Hostile(55)

I know she is, and I lean next to her. “What’s going on? You never drink.”

She wipes at her mouth with her hand as another tear slides down her cheek. “It was just so crazy watching you and Fletch walk across that stage today, moving on to the next part of your lives. Leaving me.”

I wrap an arm around her and hold her close. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m here, Bree.”

She sniffs, her voice sad. “You are, but you’re not. You have Grayson, and you’ll be starting your career soon. Fletcher is moving out. It all hit me hard.” She sniffs again and then turns her head to look at me with those desperately sad eyes. “I’m so sorry. I’ll apologize to him. I promise. That was fucked up. I didn’t mean to.”

I hug her tighter. “I know you didn’t. And thank you. I don’t think he’s mad, more shocked. But for now, let’s get you home, okay?”

She nods. “I’m so sorry, Rhett.”

I kiss the top of her head. “I know. I’m sorry I haven’t been there for you. I’ll do better, okay? I promise. You know I love you.”

She makes a choked sobbing sound and nods her head before wiping at her eyes and pushing off the car. “I know.”

She climbs into the passenger seat, and I take one last glance in the direction of the house before getting behind the wheel. She looks so damn tired, and she leans against the window with her eyes closed. I decide to do no more questioning tonight.

We can talk more tomorrow, so I turn her favorite music up and drive her to Blair and Rhys’s house, parking in the drive and walking her up to the front door. When I unlock the door with the key I still have, I’m met instantly by a concerned Rhys.

Not surprising—he’s protective. “What’s wrong?” his deep voice rumbles with concern.

Bree straightens her shoulders and offers him a strong, “Nothing. I’m fine. Rhett just gave me a ride home.”

He doesn’t buy it, but neither of us say a word. She kisses my cheek and then his before walking off toward her room. Blair walks into the foyer, looking at Bree, then me, and then Rhys. “What’s going on?”

Bree keeps walking, and I keep my voice low. “I think she could maybe use a little talk.”

Blair nods in determination and understanding, taking off after Bree. Rhys closes the door behind me after I walk fully into the house. “You need a talk too?”

I shrug—so damn tired from this night—and okay, maybe from the last few years. “Yeah, maybe.”

He gives a clipped nod and jerks his head in the direction of the living room where I follow him, both of us taking a seat on the oversized sofa. “What’s up?”

So many damn things. I want to tell him everything. This man has given me a second chance in life. He’s the reason I graduated today, the reason I found my passion in art that led to my future career. He gave me a safe place when I never dreamed I could have that. “You’re straight, right? Like totally straight?” I blurt that out instead of a thank-you. And of course, he instantly looks confused.

Because why wouldn’t he be? Jesus.

“I mean . . .” I huff, annoyed with myself. “You’re only interested in women.”

“I’m only interested in one woman. Yeah. Why? What’s going on?”

I don’t think he’ll think any differently of me. I don’t. I know he’s not like Grayson’s dad. “I think I’m in love with a guy.” Shit. That was way too fucking real.

In love?

Shit.

His face lights up in surprise, but it’s different. I don’t know how I can tell, but somehow, I know his shock is more about the love part than the guy part. But before he can say anything in response, his eyes glance behind the couch where Blair is standing with wide eyes.

Well, fuck me.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to overhear that. Bree is out, and I . . .” She actually looks flustered. That’s a first.

“It’s okay. I want to talk to you too.”

She lights up at that and walks over to sit in-between us, placing a hand on my knee. “You’re in love?”

I smile to myself because I was right. They’re going to focus on the love part. “I um . . .” My voice isn’t working. “I think so.”

She’s grinning way too big. “Oh my god, Rhett. That’s great.”

“It’s with a guy,” I say stupidly, and she laughs at that, all kind and accepting.

“So? Do you know how many girls have turned my head over the years? There was even this one, right after I graduated from high school. She had the softest—”

“Okay.” I hold my hand up to stop her. “You’re making it weird.”

She laughs at that and thankfully stops. “I’m just saying. Guy, girl—whoever. If you love them,” she turns to Rhys with a smile and then back at me, “we will too. Is there love and respect between you both?”

I nod dumbly, my chest filling with pride, so damn grateful for these two people who took me in. People I never felt worthy of, not because of them, but because of me. “Yeah. He’s great.”

She smiles at that and places a hand on my knee. “That’s good, Rhett. I want to meet him. Right away.” I roll my eyes, but I can’t stop smiling because of course, she does. She snaps her fingers. “Oh. You’re being safe, right? I know I gave you the whole condoms speech to prevent pregnancy, and you don’t have to worry about that part. But diseases are still a thing.”