Charmed: A Prescott Novel (The Prescott Series Book 3)

by Joanne Schwehm

Scott looked handsome in his dark blue suit, crisp white shirt, and purple tie. He gave me a quick kiss on the cheek as he entered the apartment. Not exactly the greeting I’d expected, but he was probably tired from traveling.

  “I made you your favorite dinner.”

  He walked to the table and picked up the bottle of cabernet. “May I?”

  “Yes, please. I’ll have a glass too. Dinner should be ready in about five minutes.”

  Once our glasses were poured, he made his way back to me and raised his glass. “To better things ahead.” His lips curved into a tight smile, then he tapped his glass to mine.

  I added to his toast, “And to a wonderful future.”

  “Cheers.” He took a sip of his wine before setting his glass on the table. Then he took mine from my hand and set it next to his. “Did you miss me?” His arms snaked around my waist as he pulled me close to him.

  “I did. Did you miss me?” I asked, but the oven dinged before he could answer.

  In an instant, he released me, and a sense of uneasiness washed over me. Once I plated our food, we sat down to enjoy dinner.

  “This is good,” Scott said, eating as if he hadn’t eaten all day. I knew I could cook, but it wasn’t that good.

  “When’s the last time you ate?” I smiled as I took a bite of Italian bread.

  “Before I got on the plane. The food on that airline is awful. You’d think first class would have better food.”

  “I have plenty to satisfy you with.”

  He looked up under his hooded lids and smiled. I could feel my face heat up, and it wasn’t from the wine.

  “You know what I meant.”

  He laughed. “Yes, I know what you meant, and I know how you can satisfy me and taste just as savory.”

  I shifted in my chair as my lady parts awakened with his words. When we were finished, I cleared the table and joined Scott, who was now standing in my living room.

  “Tell me about Michigan.” I handed him another glass of wine.

  “It was cold.”

  “That’s it, just cold?” Similar to his disposition. Unease settled in as his leg started bouncing.

  “So, tell me how your week was.” His sardonic tone insinuated he knew something I didn’t. Then his lips twisted in a smirk that made my insides tighten, and not in a good way.

  “It was fun. Sophie and I hung out, and as you know, we spent New Year’s Eve at Prism. Naturally, it would have been better if you were there.”

  “Would it have?” Mockery rolled off his tongue.

  What the hell was with him? Without even tasting my wine, I set my glass on the table at the end of my sofa. Scott did the same, but after he downed his.

  “I’m not sure why you would ask that.”

  He placed his hands on my shoulders and stared in my eyes before kissing me on my neck below my ear, then he brought his face close to mine, but didn’t kiss me.

  My head spun with the familiarity of his moves. When he cupped my face with his palms and kissed my forehead, I felt my stomach flip-flop. A wave of nausea swam through my veins. He was reenacting exactly what Mason had done to me on New Year’s Eve, but how could he have known?

  The entire interaction made me uncomfortable. Definitely not the same reaction that I had with Mason. Anxiety mixed with confusion practically crippled me.

  “Did I miss anything?” Scott said, his voice so tight, he sounded like a stranger.

  A lump formed in my throat. “I’m not sure what you mean.”

  Yes, I had a feeling, but I wasn’t going to volunteer any information. Plus, I was done playing this game of his.

  His smirk turned sinister. “Wait, you know what? I did miss something. Maybe I should have danced with you first.”

  I could feel all the blood drain from my face as I stared blankly at him.

  “Cat got your tongue?”

  I shook my head. “I’m confused, Scott. I don’t understand what’s going on. Please stop playing games. You’re scaring me.”

  Wild thoughts made my imagination create different scenarios. They all played at the same time in my brain, making me light-headed.

  “Games? No, sweetheart, I’m not the game player.” He pulled his phone from his pocket, pressed the screen, and turned the phone to face me, only for me to see a video of Mason holding my face in his hands.

  What the hell?

  My vision blurred as I looked up at Scott. “Nothing happened.”

  “Marcus was there. He saw the entire thing. Thankfully, my coworker had the sense to record it or I wouldn’t have believed him. There’s no way my saint of a girlfriend would cheat on me.”

