Page 46 of Forget Me Not

If Gladys and Tyler knew Rhea at all, they’d know she doesn’t have friends, nor does she want any. Much like me, Rhea only has relationships that benefit her. This punk-ass farm boy has nothing to offer Rhea; therefore, he’s a waste of fucking air.

Walking down the hallway, Tyler follows, and I keep my eyes on Rhea’s door. “There’s a good chance she’s probably sleeping.”

“Eh. That’s all right. I’d just like to sit with her for a bit. Make sure she’s feeling okay.”

I spin around, chest inflated. “If she’s sleeping, you’ll need to leave. There will be no sitting with her. Rhea needs her rest.”

He slowly shakes his head, eyes wide in confusion. “I’m sorry,” he says, searching my face for familiarity. “We haven’t met before, have we?”

“We have not. I’m new in town.”

Chewing on his bottom lip, he continues to gawk. “I swear I’ve seen you somewhere before.”

“I must have one of those faces. I’ve never seen you a day in my life.” It’s a lie. I remember Tyler very well. However, it wasn’t until now that I put two and two together. I should’ve guessed when Gladys mentioned they work together, but my mind was elsewhere, and I was in no way trying to figure out who Tyler was. I’m more concerned with how I’m going to keep Rhea away from him.

“And Rhea? Do you know her well?” Tyler asks as he continues to question me like he actually deserves answers.

“I know her well enough. Is that a problem?”

Tyler shakes his head again. “No problem at all. I’m just surprised with you being so protective over her that Rhea’s never mentioned you before.”

“Rhea prefers to keep her life private.” I knock my knuckles to her door while glowering at Tyler. “Rhea, darling. You have company.”

A second later, the door opens and there she is. Red, tear-stained eyes, sniffling nose, but still the face of an angel.

“I was telling your friend, Tyler here, that you need your rest.” I snatch the bag from his hand before he can dispute it.

Tyler grumbles and rolls his eyes. “How are you feeling?”

Like a deer in the headlights, Rhea’s gaze dances from me to Tyler. “I’m…umm. I’m okay.”

I smirk mischievously at my girl as I hand her the paper bag. “Why don’t you tell Tyler good night so you can rest? You need it if you’re going to be well enough to work tomorrow.”

She looks at me, puzzled, wondering how I know she has to work. Soon, she will realize that I know every move she’s going to make before she makes it.

“Actually.” Rhea straightens her back, mirroring my wide grin. “Would you like to come inside, Tyler? I’d really enjoy the company.” She holds up the bag of food. “And this was so sweet of you. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.” Her expression drops instantly as she looks at me. “But I have some ideas. I’ve been known to compensate for kind gestures very well.”

If she’s insinuating what I think she is…

I can’t allow my mind to go there.

“Yeah. Of course,” Tyler says, stepping into the doorway. He looks back at me, grinning.Bastard.

Jaw ticking, I take a deep breath. “I just remembered,” I tap the side of my head like I stupidly forgot, “didn’t you tell Gladys you’d help her in the kitchen?”

“She’s sick.” Tyler scoffs.

Rhea grabs Tyler by the sleeve and pulls him into the room. “Goodbye, Alaric.” She slams the door closed and I raise my fist, ready to pound it into the wood frame. But I stop myself because this is nothing. Tyler is just her friend. It’s not like she’s really gonna have sex with him as a thank-you for fucking soup.

“What’s with that guy?” I hear Tyler ask, his voice somewhat muffled by the crumpling sound of the paper bag.

“Ignore him. He’s a fucking weirdo.”

“No kidding. He acts like he’s your dad. It’s sorta creepy.”

“He’s harmless.”

Her response brings a smile to my face. I know she’s well aware that’s not true.

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