Page 14 of Rhett

Turning my way, my brother smiles and picks me up in a bear hug. “Hey, baby sis. You look beautiful, as always.” He grabs his drink and leads me to a table by the window, facing the golf course.

“Is Drew coming?”

Kirk shakes his head. “No, he had a meeting he couldn’t get out of. How’s the apartment hunt going? If you haven’t found something, you can always move in with me.”

Right after the fire he wanted me to move in with him, but I wasn’t sure how long it would take me to find and furnish a new place. “Actually, I found a cute studio not far from downtown. I move in a week.”

“That’s great. Is it safe?” he asks and before I can answer our waitress comes and takes my drink order.

When she walks away, I turn back to my brother. “There is a fire escape and the door to my apartment is right next to the fire exit. There are two smoke detectors, and there is also a sprinkler system. I promise, I am safe.”

Kirk reaches into his suit jacket and pulls out an envelope. Saying nothing, he slides it across the table. “That’s from Drew and me. I want to make sure you get what you need.”

I open it and inside is a check for five thousand dollars. “Kirk, I can’t take this.”

“You can, and you will, or I will not be happy. Sweetheart, I don’t want you to worry about anything. The thought of something happening to you cut us both deep. We need to do this for you.” He reaches out and grabs my hand. “Let us.”

All I do is nod, because if I try to speak, I’m going to cry. I grab the envelope and stick it in my purse. “Yasmine says if you want her to go shopping, she’ll get your clothes.”

Yasmine is my brother’s fiancée. They’re getting married next spring. I absolutely love her and she’s so good with my brother. They’ve been together for three years and it was love at first sight. At least that’s what they both say.

“That’d be great. I’ll call her later.” I lean forward. “I-uh… I have news.” Our waitress comes and takes our order and as soon as she walks away, I share quietly. “I’m… I’m seeing someone.”

“You are? Tell me about him.” He takes a sip of his drink.

I do the same and then begin to talk. “His name is Rhett. He’s a fireman and EMT. He is at Station 47, he’s funny, sweet, and makes me feel pretty.”

“A fireman? Was he there the night of the fire?”

Is he going to think badly of Rhett? Or of me? I’m not sure there is a rule about us dating or whatever were doing. “He-He is the one who carried me out of the building. Rhett saved my life.”

“Is that why you’re seeing him, because you’re grateful to him?”

I’m not going to be mad at his question because I could see how someone’s thoughts could go there. That’s what I tell Kirk. “There is something there between us. He is way out of my league, but I like him.”

“I doubt that, Sis, but just be careful. If the time comes, I’d love to meet him.”

They bring our food out and we spend the rest of our lunch making small talk.

9

Rhett

I jog on the treadmill while Marchy does curls. He keeps looking at me, I’m not sure why. I don’t know if he’s up to something or what. I can’t take it anymore and hit stop. “What’s up?”

“How are things going with Sofia? Haley says she’s smiling all the time now.” He is smirking at me. “Giving it to her, huh?”

Crossing my arms, I shake my head. “It’s not like that. She’s not like that.” I shove his shoulder. “I’m taking it slow. I feel like she could be the one, and I’m afraid that I’m going to scare her off.” She is stirring shit up inside me, and I swear to God I want to mark her and go all fucking caveman on her. That’s not my style, it’s never been my style, but now…shit, now I want to experiment with that side of me.

“Wow, brother, I’m happy for you. I could have Haley talk to her, see where she’s at.” He’d do that for me, I know it.

I shake my head. “No, I appreciate it, but I wouldn’t feel right finding out that way.” Sitting down, I look up at my best friend. “I’ve always avoided anything serious. You know how I’ve always felt about that.”

“I know, you don’t want to make someone a widow. Man, that could happen driving your car to an office job.” We head into the kitchen and grab some water.

“You’re right, I know it, but still, it’s always there in the back of my mind. She’s the only one who has ever piqued my interest and made me even think about the future.” I grab a banana, peeling it, and then eating it in two bites. “You’ve always known you wanted a wife and kids, and now you’ve got it. I’m happy for you, brother.”

Marchy’s smile is huge, and his joy is palpable. “Thanks, brother. I do have it, and someday we’ll add to our brood.”

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