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"I’m headed back to the house," the older lady announced as she walked into the dining rooo on I reckon y’all got things to discuss that I hope ends in kissin’ Diesel will handle all of the back No need to help hi to her boss "Thanks, Ethel But are you sure? I don’tto help"

Ethel waved her hand and tsked "Go ho"

Scarlet finally nodded "Okay"

Ethel then looked at me "You," she pointed "This is your last chance You leave our girl upset, crying, or cursing folks out again and I’ you near this place It’s tiht of course "Cursing people out?" I asked instead of agreeing

Ethel nodded "Yes! Told Diesel right off Let hiood, then she tried to walk out and leave herself She was fit to be tied when you left I ain’t got time for that dras"

Scarlet had her head down, shaking it quickly Her cheeks were slightly pink again I held back my chuckle I liked that she’d cursed at Diesel He deserved it I had no idea what the fuck he’d said, but I figured he needed a good dressing down

"Mop bucket is right in that closet, so is theat her like you want to take a bite and get tobehind her as she vacuums Then you two can be out of here faster"

I liked that idea just fine Without any ement, I went to the closet and found exactly what she said I would

"Go on now Let him do it," I heard her tell Scarlet

There was so, then the door closed behind Ethel

I stopped filling the bucket ater and found Scarlet watching me Her eyes full of questions, doubts, and fears I hated that she looked at me like that, but what should I expect? She’d been let down her entire life Neglected Chosen last and not at all I hadn’t been any better

Even ere together I hadn’t been able to be exclusive I’d refused to allow my heart to be owned by a fe for any attention I’d give her I’d taken her for granted

I fucking hated hed, then nodded

I wanted to say so s but not here Not e more than likely had a listener at the door Not when I couldn’t hold her and proh She’d need actions And even then it would take time But I had all the time in the world I’d prove to her she could depend on me

We cleaned in silence It wasn’t until it was finished and the things were put away that Scarlet turned to o?" I wanted to have her ride with me in my truck but I was loaded down and her diary was still in my front seat

"Yes"

"I’ll follow you," I told her