Page 25 of Rhett Redeemed

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me!” I say, and move to leave.

Rhett whips his head to see what sparked the reaction out of me and winces. “Con, wait, no. I haven’t stayed in this house since Cara left. I only asked you to meet me here ’cause I don’t have another place. I promise I have not been living here.”

I give him a short nod. “Why don’t you just tell me the CliffsNotes version of what happened?”

Rhett moves to sit on the couch, lets out a loud breath and tells me the whole tragic story of Cara and him and the history he shares with her and Clover. After he finishes, I’m quiet for a long time.

“That is a lot to process. Thank you for telling me that; I’m sure it wasn’t easy.”

“I’m sorry that Clover and Natty said those things to you. None of that is true. Why don’t you let me book you a hotel if you don’t want to stay with me? I don’t want you driving two hours in the dark while you’re upset.”

I reluctantly agree. “Okay, I’ll stay in a hotel and drive home tomorrow.”

Going straight to bed sounds wonderful. Even though I didn’t plan on spending the night alone. I guess it will just be me and my guilty conscience for the night.

Tonight with Rhett was one huge red flag.

Worst date ever.

Chapter Ten

Rhett

Tonight couldn’t have gone worse if I’d tried. All the people I care about are hurt right now, and I don’t know how to fix it.

Con didn’t say much after I told her the abridged version of everything—although I didn’t tell her about everyone thinking I’m a cheater. She doesn’t need to know that. I dropped her off at the best hotel in town and paid for a night’s stay, and she left for her room before I could even say goodbye. She doesn’t want anything to do with me, and I know it’s because she’s hurt, and humiliated, but none of this was intentional. I don’t know how I can make it up to her.

And then there is Cara. The look on her face... I’d take Clover’s and Natty’s anger over that any day.

I cannot believe the odds. I fell for Cara’s half sister. Of all the women in the world, she is the one I wanted to start building a relationship with. I’ve destroyed so much with one selfish choice—my relationship with Con, Con and Cara’s relationship, my friendship with Clover. The list goes on.

I sit back in my old leather chair and finish the last of my scotch. I didn’t want to go back to the clubhouse so now I’m sitting at my old house, filled with memories of me and Cara, drowning my sorrows and thinking about Con.

I like her. And yeah, I guess now that I think about it at the start she kind of did remind me of Cara in her looks a little, but she’s nothing like Cara. The reasons why I like her have nothing to do with Cara. This whole thing is so fucked-up, and I don’t know where to begin with trying to fix it. I decide to send everyone a text, starting with Con.

To Con: I’m so sorry about tonight. Can we please talk tomorrow?

To Cara: I had no idea she was your sister, and she had no idea I was your ex. We are so sorry.

I want to add that we did nothing wrong because we didn’t know, but decide not to.

To Clover: I had no idea she was Cara’s sister. You two have told me nothing recently! I’m sorry.

To Natty: I had no idea. I’m sorry for causing drama at your birthday.

Who else do I owe an apology to? The list is long. I text my mom and say I’m sorry for leaving without seeing her, and for what happened. She’s no doubt going to have to listen to that gossip all night. Maybe I should send out a group text, or email, because it seems like everyone is mad at me these days. I keep fucking up, and I’m at a point in my life where I need to take control back.

My phone beeps, but it’s from none of the women I just reached out to.

Dice: You sure know how to make an entrance. Remind me not to invite you to my birthday.

Rhett: Shut up. What happened after I left?

Dice: We all talked shit about you.

Fucker. He sends another text.

Dice: The girls all formed a club. The I Hate Rhett Club. They asked me to join.

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