Scarlet hasn’t stopped talking, from the minute I got in the car to the moment we pulled the final piece of paper from the wall.
It’s been the perfect distraction, though.
I can tell she is lonely here. She only has her dad, and from what she’s said, he sleeps a lot these days. It makes me sad. I’m excited for her to get back to medical school.
Anthony joined us out on the balcony for the spaghetti Bolognese that Scarlet made. He looks better today, with more colour in his cheeks and a slight spring in his step. I should feel guilty for spending time here after what Mason said, but Scarlet is my friend now, and I want to be here for her.
“How is the search going for a new studio?” Anthony asks.
“Slow, there isn’t much around. I’m going to look at a space tomorrow which is exciting, but it’s expensive.”
“I’m sure something will come up, the right place at the right time.” He winks, taking a sip of his water.
“I hope so. I have a dance showcase in a few weeks and nowhere to train my girls.”
“Why don’t you use the gym here? It’s quite the space,” he suggests.
“That’s a great idea!” Scarlet agrees.
I clench my teeth, trying to keep my face neutral. “Thank you. I appreciate it so much, but I have to do this for myself. Also, my girls wouldn’t be able to travel out here each day.”
“That’s rubbish,” Scar mutters, stacking the plates and placing them to the side and out of our way.
“Well, if you need a hand with it at all, financially or otherwise, let us know. We could always set you up with a loan to help cover the costs.”
“That’s very kind of you.”
Although I already know I would never accept it.
“You’ve brought out a different side of Mason recently. We are thankful toyou,” he says earnestly.
“Different how?”
“He never came here before. Or called, or even texted. The fact I know you is a miracle. I thought he would never come back here,” Scarlet expresses.
I smile, glad that they can see that change in him. Sometimes I think me and Mason are pure toxicity, but then I see the parts of him that Anthony and Scarlet are only now finding again, and it gives me hope.
“He is a good man.” Anthony sits nodding his head, swirling his water in his glass. “But stubborn. It’s the Lowell trait, I’m afraid.”
I lift my wine to my lips and take a large gulp. “You’re telling me!”
We all chuckle. My thoughts lost to the crazy man who drives me wild with want and need.
“You can’t leave now, by the way. Who would I hang with?” Scarlet looks over at me, giving me her best puppy-eyed look.
“Oh, because that’s why I’m with your brother.”
“No.” She shakes her head, sitting up in her seat and resting her arms on the table. “I think you’re with him for the Tuesday special.”
My eyes go wide, and I stare at her open-mouthed.
She didn’t just say that.
“I’m going to leave you girls to it,” Anthony announces, standing and making his way towards the door. Thank god he didn’t ask what the Tuesday special was.
“’Night, Dad!” Scarlet says sweetly.
“You bitch!” I whisper-shout as Anthony closes the terrace doors.
