Page 48 of Rhet

He looks down at the bottle. “Sure. What vintage is it?”

“Aldi’s. It’s vintage Aldi’s.”

“God, I have better wine in the cellar.” He sounds disgusted.

“However, I want Aldi’s. Do you want some, yes or no?” I sit on the sofa and place the empty wine glass on the coffee table.

“Fine.” He reaches for the glass and pours himself a little red wine.

He swirls his glass and sniffs over the rim. Taking a sip, he then nods and looks at the bottle again. “This isn’t that bad. A bit sweet, but that’s expected.”

“Tell me about him.” God, please be my shield. I’m digging for any piece of information I can get. However, I still do actually care.

“Who?”

“Your brother, you said he would have love this. Tell me about him.”

He looks up to the ceiling as if he’s searching for his brother in heaven or something.

RHET

What the fuck am I doing here? I have a date with a hot girl named Mandy. The last time I spoke to her, I told her, her stupidity rendered me speechless.

She made me squint, trying to follow her train of thought. She’s a classic bimbo. Blonde hair not included. She’s a brunette, with green eyes and a great rack, but shit for brains. I don’t think I could deal with that today.

“Tell me about him.” That’s what Zeeta asks, no one really asks about Trent. In fact, most people avoid talking about him around me. Like they fear for their lives.

A verbal diarrhea is coming on and there’s no stopping it.

“Where should I start?” I ask.

She adjusts herself on the sofa. “How about the beginning.”

“The beginning? Well, it starts with my dad and him wanting us to be the best Banner men.”

I think of my dad and the pits in my stomach churned.

“Henry Banner always looks like the epitome of masculinity. I see him in the newspaper and he’s always so big and strong looking,” Zeeta says as she places more pillows behind her back.

“More like toxic masculinity. Everything he does is always to show he’s the best man in the group. With the best sons.” My voice sounds bitter.

I sip my wine again, trying to tamper down my rage.

“I don’t see how wanting the best for your sons is toxic.” Zeeta looks too innocent and sweet.

“Your naïveté is both a blessing and a curse.” I state, watching Will run for his life from Mr. Banks.

She frowns at my words and pulls the blanket closer to her chest.

“Imagine taking your son to lose his virginity at sixteen to a lady of the night. Then giving him a shot of tequila as a congratulatory drink.”

I emptied my glass and poured more wine into it. Zeeta holds her hand over her mouth in shock.

“Oh my God, he didn’t.”

“I loved it. I didn’t know better, but I think it messed Trent up years before me.”

“Rhet, I’m so sorry,” she whispers.

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