Page 102 of Mr. Red

“Dad, I know. You don’t think that I haven’t thought about this exact issue every step of our relationship?” I glare at him. “We couldn’t stay away from each other. I can’t ask him to move here. He has a lot he would be giving up too.”

“I want you to use your head here, Scarlett. Falling forsomeone has major consequences, as you’ve seen first-hand with your mother and I. Look how that turned out. I just want you to be smart. Is he really the best guy foryou? Are you really willing to sacrifice everything you’ve worked so hard for?”

“With all due respect, we aren’t you and mom.” I squish my eyebrows together. “Whatever I decide to do is my decision. I’ll figure something out. I always do. I just know it’s hard to see a life without Matt.”

“Jesus,” he responds, combing his goatee with his hand while taking a deep breath. “Sounds like you’ve made up your mind. I have to say, it doesn’t sound like it’s the smart decision.”

“Dad, come on. I’m an adult and I know what’s best formylife.” I get up to get some space from him. I don’t think I’ve ever been mad at my dad, but he’s projecting way too much from his own relationships onto mine. “Now, if you’ll excuse me.” I walk off without a response.

I think I’m so mad because I know my dad is right. Choosing to leave to follow a guy isn’t a clever decision. I’m highly aware it’s not a good move to leave a business I just started. He could choose to leave me any time and then I’ll be left alone and abandoned somewhere I don’t know.

My heart says leaving Matt would be an even worse decision. I’ve gotten to know the real Matt and I’ve seen the side he doesn’t show everyone. I’m trusting him to keep my heart safe even though I’m scared. I’m scared to leave behind my friends, the town I’ve lived all my life, and the routine I know, but love is worth it. I think.

My feet have led me to the front patio. I needed some fresh air from the crisp night to bring some relief.

I’ve never had a big argument with my dad; we usually come to a quiet agreement on most things. Tonight, I had toprotect Matt as well as my own choices. I can’t believe he won’t try to give Matt a chance. He doesn’t know him. He doesn’t know all the support Matt has given to me.

I guess that’s my fault. I didn’t keep him informed. But it’s not any of his business.

As I’m fuming, an arm wraps around my waist and Matt’s smooth voice is in my ear. “You okay? I knew I shouldn’t have left. What happened?”

He knows right away something is wrong and came to talk to me about it. Not only that, but he felt like he could protect me if he stayed. My eyes tear up, thankful for the thoughtfulness.

I’m still entering into unknown territory. I don’t know if Matt and I will last, I don’t know what the gym’s future will hold, and I don’t know how I’ll fit into a new place. My dad is making me see the side of this situation I’ve been avoiding. I know I want to be with Matt, but there’s so many questions. I don’t want to tell Matt, though. I need to figure out what I want on my own.

“Nothing. My dad was just being overprotective. I didn’t care to stay to hear more of his nonsense.”

“Scarlett, I’m here,” he starts. The tears almost fall. “When you want to talk, I’m here, okay?” He kisses the top of my head.

I’ve never been in a relationship with such caring and openness before. Matt knows me and he knows what I need. It’s why I want to do anything to keep us together.

“Thank you, Matt. Thank you for being there for me and for coming tonight. I know it’s a little awkward.”

“Oh, your dad? Don’t worry ’bout him. I grow on people.” He winks, making light of the moment.

“Come on, sweetheart, let’s wrap this up and then I’ll take you to get dessert downtown.”

“We are in Seattle’s downtown.”

He gives me his infamous sideways grin, making me think I missed something.

“If you mean your dick, you’ll have to try again.”

“Oh, come on. After such weirdness, I thought my dick would be a welcome treat to make things better.” He keeps his smirk in place and I laugh as he leads me back to the table.

“You’re back. I didn’t know if you’d be returning. Are you staying for dessert?” My dad asks, making me almost start laughing because of Matt’s remark. I manage to keep it together.

“I think we’re about to leave, dad. Thanks for dinner. See you soon,” I tell him and give him a side hug and kiss on the cheek.

He pulls me in for a full hug. “I love you, Letti. I just want the best for you.”

“I know. Love you too.” I pull away. “Goodnight, dad.”

Matt shakes his hand. “Goodnight, sir. I’m sure we’ll meet again.”

I could have read that wrong, but was Matt just rubbing the fact that we’re staying together in my dad’s face? The balls on this guy. My dad looks at him with squinting eyes as he finishes the handshake.

Matt and I head out of the restaurant with his hand on my lower back.

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