Page 6 of Rhett

“What time are you going to Haley’s?”

“She said six. Did you see I put some pasta salad in a container for you?” I reply as I take my plate to the sink.

She hands me hers. “I did. Since you’re going out tonight, I’ll have it for dinner.”

In my bedroom, I lie on my bed. Last night I had dreams about the fire. It was the first time since it happened that I had one. I feel the heat from the flames, the sound the ceiling made as it collapsed trapping me.

This time though, Rhett and Cooper didn’t rescue me. I flew up in bed, coughing and clawing at my blankets. Thankfully, I snapped out of it and was able to do it without waking my mom.

She’d just worry and that is the last thing I want. Now I’m exhausted and should try to take a nap, otherwise I won’t be able to enjoy myself later if I’m tired. “Mom, I’m going to try to take a nap.” I call out from my bed.

She comes to the doorway. “You just got up. Did you not sleep?”

“Not really. I woke up during the night and it took me awhile to fall back asleep. I just want to get a little more sleep.”

Mom comes to the side of the bed. She reaches down and cups my face. “I’ll leave you to it. Love you to the moon and back.”

“Right back `atcha, Mom.” She steps out of my room, closing the door behind her.

Snuggling into my pillow, it takes no time at all before I’m out.

I arrive at Haley and Cooper’s and see there are cars parked up and down the street. I find a spot, park, and then climb out. Once I grab the pasta salad, I make my way toward the house. Looking around, it’s a nice neighborhood and perfect for Roman to play.

I hear lots of people in their backyard so I walk to the back gate and let myself inside. I’m nervous about being around people I don’t know, but I’m trying to be more sociable. Before I chicken out, I take a deep breath and walk into the yard.

There are people milling about. I freeze when a lot of the people, mostly guys, turn my way. I smile and look around. Desperate to see even one familiar face.

“Sofia, you’re here.” Haley skips toward me. “I’m so glad you could make it. Let’s take that inside for now. I’ll get you a drink and then introduce you to everyone.” She loops her arm through mine and leads me into the house.

Cooper is standing at the bar, arranging burgers on a cookie sheet. “Hey, Sofia, welcome.”

“Hey, C-Cooper.” Oh great, I sound so dumb.

He gives me a smile and that’s when I feel him. I turn my head and find Rhett, with Roman in his arms, walking toward me. “Well, look who’s here.” His greeting makes me blush, and I don’t know why. “How are you, Sofia?”

Good God, I like the way he says my name. “I’m good, Rhett.” I reach out and grab Roman’s foot. “Hi, big guy.”

Roman gives me a toothy grin and then buries his face in Rhett’s neck. He squeals and then wiggles until he’s set down. On chubby little legs, he runs around the island until he reaches Cooper.

“I’ll hold you in a second, buddy.” He smiles down at the little boy with so much love. That little guy will hopefully know how lucky he is to have a father who loves him so much.

I feel eyes on me and turn to look up at Rhett. I’m mesmerized by his eyes that have gone soft as he stares at me. He’s wearing a navy-blue baseball cap with Station 47 stitched on it. He looks really good in the hat.

“How have you been, Rhett?” I am such a nerd.

He steps in close and grabs my hand, leading me outside. “I’ve been good. Just working and working.” The smile he gives me makes me feel warm inside. We walk toward the huge cooler, and he opens the top. “What can I get you?”

I look inside and ask for a Coke Zero. Rhett grabs it for me and then he leads us over to a couple of chairs. Looking around, I see a lot of the other people here are staring at us.

“Just ignore them.” He says the next part louder, “They’re just nosy.”

I turn to Rhett. “Do you work with everyone here?”

“I do. Our crew works twenty-four hours on and forty-eight off,” Rhett explains. “It works and I like it. Unless someone is off or switches a shift, we work with the crew every time.”

My can hisses as I open it. I take a drink and freeze when Rhett reaches out and runs his thumb along my lower lip. He holds it up and there is soda on it. My cheeks feel hot, and I know they’re red right now.

He smirks at me and then takes a sip of his beer.

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