Page 151 of Rhet

“You’re going live with that grudge and hate for the rest of your life?” she asks as she wraps her hair.

Yeah, I need to put an end to this now. “I don’t know about that, but I remember facts. The fact is my brother died hanging in my house. It destroyed my home and family. I want to destroy the persons who did that.”

She swallows her shoulders slump. “I understand.”

Shit, this conversation isn’t one I want to have after the best sex ever. She looks down as she plays with the edge of the sheets.

“Can we go eat now? I’m hungry,” she says.

“Sure.” I don’t like the sad way she looks.

I pull her back into my arms and hold her like baby. “I didn’t mean to respond like that Zee.”

“It’s ok I get it.” She smiles.

“Then why are your eyes so sad.”

She giggles. “Everything with ma is still weighing on me. I have to go to the clinic with her tomorrow. It’s a lot, you know?”

“Let Draven, take you tomorrow. Then take the rest of the day off.”

She frowns. “No, I’m still an employee. I will be at work tomorrow.”

“Fine do what pleases you. Are you sure you’re, okay?” I lift her chin with two of my fingers.

“Yes, baby, I’m good.”

Her eyes flit to the corner. Something is bothering her. I can feel it. I just don’t know how to approach her with it. Relationships are hard.

“Listen to me. If there’s anything you need help with tell me. You understand?”

She takes my hand and kisses it “Yes, but understand that I’m here to help you too,”

I’ve never had someone try to help me it’s always the other way around.

“Look at us having an intense couple conversation.”

“Yes. I love you, baby.” She passes her fingers along my hair line.

“Shit, I love you too. Let me show you how much.” I scoop her up and roll her under me just to remind her.

ZEETA

It’s been almost one hour since I’ve been sitting here waiting on my mom’s therapy to be over. As I look around the clinic, I see a lot of people with parents who have gotten old, and now they’re the caregiver. Life, twice a child once an adult. That’s the stage my mom is in now. Across the way, on the other side of the wall, a husband brings a cup of coffee for his wife. I wonder if that will ever be Rhet and me in years to come. Zeeta Banner? I don’t even know if Rhet is the marrying type.

Sighing, I remember last night and him wanting me to tell him what’s wrong. How am I going say it? Oh, hey, I love you, but this guy sent me here to mess up your bid which, will also mess up your business.

I can’t see that going across smoothly with Rhet. I can take care of everything. The nurse brings my mom out in a wheelchair. I stand and walk to them.

“How is she doing?”

“There is no change. However, she’s healthy,” the nurse answers calmly.

I speak with the nurse for two more minutes, then Draven appears. I didn’t even know when he walked in.

“Hey, let me get her for you.” I like this kid. I hope Rhet sends him to college and doesn’t have him on the streets. I should talk to him about that. We take the elevator down to the parking garage then walk to the car.

My name is called out. “Zeeta.”

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