Page 82 of Mr. Red

After a few hours goes by, we’re floating around. Lana, Paige, and I are tethered on the big tube, lounging while Matt and his sister are on the boat. They’re keeping a lookout for other boats, rocks, or the shore getting too close.

His sister seems to be enjoying herself. She’s loosening up more and more each day. I’ve had coffee with her a couple times this week, and we’re getting to know each other. Her ex had her cut off from everyone. I’m glad she got to meet my friends. Her and my friends seem to be getting along well. We have plans for weekly outings so she isn’t stuck in the house all the time. Turns out, when she isn’t being cryptic, she’s a pretty cool person.

“It’s so nice to see you guys and relax,” I tell them with my eyes closed, soaking up the sun.

“Yup. I’m glad we’re done painting,” Lana mumbles, staring at the water.

“The floors are going in tomorrow. Sunday is our slowest day at the gym, so I was thinking it would be a good fit,” I tell them.

“Scarlett, shhhhh! I need a break from too much work. You talking about it is killing the vibe.” Paige covers her eyes with her forearm, lying next to me.

“I just mean it’s exciting. We’re making progress.”

“Sure, sure.” Then she turns onto her stomach propping herself up on her elbows. “Matt is so into you. He’s quiet, but heshowshis feelings. The chemistry between the two of you is off the charts!”

Lana pipes in. “Yeah, I don’t think Matt will be able to let you go.”

“I have to convince him to stay in Washington.” I bitemy lip. “He basically said he only wants to live in Texas. He hasn’t asked me to go with him, yet. But I can’t leave Lakebrook when we just opened the gym.”

“Why can’t he stay here for a little?” Paige squishes her eyebrows. “You said he has a house already.”

“He likes plans too. His plans consist of raising a family in Texas.” I sigh.

“Yeah, but you aren’t going to move for a guy. Are you?” Paige squints her eyes.

“I don’t know.” I shrug. “I could, but what am I going to do in Texas? Maybe I’m thinking too far ahead. What if he doesn’t want me to move with him?”

“Have you seen the way he watches you when he thinks no one is looking? He has to track your every move. I bet he’s in love with you. But you need to make asmartdecision here, Scar.”

I feel something strong between me and Matt. I want us to stay together, but I’m trying to figure out a way to make Matt see other options. If I don’t move with him, would he consider long distance? So far, he’s stuck in his own dreamland in Texas.

“I’ve never seen you so close with a guy. But you can’t give up your life. What if things fall apart? There’s plenty of dick in the sea,” Paige states.

“I don’t think that’s the saying.” Lana shakes her head.

“Dick, vagina, both. Maybe it should be, ‘there are plenty of parts in the sea...’”

I chuckle. After a pause I ask, “Paige, who have you been under lately?”

“Excuse me,they’reunder me! And I don’t hook up with someoneevery day,you know!”

“Right. Every other day then?”

“Shut up or I’ll push you off!” she teases. “My latestwas so hot! He had a twelve pack with arms you could swear had a football in them.”

“No way!” I shake my head.

“Well, then I saw him shower with bar soap, which is gross, so I blocked him.”

I snort. The things Paige hates about guys deserves its own television show.

“One day you’re going to run into someone who gives you a run for your money, Paige. You’re going to fall for him andactuallybe vulnerable. I can’t wait to see it happen,” Lana tells us. I believe her.

“Puh-lease, no man is holding me down. I’m too much of a free spirit,” she argues.

“You’re going to eat those words,” I goad.

“The only thing I’ll be eating is plenty of dick,” Paige proclaims.