Page 87 of House of Scarlett
I need to tell her. But not until I’m sure it’s actually happening.
“You want to live, ladybug? Then I’m your guy. Because that’s all I know how to do. Let me grab this check, and then I’m going to stare at your ass while you race motorcycles with Bump.”
Fifty-Two
Scarlett
Gabriel’s tense all night.I know there’s something going on that he’s not telling me, but with Bump grabbing me by the hand and pulling me all over the arcade, there’s not a good time to ask what’s on his mind.
I’m midway through kicking Bump’s ass in Skee-Ball, much to my surprise, when I hear a familiar voice.
“I certainly never expected to see you here, Scarlett.”
I release the ball before I’m ready, and it hits the backboard with a hardthunkas I turn toward the sound. “Meryl. What are you doing here?”
She’s dressed like me, in jeans and a blouse, and she has a handful of tickets. “Playing games with some of the kids from the center. They won tonight through their good behavior.” Her gaze lands on Bump, who is playing next to me. “And who is this?”
Gabriel returns with Bump’s refilled popcorn to stand at my side as she asks the question.
“Meryl, this is Gabriel Legend, of the club Legend, and his little brother, Bump.”
Meryl’s eyes widen with the introduction, and it’s evident I’ve shocked her. “Mr. Legend. Your reputation precedes you.”
Oxygen freezes in my lungs as Gabriel shifts the popcorn to his other arm and holds his free hand out to her. “It’s a pleasure, Ms. Fosse. I hear you’ve done some great things for kids in the city. We’re looking forward to your event.”
I didn’t think Meryl’s eyes could get any bigger, but they do when Gabriel mentions the charity fundraiser.
“Ah, you’ll be Scarlett’s date. That’s delightful. Hopefully, you won’t find it too subdued for your taste. Although, the silent auction bidding can get quite heated.” Meryl’s words sound sincere rather than catty, but I can tell she’s not sure what to make of our pairing. Her attention shifts to me. “You’re full of surprises, aren’t you?”
“I won!” Bump throws his hands into the air and does a victory dance that breaks the rising tension. As he’s attempting to moonwalk toward us, Gabriel holds out the popcorn.
“Here’s your victory popcorn, bud. Don’t spill it.”
Meryl’s eyes narrow on the missing strip of hair on the side of Bump’s head, and she looks at me. I give her a little nod, and she glances back to Bump as he starts telling Gabriel about his strategy for the game and how if he can just playone more time, then he’ll have enough tickets to win his prize, when he adds the tickets I gave him.
“You’re pretty good at Skee-Ball,” Meryl says, and Bump’s head jerks around to look at her.
“Who are you?”
“I’m Meryl Fosse,” she says, holding out her hand. “I run a center for kids in the city who need extra love.”
Bump’s face lights up. “I love kids. And I love love. Did you know that Scarlett gave me her tickets so I can get a prize from thetop shelf? I almost have enough. One more game. Right, Gabe?” Bump stares pleadingly at Gabriel, and the man behind me nods.
“One more game. Then we’re going to cash out and take Scarlett home. She’s gotta work in the morning.”
“I promise I won’t take long, Scarlett. We have to get home to Roux, anyway. She misses me.”
Bump, having already forgotten about Meryl, returns to his game. Her expression is curious, and I can tell she has questions but is much too polite to ask them.
Gabriel sees it too. “Traumatic brain injury. Fifteen years ago.”
“Oh my. I’m so sorry.” She takes another long look at Bump. “Does he have a job?”
“He works for me,” Gabriel replies. “Why?”
Meryl purses her lips. “I’m always looking for good, kind-hearted volunteers at the center. You should bring him by sometime to see it.”
“You want Bump to volunteer at some fancy charity place?” Gabriel sounds shocked.
