Page 11 of Mr. Green
I’ve just finished a workout with Jason. I step inside the office to say hi to Scarlett. Scarlett and Jason share the space with all the trainers. We felt like we needed more room for childcare than for offices, since trainers usually hang around while waiting for their next client. It’s about to be time for Scarlett to head out of here. Paige is taking over tonight as far as managers are concerned.
Scarlett is gathering her things and wiping off her desk. She’s a neat freak—crazy person is more like it. I’m late enough to know there won’t be any unexpected visitors today.
“Hey.”
“Hey, La La! I was just about to head out of here and get something to eat. Come with me, would ya?” She laces her arm through mine and nudges me out of the gym towards the exit.
“Uh, I don’t know. I haven’t showered yet. I was just going to make something simple.”
“Since when do you do simple?” She turns her head and looks at me with a furrowed brow.
“I’m trying to have better eating habits.”
“Oh yeah? You don’t need to, you know. Buuuut, since you are, this place is perfect! It only serves healthy food!Pleasecome with me!”
“It sounds like you’re trying to take me somewhere thatdoesn’t serve anything tasty. Healthy is usually code for cardboard.”
She stops and turns towards me. “Why does everyone say that around me?” She puts her hands on her hips. “Nothing I eat actually tastes like cardboard.”
“No idea.” I shrug. “Is this one of those places that only serves baked tofu with steamed vegetables or protein smoothies? Why you think a protein smoothie is good, I’ll never know. The only thing good about those is that they’re convenient.”
“There’s more than tofu.” She looks away from me. “Whatever. Please come with me!” She pleads as she drags me along by my arm again. “I don’t want to eat alone. It won’t take long.”
Since I have no other plans other than sulking at home, I go with her. “Fine.”
She smiles too big. Something’s up. The possibilities run through my head. Shopping for something? No, that’s a Paige or Jason thing. Drinking? Could be, but she would just say come get a drink with me. If it’s a fucking blind date, I’ll kill her. She knows I’m not trying to date anyone right now.
I continue following her charade in the hopes that I’m wrong. She texts someone as we walk in through the doors of the new restaurant. Then she greets the hostess and says she has a reservation. The hostess leads us to our seats with several menus. I’m hoping those menus aren’t intended for several people.
I start tucking non-existent strands of hair behind my ear. We’re led to a table made for four, but that’s not out of the ordinary. The hostess leaves all the menus piled up at the edge of the table. My hands go under my chin, then over my mouth, then they start playing with my hair.
“What are you up to, Scarlett?” I squint my eyes, willing her to tell me the truth.
“What do you mean?” She turns away from me and glances at a menu. “Last week I had the veggie wrap and it was so refreshing.”
I stare at her, trying to see inside her mind. It’s not working. Minutes pass and no one else comes. After waiting for a surprise and thinking I was making it up, my shoulders release from my ears and I glance down at the menu. I’m looking for something good but healthy. I did just work out.
Then I hearhim.I could recognize his voice from miles away. It’s loud and booming. I swear I can feel my chair vibrate, or maybe it’s my treacherous body. It’s made my heart drop to my stomach and throat dry up.
I look to Scarlett. “What did you make me come to?”
She responds by hiding her face with the menu. I stare back with wide eyes in shock. I debate faking a headache and leaving, but the Viking has cornered me.
“Hey, Sunshine,” Grant says with a way too big smile. Then he scooches his seat close to mine and puts his ginormous arm on the back of my chair. I’ve stopped breathing. I check my surroundings looking for an escape, but I’m blocked in since the table is next to a window.
Scarlett better enjoy her last meal.
Chapter 9
Grant
Matt and I were in the office of Lakebrook’s downtown when Scarlett texted him where to eat. He invited me along, baiting me with Lana being there. He can tell I have a thing for her.
Now we’re here at the restaurant,Fresh,and I put my arm over her chair. It’s a natural reaction. I make sure I’m not touching her, though. She doesn’t respond to my greeting, but is staring at Scarlett like she’s about to jump across the table and punch her.
The waitress comes by to take our orders, asking for drinks first. There is too much tension, so I decide to break it up a bit with a little game I like to play with Lana.
“My girl here is pregnant with my baby,” I tell the waitress. “That’s why we’re all here, celebrating. She’s just going to take a water for now.”