Page 91 of Blindsided By the Enforcer

“Hi, Cade, come in.”

“Thanks,” I say. “Can I take a seat?”

“Yeah, of course,” she replies then she leans in and tries to kiss me.

“Don’t.” My tone is filled with warning. She pauses and seems frozen then she raises her brows, sighs, and turns away.

I take a seat at her desk chair while she climbs on to the bed and crosses her legs.

“You’re a tough girl to pin down,” I tell her.

“You didn’t always used to feel that way,” she replies.

“Scarlett, I’m not here to play games. We need to talk. We spent a lot of time together and a lot of that time was spent with you doing shitty things and me sweeping it under the rug. We never spoke about what happened sophomore year, and it’s clearly been an issue because you’ve been acting out since,” I tell her.

Her lower lip quivers. I feel bad for Scarlett but I can’t be the person who tries to save her anymore. “That’s why you’re here?”

I nod. “I think we should discuss what happened. We both need the closure,” I say to her.

“You never wanted that baby, Cade,” she declares.

“I wasn’t ready for a baby. I was too young, but I was willing to take responsibility. We had barely been together when you got pregnant, but you know I would have supported you.”

“Support me,” she cackles. “What about love?”

“We were together for a month, Scarlett. Love isn’t something someone can control. I don’t think you ever loved me either. I think you needed attention from me because of the situation you had at home with your mom and dad,” I say carefully.

She starts to cry and swipes at her tears.

“I think you should think of seeing a professional therapist. If you don’t have the funds, I’m willing to pay for now. But I can’t go on feeling guilty. We weren’t careful and you got pregnant. I take full responsibility for my actions. But I can’t be blamed anymore for you losing the baby. You were there, the doctors said that pregnancy wasn’t viable. I’ve allowed you to hold thatover my head for far too long. I’ve been kind. I tried to be there for you, and you’ve spat on me every step of the way.”

“We should’ve been a happy family,” she says.

“Scar, we were never going to be that. I would have been there for you and the baby, but I didn’t want to marry you. I didn’t feel that way. I’m sorry it hurts your feelings, but you need to get over the idea of us. Besides, you’ve screwed around with other guys. Why do you think that is?”

“To make you angry. To get any feeling out of you because I could tell that you didn’t care. I wanted the attention, even if it was negative,” she admits, throwing me off.

Well, then.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t be what you wanted. I was always upfront with you about my feelings. I kept giving in when you told me to try longer and longer. I felt like I’ve been drowning for years,” I confess. “You had to have known that. It’s time for you to let us go.”

“This is because of Annie Caufield, isn’t it?” she asks, her tone laced with a venom that makes me feel very uneasy.

“She’s not up for discussion, but I’m asking you to stay away from her. Stop coming to the games and wearing my jersey and holding up that sign. You need to move on with your life and find someone who will love you the way you deserve.” I feel terrible for her because, even though she’s been lying and vindictive, she’s also hurting.

“You love her.” She sighs.

I sigh too. “If you need to hear it, then yes, I am falling in love with Annie.”

She pinches her lips. “You can go, Cade. I’m not your problem anymore.”

“Scarlett, I was serious about my offer. Go get some help. The university offers services for free or I can pay for someone private for a bit, but do it for yourself.”

“I’ll think on it,” she says.

I stand. “Bye, Scarlett.”

She stands to hug me. I give her a one-arm hug because I don’t want her feeling worse than she already does. “Bye, Cade.”

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