Page 2 of Rhet

The warm southern breeze rustles through the oak trees, sending leaves sailing onto the verandah.

“To hell with that secret group our parents are in,” Cole grumbles as he plucks the ring out of my hand. He examines the diamond ring with a frown, his cigarette resting in the corner of his lips.

“Does Trent know yet?” Jasper asks as he pulls at his white cuffs, his gaze locked on me.

“No, I got the ring from my dad today. Trent has been busy,” I reply.

“You have been with Charlotte since high school.” Dax rests his hand on my shoulder “My guy, that’s going to be the only pussy you will ever know.”

I shrug my shoulders, causing him to remove his hand.

“That’s some depressing shit right there if you ask me,” Cole says as he holds the ring high up to the moon, squinting. “How many carats is this?”

Pushing pass Tarek and Dax, I snatch the ring out of Cole’s hand.

“More than enough,” I reply as I place the ring back into the box.

Cole digs his hands into his pockets. “That much huh?”

I straighten my white bowtie, and tug at my black tailcoat jacket.

“I love her. So, this right here is it for me,” I reply. They all groan and shake their heads.

“Come to Europe for the summer with us before you do this,” Tarek suggests.

I turn to watch the well-dressed women in the arms of men dancing around the ballroom.

“You don’t have to do this tonight,” Cole says, probably sensing my hesitancy. “Plus, this party is for Mr. Barrett’s campaign and to honor your dad.”

“You know Barrett is your idol, don’t take away his spotlight.” Dax teases.

“I still don’t know why you think he is a paragon of virtue.” Tarek shrugs.

I think of Mayor Barrett and all the great things he has done. Not even my dad can corrupt him.

“He’s a great example of altruism. He approved the building of the new school. He also helped in blocking building of the casino,” I reply.

Cole shakes his head. “My dad is still upset about that casino. However, if he is a friend of the Quarter Masters, he can’t be any good.”

Before I can answer, Jasper steps in front of me, blocking my view with his lanky frame.

“The girls in Greece have the most beautiful knockers you will ever see.” Jasper makes a gesture of large breasts in front of him.

I look at my four childhood friends, each coming from wealthy families. All of us on a path that our parents have already carved out for us.

I sigh, looking down at my shiny Oxfords. “Greece does sound nice.”

“Yes!” Dax shouts as he shoves my shoulder.

“Atta boy,” Cole states and blows smoke into the air.

“Let’s do this!” Jasper shouts as he pumps his fist in the air.

Just as I’m about to say yes and toss my plans in the wind, the French doors open and Davis, my family’s butler appears.

“Excuse me, Master Banner. Your father is requesting an audience with you in his office,” he states. His hair is now gray against his dark scalp.

I turn back to my friends. “I gotta go.” I walk towards the door Davis is now holding open.

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