  I reached out to him, but he stepped back and slipped the phone in his pocket.

  “Funny, he texted not long after your call. To think I felt awful for not being with you, for the way I felt when I bailed on Christmas. The joke was on me, wasn’t it?”

  The irritation and hurt lacing his words made my eyes fill with tears.

  “Scott, I didn’t do anything wrong.” My legs started to give way. “Please, you have to believe me.”

  Glaring at me, he said, “You don’t get it, do you?”

  Tears streamed down my cheeks in anticipation of what was coming.

  “I think we should take a break.”

  And sure enough, there it was.

  I frantically shook my head. “No, please don’t do this.”

  Again, I tried to reach out to him, but this time rather than take a step back, he walked over and picked up his jacket off the hook by the door.

  As quickly as I could, I moved toward him. “Scott, don’t. Don’t break up with me. You owe it to me to talk this out. Over two years, that’s how long we’ve been together, and you’re ready to throw it away over a dance? I didn’t throw us away after you decided your phone was more important than making love to me.” The tremble in my voice mirrored the one running through my body.

  “It’s more than that and you know it, Gretch.” Scott loudly exhaled before he ran his fingers through his hair.

  We both stood silent. Finally, he closed his eyes and let out a breath before looking at me.

  “This will be better for both of us. I need to concentrate on my job, and maybe I haven’t been fair to you being gone as much as I have. Like you said, it’s been years, and although they’ve been great, maybe it’s time we make sure we’ve explored all of our options.”

  Options?

  “Like Manda?”

  Each breath became a bit more labored. Another tear slid down my face before he pulled the door open, ignoring my question. Before he walked through it, he kissed my cheek.

  “I’m sorry. Maybe one day . . .”

  How? Why? When did our relationship come to this? After all the times I’d defended him, he still felt comfortable discarding our relationship.

  “Please let’s talk about this. You’re ready to toss me aside. We were friends before we were more. Doesn’t that matter? Don’t I?”

  “Yes, of course you do. That’s what’s so hard about this. You might think that I’m overreacting, but when Marcus told me, I didn’t believe him. I called him a liar. Then he sent me the video, and not only was I embarrassed, I was hurt. Let’s face facts. We’ve been growing apart for a while. Your family doesn’t like me, nor do your friends. Why is that, Gretch? I’ve never done anything to them. I’ve spent the last few days rehashing our relationship, and the only thing I can figure is you’re not happy and they see that. Maybe I’m not either, but we owe it to ourselves to figure it out. I’ll always be your friend. We have history. I wouldn’t be where I am in my career if it wasn’t for your support.”

  All I could do was stare at him. Did he think doing a one-eighty would make me feel better? Turning this around on me wasn’t going to change anything. The gorgeous man who was now my ex-boyfriend stared back at me.

  “This isn’t what I wanted,” I said. “I’ll admit, this last year has been difficult. But that’s because geography kept us apa
rt. You never asked me to go to Michigan with you after Christmas. I would have, and if I had, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”

  “Maybe not, but everything happens for a reason. You used to tell me that all the time when we were in school. You also said that sometimes we don’t know what that reason was. Maybe I believe you when you say nothing happened between you and Mason, but I saw that look in your eyes.”

  “What look? God, Scott, I can’t believe this. Now you’re blaming me for a look I had?”

  “It’s the way you used to look at me. Maybe I overreacted when I saw the video, but can you truly deny we’ve grown apart? More than the miles between here and Michigan?”

  Anger mixed with numbness started to take over. It was like an out-of-body experience.

  “I don’t know. You took me by surprise. Put yourself in my shoes. Yes, my family and friends may not be fans of yours, but I was. I still am. Even now when you’re breaking up with me.” I tried to blink the tears away, but my eyes stung just the same. “You said that video hurt you, and I’m sorry for that. Maybe I was wrong; maybe I shouldn’t have danced with Mason.”

  After I let out a long breath, he reached out and took my hand in his. Even though I knew I shouldn’t, I asked anyway.

  “Are you sure about this?”

