Page 40 of Mr. Red

“I’m fine. I think you should go.”

“Let me explain.”

“Just—” She turns away but retches as she runs inside the house, leaving the door slightly ajar behind her. I don’t know if I should go in or not, but her friends left and there’s no one to take care of her. I also don’t want to leave her feeling mad at me when I can fix it. After waiting a few minutes, I decide to check on her.

“Miss Scarlett?” I yell into the house. I don’t hear a response. I step inside, lock the door, and make my way through the house to find her.

It’s an inviting place—small and clean. She wasn’t kidding about her cleaning routine. I don’t see a thing out of place and it smells like lemons. Last time I was here I didn’t pay attention to the details. I was occupied with other things. I follow the hallway to the door at the end leading to the bedroom. I knock on her bedroom door and enter. I still don’t see her, but I hear her throwing up in her bathroom.

“Miss Scarlett, are you alright?”

“Oh no. You’re still here?” She tries to hide her face.

I suppress a chuckle and watch as she tries to avoid another retch. I come closer and pull her hair back, careful to not pull.

“Y’all drank too much, huh?” I ask.

“You shouldn’t be here,” she says between dry heaves. “Whyare you here anyway? I thought you were ghosting me.”

Yep. Definitely should’ve called, but I had shit to handle. I didn’t know what to say without bringing upfamily drama, and I didn’t know if I should involve Scarlett or not.

“I’ll tell you what happened in the morning. We should talk once you feel better. Being sober would help too. I’m here because I wanted to see you tonight. I just got back.”

“I wanted to see you or at least hear from you days ago. Would’ve been nice to have at least a text.” She lowers her head onto the edge of the toilet. “Fuck, I need a shower. Showers always help,” she mumbles.

“I’ll start it for you.” I walk away, wishing I wasn’t such a moron, and go to start the water. She’s still slumping over the toilet when I get back to help her.

“Come on, sweetheart. Let’s get you undressed.”

“Shhhhh!” she says, holding a finger over her lips. “I’m sleeping.”

I shake my head.Does this happen often?

I guess she’s young. This is “fun” to do in your twenties. I never really partied like this, though. I was focused on making money and not being like my dad.

“Come on. I’m not letting you sleep on the toilet,” I tell her.

A faint snore signals I’m talking to myself. No way she passed out that quick. I start undressing her, but leave her bra and undies on. The dress didn’t cover much anyway. She doesn’t protest as I lift her to standing, stirring her from her sleep.

“Listen here, buddy,” she slurs. “I’m getting over you! Sure, I’ll admit, sex with you was the most amazing thing I’ve experienced, but whatever.” She stumbles. “It’s just sex. No way there’s room for you up here.” She points to her head, poking herself in the eye. “Ow.”

Oh boy.

“That was the most amazing sex?” I smile, teasing her as I lean her against the wall in the shower.

“Like you don’t know how good you are in bed?” She gives me an eye roll to match the snarky attitude. “Sex doesn’t mean anything if you don’t call.” She looks around. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m helping you.” I grab the removable shower head and rinse her off.

“Showers are the best,” she says in a whisper.

The corners of my mouth lift to my eyes. I’m happy she isn’t paying attention to my face. She has me wrapped around her finger. I can’t think of the last time I wanted to make an effort to take care of someone who wasn’t family.

I’ve missed her. I’ve missed those eyes you get lost in, her smell I want to drink, and her limber body. I haven’t stopped thinking about her. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forget her.

“Move towards me, sweetheart. Let’s get you to bed.”

She does as she’s told after leaning on me. My white shirt has a wet mark. I grab a towel to dry her off with her still leaning against me.