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But it didn’t matter how good touching her made me feel. It wasn’t right.
I broke away from Scarlett, taking a few steps back and dropping my head.
“I can’t do this with you.”
“Why?”
I looked over at Scarlett, and she was still against the wall. Her hand was circling her wrist, the discomfort coming through clear.
“Because, Scarlett, I mean, you know why. I lost my wife. I can’t go through that again, giving my heart to someone just to lose them.”
“So, you’re going to stay locked up forever?”
I didn’t want to talk about my life with anyone, especially with Kylie’s little sister. It wouldn’t lead anywhere good, so it was time to shut this down. I pointed to the doorway.
“I think you should leave tomorrow morning. It’s what’s best for both of us. You don’t want to be tied down to a single Dad. You’ve got an entire life to live, don’t get stuck here with me.”
Scarlett sighed. She dropped her hands by her sides and walked towards me. “Do you really think you and Olivia are a burden to me?”
“That’s not what I meant to say.” I backed up, not letting her touch me.
“I’ve missed you guys like crazy. Ever since I left, all I could think about was getting back here and being with the two of you because, for me, there’s nothing better than that.” She was practically screaming at this point. Her long blonde hair waving as she gestured wildly.
I hadn’t realized Scarlett felt so strongly about it. I thought if she left, it would give her a chance to forget about whatever may have been growing between us.
“Scarlett, I —”
She put a hand to her forehead and sighed. “Look, I’m kind of tired. It was a long drive to get here, and maybe we should talk another time.” She turned, heading for the door. “I just want you to know that this time, I’m not going anywhere.”
I was left alone in the kitchen with my thoughts. I wanted to be one hundred percent upset with Scarlett, but there was something about her feisty behavior that turned me on.
This wasn’t going to end well if my sister-in-law didn’t leave. I could give her a little time to spend with Olivia and figure herself out, but it couldn’t be for too long. I didn’t have it in me to resist her forever.
Thankfully, Scarlett was still asleep when Olivia and I woke up. There were a few things I wanted to get done before talking to her again.
“Where’s Auntie Scarlett?” Olivia mumbled. She had her head resting in the crook of my neck. She was still a little sleepy, having just woken up, and I was taking her downstairs to get some breakfast.
“She’s asleep, sweetie. You can see her later. I was thinking after you have your breakfast, I could drop you off to play with Bryant. I know you were sad when they had to leave early yesterday.”
That perked her right up. She nodded with more than enough enthusiasm to let me know it would be the perfect way to get her out of the house so I could talk to Scarlett alone.
I made Olivia a quick breakfast of cereal — Lucky Charms, her favorite. I wanted to make up for sending Bryant home early yesterday, and I knew she’d be upset that Scarlett was going to have to leave, so this would be something nice — even if it was a little selfishly motivated.
“I’m all done, Daddy!”
I looked over at Olivia. She had a big smile topped with a milk mustache. I cracked a smile myself looking at how gleeful she was. One thing my daughter could always do was make me feel better.
“Let me see the bowl.” I picked up my head as Olivia slightly titled the bowl, showing that it was empty. “Good job. Put the toys you want to bring in your backpack. No more than five.”
She nodded, getting down from her chair and rushing to her playroom. I packed a few other things for her, stuff a six-year-old wouldn’t consider when going to play with their friend. Once I felt comfortable my daughter would have whatever she needed, I went to go and see how she was getting along in her playroom.
“Got everything you need?”
She was sat in the middle of the room, toys surrounding. Her little mind was at work, trying to pick just the right ones.
“I don’t know to bring the Play-Doh or to bring my teacups.” She looked so deep in thought as if this was the most significant decision she ever had to make.
I walked over and acted like it was indeed the most severe thing ever. “Well, doesn’t Bryant have all the Play-Doh colors?”
“No. There’s no pink.”
“Hmm. That is a good point.” I took a nice pause. “I’ll let you bring your pink Play-Doh and the teacups because it is important to have pink, but don’t forget any of your toys when I come to get you later.”
