Page 42 of Mr. Red

“Excuse me?” My eyebrows shoot to my hairline.

“It’s my family bullshit, Scarlett. You haven’t met them. I haven’t talked about them. I didn’t know what to tell you.”

“If you’re choosing to date someone, letting them in on your life problems is part of the package. Trust me, it’s way better than being ghosted.”

“I didn’t mean to make you feel ghosted. It had nothing to do with you.”

“How am I supposed to know that?” I squint my eyes at him.

“Yeah, okay. Here it goes.” He lets out a breath. “I was debating on staying with you all morning, but I had to get some work done. As I was leaving, my mom called about my sister. She has been in an abusive relationship on and offfor years. Probably my dad’s wonderful parenting skills giving her the impression being a dickwad is showing love. I found out she went back to her stupid fucking boyfriend the day I almost ran into you on my mountain bike. I knew something bad was going to happen,” he mumbles. “Then you and I hook up, and the next morning my mom calls wanting me to come home because my sister was in the hospital.”

I gasp. “Holy shit.”

“He beat her so bad, she was out cold for two days. My mom was freaking out and I needed to be there for her and my sister. So I left. When she came to, she wasready to leave him. I needed to help her before she changed her mind. I offered my place so she can stay far away from him. You understand, right?”

My eyes are wide and my mouth is open a bit. “Is she okay?” I ask.

What a scary thing to go through. His sister decided to get out of it, though. That’s the important thing. She’s safe now. I know Matt will keep her safe.

“She will be. My mom came down too so she wouldn’t be alone. I’m just glad she’s out of Texas until she’s stronger.”

I shove him. “Why did you come to my place last night? You should be with her.”

“You called. You were mad. I didn’t know how to explain this over the phone.”

I nod my head. “What’s her name?”

“Danielle.”

I pat his thigh. “I get it. She’s lucky to have you as her brother.” I pause. “For future reference, though, you can tell me these things. The girls and I are here too. The next girls’ night, Danielle’s welcome over. If she’s up to it, of course.She doesn’t have to be alone.”

“Thank you. I’ll tell her.” He’s looking down, lost in thoughts.

“She’s going to be okay, Matt.” I squeeze both his shoulders. “She has you; she’s going to be okay.”

He pinches the bridge of his nose. “I didn’t stop it. I didn’t protect her. I knew something was wrong and I let her stay there. Withhim.”

“Matt, you couldn’t have known anything was going to happen. What’s important is you’re helping her now.”

He looks away. I give him a minute, holding an arm over his shoulder. Just letting him know I’m here.

“Have you gotten much sleep?” I ask, taking in his appearance. He’s got a scruffy beard, bags under his eyes, and his hair isn’t gelled in it’s usual style.

“Last night was nice. First night I felt okay to rest.” His crooked grin appears.

“On a chair?” I contort my face.

He chuckles. “This chair was better than the hospital chairs.”

It’s a stiff, flimsy chair only there for decoration—cream colored with wooden stands. “I’m thinking it was hard to sleep on that thing. I’m surprised it didn’t break from under you.”

“I wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“I know this is heavy, but next time there’s something like this, text me. Or call. I’d like to be there for you. You’re not alone either, okay?”

He agrees with a nod. He doesn’t chat much.

“Thanks for coming over and helping me last night.”

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