Page 46 of Rhet

“I heard some people paid you four hundred thousand.” Rhet rocks in the armchair, looking relaxed yet very aware of his surroundings.

The Senator’s eyes bulge. “You know my price. Fuck you. You want me to cheat on the bid for you? Pay. I don’t like the thought of cheating.”

“You’re such a politician. You don’t like cheating but five minutes ago you nutted in the back of your employee’s throat. Help me understand,” Rhet says.

“Always so crass, Banner. Morality is objective,” the Senator replies.

Rhet laughs. “Fuck that. Being moral is a form cowardice, don’t you agree? I think you do. Especially since you fuck around on your wife. You’re a fearless man. How is Marina, by the way?” Rhet rubs his bottom lip as if he and Marina had a thing.

When Rhet says the Senator’s wife name it all goes to shit. “I don’t know who the hell you think you are but you’re not going to come in my office and act like a God Father. Get out,” he bellows.

“You really should hear me out on this bid?” Rhet smiles teasingly at the Senator

“Fuck you and the bid, Banner. You can’t own everything.” The Senator nose flares and he pushes a rush of air out his nostrils.

Rhet nods his head and throws his hand up. “You’re right. I promise I will be back.”

He gets up and walks around the table, he nods at me, signaling we’re really leaving.

Rhet passes his hand over the Senator’s shoulder and squeeze it. “I have a lot to think about. See you a few weeks.”

ZEETA

It’s been almost three weeks since I started working for Rhet. I have learned some things. He’s hardworking, diligent, strategic, and he’s a mean, manipulative asshole.

I take my shoes off as I enter my new temporary home. I’m bone tired. All I want is a hot shower or maybe soak in my Sugah Bae bath bomb Enchanted. Maybe I can watch some Fresh Prince of Bel Air and have a bowl of canned clam chowder and chill.

I need to chill because working with Rhet is nonstop. We eat on the road, or in the office while we work. He’s always moving. His Airpods are always in his ears as he carries on whole conversations.

He’s aware of everything. He sees it all. He runs his businesses like well-oiled machines. At least the ones I’ve seen. I know other than the shipping company, he owns a strip joint, real estate, some gas stations, and a pawn shop.

The only two times I’ve ever seen him soft was when his mom called and when the janitor’s eight-year-old grandson Nathan waited for him in the lobby.

Rhet stopped to talk to the boy and the conversation is still in my head.

“Hi Nate,” Rhet called him out.

That child’s face glowed when he saw Rhet.

After a conversation about the Avengers, Nate stuttered to ask. “Do you know the water zoo?”

“What?” Both Rhet and I stood in confusion.

“The zoo with all fishes. The water zoo.” He looked so exasperated with the two dumb adults who didn’t know the water zoo.

Thankfully, Rhet got it. The child wanted to go to the aquarium. Before the end of the day, I made reservations for three of Nate’s friends and three guardians to get the premium experience at the aquarium. I did everything that needed to be done.

I stopped home to check on my mom and brother, gave Ms. Helen some pastry from the Screamin’ Bean and I left again. Tonight, should be a quiet night. Rhet is on a scheduled date; he shouldn’t be bugging me anytime soon.

Half an hour later, Pinky and Muffin are at my feet. I giggle as I watch Carlton and Will do theJump On Itdance. I made fresh popcorn, I have a glass of wine, and a corked bottle next to it.

Halfway through the show, there’s a knock at my door. The walls are opaqued so I can only see the person’s shadow.

I don’t answer, praying whoever it is will go away. It better not be Rhet.

“I can hear you watching TV. Open the door.” Rhet’s voice slivers into the room.

I throw a silent tantrum on the sofa before I walk to the door.

---