Page 38 of Mr. Red

“If that’s what this is, then fuck you, Matt!” I hang up and toss my phone to the side.

Paige looks at me, out of breath. “I can’t believe you called him! What are you doing?”

“He should know he’s acting like an ass.”

“You’re supposed to not give a fuck. Let him chase you.”

“Well maybe he needs a kick in the balls to get the message. Telling him to fuck off helped anyway.”

“That’s my girl!” Lana says.

I grab Paige’s shoulder. “Listen, thank you for bringing us out tonight and trying with the guys, but I’m not feeling Liam.”

“Yeah, I could tell you were over Liam in the first two minutes. Youdofriend zone every guy you meet.” She pauses. “Except Matt.”

I hug Paige. “Thanks for trying to save me from drunk dialing, but it needed to happen.”

Paige nods. “Luke had potential, but his kissing sucked. You guys ready to get out of here?”

“Yes!” Lana screams.

I agree with a chuckle and pull away from Paige. “Paige, weren’t you making out with Luke for half the night?”

“I was hoping he’d get better.” Paige sighs.

“Let’s say goodbye then go get something to eat—mac and cheese!”

“Oh geeze,” Lana huffs.

A smile creeps up on my face even though the girls don’t sound as excited as I am.

New plan. It’s always good to have a plan.

Chapter 23

Scarlett

The guys come back over to our group. Operation “get back on the horse” is officially over. Liam is just not doing it for me. I fear no one is going to compare to Matt.

“Hey, guys, we’re going to head out,” I announce to everyone.

Liam looks at me, surprised. He comes close and whispers in my ear. “Don’t leave yet, baby! The night is young.”

Baby? We just met!

“I have work tomorrow and need to leave.” I give a sorry smirk. I’m not sorry and I don’t have work tomorrow, I just want to get out of here. I wish I could get Matt out of my head. At least have some closure. Ghosting is my new enemy.

“Why don’t we grab something to eat?” he asks with a sly grin.

“We aren’t hungry. Nice meeting you!” I wave to the other guys and grab Lana and Paige’s arms. We head towards the exit, grouped together.

Once we’re outside, I take in the fresh air. Then, anger comes flooding in.

“I can’t believe what an asshole Matt is! How could he just stop talking to me?”

“It’s going to work out, Scarlett,” Lana says.

“How? How do you know that?”