anyone have any ideas?”
I’m relieved when I see Miss Scarlett’s hand fly up. The town gossip and owner of Ashford Falls’ one and only Adult Store issure to have some interesting ideas that will take this meeting in a much-needed new direction. Besides, out of everyone in this room, she probably hates me the least. Which makes sense considering I’m single-handedly responsible for keeping her in business.
“I think our downtown could use a little more excitement. It’d be nice to brighten things up a bit. All the dark colors are so dreary and boring?—”
“Some might say that’s what sets our small town apart from all the rest,” Jett cuts in, already annoyed and defensive. “We’ve worked hard to maintain the integrity of our town’s history.”
Here we go.
Jett’s obsession with Ashford Falls and the integrity of its image is something that should be studied. I swear, sometimes I think he’s in love with his building—not that I’m judging… everyone has their kinks…
“Scarlett’s right,” Lucy, owner of Bakery, adds. “We need to create a vibrant downtown area. We can’t depend on the old folks to keep the spirit of the Phantom alive. We need to appeal to a younger crowd. We need to give them an experience they can’t get anywhere else.”
“We agree,” her friends, Hazel and Paige, say in unison.
“I don’t know. I don’t see anything wrong with our downtown. I think it’s nice,” Fergus pipes in.
“No offense, Fergus, but I think your opinion just made my point,” Miss Scarlett says with a shrug.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” He snaps back.
She whips her head around to glare at him. “It means you’re too old to get it, and if you like it, then it’s obviously outdated.”
“That’s rich coming from you. Last time I checked, you and I graduated the same year?—"
Roman holds up his hands. “Everyone just needs to take a breath. There’s no need to get heated. Remember, all ideas are welcome here.”
“You’re still mad that I turned you down on prom night. You’re never going to let me forget that, are you? Imagine still holding a grudge after all these years because I chose to lose my virginity to Roger Cline over you?—"
“Really, Scarlett, you want to do this again? He was my best friend, and you only did it to get back at me. It’s been fifty years, and your’re still bitter because you missed out… Hell, you had to go start a whole sex store to satisfy your needs?—”
“I am passionate about sexual pleasure, and I will not apologize or explain myself to you for that!”
He shrugs, crossing his arms over his chest, looking pretty damn proud of himself. This man seems so confident and sure of himself and judging by the way Miss Scarlett’s neck is flushed, I’d say he isn’t too far off the mark.
“Can you two have this discussion privately? Sounds like there’s some history you need to deal with, but that’s not why we’re—" Roman’s words are interrupted as Miss Scarlett and Fergus start firing insults back and forth, everyone chiming in with their own opinions on the matter and talking over one another.
