“Possibly. I wouldn’t put it past him.” Before all this blew up, I would’ve never said that about my brother. But now, it’s like I don’t even know him.
“Has your father…ever cheated on Diane?”
“Yeah. Quite often, actually. It’s like this known thing with the family that no one ever talks about. But she’ll never leave him. She’ll never even confront him. I don’t think she wants to lose what she’s got, you know?”
“And what does she have, really? A lot of money, an unfaithful husband, a broken marriage, and the stepson she’s banging on the side?” Jensen sighs heavily. “Sounds like one of my favorite TV shows.”
I can’t help the laugh that escapes. “Don’t forget, this is my life we’re talking about.”
“I know.” She pauses. “Mine too.”
Jensen
For the first time since I don’t know when, I feel…good. Strong. Confident. Almost carefree. And it’s all because of Rhett. He’s the first person in my life who’s never
given up on me. Having someone there, who stands by my side no matter what, is…amazing.
It’s the best feeling in the whole world.
After that semi-disastrous Thanksgiving, Rhett and I talked. A lot. He told me more about the dynamics within his family, and how Park is struggling with their father right now. It made me understand Park’s behavior a little better.
Kind of. He’s still an ass, though.
Park hasn’t reached out to either of us since Thanksgiving, and it’s a total relief. We haven’t seen Diane either. Or talked about her. If life could continue this way, I wouldn’t have to worry about a thing.
Life isn’t that way, though. She will come back up. After all, she’s Rhett’s stepmother. If I continue a relationship with Rhett, this woman will be in my life whether I want her to be or not. It’s something I’m going to have to deal with, and I’ve come to one major conclusion.
I’ll keep my one last major secret, but that’s only because I don’t know how to tell Rhett the truth. And is it really that important? What his entire family doesn’t know won’t hurt them, right? I won’t reveal my true relationship to Diane to anyone. I’ll keep it all to myself and that way no one has to know.
Perfect plan, right?
My biggest fear if I do tell Rhett the truth? His reaction. What if he feels betrayed? Used? What if he hates me? I can’t bear the thought. Deep down inside, I know it’s wrong to keep this from him, but I can’t bear the thought of him not being in my life anymore. I just…
I can’t do it.
We had a busy week at school. The semester is winding down, we’re prepping for final projects, plus Rhett has practice and a game, so I don’t see him as much as I would like. But I’ve pretty much moved into his house, much to his roommate Chad’s displeasure. I took away their title of coolest bachelor pad, according to him. Rhett says that title’s bogus.
It’s Sunday night, and we’ve decided to go to dinner, then to the local bar where we very first met. A few of his friends from the team will be there in celebration of someone’s birthday, and Rhett promised he would stop by. I go along with his plan because I want to be the supportive girlfriend. Plus, there’s something so…exhilarating about walking into a room on Rhett’s arm. It’s like everyone pays attention to us. He has this certain kind of magnetism that draws everyone to him. He’s special.
Yet he somehow chose me.
“We won’t stay long,” he tells me as we head toward the bar’s main entrance. “I’ll wish Johnny a happy birthday, we’ll have a drink, and then we’ll take off.”
“Why don’t you want to stay long?” I squeeze his hand, smiling up at him. He looks extra good tonight in the black sweater and jeans, his dark hair a little longish on top and kind of messy, and there’s a layer of stubble on his cheeks.
Sexy.
“Wouldn’t you rather spend the rest of the night in bed?” His wicked grin tells me he’s not talking about sleep, making me laugh.
“We’ll stay an hour,” I suggest.
“Thirty minutes,” he counters.
“Forty-five.”
He grins. “Deal.” He brings our linked hands to his mouth, kissing my knuckles just before he opens the door with his free hand.
We enter the crowded bar, Rhett’s friends cheering loudly when they spot us. Making our way over there, we’re immediately enveloped into their group, Rhett and I each handed a beer. I watch as Rhett embraces the birthday boy and chats with him, his focus zeroed in on Johnny and no one else.