Anew

10

“Good morning!” Scarlet called out to her guardian, Laura, as she made her way into the kitchen. Laura was sitting at the dining room table sipping her morning coffee and reading the newspaper.

According to Heather, Laura looked like Jessica Rabbit—a sexy cartoon woman Scarlet had never heard of. But with her long red hair and big doe eyes, Laura could easily pass for a sultry cartoon character.

Despite her Jessica Rabbit appearance, Laura was a no-nonsense independent woman. She was incredibly successful and, from the looks of the massive two-story house they shared, wealthy.

Ever since Laura had taken Scarlet in, she’d tried to buy Scarlet a normal life. Clothes, shoes, music, movies, a car…there was nothing Laura wouldn’t get for Scarlet.

Unfortunately, all the shoes in the world couldn’t bring Scarlet’s memories back.

She appreciated Laura’s efforts, though. Without Laura, Scarlet wouldn’t have a sense of family. And for that, she would love her forever.

As Scarlet moved about the kitchen, she smiled to herself. Her date with Gabriel had renewed her. As if he had awakened a part of her old self—something deep inside her.

Something happy.

The reality of the night before was still sinking in.

She’d kissed a boy. She’d kissed a hot boy. On the lips and everything. And it didn’t feel weird or gross. It felt…almost perfect.

Scarlet’s smile grew bigger.

Laura raised a suspicious eyebrow. “You’re up early.”

Scarlet had risen earlier than usual, too excited to sleep soundly. Her mind had raced with thoughts of Gabriel and kissing all night long, keeping her from any deep sleep and putting her in a fantastic mood.

“I know,” Scarlet sang back at Laura.

Laura looked at Scarlet over her coffee cup. “Who are you and what have you done with Scarlet?”

“What? I’m not allowed to be giddy in the morning?”

Laura put down her cup. “I’m assuming your date went well, then?”

Heather had excitedly told Laura all about Scarlet’s “big date” the day before.

“So well,” Scarlet said.

“Ooh. Tell me more.” Laura leaned back in her chair with a smile, her attention completely on Scarlet.

“He’s dreamy, Laura. Like, beautiful and sweet and funny. He’s got dark hair and these killer eyes. Ah!” Scarlet closed her eyes and smiled.

“And?” Laura asked, smiling.

Scarlet opened her eyes. “What do you mean ‘and’?”

Laura laughed. “I mean, and what else? You’re too happy for him to have just been sweet and dreamy and handsome. What aren’t you telling me?”

Scarlet bit her lip. “We totally kissed.”

Laura made a cooing sound. “I knew it! And was it spectacular?”

“Totally.”

“Ah, I’m so jealous!”

Scarlet rolled her eyes.

Laura didn’t have a husband or boyfriend, but not for lack of interest. Men were constantly following her around and asking her out. Laura insisted her reluctance to date was due to all the traveling she did for work. She went to Europe every few weeks on business trips and argued that no relationship could survive the travel and long hours of her job.

Apparently, when it came to choosing love or work, Laura chose work.

“So, what’s his story?” Laura put her elbow on the table and rested her chin in her hand.

Scarlet couldn’t help but smile. “He’s seventeen. He’ll be a senior at Avalon this year. He just moved here from New York with his family. He hates snakes. He likes reality TV. And he smells like mint. And did I mention he’s gorgeous?”

Laura sighed. “He does sound dreamy. What’s his name?”

Scarlet cocked her head to the side. “Heather didn’t tell you his name yesterday?”

Laura shook her head with a smile. “No, she just said ‘this dark-haired Greek god asked Scarlet out’. So, I just assumed his name was Zeus or Apollo or something.”

Scarlet laughed. “Uh, no. His name is Gabriel…Gabriel Archer.”

For a quick moment, Scarlet thought she saw something flash in Laura’s eyes. Recognition, maybe? Awareness? But it was gone in an instant.

Did Laura and Gabriel know each other?

Scarlet cleared her throat. “Do you know him?”

“No. Not yet,” Laura said convincingly. “But, hopefully, you’ll introduce me to him soon.”

Certain she must have misread what she saw in Laura’s eyes, Scarlet said, “Don’t get crazy. We’re not dating or anything.”

“Right.” Laura smiled.

A moment passed before Laura rose from the table. “Okay, I’ve gotta get to work.” She grabbed her workbag and stepped into a pair of heels that were too tall and sexy for a ‘business professional’ dress code.

But that was Laura; the corporate Jessica Rabbit.

“Have a good day,” Laura said.

“I will,” Scarlet called after her.

Scarlet sighed to herself, thinking again about her kiss with Gabriel. She was definitely going to have a good day.