Page 5 of Rhet

“What’s your plan for the money, Zee?” she asks once the laughter dies down.

I wish I could say a trip, but I have responsibilities. “Something is wrong with Ma. She’s forgetting and doing strange things.”

Penny quiets. “Like Alzheimer’s?”

“Yeah, like that, I’m using the money to get her tested.”

Penny nods. “But once your brother is drafted you will be rich.”

I sigh, “I know you’re right. Once Dante is drafted, we will be able to breathe.”

The door opens and the kitchen manager sticks his head out. “Did I say you could take a break?”

We both get up. “No sir,” Penny replies, dusting off her pants.

“Then get inside there and work or you get no pay. You,” he says pointing to me. “You serve the canapés. Then start picking up the empty glasses.”

Penny and I both rush past him, grab a tray from group A and head back out onto the floor.

As I pass through the crowd, I spot the most striking man I’ve ever seen. He’s talking to a group of old women. He’s so tall he has to lean down just to hear them speak. He looks to be about 6’4. My goodness he is gorgeous, his dark blue eyes complement his tanned skin. Then he dazzles the women with a smile.

Why is he so good looking? Maybe it’s the way he is wearing that tux, good lord.

“Have any of you seen Charlotte?” I hear him ask the ladies.

Hmm, Charlotte is a lucky girl if a man like this is asking for her.

“Excuse me, I think waiters should be roving about the room, not staring at someone beyond their reach,” a female voice behind me says.

I turn to see a group of young women, all clumped together behind a beautiful blonde woman who is clearly their leader.

As I was about to reply, I feel a surge of electricity brush my shoulder.

“Excuse me. Hey Savannah, have you seen Charlotte?”

Far away he was good looking. Up close, he is drop dead gorgeous. He reminds me of my favorite model Jon Kortajarena. His features are hawk like, and his stare is penetrating as if he can see right through you. The only difference between him and the model, is he is more muscular. The way he smells makes my mouth water. He smells of citrus and mint, so fresh and clean.

“Why Rhet Banner it’s been a minute.” Savannah plays with her hair and bats her eyes.

His hand is still on my shoulder.

“Hi. where is Charlotte?”

Why was his hand still on my shoulder? The tray in the other hand was becoming heavy.

“Last time I saw her she was going up the main stairs,” Savannah says with a pout.

“Great thanks.” He taps my shoulder blade and walks off. We all look at him leave. God that man was fine.

“Now about you,” Savannah turns her attention back to me.

However, I didn’t bother to listen as I turn to the next group of people and continue serving food.

RHET

I rush up the stairs, feeling nervous. I have a plan; I will propose to Charlotte in my mother’s rose garden under the white gazebo. The garden is well lit at night. That can be romantic right? My palms are sweating, as I continue to stride up the carpeted stairs, the chandelier’s reflection wavers on the stair’s banisters.

How should I say it? How do I ask her? I finally reach to the top of the stairs, opening the first door, leading into my mother’s suite. Complete darkness nothing there, I close the door behind me. Maybe I could get down on one knee? Why do I have to go down on one knee though? Ok it’s tradition.

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