Page 104 of Mr. Red

What are my other options? Leave Matt? Matt has shown me it’s okay to be taken care of sometimes. He made me let him in when I hadn’t opened myself up for a long time. How am I going to let him go?

I abandon my coffee. I need to go home before he sees me falling apart. I’m going to need to tell him I can’t move like I said I would.

“You know, I left some things I’ll need today at my place. I’m going to head out, okay?”

He notices this is not normal. Of course he does; he notices everything and he’s trailing my every move like he’s a lion about to pounce on his prey.

“Scarlett, stay and talk to me.” He’s approaching me and if he touches me the floodgates will open.

“I can’t.” I shake my head.

“You can talk to me about anything. I’m here. What’s going on?” He squints while trying to meet my eyes.

A tear escapes onto my cheek. I clear my throat. “I can’t move with you this soon. I’m not ready to leave the gym. I can’t just leave things how they are.”

“What do you mean you can’t?” He scowls.

“I can’t come with you. Right now. It’s not only about the gym. I would be leaving my entire life behind when I have no idea how you feel about me. I think you might love me, but you’ve never said it.”

He stares at me, clenching his jaw. Surprise, surprise, he doesn’t say anything. I continue. “You’ve never been in a relationship. Am I just supposed to move in with you?” I furrow my eyebrows. “I opened a business here. I can’t leave in its current condition. Not to mention my friends, who are basically my family, will be left behind.”

“It’s a plane ride away. You could see them as much as you want.” He pauses. “I’ll pay for your share of the gym. I’ll pay for a new gym you can open in Texas. We aren’t moving to a deserted island.” He crosses his arms in front of his chest.

“Youpaying for everything? How is that a relationship? It sounds like you’re trying to be in control of everything.”

“This is fucking unbelievable.” He slams his fist on the table. “Yousaid you would come with me. I want you to be with me.”

“It’s not the right timing.” I shake my head. “Isn’t there another way we could still be together? Maybe we could try long distance. You just said it’s only a plane ride away.”

“For how long? Long distance only works if you’re going to be togethereventually. Are you planning on moving to Texas eventually? Because in a year, you’restillgoing to have a gym here in Washington, along with friendsstillhere in Washington. I don’t know if Grant is going towantto expand out here. That will take time to prove.”

“Why do I have to be the one to move? Couldn’t you move here temporarily?”

“I need to go back to Texas until I have proof thenumbers will work long-term, which is why it’ll still take time for me to expand. Plus, my business is in Texas. I have a house literally perfect for a family. Why would I move? You said you would be fine with moving.” He looks away. “What I have there is what I was hoping you would want some day,” he whispers.

My heart breaks into a million pieces. Even with my broken heart, even with me wanting to stay with him, the words to say I will go just can’t come. They’re stuck in my throat, unable to move. I don’t know what else to do but stay quiet.

Matt’s face is red and he’s pacing back and forth with his hands balled into fists. “Why didn’t you tell me what was going on? This has come out of left field. Suddenly, you don’t want to move to Texas with me.”

“I want to when the timing is right and I’m sure about us. I have other things I need to take care of. I thought there would be more time. I needed more time and money to get the gym to a place I could leave the girls with.”

“I have money. I could’ve helped you with anything! I have my own business. I know a thing or two about running one. You could’ve talked to me sooner.”

“I’m not letting you pay for the gym. You’re busy with your own projects. You wouldn’t be able to help. I just need more time. We can see each other long distance until everything gets done.”

“How long will that take?”

“Um, at least a couple months. Probably more.” I bite my lip.

“No. You’re either with me or not. I’m not doing this half-in bullshit.”

More tears stream down my face. “Listen, I know this was sprung on you, but we can still see each other until thegym is done. You never talked to me about a timeline of leaving for Texas. I can’t just pack up and leave.”

“Then I’m waiting on a gym? No, I’m not buying that. You’ll find some other reason to not move. I knew you were too good to be true.” He shakes his head from side to side.

“Matt...” I sob.

“Fine. You want to leave me, then go.” He points to the door. “You made your decision. We’re done, I guess.”

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