Page 73 of Making It Up

“They aren’t you.”

I scowl again. “What’s that mean?”

“It means, they might stop because that’s the rules. Because we’re around, keeping track.”

“But not because they actually agree with the reasons like I did? Is that what you mean?”

He nods. “Yeah.”

I shift, uncomfortable suddenly. It sounds like Scott knew me back then, saw something in me, and invested in that.

I don’t want to talk about that.

Or even think about it too hard.

“You undermined me in front of those kids,” I point out. I do not appreciate that.

“I showed them two authorities working together and cooperating. We made an important point with them, but we were also fair.”

I narrow my eyes. “Don’t bullshit me, Scott.”

He takes a breath. “Okay. You’re right. I did kind of undermine you.” He meets my gaze. “But you were overreacting.”

“They could have gotten hurt!”

“They still could.”

“They’re tearing everything up!”

“They’re kids. They’re going to do that.”

“There is a family of foxes over there!” I point at the den.

Scott claps me on the shoulder. “That’s why it’s so great that you’re here.”

Then he turns and heads for his car.

I think about stopping him. Then realize I don’t want to talk to him anymore.

I watch him drive away, lifting my hand reluctantly when he waves at me.

Fucking Scott Hansen.

I sigh and head for my truck. As I trudge through the wet grass and mud, I can’t help but think about how I plan to spend my evening because of this mud.

With Scott Hansen’s daughter.

I wonder how he’d feel about that.

For the first time, I actually wonder.

I’ve been hesitant to let everyone know Mia and I are seeing one another because I have beef with Scott. I don’t feel like showing up at his house for dinner with the parents or spending time with him and making nice at things like a birthday party for Mia or Christmas Day brunch.

But how would he feel about it? Really?

I really don’t fucking know.

I’m not sure he’d be thrilled. But I don’t actually know how Scott feels about me. And that drives me even crazier than if I knew he hated me.