Kicking Reality
She realizes that I’m standing with Logan; quick to notice no one else around us. I could see her mind turning, wondering what is going on and why the both of us look suspicious.
“I’m sorry. Did I interrupt something?” She hides her smile, eyeing me with curiosity.
“Nope,” I say casually. “Logan asked for a room so he can screw a bunny.”
“Wow, talk about throwing me under the bus, Chase,” he notes with dark amusement. “Excuse her. She’s chasing dick and chocolate.”
My shoulders move up and down; laughing at how ridiculous that sounds.
“Sounds like I’ve interrupted a very interesting conversation. Maybe I should leave you guys—”
Logan interrupts Scarlett. “I need another drink. The bunnies have the stamina of a . . . well . . . a bunny. I’ll catch you around later, Emmy.”
Asshole.
Scarlett ushers me to her bedroom through a hidden stairwell behind the kitchen. Guests weren’t allowed upstairs, but she still closes the door behind us so we can talk in private.
I had never seen her bedroom and even in my intoxicated state, I couldn’t help but utter the words “Wow!” a million times over. It is huge. All white with a large four-post bed in the middle of the room. Even her bed sheets looked fancy with an intricate gold trim.
A few pieces of artwork hang on the walls; abstract pieces that brought life into the room. I could have sworn they were couples in compromising positions but I was drunk and had sex on my brain.
“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.”
“Okay,” I drag, unsure of what that meant.
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 were 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, 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 worshipped the ground she walked on but ever since she had the baby, they’ve 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 like this. I avoid him at all costs and when I’m forced to be around him, I pretend like nothing is there. I’m embarrassed for 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 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.”