Next Door Lover

18.

Scarlett's POV
Colin has been here for the past hour. He brought the kids home, and stayed for dinner, which was surprisingly nice. He helped with the dishes and offered to give Cosmo a bath since Rose can shower on his own. He even got me a book and glass of wine before he went to the bathroom with my little guy.

It felt like my old husband, like the one I knew he could be. But, it took me flipping out and kicking him out for him to show me he can still be that man? How do I know it won't stop once I take him back and he gets comfortable again?

"Scar, hey, Cosmo is down and Rose is reading in her bed." Colin says walking into the bedroom.

"Oh wow thanks." I say surprised and place a shirt on the bed for after my shower.

"Do you think we could talk now?" He asks, stepping closer to me and taking my hand in his. His touch is soft, but I can feel his calloused hands through his gentle touch.

"Yeah, sure" I say nervously but don't let it show.

He leads me out of the room, not letting go of my hand and guides me down stairs to the living room. He spots me down on the couch and he takes a seat next to me. He sits up on the edge of the couch though, and clears his throat.

"Before we get into this, I just need to apologize" he pauses and he swallows thickly. "I haven't treated you the best lately and it's not right. I've been so stressed with work, and all these shows going on and I take it out on you. And that's not right. I hope I can try and prove to you and rebuild your trust that I'm all in here."

"You don't have to do all those shows, you can say no." I offer, bypassing all his mushy feelings. Sorry not sorry.

"I have a problem with that, don't I?" He chuckles a little and his face looks like he's trying to hold back a comment when he bites his lip. "I'm going to try but it is my job and I would like your support either way." He counters.

"I always support you. Like when you left me at dinner to go fly to California. I didn't bitch at you." I grumble.

"And I'm so thankful for that. Now you said you had questions?" He asks

"Yes, are you still sleeping with her?" I ask, being upfront about it.

He scoffs and chuckles. "Scar. Cmon. You're still on this?"

"Still on you cheating?! Yes. I am."

"I am not cheating on you just because I have coffee with a woman."

"That was last week. What about this week? I saw you out with her. Getting into HER car!"

He freezes but covers it with a nervous laugh.

"I'm not even sure what you're talking about." He tries but his phone goes off interrupting our conversation. We both glance at it as it's on the coffee table in front of us. I'm so curious to see who it is so when I see him reach for it I reach for it just a little quicker and grab it.

"Scar." He taunts. "Give me my phone."

"Why are you so worried about your phone?" I wave the phone in my hand and look at him. I flip the phone around so I can see the screen and I see the text that popped up.

It's his fucking ex, Rashida. Had a great time. Can't wait to see you next weekend.

I flip the phone around so it faces him and he can see the text.

"Really? You couldn't even end it before you talk to me?" I scoff annoyed.

"It's not like that." He stutters.

"Oh bullshit Colin. Get out." I stand and point to the door.

"Scarlett are you serious? You're gonna just kick me out?" He questions multiple times.