  He pulled me into his arms and gave me a quick hug, allowing a tear to fall without notice. “I am. Who knows what the future will bring? Maybe our paths will cross again.” After he pulled back and placed a swift kiss on my lips, he stepped over the threshold and turned to look at me, giving me a tight smile. “Be happy, Gretchen. I hope all your dreams come true.”

  I pushed the door closed behind him and stared at the wooden panels as I softly said, “’Bye, Scott.”

  * * *

  Driving to my parents’ home alone on Sunday wasn’t my original intention. On the drive there, I thought about how after I told Sophie about my breakup, she’d been at my apartment within minutes with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s. I’d drowned my sorrows and annoyance one heaping teaspoon at a time.

  At first she was livid and called Scott every name in the book. Some were probably names she’d been holding back for later use and figured it was now or never.

  Once I’d cried all the tears I could without dehydrating myself, I decided maybe this was what Scott and I needed. If we were meant to be, we’d find our way back to each other, right? That’s what fairy tales had us believe, but my life wasn’t a fairy tale. It was a tale I was still writing, and Prince Charming could suck it.

  Since my family was expecting Scott to be with me, all eyes were on me when I walked into the living room alone.

  “Hi.” I smiled and kept my tone upbeat, which was pretty dumb since everyone in this room knew me better than I knew myself.

  Lucy’s brow furrowed, but the first one to greet me was Katie. She was exactly what this family needed. Having a rambunctious, happy-go-lucky six-year-old around, especially one who had gone through so much in her short life, was exactly what the doctor ordered. It made you take a step back to realize how lucky you were.

  “Don’t you look pretty,” I said, and she grabbed my finger and twirled around like a dancer. The purple dress she wore billowed over her white tights. “I love your outfit.”

  “Thank you. Mommy helped me pick it out.” She bounced away from me and landed on my brother Dane’s lap, who planted an audible wet kiss on her cheek.

  Hearing Katie call Beverly her mommy warmed my heart, but seeing her with my brother filled me with more love for him than I already had.

  “Where’s Scott?”

  My mother’s question silenced the room. Jack stared at me, and Josh’s lips twisted into a scowl. I didn’t dare look at Drake or my father. As it was, my throat was reminiscent of the Sahara Desert.

  Rather than beat around the bush, I blurted, “We aren’t together anymore. He broke up with me.” When Lucy gasped, covering her mouth with her hand, I said, “It’s fine. Really, I’m fine. So, what’s a girl got to do to get a drink?”

  Dane slid Katie off his lap and stood to make his way over to me. My other brothers weren’t far behind him.

  “Boys . . .”

  Hearing my mother’s warning tone made me smile, but didn’t deter them from pulling me out of the room and into my parents’ den.

  Dane’s hands fisted at his sides. “What the fuck did he do?”

  “I’ll kick his ass if he hurt you.” Josh cracked his knuckles.

  Jack stood next to Josh. “Gretch, talk to us. Tell us what happened.”

  Drake was the only one who didn’t say a word, which was almost worse. The look on his face said it all. His jaw ticked, and his eyes were solemn.

  Knowing each of my brothers would have reason to be upset worried me.

  “Guys, I appreciate your wanting to kick his ass, but I assure you it isn’t warranted. This is my fault. He saw me with Mason on New Year’s Eve and thought it’d be better if we took a break.” As quickly as I could, I scanned their expressions.

  Jack’s brow furrowed. “He was there? Where the fuck was he? Hiding like a pansy-ass in the corner spying on you?” Irritation flowed out of my brother, and there was no doubt that if Scott were to show up now or sometime in the near future, he’d leave with a few bruises.

  My eyes stung as I took in how upset my brothers were. “No, he wasn’t there.”

  I quickly contemplated whether telling them the truth was the best plan. Then again, I’d never lied to my family, and I wasn’t going to start now. My brothers were my best friends, as well as my protectors. As much as they annoyed me at times, I needed them.

  “His friend was there, and sent him a video of me and Mason dancing. He also saw Mason give me a kiss on the cheek.” I shrugged. There was no need to tell them he knew they didn’t care for him. They’d only confirm his suspicion.

  “A video? Who the fuck tapes people? Did he have someone following you?” Josh was livid. “And at my restaurant? Are you kidding me? I’ll fucking kill him.”

