(Book 2) The Dark Side of Fame - Scarlett Johansson x Female Reader

Jealous

Christmas Day 2026...

I take a deep breath and knock on the door, presents in hand. The door opens and Rose and Cosmo come bounding out, jumping into a hug.

Me: You guys, I missed you so much! Let me get in here though, it's freezing.

They giggle and let me in, Rose closing the door behind me. I sweep my feet off for dirt and take my coat off, hanging it on the hangers by the door. Walking in here for the first time feels weird, it still feels heavy, awkward almost. Like the walls are stained with the shouting from the last time I was here.

Scarlett: Rose, honey, could you come and set the plates on the table please?

Rose runs off into the kitchen while Cosmo hugs my leg. The sound of Scarlett's voice just brings back every feeling.

Cosmo: I'm glad you're here, Mom. We don't like Mom's new girlfriend. She doesn't let us play in your studio because it's still messy. We just want to be closer to you.

My ears spike at the word, girlfriend?

Me: Mom has a girlfriend?
Cosmo: Yeah, she's called Aubrey. Dark hair, kinda strict.
Me: Auntie Liz's best friend?

He nods.

Me: You play in my studio whenever you want, sweetie, okay? You don't listen to her when she says that. You can call me if you need to ask.
???: Cosmo, come and help your Mom please.

The voice gets louder, until she's right in front of me.

Me: Aubrey.
Aubrey: Y/N.
Me: Go see what you can do to help Mom and Rose please buddy and I'll be right in.

Cosmo nods and hugs me, before heading into the kitchen. It's like someone just punched a hole in the window of the plane at 40,000 feet in the air, the air is that thin.

Me: You moved in quickly.
Aubrey: Oh I don't live here yet.
Me: I meant into my spot. You didn't take any time swooping right in there huh?
Aubrey: Well when you leave the door wide open, what do you expect?
Me: The door was left unlocked, not open. This is 100% you, isn't it? Wait for a way in and leave your damn boot in the ever slamming door.
Scarlett: Hey babe, dinner's read...oh.
Me: She's what you wanted to talk about, isn't it?

She looks to her feet.

Me: You don't have to answer that. I'm used to my friends fucking the people I've been with. Excuse me, I'm only here to spend time with my kids, then I'll be out of your hair.

She looks over longingly as I don't even make eye contact, heading over to the kids and opening gifts with them.

Rose: Thanks for the soccer boots, Mom.
Me: Apparently they make you run super fast. Even score more goals.
Rose: Boots can't make you do that, Mom.
Me: They can if you put the work in. Try them on, make sure they fit.

She laces the boots up and runs on her tiptoes a little.

Me: Okay?
Rose: Like running on clouds.
Me: You're so weird. But when the weather gets a little better we can get outside and work on your skills, okay?
Rose: Yeah, I'd like that.
Cosmo: Is this that guitar we talked about?!

He pulls it out of the box and a wide smile plants itself on his face.

Me: Of course dude, so we can learn together. Sound good?
Cosmo: Thanks Mom.
Me: You're welcome honey. I'll go get my guitar from upstairs after dinner and we can start learning. It's still upstairs, right?
Cosmo: It's in my room. Aubrey wanted to put it in storage but I said I wanted to keep it.
Me: Thanks dude.