Chapter Twenty Three
The next few days pass in a blur. I spend as much time as I can with Drake and just do whatever they ask of me to help out. One evening we are at his Grandparents house alone and just enjoy spending some time together whilst we can. I am due to leave in two days time and we are both feeling extremely depressed.
Things have worked out for them all. They accepted my father's offer to buy the bar and it was a relief to them to be finally free from it.
Dylan is going to take the scholarship and is busy sorting out colleges and all that goes with it. The betting money has been put away for Drake's college fund and his parents are going to use the rest of the money to re-model their grandparent's house so that it is suitable for his father and mother to live in. They were only renting their current house as it had to be practical for his father. This way they now have enough money to live on without working and their son's futures are planned.
I sigh as I lay next to Drake and he pulls my face up to look at him. "What is it Scarlett?"
Sighing again I say sadly, "I wish that I could stay here with you Drake. For the first time ever I don't want to leave. I feel as if my life is here with you now and it will be like I am leaving part of myself behind."
Drake kisses me and holds me tight. "Then don't go Scarlett. Stay here and come to school with me. Have a word with your father, I am sure he will sort it for you."
As he says the words I suddenly make the decision that I will at least try. If it's at all possible then it would be worth living with him and my brothers if it meant that I spent most of my time with Drake and his family. Pulling back I suddenly feel excited. He laughs as he sees my expression and says softly, "If anyone can pull this off it's you Scarlett. I have no doubts about that at all."
I almost lose my resolve as I stand in front of the door to my father's den. I know that I want this more than anything but I am not sure if it's possible.
I knock hesitantly and hear his deep voice calling me in. He looks up as I enter and I see him watching me with curiosity. He gestures to the seat in front of him and I sink down into it nervously.
Sitting back in his chair his eyes flash as he senses my mood. "What can I do for you Scarlett?"
I fiddle with my hands and then raise my eyes to his. I muster every ounce of willpower within me and look at him with a hard expression. "I want to live with you and go to High school here next semester."
As I utter the words I feel relief that they have made it out of my mouth. As I look at him I see the excitement in his eyes. They almost look triumphant and then it is replaced by a dark gleam. "Are you certain Scarlett? It's a big step and I made a deal with your mother all those years ago. She may not like it." I shrug my shoulders. "That's between the two of you. I expect that she will be glad to get rid of me as she doesn't ever have much time for me anyway."
He considers my words and then says darkly. "If it is what you truly want then of course I will do all that I can. I will contact your mother and arrange for your things to be sent. She can come and see you if she wishes and you can visit her whenever you like. I will contact the school and arrange your admission."
He sits back and I can feel his eyes penetrating my soul. I have got what I came for so push back my chair and stand up. In a small voice I say, "Thank you."
As I turn to go he says in a low voice. "Just so you know Scarlett, all of this was never about the bar."
I turn and look at him in surprise and he laughs. "I'm not saying that I didn't want the bar. It is a good investment and will make me a lot of money. However the prize was always much greater than that."
I raise my eyes saying, "Which was?"
Moving towards me he stands in front of me. "It was always about you Scarlett. You are my daughter and I want you with me. You have great potential which you have demonstrated so well over this visit. You are like me and I look forward to us spending many hours together teaching you how to use your skills. No this wasn't about a business opportunity. The reason I got you the job at the bar was to give you a reason to want to stay."
His words rocket around my brain like lightning. Of course, how could I have been so blind? Despite his words it doesn't matter. It is true I do have a reason to stay. If he thinks I am going to be an easy protégée for him then he can think again. I know where I want to be and this will just be a base. Shrugging I head for the door.
As I go into the kitchen I see Caleb sitting down. He looks up and on seeing my expression he grins wickedly. "I take it you're moving in little sis." I glare at him and he moves across until he is standing right in front of me. Leaning down he whispers, "Welcome to Hell."
The End
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