Always For Keeps ( For Keeps part 2)

Nine. Luke

Song for this chapter: Capsize- Emily Warren & Frenship

I spend Saturday afternoon pouring out all the alcohol in the apartment. Mandy hasn't said much so that's good.
I end up going for a long run to try and clear my head but everywhere I go, Scarlett is a permanent reminder.
After I get home and shower, I grill Mandy and myself some burgers and we eat quietly in the living room while we watch TV.
"Are you mad at me?" She finally asks.
"I'm mad at myself."
"Why?"
"Because I hurt Scarlett. I probably hurt you."
"I'm not hurt." She rolls her eyes.
"I plan on getting back with Scarlett."
"Maybe she doesn't feel the same way." She simply shrugs.
"I'm going to bed." I stand and head to the bedroom.
I turn on the TV for a while but don't really pay attention. I get on my phone and look up Scarlett. I'm hoping I can find something about her.
Sure enough there are pictures from tonight. I sit up to read the articles.

One is a picture of her leaving a salon. She's wearing big sunglasses over her eyes and it takes me a second to realize it's really her. She looks too thin in her ripped jeans and black shirt. Her hair is a lot shorter, to her shoulders, and it goes from her normal brown color at the roots to blonde at the end. Even with all the changes, she is so beautiful. Then the next picture I can't take my eyes off her. She's in a light blue dress that makes her curves look how I remember them. Her hair is wavy and the light makeup around her eyes makes them look striking. I want to reach out and touch her, but Cooper is already doing that. His hand rests lightly on her waist as they walk in a building together.
The article talks about her returning home and how New York is excited for her future. I click on some links that take me to her previous modeling career. Makeup, underwear, shoes, perfume. I always thought she was the most beautiful woman in the world. I smile as I feel proud of her accomplishments. Just then my phone buzzes and I realize I have a Snapchat form Scarlett.
I take a deep breath before opening it, and I'm a little disappointed when I do. It's of a girl with black hair who is sticking her tongue out at the camera. It just says "this bitchhh" with a heart emoji. When it closes I get another. It's of a packed club. Then another of her and the dark haired girl on a bar. My eyes drift to her white shirt which is wet.. and she is not wearing a bra.
"What the-" I say as another comes in.
It's a selfie of her making a funny face and pointing to her shirt. "Don't wear white to a water fight."
I screen shot it because she looks so hot.
I debate on saying anything but decide to wait. After a bit, I look back at the gossip site and see newer picture of her at the club. Luckily they don't have a good shot of her tits. I feel overly jealous; especially when there are some of Cooper with her. He looks angry in some, then there are some of them dancing and more of him mad.
He better not hurt her. I would kill him.
The last picture, from three minutes ago, is of them leaving the club with her wearing his jacket. He doesn't look as mad.
I send her a quick text making sure she is okay.
I get one back that says, "just peachy."
That's it.
I try to sleep after that but my mind drifts back to her.

Sunday is shitty because I am exhausted and I have no alcohol. Why did I toss it? I need to get my mind off Scarlett.
Hooking up with Mandy should have been a one time mistake, but as she softly rubs my arms after I spent the last hour trying to push Scarlett from my mind, I realize I have never hated myself more.
"I missed this." She says as I stand and put on some clothes.
"I have to stop into work for a bit." I lie.
"I thought you were off." She says pouting.
"I am. I just have to run in for a meeting."
"Hurry back, baby." She purrs as she kisses me softly.
"Okay." I say as I grab my truck keys. I leave without a second thought and drive aimlessly around town as music pours through my speakers. I try calling Scarlett but there is no answer.
I'm desperate to know if she is okay so I call Paisley.
"Hello?" She says giggling.
"Hey Pais. Have you seen Scar yet?"
"Not yet, Luke. We have plans tomorrow. Why?"
"I'm so worried about her. I saw pictures and Cooper looked pissed at her."
"Oh my God, seriously?" Her voice is laced with concern.
"Yeah. It's probably nothing, but she isn't taking my calls. Will you just update me tomorrow when you see her?"
"Yeah. Cam is calling right now. Hold on." I hear Cam's voice in the background but can't make out what he is saying. A minute later, Paisley speaks. "She says she is fine, but I'll see her tomorrow, okay?"
"Okay. Thanks Paisley. I hope your trip is going good."
"Oh it's going great." She giggles. "Hang in there Luke."
We exchange goodbyes and I decide to head home.

I open the door and garlic fills my nose.
"I made dinner." Mandy says. "Hope you still like spaghetti. Sit down, I'm almost done."
I sit quietly at the table as she brings the food out. It feels awkward to be served. Scarlett and I always did everything together. Fuck, I just need to stop thinking about her. I'm going crazy.
"Thanks Mandy. It looks great."
"You're welcome. I hope it's good." She smiles as she sits next to me.
We eat quietly together. The food tastes pretty good and I finish quickly. I stand to load the dishwasher and she clears her throat.
"Luke." She says shyly.
"What's up, Mandy?" I say with my back to her.
"Can we talk about today?"
"What about it?"
"I know you didn't have a meeting. You fled after we. . ." Her voice fades.
"I don't know what you want me to say." I say honestly.
"Are you disgusted with me?" Her voice cracks and I know she is crying. I feel instantly bad. I did use her today and I know how fucked up that is. I turn towards her.
"I'm not disgusted by you. You're beautiful. I just- my head is all over the place right now. I don't know what you want from me."
"I just want a chance."
"Aren't I giving you one?" I ask confused.
"Scarlett is thousands of miles away, but she might as well be in this apartment with us." She frowns.
"I can't help that I'm still in love with her. I've been honest about that, but I'm trying to let her go. I'm trying not to feel so broken by this whole situation, but it's hard. I'm sorry if you're hurting, it's not my intention." I hug her close. "I just feel lost."
She hugs me tighter. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have pushed her away from you. I feel horrible."
"She had unfinished business with Cooper. I can't be mad at her or you. I just wish I-" I stop.
"You wish what?"
"That I would have fought for her." I shrug.
"I'm not a monster, Luke. I understand."
"Okay."
"Thanks for being honest with me." She smiles.
"I'm sorry that it's a shitty situation."
She nods and kisses me. I let my body relax as her touch. Brown eyes briefly flicker in my brain, but I push them away.
This is what Scarlett wanted.