“This place is truly wonderful, Scarlett. I am so sorry for how I treated you when you first approached me about it. I was completely wrong about what you’re doing. There’s nothing fake about these treasures. This place matters. What you’re doing matters.”
The warmth of her approval makes me glow. “I know it’s not the same as changing kids’ lives, but I’m really proud of what I’ve built.”
“You should be. I can see why you’ve been so successful.” After taking a deep breath, she says, “I’m sorry I was so judgmental. I really didn’t consider you had no idea about the tension between your mother and me. I shouldn’t have transferred that to you. It was unfair. She’d be incredibly proud of what you’ve done with her space.”
This time, my smile wobbles. “I like to think she would be too. She knew I didn’t have her passion for fashion, but I love beautiful things and helping them find new, appreciative homes.” I pause, mostly because discussing my mother with Meryl feels awkward. “By the way, I never did ask you how the silent auction and gala turned out. Did you raise the money you needed?”
Meryl’s entire expression shifts. “It turned out wonderfully well. We’ll be able to start construction on the new section of the center in a few months, exactly as we had hoped. I really do appreciate your contributions. Through them, you’re helping change those children’s lives too.”
“That’s wonderful news—”
A knock comes at the front door, interrupting my train of thought.
Amy bustles out from behind the counter to answer it. Given what happened the last time I had an unexpected visitor, I go quiet until the door swings open.
“Flynn?”
My former stepsister stands outside. Wearing leggings and a hoodie, she looks even younger than twenty. Amy lets her in, and I move toward the entry.
“Are you okay? Is something wrong?”
Flynn sees Meryl behind me and shakes her head, but I don’t believe her. Meryl must pick up on the vibes, because she smiles at all of us.
“Scarlett, I’m finished for now.” She glances at her wristwatch. “I’ve taken up more than enough of your time today. Thank you so much for letting me play. I’ll just pay for everything and be on my way.”
“It was my pleasure. You’re welcome to come back as often as you like. Amy will handle the payment details and arrange to have everything delivered in the morning.”
“I’ll see you soon. Thanks again. Have a wonderful day.”
I wish her the same and then lead Flynn upstairs.
As soon as we’re out of earshot, she whispers, “Isn’t that the lady you’ve been trying to get in here for months? Shit, Scar. I didn’t mean to run her out.”
“You’re totally fine. She’s been here for hours, and I’m sure she was ready to go.” I open the door to my apartment and let her inside. As soon as the door closes behind us, I study her face, which seems paler than normal. “What’s going on, Flynn?”
She rapidly shakes her head and then rubs her hands over her arms. “I don’t know, but I got a really weird comment on my social media today.”
Instantly, my entire body tenses. I’ve never seen Flynn rattled before, and that’s exactly what she looks like now. “What kind of comment? From who? About what?”
“About you. From some private account. I couldn’t get any more info. It . . . it wasn’t nice, Scarlett.”
“Please tell me you screenshotted it.”
She slides her phone from her pocket and holds it out to me. “I did. Here, I’ll show you.”
I scan the screen, and the nasty words that normally cut like knives cause me to glare in rage instead. I’ve seen too many variations of them calling me a whore, a slut, worthless, fake, etc. to be shocked by them anymore.
But how dare this awful online bully come at me through Flynn? That is not okay. And yet there their horrible words are.
You’re a cunt and a whore like that bitch Scarlett. You deserve what she’s going to get.
I reach out and yank Flynn to me, wrapping my arms around her and squeezing tight. “I’m so sorry this happened to you. You shouldn’t have to deal with this.”
She grips me hard and doesn’t let go for a few seconds. “Wait, why are you apologizing to me?” she asks as we loosen our holds. “You didn’t do this. Some ass-clown with a toxic attitude and no fear of getting punched in the damn face did. So, what are we going to do about it?”
I think of all the screenshots I’ve sent to the detective who is handling the case, and the only thing they’ve managed to do is question Chadwick and get him riled up enough to come at me in person.
“I don’t know. We’ve had cops looking into it, but they’ve found nothing. The accounts are all impossible to trace. I guess I should try something else, because this isn’t working.”
Flynn sassily careens back. “Damn right we need to try something else. You need a hacker to track this asshole down.”
“That’d be really awesome, but I don’t exactly know how to go about finding one of those.”
“I’ll ask around with the techy kids at school and see if I get any bites. I’m really getting sick and tired of you having to deal with this crap. And I’m sorry that I’m here adding to it.”
I hug her to me again. “You shouldn’t be apologizing either. This is neither of our faults. But I do appreciate your offer. If you find someone who can look into it, I’ve got a lot more accounts that they can dig through too. It’s like this jerk starts a new one every damn day at this point.”
Flynn plops down on the sofa and stares up at the ceiling. “Who would do all that? And why?” Her gaze cuts to me after a few moments of silence, because I don’t have any answers for her. “Did the cops have you make a list of your enemies?”
I shake my head. “I told them about the messy breakup with Chadwick. They questioned him. He and Dad showed up here, indignant . . . but I don’t think it was him. I honestly have no idea who else would spend their time doing this crap. It makes no sense.”
Flynn reaches for her phone and taps the screen. “Let’s start a list. Shitty suppliers. Angry customers. Men you wouldn’t sleep with. We have to do something, Scarlett. This asshole can’t keep coming at you. I won’t have it.”
Since the very first time the troll threatened me, I feel a wash of relief. We’re nowhere closer to finding out who it is and putting a stop to it, but Flynn’s concern fills me with warmth and gives me a new sense of hope.
This might not get us anywhere, but if it makes her feel better, then it’s worth it.
I drop onto the sofa beside her. “Okay, let’s make a list.”
Twenty-One
Legend
Creighton Karas decided we’re going to be friends.
I have to say, that’s the first time a billionaire has ever been interested in a goddamned thing I do, and it’s a little weird. Not unnerving, because I don’t get shaken by shit like that, but just . . . strange. And now he wants my plan.