I felt myself blush. “He’s pretty great.”
“I won’t argue with you there.” She chuckled and picked up my hand, giving it a squeeze. “Thank you for joining us forThanksgiving. It was lovely to meet you, and I hope to see much more of you.” She smiled.
“I better go check the pies. I wanted to warm them up a bit.” She gave me a brief hug and walked away.
I made my way down the steps and walked around the trees in the large yard, trying to clear my head and find the words to face my fears for the drive home.
Emily hollered that dessert was ready, and I headed back towards the house. Scott was walking with his brother. I jogged to catch up.
“I missed you.” Scott kissed my cheek and wrapped his arm around me.
“What do you mean, you haven’t signed the contract?” Michael asked from Scott’s side. “I thought everything had to be completed this next week to sell the B&B?”
“I haven’t missed the window. Let’s talk about this later, okay?” Scott sounded angry and went rigid at my side.
What contract? Was he hiding something?
“You’re gonna sign the contract, right? You aren’t gonna keep the firm in Hillsdale, right? What about moving to Haven Falls with me?” Michael scoffed. “Last time we talked, the plan was to trick your secretary into getting the B&B lady to sell and then you’d ride off into the sunset.”
I stopped walking. Scott’s eyes held panic when he looked at me.
“Wait, what?” I felt as though someone had punched me in the gut.
Scott swore under his breath. “Michael, drop it!” He pushed his brother away.
But he didn’t say it wasn’t true. Was Scott using me this whole time, just to trick Carol into selling? Was everything a lie?
My breath was coming in gasps. I had to know. I stepped around Scott and went straight to Michael. “What do you mean, Scott was using some girl to get what he wanted?”
Michael waved his hands. “Oh, you don’t need to be jealous.” He winked. “Just tricking a receptionist and an old lady to sell some B&B. I’m sure he’ll still want to see you. You should come check out Haven Falls, the night scene?—”
Scott pushed his brother hard enough he fell to the ground.
“Hey! What the heck!” Michael hopped up.
“Michael. Shut up. You don’t know what you’re talking about!” Scott turned, his eyes were guarded. “It’s not like that, Marissa.”
I took a step back, shaking all over. Shards of ice ran down my spine at Michael’s words. Scott had used me. It all made sense now. How I fit into his plans. He hadn’t changed his at all. He never wanted me. Why would he?
“You were using me all along . . .” My eyes burned hot, but I pushed the tears down. I had been stupid to think I could have this life. That I could have him. I buried the feelings of hurt and loneliness.His plan at all costs,I was part of those costs.No longer able to hold back tears, I turned and ran to the side gate.
“No, Marissa, wait . . . let me explain . . .” Scott reached for my hand and grabbed my arm.
I pulled it free and turned, full of anger. “Explain which part? That you are using me to get some job? That you would let those investors bulldoze the B&B? I was just a part of your plan . . . I can’t believe I trusted you.” Tears seared down my cheeks, but I refused to acknowledge them.
“It’s not like that.”
“Which part is wrong?”
Scott shrank. “Well, it was like that, but it isn’t anymore. Please, just let me explain.” He reached for me again, but I stepped out of his reach. He had used me, pretended to like me.
“No. Your mother was right. You'll sacrifice anyone and anything to win.” I begged my tears to dry, but now that they were flowing, there was no stoppingthem. “Even me.”
“What are you talking about?” Scott shook his head. I stepped farther away.
No. I wouldn’t let him hurt me further. I built a wall back around my heart. “Thank your family for their hospitality today. Tell your mother it was delicious.” I turned and went through the side gate, closing it behind me.
“Marissa, let me at least give you a ride home.” Scott’s voice was full of pain and he begged me to let him back in. And I wanted to let him in. I wanted to hold him. I was a fool. I couldn’t trust myself near him.