  “I’d like to speak to Gretchen alone,” Drake said, the only one not outwardly seething, which didn’t help my racing heart. “Please give us a few minutes.”

  Each of my other brothers kissed me on the cheek before they left the room. Dane went a step further and pulled me into a hug. “I love you, sis.”

  Once Drake and I were alone, he motioned to the small sofa and sat next to me. “Now, how are you really?”

  Tears threatened, but I didn’t let them fall. Drake would be even more upset if I started crying.

  “I was shocked. I honestly didn’t do anything with Mason, but all I can feel is guilt. Scott isn’t mad; he said he was hurt. You know I wouldn’t want to be the one who hurt him or anyone.” I dropped my head into my hands. “I’m so confused.”

  “I know. I’m not concerned with his hurt feelings. I’m sorry that you’re feeling bad about it, but my priority is you. Are you okay?”

  “Yes. No. I don’t know. It all happened so fast. One minute we were having dinner, and the next he broke up with me after he showed me the video. It’s a weird feeling. I haven’t been single for a long time. I don’t even feel single. This is awful,” I said, giving him a sad smile. “It’s draining me, and I’m completely exhausted.”

  “Can I be blunt?” Drake looked at me, then smirked. “Never mind, I’ve never held back and I’m not going to start now.” His expression turning serious, he said, “This might be what you need. Take time for yourself. You’ve never been on your own since you’ve graduated from college. Yes, you have your own place and a great job, but that’s not what I’m referring to.” He put his hand on mine. “When you were a little girl, you would talk about traveling and seeing different places.”

  I laughed. “That’s because when I was little, I wanted to be a flight attendant.”

  He laughed along with me. “Yes, I remember. You used two fingers to point to things for weeks.”

  I couldn’t help but smil
e at the memory. My fake flight-attendant antics drove my family crazy. “I assume you have a point?”

  Drake squeezed my hand and said, “Go, Gretch. Do it now while you’re young. Think of something that you’ve wanted to do, but didn’t because you had a boyfriend. And I don’t mean hooking up with random guys.”

  “Dammit, that’s exactly what I wanted to do. Do you have to take the fun out of everything?” When I grinned, his eyes narrowed, creating creases on his forehead. I let out a sigh. “I’m just kidding.”

  We both stood.

  “Be happy, sis. That’s all we want for you. Lucy may want to know about what happened with Mason.” He gave me his most charming smile, followed by a hug.

  “There’s not much to tell, but I’ll talk to Lucy about it later. Thank you, Drake. I’ll think about what you said.”

  * * *

  When dinner was over, I headed back home.

  Before I left, Lucy and I had spoken briefly about what happened, but not in detail, and I hoped she wouldn’t tell Mason. If he knew Scott’s friend had taped him, Mason might fly back here and do God-knows-what to this Marcus character. Knowing it was his actions that had tipped the scale to my breakup with Scott would devastate Mason. The thing was, there had to be more to it.

  As I sat on my sofa with a glass of water, I racked my brain, knowing that video wasn’t the only catalyst. In no way, shape, or form would Scott allow another man to come between us. If anything, his ego would spur him into caveman mode . . . I’d seen it happen before. He’d want to claim me, to prove I didn’t step out on him, to affirm he was the only man who would have me.

  But he didn’t do that. Not this time. No, he let me go without so much as an argument.

  Then it dawned on me. Scott must have been waiting for a reason—for an opening to end us—and I gave it to him.

  In this scenario, Scott wouldn’t feel guilty about dumping me because in his mind, I was at fault. He wouldn’t feel as if he hurt me, because I was the one who’d done the hurting. My head bobbed in agreement with my brain. He was relieved of any guilty feeling that came with a breakup. This was my burden, my fault and no one else’s, especially not his.

  Although Scott had hinted at taking some of the responsibility for our split, it wasn’t what had pushed him into action. Nope. He blamed that on the video. An exchange between friends, that’s what his spy captured. Maybe it wasn’t fair to call Marcus a spy—I had other choice names for him. What grown man does that? One who’s an asshole, that’s who.