“You should tell him.”
I laugh. “I did. I told him right in front of Daniel. I thought it would mean more if he knew I was willing to hurt one man that I loved to prove my love to another man.”
“He didn’t say anything?”
“He said he doesn’t love me.”
My name is Scarlet Stone and my biggest fear is that someday I will find what I want most in life and it will be impossible to steal.
Nolan has no response. There really is none. I fell in love with a man who never hid his complete detest for me since our first encounter.
“Mr. Moore, your mother is awake.”
We both stand and nod at Sofia.
“Don’t take it personally. Theo is pretty messed-up. You’re better off without him,” says the man whose parents define completely insane. “He’s moving out this weekend anyway.”
I follow him up the stairs. “Where is he going?” I’m doing a shit job of acting like I don’t care.
“Nashville … Tennesse.”
He’s leaving. I can’t believe “I don’t love you” was his goodbye. Fuck cancer. Nothing is more painful than love. But I won’t feel sorry for myself. Daniel has to feel the same way right now. I gave him a life again… and then I took it away.
Nolan turns. “I didn’t tell her I hired you. She thinks you need a friend.”
My head bobs a bit side to side. Then I shrug. “It’s not entirely untrue.”
He grins and knocks twice on Nellie’s door. “Mom, Scarlet is here.”
“Perfect timing.” The door opens.
Nolan doesn’t flinch. How is it possible that every muscle in his face remains completely relaxed? His mother has on a powder-blue felt skirt with a poodle appliqué and a pink corset. I’m not sure anyone has ever paired these two items of clothing before now.
“Be a dear and tie this for me.” She turns.
I grab the corset laces and give them a gentle tug with my eyes on Nolan.
“Thanks for spending time with Scarlet today, Mother. I think she said something about shopping. Lorne will be here soon.”
“Thank you, Nolie.” She sucks in a deep breath.
I cinch the corset.
“Has Nolie proposed to you yet?”
I look toward the stairs, butNolieis gone.
“No. We’re just friends.”
“Oh? He said you didn’t have any friends.”
“I don’t have any female friends.”
Nellie looks over her shoulder. “You do now.” She smiles, orange-red lipstick stuck to her teeth.
“There.” I tie the bow. “Shall I see if Sofia has your breakfast ready?”
“Please.”
