Page 128 of Rhet

“Why?”

“Because I want you more,” he replies he pulls me closers to his body.

“I want someone to need and want me for more than an hour. Not this time, Rhet. This time, I’m in control. This time you lose.” I don’t think either of us realize we’ve stopped dancing.

A throat clears behind us, and a beautiful blonde woman appears. “May I cut in?” she asks and smiles.

I look up at Rhet, then back at her. “He’s all yours.”

I moved out of his arms and walk back to York’s.

“You, okay?” he asks.

“I’m fine, I’m just so tired from all the planning today,” I reply as I rub my forehead.

“You’re leaving?” he says, looking over my head, most likely at Rhet.

“Yes, I will call you when I get home?” I reply as grab my clutch.

“Want me to drop you home?” York questions, his blue eyes looking concerned.

“No, York I drove. I’m fine.”

He kisses me lightly on my lips. I squeeze his arm and leave, not bothering to look back to see if Rhet was watching me leave.

Now that I know this hall, I make a beeline for the back entrance. As I exit the door, I smell a sweet scent of smoke. Looking around, I see Mrs. Banner out on her own smoking.

I should just say goodnight and leave. Keep it moving, Zee. I stop and make a left turn, towards her.

Mrs. Banner lifts her head, she doesn’t bother to wipe her tears away. I don’t ask any questions. I sit on the bench next to her as she sniffles. Something deep inside tells me it’s because of Mr. Banner.

“You know, before I got married, I was about to be one of the pioneers in computer engineering at IDN.” She pulls at her cigarette, letting the smoke curl around.

I say nothing still; in moments like this, I choose to stay silent.

“I married Henry after college. My dad thought marriage would settle me and curb my zeal for learning.” A sad smirk slowly reveals itself on her face.

“Did it?” I inquire,

“It didn’t. In fact, I was pregnant with Trent during my masters. I still went and got my PhD.”

She wipes her tears, her eyes are far away in the distance.

“Then I had Rhet. I could have worked for the I, but I was married to a man of suspect means.”

She shakes her head like she can’t believe the life she was dealt. “I can break into computers, emails, anything without a sweat. I’m still up-to-date with my skills.”

“Do you lecture?” I ask.

“A few small online class on Udemy and Skillshare.”

She exhales and runs her hand down the side of her rose gold dress.

“I love him so much. I think in a way he loves me too. He also loves anything with two legs and a hole.” She shrugs.

“I’m a great wife. I manage a great household and support him through everything. I give him my all.”

A single tear runs down her face.

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