Page 108 of Mr. Red

Scarlett

It’s been a month. Every morning it’s the same thing: I walk through the front entrance, where Matt is standing with a dozen red roses and a latte. The front desk had a good talking to about letting anyone back to my office. They aren’t going to let him in again.

It doesn’t stop him from getting in the front door, though. So, he waits there. For me.

Once I arrive, he hands me coffee and roses. Then asks me to go to dinner with him. I say no. Then he leaves, saying he’ll see me soon.

I started giving out the roses to anyone I could. I do drink the latte; I can’t throw out coffee. I’ve stopped bothering to get any extra coffee on the way in. I know he’ll be standing there with it now. It’s become routine.

Today is different. Today he’s still standing there, looking sexy, with roses and coffee. Instead of asking me to dinner, he hands me a letter.

“This will be my last day coming in to see you unless you want to call. I’d love if I could explain things in person, but since you won’t let me, I’ve chosen to write it out instead. I hope to hear from you. If not, I’ll see you around.” He pauses with his hands in his pockets then bends close to my ear. “I’m not giving up on us, Scarlett.” He kisses me on the cheek and then leaves.

I stand frozen. I don’t know what I was expecting. I guess I was thinking he would bring me coffee and flowers every day for a year or...the rest of my life. I’m not sure what my train of thought was, but it wasn’t that he would stop coming in. It makes me angry. I was just beginning to count on him again. He comes in here and tries to turn my life upside down.

The thought of not seeing him is making my stomach turn, though. I liked seeing him again. I liked knowing he was in the vicinity. I liked expecting him to be there.

I don’t know how to react. I go to my office and shut the door. I stare at the letter, pacing back and forth. I don’t think I should open it here. I’m going to wait until I get home. I can’t be an emotional wreck during work. I put the letter in my purse and continue to pace around the office.

I need to clean something.

I grab a paper towel and cleaner and start dusting every surface I can find. The pictures, the desks, the little trinkets. Then I start organizing all the papers on Jason’s desk into a pile. He’ll probably kill me. He has his own organizing system that doesn’t make any damn sense.

Once I’ve cleaned everything I can get my hands on, I’m still anxious. I go out to the gym to find something to do. I need to stay busy.

~

The letter has taunted me all day. I refused to read it at work, though. I know I’m probably going to cry, or at the very least lose my shit.

I race home with my fingers fiddling on the steering wheel. I shower and then go to retrieve the letter. I tear open the long, white envelope and unfold the pages. It’s thin; onlytwo pages. It’s fitting for Matt, who doesn’t say much in general.

Scarlett,

You once asked me, “what’s something I’ve always wanted to do, but haven’t yet?” I avoided your question, but I’d like to answer it now. I’ve always wanted to find someone to share my life with and have someone who loves me for me. I saw you being my someone. I didn’t mind my bachelor life, until I met you. I knew you were someone special who could fit perfectly into the life I had planned. You were the someone I had been waiting for. Then you said you couldn’t come with me.

I was angry I couldn’t control where you would be living. I assumed someone who loved me would do anything to stay with me. I was angry I couldn’t control where you’d be working, and I was thinking of myself instead of being supportive towards what you wanted. You have life goals and plans you want to accomplish. I should know that.

I’m so sorry I left the way I did. It’s not often I lose control. When I do, it’s because something surprising has happened. It knocks me off my center. I’d like to tell you in person how sorry I am. I’d like to show you how sorry I am. I hope in time you’ll forgive me.

I’ve missed you. I’ve missed your beautiful eyes that see past all my bullshit. I’ve missed your smell on my pillows. I’ve missed holding and kissing you. Most of all, I’ve missed what we had together.

I saw a future that could last a lifetime. You’re it for me, Scarlett. I want to be with you.

I’ve expanded the company to an office down the street from your gym. I didn’t exactly have the blessing from mybusiness partner to do so, but some people are worth the risk. You’re always worth the risk. I don’t plan on leaving unless you don’t want us to be together. I’m leasing the building, so I can move if you never want to see me again.

The point is, I’m here if you want me to be. I’ll move here as long as you need. I’d do anything for you.

I have something else to tell you, but I want to tell you in person.

Please call me when you’re ready.

I’ll be waiting on whatever you decide.

Yours,

Matt

I cover my mouth as it gapes open. He moved here for me. I wanted to move for him. I wanted to be there for him, but I needed more time to establish the gym. If he would’ve listened, we could’ve tried long distance. I didn’t know how long it would take, though. I didn’t have any concrete answers. Matt sees everything as black and white.

---