Page 63 of Delicate

“I think I’m just hungover. I was hoping we could grab something greasy for breakfast.”

“Sounds good to me. I’m starving.” He pulls me in for a hug, and I return the hug quickly before stepping back.

He looks puzzled. “Are you sure everything’s good?”

“Yeah. Let’s not make this weird between us. It was a one-time thing that happened.”

“Oh, the sex, you mean.”

“Yes. We stepped over the line. Blame it on the alcohol, the vibes of the night, whatever. It can’t happen again.”

“I get it, Mi. Am I sorry it happened? No.”

“Neither am I. But I need to keep the lines clear. I’m not setting myself up to be hurt again.” My voice trails off at the word hurt, the situation too painful to think about.

Because I know more hurt is in the future.

It’s guaranteed.

I’m head over heels in love with him but he said he’s not looking for anything serious, even after I broke up with Alex. How could one night of drunk sex change that? Am I so desperate for love that I’ll believe drunk sex equals love?

Well, he can forget about having his cake and eating it too. I ain’t giving up the goods again.

* * *

It’s a bit awkward at first. But as we enjoy time with his family and spend a ton of time at the beach, we fall into our easy pattern once again. His eldest brother is off on his honeymoon, and most of the other siblings have left, but Ryan stuck around, and of course the two youngest sisters.

“Rhett never brings any girls around. There’s no way he thinks of you as just a friend,” Zoey says as we lounge on our towels. Emily stretches out on a low beach chair. The weather is unseasonably warm today and we’re taking full advantage of it.

“It’s true. I got out of a shitty relationship not that long ago, and he is moving back here after graduation. I’m staying in California.”

“Is there something or someone keeping you there?” Emily asks. For a twelve-year-old, she’s smart as a whip. But also nosy. Which I find endearing on her cute face.

“Em. Don’t question the poor girl to death with your nosiness,” Zoey says, and I chuckle.

“It’s okay. I don’t mind.”

“See, she doesn’t mind,” Emily retorts.

“Maia’s just being nice,” Zoey says.

“Honestly, it’s okay. I grew up in an orphanage so I don’t have any family. It’s nice being here with your family.”

“Oh, crap, I’m sorry, Maia. I had no idea. Rhett never said anything,” Zoey says, and Emily nods.

“Yeah, he doesn’t tell us anything.” Emily sulks.

I smile, knowing how much I can trust Rhett. I feel the same with his sisters. “So as for someone in California holding me back? No, there isn’t anyone. It’s just…it’s always been my home, you know? This trip with your brother was my first time ever out of state. I guess I’m just comfortable with the familiar.”

Zoey reaches over and pats my hand. “I get that. When I think about leaving for college, I panic inside. The thought of leaving everything I know…it’s terrifying.”

“I don’t think I want to leave either,” Emily says.

“But, if you did decide to move here, you’d have a family waiting for you. Us.” Zoey smiles. “I know Rhett would agree.”

“I do!” Emily cheers.

“I’d agree with what?” Rhett says as he and Ryan walk over to us. They’re dripping wet and holding their boards. Rhett shakes out his hair near me, and I yelp when the water hits me. He just laughs.

---