Page 60 of House of Scarlett
“I’m always careful.”
“Until you’re not.” Flynn winks. “I’ll see you later.”
I wave to her, lie back in my bed, sip on the espresso, and think about Gabriel. Tame or not, I’m ready because I’m finallyliving.
Unfortunately, the one thing I’m not ready for is the inquisition I get from Christine and Ryan a half hour later.
“You know I’m always on your team, Scarlett, but I’m a little concerned about Gabriel Legend,” Ryan says in his trademark soothing tone. “When I asked if we needed to hire assistance for you post-surgery, Amy mentioned that Legend was spending time with you.”
“Agreed,” Christine says. “I didn’t like you going to his club to begin with. Men like that are always looking for their next mark. It may be smart to start distancing yourself from him.”
For the first time since Ryan and Christine began working for me in a professional capacity, I’m 100 percent offended by their comments.
“Excuse me?” My voice is quiet, but my tone carries a warning.
“We’re not trying to tell you how to live,” Ryan quickly adds because he can read me better than almost anyone. “We’re just concerned about this new development in your life.”
Christine doubles down on Ryan’s statement to go for the kill, as per usual. “Look, Scarlett, you’re a target. You know it. We all know it. I’ve been digging into Legend, and he isnota good guy. By all accounts, he’s looking for a cash influx, and you’re not going to be that for him.”
I don’t answer. The silence stretches, growing more and more awkward with every second that passes.
“Scarlett?” Ryan says my name in a gentle tone, but it doesn’t mollify my sense of being attacked. I’m not a child, and last I checked, my money was mine to use as I see fit.
“I’m trying to decide how to respond to you right now, because you’re both crossing lines you’ve never crossed before.”
“We get that it’s your personal life, but—”
I interrupt Christine. “Yes, it’s my personal life. And while I’ve been friends with both of you forever, there are certain areas of my life that I’m not discussing with you.”
“Please tell me you didn’t already give him money,” Christine says.
“No, but I’m seriously contemplating hanging up the phone right now, so we can start this conversation over in a fashion that doesn’t involve you treating me like I’m an idiot or a child.”
“That’s not what we’re doing. We’re just concerned. You’ve been through a lot lately, and we want to make sure that you’re okay.” Ryan’s statements are intended to settle me down, but right now, I don’t feel settled.
Christine starts again, but I tune her out for a beat as a question pops in my head.
Why am I being so defensive about this? Because they’re treading into territory that’s none of their business ... or because Ididthink about how I could help Gabriel financially?
“... so that’s all I’m saying on the subject. We’ll leave it alone if you want.”
“Yes, we’re leaving it alone for now. If or when I have something to report about my relationship with Gabriel Legend that would be relevant to you, I will let you know.”
“Whoa. You’venevershown balls like that before. Where is Scarlett, and what have you done with her?” Christine asks, and if it weren’t for the hint of pride in her tone, it would have pissed me off.
“Next topic?”
“Have you made any progress with Meryl Fosse? I know she’s on your list of goal clients, but I haven’t heard you mention her in a while.”
Damn,they’re pulling no punches this morning.
“I saw her a few weeks ago, but no, I’ve made zero progress on getting her to come into Curated. After I’m back to work like normal, I’ll work on setting up a meeting with her.”
“She’s hosting a charity gala in two weeks. They’re raising funds for an addition to the youth center they’ve already outgrown. It’s going to be a who’s who event. You need to be there,” Ryan tells me.
“I don’t even know if I got an invite. I’ll check with Amy. If I did, I’ll definitely go. If I haven’t, I’ll stop at the charity offices and finagle one.” I pick a piece of lint off the belly pillow I have pressed against my stomach as I sit up in bed.
“Good plan.”
