Free Forever and Always by E. L. Todd Page B

when he falls, he’ll be alone—I won’t be there.”
    Ryan didn’t say anything for a moment.
He continued to look at me, waiting to see if I had anything more
to say. “I think that what he did is wrong, Scarlet, but I also
understand why he made that decision.”
    “ Shut up,
Ryan.”
    “ I’m telling you what you
need to hear,” He snapped. “Some people are against raising
children with separated parents—Sean might be one of those
people.”
    “ Fuck you.”
    He sighed. “I’m not saying
what he did isn’t wrong, Scar. Listen to
me . But I understand why he did it. That’s
all I’m trying to say.”
    “ No,” I snapped. “He is
just using this as an excuse so he can go back to Penelope because
he isn’t over her. I don’t think he gives a shit about that kid.
It’s probably not even his. It’s always been Penelope—not
me.”
    “ Sean loves you, Scarlet.
I know he does.”
    “ You are being a really
shitty brother right now.”
    Ryan closed his eyes and took a deep
breath. It was obvious that he was getting frustrated with my catty
remarks, but he didn’t want to yell at me because of my obvious
pain. “Do you think he would have left you if she wasn’t
pregnant?”
    “ Yes.”
    Ryan stared at me. “I don’t think he
would have.”
    “ Well, I guess we’ll never
know.”
    Ryan sighed. “I’m pissed about what
Sean did to you so don’t think that I don’t care. But I think it’s
best if I remain calm while you’re emotional—it keeps you
grounded.”
    “ I hope Sean
dies.”
    Ryan shook his head. “I know you don’t
mean that.”
    “ Fuck yes, I
do.”
    “ Scarlet, this is an ugly
color on you,” he said. “Knock it off.”
    I stared at my brother then looked
away. My brother was right. I was being childish. Sean just left me
and I was entitled to be angry, but I was lashing out at
everything—including my brother. “I’m sorry,” I
whispered.
    “ It’s okay,” he said.
“Let’s go home.”
    We threw our shakes away and walked
back to the apartment. When we were inside, I went into my bedroom
and Ryan followed me. I got into the covers and he was about to lie
on the floor beside me.
    “ Ryan, I’m fine,” I said.
“I don’t need you to sleep in here.”
    “ It’s okay if you aren’t
fine, Scarlet.”
    “ But I am,” I said. “And
I’m not just saying that.”
    “ I don’t mind sleeping
with you.”
    “ Well, I don’t need you
to.”
    Ryan stared at me for a moment and
noticed the determination in my eyes. He got up and walked towards
the door. “I’m down the hall if you change your mind.”
    “ Good night.”
    “ Good night, Scar,” he
said. “I love you.”
    “ I love you,
too.”
    Ryan left me alone in the darkness. I
picked up my phone and turned it off, not wanting to talk to
anybody. I probably wouldn’t turn it on again—ever.

8
     
    I was doing the bookkeeping at the
shop while Ryan was working with his clients. I sighed when I
realized that Ryan was still only breaking even. I didn’t know when
business would start picking up. The government hadn’t contacted me
again, and I hoped they forgot about me, which I knew was wishful
thinking.
    “ How are the books?” Ryan
asked as he walked behind the counter. My brother was being
particularly nice to me since Sean dumped me. I appreciated his
wing of protection, but I hated seeing him worry about me. I had
already fallen low once, and I refused to do it again. My brother’s
fear of my depression just made me feel worse.
    “ They are the same.” I
sighed. “People just don’t want tattoos right now.”
    Ryan sighed. “It’ll pick up again,” he
said. “Business in unpredictable and constantly changing. Don’t
worry about it.”
    “ Okay,” I said.
    Cortland walked in the door and nodded
to Ryan. “You want to grab some grub?” he asked.
    “ No,” Ryan answered. “I’m
too busy right now. But take Scarlet.”
    “ You’re letting me leave
for the day, boss?” I