Page 49 of Mr. Red

“Why don’t you have a passport? You should have one.”

“We all can’t travel whenever we feel like it, you know. Some people have to be at a place to work.” The idea of work has me fidgeting with my hair. I hope I can have things figured out before we leave.

“You won’t need a passport for this trip. We won’t go too far.” I hear some rustling in the background. “Listen, sweetheart, I’ll call you tomorrow, okay? I have some things I need to take care of right now.”

“Oh, right. Sorry, talk to you later then.” I smile and wave goodbye.

He waves goodbye and hangs up. My leg bounces at the table in anticipation. I just agreed to go on a trip and I have no idea where I’m going. I get up from the table with the need to move around and do something. I go to my closet and start reorganizing it, wondering what to pack for this vacation.

This trip is going to solidify our relationship or end it. You learn a lot about a person when you’re with them all the time. There’s also the issue of us both wanting to live in different states, so I hope he’ll come around.

It sounds like Matt has had several of these trips with other girls. I don’t know how long I can do casual before I start to fall for someone. If I start falling, I’m going to have to end things between us before I end up with a broken heart.

Agreeing to step out of my comfort zone with someone—dating, surprise trips, letting them take control—might be an indication it’s too late and I’ve already fallen.

I hope he’ll fall too.

Chapter 28

Scarlett

The rest of the week goes by quick. Matt continues to come over around dinnertime, meaning the evenings are filled with fun extracurricular activities. Wink, wink. He always leaves the next morning when I’m on my way out for work.

I’m at the gym, giving Jason, Lana, and Paige my plans. We’re standing in the small room all clients, including Matt, are interviewed in. “Okay, guys, I’ve got my arrangements for the gym right here.” I hand them each a booklet filled with the assignments I’ve created, the tasks I need them to complete, plus what we’ll do once I’m back.

“When do you have the time for this shit?” Paige looks through the booklet.

“I make time. Someone needs to know what’s going on. If you flip to my page, you’ll see I’ve interviewed some trainers, made a schedule for the remodel, and given you a list of the people I want you to meet in person. Tessa is my best pick, but I want you guys to meet them too.”

“Looks good. Thank you for doing this.” Lana turns to her purple-highlighted page.

“This is fun and all, but how excited are you to get out of this town, babe?” Jason throws his booklet on the table.

“Jason, I need you to look through this.” I hand him back his booklet. “I won’t be here and I need to make sure you feel comfortable with these tasks.”

“I thought you’ve been getting laid? Shouldn’t you be relaxed?” Jason sighs.

“She still doesn’t know where she’s going on this trip or what she’s doing. A stiff one couldn’t help in this situation,” Paige explains to Jason.

My mouth drops open. “You guys! Focus! We’re not talking about this impending vacation. We’re talking about the gym. The one we’re buying. We need to have a plan.”

“Scar, you need to chill. We know. We got it.” Paige puts her hand on my shoulder.

“You guysneedto call me if something doesn’t make sense, or there’s a problem with a trainer, or—”

“Scarlett,” Lana interrupts, “we’re okay. We’ll handle it.”

“Yes, go have fun! Remember, you’re supposed to let go.” Paige reminds me.

“You know what letting go has got me?” My eyebrows are up to my forehead. “A guy I’m falling for, and I have no idea if he will fall for me or not.”

“You aren’t supposed to fall for them,” Paige tells me like she’s talking to an idiot. “That’s why I have my rules. Once a week.”

“You didn’t mention a time limit. You told me to go for it and now all I want is him.”

“Hmmm,” Paige bites her nail.

“It’s fine. I’m fine.” My leg bounces up and down under the table. “You guys think it’s a good idea to go? Maybe this is a mistake.”

---