Matchmaker (Empire High #4) - Ivy Smoak Page 0,132
Axel says.”
“And who is Axel?” Kennedy asked.
“My boyfriend.”
“You have a boyfriend?”
“Yes. And we’re going to have ten babies because he doesn’t care that I like playing with dolls. And he’s going to be on the TV with the football.”
Kennedy smiled. “It sounds like you have it all figured out.”
Scarlett nodded. “You too.” She grabbed my hand and Kennedy’s and put them together. “You can have ten babies too if you want. It’s okay.”
Kennedy and I looked at each other.
I knew Scarlett had no idea what was going on outside the world of her dolls and Axel. But to me, this felt like her blessing. Like maybe she was telling me I should take a chance on being happy. That maybe it was worth the risk.
“Pumpkin, it’s time for bed,” James said and lifted Scarlett upside down.
Kennedy pulled her hand out of mine. I didn’t want to be put in the friend zone. And I didn’t want to wait around being Poppy’s puppet. I’d been waiting my whole life. Just letting it pass by in one big blur. Scarlett wanted me to be happy. And James would understand. Hell, he’d already said he understood. I’d find another way to ensure that Scarlett was safe. But I couldn’t put my life on pause again. Not when I’d finally figured out how to start living again.
Scarlett laughed. “Daddy, I had the biggest piece of cake.”
“I can tell,” James said as he righted her in his arms and peppered her face with kisses.
She squealed.
I grabbed Kennedy’s hand and pulled her off the couch.
“What are you…” her voice trailed off as I brought her into the kitchen.
“I’m done,” I said when we were alone.
Kennedy shook her head. “Done what?”
“I’m not going to make the same mistakes I did before. I’m not going to keep how I feel about you a secret. I would never do that to you, Kennedy. You deserve more than that. So much more.”
“Matt…”
“I’m telling Poppy I’m pulling out of our deal.”
Kennedy took a deep breath. “I can’t let you do that.”
I stared down at her.
“Maybe if you had said this downstairs earlier, I would have agreed. But I just met that cute little girl. Scarlett’s adorable. And the way she ran right over to you?” She shook her head. “I can’t let you risk Poppy hurting her. I can’t.”
“I’ve already made up my mind. I’ll find another way to keep Scarlett safe.”
“You’re a great uncle. And I’m not going to get in the way of that.” She grabbed both my hands. “And I hope you do find another way to keep her safe.”
“I will. And in the meantime we can…”
“No. In the meantime nothing. We can’t do anything until you have a backup plan in place. I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to Scarlett. Not because of me. I already live with so much guilt because of what I said to Brooklyn…”
“Brooklyn knew you didn’t hate her.”
“Did she though?” A tear ran down Kennedy’s cheek. “Because I never got a chance to apologize.”
“She knew, Kennedy. She knew.”
Kennedy took a shaky breath.
“Is everything alright?” Penny asked.
Kennedy took a step away from me and wiped beneath her eyes. “Yes,” she said with a laugh. “Matt just made me laugh so hard I was literally crying.”
Penny smiled. She was patting Liam on the back and he made the most adorable little burping noise.
I would have said “aw” if I hadn’t just made fun of James for thinking it was cute.
“Excuse you, baby boy,” Penny said and kissed the top of his head. “I’m so sorry, I’m being rude. Can I get either of you something to drink or anything?”
“Your hands are full,” Kennedy said. “I should be offering you something to drink.”
Penny laughed. “Thank you, but I’m okay. I’m just going to go put this one down. But before I do…” she looked back and forth between us. “I have to ask. Please tell me you two are dating.”
I glanced at Kennedy, who looked down at the ground.
“We’re just friends,” I said. Every time I said it, it killed me a little more.
“Oh my God, I’m so sorry,” Penny said. “I feel like I keep jumping to wild conclusions that are wrong.”
“It’s fine, Penny,” I said.
“So you’re not dating Kennedy,” Penny said. “Or anyone else?”
“Nope.”
“Definitely not me,” Kennedy said. “We’ve been friends for forever. It would just be…weird. Right?” she said and looked up at me.
I swallowed hard. “Right.”
“If you’ll excuse me.” Kennedy left Penny and me alone in the kitchen.