Page 138 of Always Red (Chasing Red 2)

Someday Red and I would have a daughter.

The grin on my face widened when I spotted a For Sale sign outside a great stone house. I parked in front of it, climbed out of my car, and just stared. It had those fancy slopes and curves on the roof, two thick chimneys jutting up, and casings on the windows to deter thieves. Good condition, wraparound balcony on the second floor, amazing shade from the trees—

“Cal?”

My grin disappeared as I turned and spotted Beatrice-Rose standing by her car, which she had parked behind mine. She was wearing a tight red dress and red lipstick that made her look older. Or maybe it was the dark circles under her eyes.

“I was in the neighborhood when I thought I saw you

r car. I’m doing a photo shoot today with a client.” She tucked her hair behind her ear, looking unsure.

I should have stayed home today.

She smiled, gesturing at the house. “Your mom told me you’re looking to buy a house. Is this the one you want?”

When I didn’t answer, she took a step forward, but the look I shot her made her pause.

“Cal, can’t we be friends again?”

I opened my car door. “I don’t think so.”

“Wait!”

“What do you want, Beatrice-Rose?” I said coldly.

“Have coffee with me, Cal. I have some things to say. To apologize for. Please.” Her eyes were soft and pleading as they looked at me. “For old times’ sake?”

I hesitated, then realized there were things I had to say to her too. And what better time than now? I told her to meet me at the coffee shop down the street.

When I stepped inside, Beatrice-Rose was already seated in one of the booths, watching me as I took the seat across from her.

“I already ordered your favorite. Orange juice and burger and fries,” she started, twisting her hands on the table.

“Thanks, but you shouldn’t have. This shouldn’t take long.”

Her face crumpled, her hand closing around the pendant on her neck. Guilt wormed its way into me, but the memory of Red upset last night crushed it.

“Let me get to the point, Beatrice-Rose. I want you to stop.”

She blinked slowly. “Stop?”

“Don’t insult both of us by pretending you don’t know what I’m talking about. I know you. Or I thought I did.”

“Of course you know me, Cal! We grew up together. You know everything about me, like I know everything about you. I know Veronica told you so many lies about me. But, Cal, I would never do anything to hurt you. Don’t believe—”

“Stop.”

“—anything she says.”

“Stop,” I repeated, hearing the coldness in my voice. “If I hear you say another lie about her, I’ll leave now.”

“But, Cal—”

I narrowed my eyes at her, and she stopped midsentence. “I want you to leave Veronica alone. I want you to leave me alone. Do you think I don’t know about the drugs you planted in her purse last night? Did you plant the drugs in my car too?”

“No! Caleb! Please believe me. I didn’t! I didn’t!”

“I don’t believe anything you say anymore. I’m telling you now, if you don’t stop harassing Veronica and me, I’m going to file a restraining order against you. You’ve done enough.”

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