Page 14 of Rousing Renee

“Renee!” He stood up, but I put up my hand to stop him.

“I’m okay.” Coughing still, I was fine. His suggestion was the only thing caught in my throat.

“I didn’t mean to make you almost die,” he joked.

I coughed harder and glared at him as I tried not to laugh while choking.

“Sorry, not sorry,” he exclaimed.

He handed me the flavored water, and I accepted it gratefully. A few swallows had me back to normal and trying to think of a way to avoid more of his questions.

“I can’t,” I said simply.

“Why not?”

“I can’t get mixed up in anything with you, knowing that you were with my friend for years.”

“Last I heard, you stopped talking to her right after we got together. Is there any coincidence in that?”

“No,” I said, but I hadn’t thought about it that way. Did I stop talking to her for that reason?

“Are you friends now?” he asked.

“No. She said some things I can’t forgive her for. I think we’re best not being friends.”

“Then why does it matter?”

“Because.”

“Because… I can guarantee you she’s not above doing the same thing if she were in your shoes. She can’t be trusted. Regardless, this isn’t about me and her, this is about me and you. I’d love to get to know you a little better to see where this goes. There’s no rush in any of it. You’re not the only one who needs to take it slow.”

I swallowed, trying to process what he was saying. I wanted to, but fear kept creeping up my spine, telling me it was wrong. I didn’t want to listen to it. He’d made valid points, but at the same time, he had to present things that way if he wanted me to consider it.

“I need to think about it,” I said with a heavy sigh.

“And that’s okay. Tell you what. If you decide to stop by, I’ll be there. If you don’t, there won’t be any hard feelings. We can always do it some other time.”

“Promise?”

“For sure. Slow, remember?”

I nodded, grateful he’d provided me with an out if I needed it. I did need to discuss this with somebody I trusted. I couldn’t go into this with guilt wracking my subconscious. I needed a clear mind if I decided to.

“Deal. We’ll see how it plays out,” I said before going back to my food.

“We will.” He winked at me, and I smiled back.

No pressure.

CHAPTER 4

Renee

I’d been texting Sampson since Ezra left. But the moment I got my short break, I called him.

“Hey, diva,” he greeted me.

“Hey! I don’t have much time. Tell me what you think.” I spoke fast, filling him in on what had happened with Ezra.

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