Asshole.
Scarlett ushers me into her bedroom through a hidden stairwell behind the kitchen. Guests aren’t allowed upstairs, but she still closes the door behind us so we can talk in private.
I’ve never seen her bedroom and even in my intoxicated state, I can’t help but utter the words “Wow!” a million times over. It’s huge. All white with a large four-poster bed in the middle of the room. Even her bed sheets look fancy with an intricate gold trim.
A few pieces of abstract artwork hang on the walls which brings the room to life. I swear they’re couples in compromising positions but I’m drunk and have sex on my brain, so what would I know.
“There’s not many people I trust, but I know you’re not like the rest of the fake people in Hollywood.”
“Ah… thank you?”
“My um… brother-in-law is here.”
“Okaaay,” I drag, unsure of what that means.
She shakes her head, almost in a state of panic. “You don’t understand.”
“Of course, I don’t. You just said your brother-in-law is here.”
“I’m in love with him, Em.”
She crosses her arms, pacing back and forth at the same time I mouth, “Oh.”
“Yes, oh. I’ve pretty much avoided him for the past few months since they had a baby, but my sister confided in me and told me they’ve separated. Things aren’t working out, and they both needed a break from each other.”
“I’ve heard kids can do that to you.”
“You don’t understand.”
“I’m trying to, Scarlett, but I guess you haven’t painted the whole picture for me,” I tell her.
“I made a move on
him. When he first came here. It’s awkward between us and now he’s here, and single.”
“I wouldn’t call him single. Is the separation final? People have breaks then realize they’re in love with each other again.”
She nods her head in agreeance then quickly shakes it. “Morgan, my sister, she has a complicated life. Noah is... not so patient. I mean... he worships the ground she walks on but ever since she had the baby they’ve simply grown apart.”
“That’s sad… for the baby.”
“I know.” Scarlett lets out a frustrated groan. “Em, please tell me to get over this. I hate feeling this way. I avoid him at all costs, and when I’m forced to be around him I pretend like there’s nothing’s there. I’m embarrassed about what I did but... I don’t know. I haven’t even been with a man for so long because I just can’t get him out of my damn mind.”
“Maybe you need a distraction fuck?” I suggest. “Like someone to just knock your socks off so you can move on.”
She laughs. “I’ll cross Logan off my list.”
I clear my throat. “Logan is single.”
“You’re an awful liar.”
“That’s the truth!”
“Uh-huh.” She grins. “God, what do I do?”
“Look, just have some wine and relax. You’re beautiful. Men love you. I mean, really, how good looking are we talking?”
She grabs my hand and drags me outside the room and to the top of the stairs, the void opens to the main foyer where partygoers stand around. She points to a man positioned in the corner, chatting with some other men. It doesn’t matter which one he is because the three of them are as hot as fuck.