Eileen Slovak

Chapter Sixty-two: An Unexpected Visitor          

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and locales are products of the author’s imagination. They are used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is coincidental. Copyright © 2024 by Eileen Slovak.

Catherine

We return Sunday afternoon, refreshed and renewed. It was perfect timing since I’m starting my new job this week. I’ll be working with Mitchell, my former coworker on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s a start, with the option to work more hours. The boys will be at school. Charlotte is going to daycare which we are calling ‘Charlotte’s school’. She’s actually excited about it. The only worries will be holidays, summer vacations, or when one or all of them gets sick. Now with Charlotte at daycare, the odds of this increase. Thankfully Gary’s mom has offered to help out. And there are summer camps. Gary has been remarkably supportive. This makes everything easier because of course I have moments when I’m wracked with guilt. I know Mitchell is doing me an enormous favor by starting me out with barely part time hours. I expect he’ll ask for more and I’ll likely comply. For now, I’m not going to worry about that. I’m focused on being excited about this new phase of my life. Scarlet stayed to assist me with my work wardrobe. We managed to find two outfits to get me through my first week. She says another shopping trip is a must do next weekend.

      “I’m both physically and emotionally exhausted,” Scarlet says. “You two must fall into bed every night right after you tuck them in.”

      “Nah, you get used to it. After a while tired just feels normal. We had the best dinner last night; it was so…quiet. Scarlet, it felt like we were a million miles away, when we were only in Newport.”

      “I’m so glad you relaxed enough that you didn’t call me a million times. That was a big improvement. Who knows, maybe the Bahamas next time?”

      “Maybe. I missed them terribly though, isn’t that crazy?”

      “No, that’s just being a good mom.”

      “Thanks again, Scarlet. We owe you.”

      “I had an awesome time playing mommy. I’m beat though and I need to do a few things before tomorrow. I’ll see you all later.”

      Tuesday morning, I have an unexpected visitor when I get back from dropping the kids off at school. Looking like he’s been in a bad bar fight; Scott is sitting on my front steps. I still have a half an hour before I have to leave for work. I was planning to do the dishes and pick up around the house, but that seems less important now.  

      “I wondered when I’d be seeing you,” I say. “Come on in.”

      “Thanks.” He stands up, sounding surprised he’s been invited in. “Giving up easy isn’t in my playbook.”

      “How did you know where I live?”

      He doesn’t answer.

      “Oh, that’s right…detective,” I say, holding the door open for him.      

      “Actually, I followed Scarlet the other day. I’m sure that sounds bad.”

      “Make yourself comfortable.” I say clearing a path, bending and tossing toys toward the toy box, while I lead him to the living room. “Would you like something to drink?”

      “No, I’m good, thanks. I really appreciate you not slamming the door in my face.”

“Have a seat.”

      He eases himself onto the couch. I sit in the chair across from him, slipping off my shoes and tucking my stocking feet under myself.

      “First of all, I’m fiercely protective of my sister. But Scott, you can’t give up on Scarlet.”

      “That’s great to hear, because I have no intention of giving up.”

      “Good, I’m glad. I know how difficult she can be to deal with, but I also know she’s crazy about you. I want to see my sister happy. I think you have the ability to make that happen. Your main problem now is she’s fanatical about the truth. Lying to her was probably the worst mistake you could make. If you manage to earn her trust back somehow, don’t ever lie to her again. I thought you should know that.”

      “Okay. Any suggestions on how I go about doing this?”

      “Be persistent. And I’m counting on you being everything she thinks you are.”

      “Thank you. I don’t know what to say.”

      “Say, I won’t regret not slamming the door in your face.”

      “You won’t. You have my word. For what it’s worth.”