23 | Cherry Red

The car pulls into the grand entrance of the hotel. Small lights embedded in the garden shine on the stoned brick exterior, creating a halo of light around it. The hotel looks out of place wedged between modern glass walled buildings.

It's certainly different to the motel we'd been living at. You couldn't forget about the rough exposed red brick exterior walls and the bright neon sign flashing. Though, both places have their own unique charm.

But I have Scarlett and they don't.

As we slow to a stop in front of the entrance, a valet runs from under a marquee and towards our car. Dad changes the gear to park and steps out of the car to great the valet.

My mother slips out of the car and grabs our doorhandle. I hurry out of the car then offer my hand to Scarlett. She shuffles across the seat, trying to bunch the end of her dress in the process.

With one foot place on the ground, I take her hand and tug her towards me. Scarlett steps out and the dress flutters to the ground around her feet.

"This place is beautiful."

"It is something," I agree.

I lace my fingers between hers as we walk towards the entrance. There are two photographers dressed in suits waiting beside a small red carpet that leads into the hotel lobby.

Next to the red carpet is a stretch of canvas with logos and brand names printed across the white strip for advertising. As a couple ahead steps onto the carpet, they quickly pose for a picture before racing inside.

"What's that for?" Scarlett questions.

"Everyone wants to feel important."

"Right," she mutters.

My parents go first – stopping for a brief moment to capture their image before springing towards the door. Excitement is plastered across my mother's face, almost like a small child on a sugar rush.

When we step onto the carpet, I let go of her hand to wrap my arm around Scarlett's waist. Scarlett looks down, so I squeeze her side. Her big mushy pea green eyes flicker towards the camera and we smile.

Once she sees the flash, Scarlett grabs my hand and tugs me towards the entrance. We follow the directions and manage to step inside one of the bigger, lavish ballrooms you could hire here. People are scattered throughout the room, chatting away.

"Let's find our seats," I suggest.

"Yeah, that would be good." She nervously nods.

One of the waiters takes our names, then ushers us towards a table that's positioned close to the stage but nearby the empty dancefloor. Along the stage is a small collection of people playing stringed instruments. Their music isn't loud but it complements the steady flow of chatter filling the room.

When we take our seats, that's when I notice there's a couple already seated across from us. It's a round table with two more plates, assumedly for my parents.

"Pierce? Is that you?" The middle-aged woman grins.

"Yes, Mrs. Arthur, how are you?"

"I'm fine, thank you for asking. Who is your friend, perhaps a girlfriend?" Her eyes light up.

"This is Scarlett."

"Aren't you beautiful!" she compliments. "Did you meet through volunteer work? Your mother mentioned it just the other week."

"Volunteer work? Right, yes, I do recall that." I smile. "We were both cooks in the kitchen."

"Aw, this sounds like a wonderful love story!"

"You could say that." I awkwardly chuckle.

"Yeah." Scarlett bites her lip to stop herself from smiling.

"Rachel!" Mrs. Arthur's attention is averted.

"Volunteer work?" Scarlett giggles.

Dinner passes smoothly and without complaints. There are three servings of delectable food along with flutes of champagne to wash it down. It's only when the dessert plates are cleared away that people leave their seats to mingle with other guests.

"So Pierce, you must tell me more about your wonderful trip away!" Mrs. Arthur says.

My already sinking stomach flips with nerves at the prospect of this question. I don't know how much I can fake about supposedly volunteering for the homeless.

"I would love to, but I promised Scarlett a dance." Is the first thing that comes for my lips. Scarlett almost chokes on her sip of champagne, but quickly manages to recover.

I quickly find my feet, then offer my hand to Scarlett. She places her napkin on the table before grabbing my hand. I tug her towards the dancefloor which now has a fair few couples swaying to the music.

Scarlett is hesitant, but I wrap my arm around her waist and tug her body closer to mine. She wraps her arms around my neck and tries to hide her face.

"What's wrong?"

"I wish I didn't wear red. Everybody is watching us."

"It doesn't matter," I dismiss.

There's no point in correcting Scarlett – they're looking at her. How could anyone take their eyes off her beauty?

We sway to the music, no dance moves required. Her warm body pressed against my chest makes my heart sing with happiness. There is nowhere else I'd rather be but right here in this moment.

I shift a step back so that I can gaze into her eyes. Scarlett softly smiles, her cheeks a light pink. Slowly leaning in, I press a chased kiss against her lips.

"I can't help falling in love with you," I whisper.

Scarlett chews on her lower lip, which makes my breath come out ragged.

My hands slide over the curves of her body as I grab Scarlett's shoulders and gently shake them, "Don't leave me hanging in silence."

"I . . . I have feelings for you too."

"Fewf." I sigh with relief.

"I just don't want to bring you harm, Pierce. I'm bad news and I don't want to ruin your life either." Her gaze shifts somewhere else.

I slide my hands down the curve of her back to rest them around her waist.

"The only harm you'll ever bring me is leaving. I want you. Bad news and all."

"Then I won't leave then." A soft smile lands on her red lips. "I'll stay."

Cupping Scarlett's warm cheek, I bring her lips to mine. They are soft and tender which leaves my heart racing. It might explode if I'm not careful.

I rest my forehead against hers and grin. "How about we get out of here?"

"Are you trying to get me into bed?" She chuckles.

"If you are referring to cuddles, yes." I happily nod.

"Hmm." Scarlett smiles.

"Let's go say goodbye to then."

We walk back to the table and quickly say goodbye to my parents along with Mr and Mrs. Arthur. If we leave now, we should be able to avoid the mad rush to grab a taxi out of here.

"Are you ready to go home?" I ask as we walk out the door and into the lobby.

"So ready to take these shoes off and cuddle you."

I hook my arm around Scarlett's waist and walk towards the exit. The photographer and advertisement set up are no longer there, but the red carpet is. I lead Scarlett towards the edge of the road when a valet appears beside us.

"Would you like me to order you a taxi?"

"Sure, that would be great." The man wonders off while we wait beside the road.

One hand slides over the curve of her back while I hold her hand.

Scarlett then tugs on my hand, pulling me in front of her. She leans in for a kiss but before our lips meet, a sharp pain erupts in my shoulder. I roughly shove Scarlett away as another bullet perpetrates my shoulder.

Screams paint the night sky and blood fills the cracks between the bricks. My knees go weak and I collapse on the hard ground.

I watch as Scarlett drops to the ground and grabs my body. Her hands are covered in blood, her dress too.

"Pierce, no, no, no. I can fix this." Tear's splatter against her cheek. "Don't you die on me!"

But I don't know if she can fix this. This isn't like the patch work she's done on Ricky many times before.

"I just need to stop the bleeding." Her hands press against my back which makes the pain worse.

My vision becomes clouded and the world spins as I step towards the dark world of unconsciousness.

In that moment, I shattered into a million pieces; tainted by bullets and blood before I had the chance to become whole.

I have decided to add another chapter or two, depends on how I go! What did you think about the ending of this chapter? What do you think will happen next?