Page 92 of Mr. Red

Chapter 50

Matt

It looks like my plan is working. Scarlett seems to be fitting in with my mom. My mom is looking at Scarlett as though she’s her only lifeline for grandchildren. I bet she wants to hold the event at my place—put up flowers and lacey shit.

Texas is growing on Scarlett. I was almost certain she was about to hop on my dick the moment we got in the truck. Texas has lots of trucks, so that’s a plus. The weather in summer isn’t ideal, but it’s not like I have a lot of time to convince her. My project is more than halfway done, and I’ll be home soon.

I can’t wait to be back. I’m looking forward to Scarlett coming home with me. It’s nice to be back in Texas; I can breathe again. Having Scarlett here will be the cherry on top. I’ve always wanted a long-lasting relationship, but I needed to find the right person. A person who loves me for me and can appreciate the little things in life.

When I told my mom I was bringing someone over for her to meet, the phone went silent. Then the questions started. It’s why Scarlett ended up with her tofu dogs. My mom kept asking question after question.

My dad, on the other hand, didn’t say much. It’s not out of the ordinary for him. I’m sure he’s a bit curious.I know my dad is about to grill me as we “work on the fence.” The man has fixed plenty of fences his whole life, but suddenly needs help. I can see right through his bullshit. I’m only helping because my mom wanted me to.

We head over to the “broken” fence and I clear my throat. “What’s on your mind?”

“Can’t a man spend some time with his son?”

“I’m sure some do, but you see my ugly mug enough as it is.”

“Your mother wouldn’t agree with that.”

I let out a sigh as I grab the post to put it back in place. Even though my dad and I are okay, I’m not the biggest fan of my mom staying with him. He did her wrong for years. I want better for her, but she choose to stay. It’s just hard to come here and only see my mom when he’s around. I keep the visits at a minimum or I meet her out somewhere.

“Scarlett sure is a looker,” my dad says.

“Yes, she’s very beautiful.”

“Do you really think she’s for you, though? She don’t even eat right.”

“Eat right?” I frown. “How are you supposed to eat right?”

“Meat is a food group.”

“Why are you worried about what she eats?”

“She sure isn’t gonna be cooking anything good.” He has me on that one. Macaroni and cheese, facon, and cardboard aren’t fan favorites.

“Her cooking isn’t bad. Besides, I know how to cook. I’ll hire someone if I need to. She’s different.”

“You mean because she has a nice ass?”

I glare at him, resisting the urge to punch him in thestomach. He puts his hands up. “Okay, okay.” He helps me adjust the wooden rail for the fence. “You love her, huh?”

I stay quiet. I haven’t told anyone. I barely admitted it to myself.

He smirks. “I figured. You wouldn’t bring justanyoneto meet your mom.” He slaps me on the shoulder.

“I think she’ll end up moving out here. She doesn’t know I want her to yet.”

He starts laughing in a big grumble. “Well, good luck with that one, son. Trying to get a woman to do something she don’t want to do is like trying to move a mountain.”

“Since when did you become so philosophical?”

“I’ve always been this way. I’m damn near close to being a philosophy professor.”

I scoff.

He ignores me. “The point is, I’m happy for y’all and we’ll support you as long as you’re sure.”