Anew

38

Scarlet sat, stunned and hollow, in the wake of Tristan’s words. She’d never felt so hurt, so personally offended.

Why did she care?

Tristan was no one to her. He was just her boyfriend’s brother.

So why did she care if he hated her? Why did she care if he didn’t want her around?

Scarlet tried to readjust her feelings and put Tristan’s words into perspective.

He means nothing to me.

He’s a stranger.

He’s a mean stranger and I don’t care about him.

Her thoughts echoed back at her, calling her a liar.

Despite his sharp words, Scarlet still felt drawn to him and it broke her heart.

She should hate him right now or, at the very least, feel nothing for him.

But no.

Her heart clenched in her chest until she couldn’t breathe and her eyes went blurry with the threat of tears.

She heard footsteps coming back down the hallway and her silly heart hoped—actually hoped—it was Tristan returning to apologize.

She cleared her eyes and sat up straight and nervous.

But it wasn’t Tristan who returned, it was Gabriel.

Her heart sank.

“Sorry about that,” Gabriel said.

She gave him her best fake smile. “What did Nate say?”

He examined her for a moment. “Are you okay?”

Gabriel had no idea Scarlet’s insides were bleeding from her conversation with Tristan, but she didn’t feel like sharing her hurt with him. “Of course. What did Nate say?”

Gabriel shook his head, “He doesn’t have any new information about the fountain. But he does have something to give to you.”

“What is it?”

“He wouldn’t tell me, but he said he’d send it to you.”

Scarlet tilted her head. “Huh.”

Gabriel shrugged before scooting closer to her and wrapping his strong arm around her. “Anyway, back to you. What other questions do you have?”

Scarlet blinked.

She had more questions, but all she could think about was Nate’s mysterious gift.

And Tristan’s cold words.

“Um…I think I’m good. For now.” Scarlet gave him another fake smile. “I’ll let you know.”

He tilted his head to the side, paused a moment, then smiled. “Are you sure?”

Scarlet nodded.

“Well, in that case, I think we should go on a date. Tonight. Let’s go do something normal. Something that has nothing to do with curses and fountains. Whatdaya say?”

Scarlet breathed out a laugh, “That sounds wonderful.”

And it did.

Or, at least, it sounded better than sitting in a house Tristan didn’t want her in.

A date would be good.

Scarlet needed a little love.