It takes all my self-control not to stare at him slack-jawed in shock. “I wasn’t aware we were friends, Crey.”
That shark-like grin comes back. “We’re not, but we will be. Now, let’s talk about your plans for bailing out the club with your winnings from the fight.”
Twenty
Scarlett
So far,Meryl has chosen over a dozen pieces she can’t live without. Amy has been carefully taking each one out of the rooms to be wrapped, crated, and delivered to her Upper East Side home tomorrow morning.
When she’s finished her sweep of the third and second floors, we descend to the first so she can make a loop around it. I hand off the sterling slippers she spotted upon entry to Amy as Meryl picks up a small travel clock and then a watercolor framed in filigreed silver.
“This place is truly wonderful, Scarlett. I am so sorry for how I treated you when you first approached me about it. I was completely wrong about what you’re doing. There’s nothing fake about these treasures. This place matters. What you’re doing matters.”
The warmth of her approval makes me glow. “I know it’s not the same as changing kids’ lives, but I’m really proud of what I’ve built.”
“You should be. I can see why you’ve been so successful.” After taking a deep breath, she says, “I’m sorry I was so judgmental. I really didn’t consider you had no idea about the tension between your mother and me. I shouldn’t have transferred that to you. It was unfair. She’d be incredibly proud of what you’ve done with her space.”
This time, my smile wobbles. “I like to think she would be too. She knew I didn’t have her passion for fashion, but I love beautiful things and helping them find new, appreciative homes.” I pause, mostly because discussing my mother with Meryl feels awkward. “By the way, I never did ask you how the silent auction and gala turned out. Did you raise the money you needed?”
Meryl’s entire expression shifts. “It turned out wonderfully well. We’ll be able to start construction on the new section of the center in a few months, exactly as we had hoped. I really do appreciate your contributions. Through them, you’re helping change those children’s lives too.”
“That’s wonderful news—”
A knock comes at the front door, interrupting my train of thought.
Amy bustles out from behind the counter to answer it. Given what happened the last time I had an unexpected visitor, I go quiet until the door swings open.
“Flynn?”
My former stepsister stands outside. Wearing leggings and a hoodie, she looks even younger than twenty. Amy lets her in, and I move toward the entry.
“Are you okay? Is something wrong?”
Flynn sees Meryl behind me and shakes her head, but I don’t believe her. Meryl must pick up on the vibes, because she smiles at all of us.
“Scarlett, I’m finished for now.” She glances at her wristwatch. “I’ve taken up more than enough of your time today. Thank you so much for letting me play. I’ll just pay for everything and be on my way.”
“It was my pleasure. You’re welcome to come back as often as you like. Amy will handle the payment details and arrange to have everything delivered in the morning.”
“I’ll see you soon. Thanks again. Have a wonderful day.”
I wish her the same and then lead Flynn upstairs.
As soon as we’re out of earshot, she whispers, “Isn’t that the lady you’ve been trying to get in here for months? Shit, Scar. I didn’t mean to run her out.”
“You’re totally fine. She’s been here for hours, and I’m sure she was ready to go.” I open the door to my apartment and let her inside. As soon as the door closes behind us, I study her face, which seems paler than normal. “What’s going on, Flynn?”
She rapidly shakes her head and then rubs her hands over her arms. “I don’t know, but I got a really weird comment on my social media today.”
Instantly, my entire body tenses. I’ve never seen Flynn rattled before, and that’s exactly what she looks like now. “What kind of comment? From who? About what?”
“About you. From some private account. I couldn’t get any more info. It ... it wasn’t nice, Scarlett.”
“Please tell me you screenshotted it.”
She slides her phone from her pocket and holds it out to me. “I did. Here, I’ll show you.”
I scan the screen, and the nasty words that normally cut like knives cause me to glare in rage instead. I’ve seen too many variations of them calling me a whore, a slut, worthless, fake, etc. to be shocked by them anymore.