Page 153 of Rhet

“I’m not afraid of him.” I chuckle.

“You’re lying. Want me to tell Mr. Banner?”

The idea of Rhet knowing makes my tummy bubble. “No, please no.”

“Fine, suit yourself.” Draven pushes the car faster. Soon we’re in front of my home.

With Draven and Ms. Helen’s help, I get mom into her room and settled in.

“Hey, Draven, would you like to have some chicken soup. Ms. Helen makes a mean one.”

He scratches his head. “I haven’t had a bowl in years. Yeah, why not?”

As we both settle in with our soup. Ms. Helen takes some hot rolls from the oven.

“This is fucking delicious.” Draven dips the roll into the soup and eat it.

I purse my lips in to hold in my laughter as Ms. Helen stands watching him.

“You don’t curse in front of ladies,” she says as she observes.

“Shit, my bad. I mean, fuck, shit.” He closes his eyes to gather his thoughts. Placing his hand on his nose bridge. “I mean, sorry.”

Ms. Helen shakes her head and goes off, mumbling about today’s youth.

“Where are you from, Draven?” I ask

“Lower Lakeshore ma’am.” He starts back eating, his shoulders are hunched over the food like he is trying to protect it.

Well, darn I feel old. He keeps calling me ma’am.

“College?”

He snickers. “High school and now here.”

The tattoos on his hands are blotchy and have bleed through the lines. I can tell that they are not all professionally done. Some of them, even look faded.

“You ever wanted to go?” I inquire and I stir my soup.

“Where, college? That’s not for people like me ma’am.” He stirs his bowl of soup.

“People like you? Smart, Charming, and handsome?” I reply.

“You got game. That’s why brother likes you.”

I blush from the thought of Rhet loving me. “If you could go to school. What would be your major?”

“Don’t laugh all right?”

“Promise not to.”

“A doctor, specializing in pediatrics,” he replies with his head cast down.

I stare at him, dumbfounded not expecting him to say those words.

“You’re looking at me like it’s a stupid dream?” He scratches behind his neck.

“No, no. Actually, I can see it. The way you treat mom. Yes, I can see it.” His face lights up from my comment.

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