Page 103 of The Fine Line
“It didn’t make sense. Even when it came out that Bennett recommended you. But now it all clicks. You’re in way over your head, kid.”
I should interrupt. Say something. Hang up. But I’m frozen.
“Funny,” the voice continues. “Thought maybe you’d changed. But not even a week in, and you’ve already blown it. I knew you would at some point, but apparently I should’ve put some money on it. This soon? Son, I’ve gotta tell you—for the first time, I’m impressed.”
Each word slices deeper.
“You would think you’d learn, but here you are. Like a broken goddamn record. Getting handed the world and falling flat on your face. Just like Chicago?—”
“What are you doing?”
I jump. Rhett’s suddenly beside me. The phone slips from my hand.
It lands face up on his seat. His brow furrows when he realizes it’s his, not mine. Then the smile fades from his face when he sees the Caller ID.
He picks it up, stares at the screen for a beat, then ends the call with a single tap.
When his gaze returns to me, all traces of warmth are gone.
“What are you doing?” he repeats, voice low and raw.
“I—your phone was ringing?—”
“So you answered it?”
“I’m sorry,” I rush out. “It just kept ringing, and I saw it was your dad. I thought you’d want to talk to him before takeoff?—”
“Caroline, I know you like to make assumptions about me,” he cuts in. “But you’re almost always wrong.”
The words knock the breath from my lungs.
“Rhett, I was just trying to?—”
“Yeah, well, next time—don’t.”
My dad’s voice suddenly cuts through the plane. “Hey, they’re ready to close us up!” I turn my head and spot him standing up front beside a flight attendant. “Y’all ready to go?”
Everyone starts murmuring in agreement, preparing for takeoff—until Rhett’s firm “No” cuts through it all.
Dad raises an eyebrow. “No?”
“I need some air,” Rhett mutters.
“We’ll have plenty once we’re in the sky.”
“I need a minute.” Rhett’s already halfway to the door.
“Son, we need to go?—”
“Then go!”
The plane falls silent. Rhett swallows, then murmurs, “I’m sorry, Coach. I just need a minute.”
Dad holds his gaze, then nods once.
Rhett bolts down the stairs.
A few moments later, I spot him through the window.
