Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 80821 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 404(@200wpm)___ 323(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80821 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 404(@200wpm)___ 323(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
Rhett turns around completely, his stomach against mine. It’s awkward in the small space, his legs bent, and a little water splashing over the edge. “You’re the best father I’ve ever known, the best person I’ve ever known. You make me want to be better.”
“Come’ere.” I grab his face, pull him closer, and fuse our lips together. We kiss until the water gets cold, then dry off and climb into bed.
We talk about life and work and just…everything. We blow each other again, Rhett coming in my mouth and me against my stomach when he pulls off, not quite ready for that.
We don’t sleep all night, and there’s not a doubt in my mind that I’m in love with him. I don’t know what I’ll do if I have to live through losing him too.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Rhett
“You’re good at this,” I tell Meadow, who is absolutely kicking my ass in chess.
I’ve been spending a lot of time here since the night I stayed over. Tripp invites me to dinner or just to hang out—each time Tripp and I sneaking into the shop to touch and kiss and make each other come…
Before that we’d play games with Meadow, watch movies, and even built a snowman. I haven’t done that since I was a kid, and back then, I hadn’t allowed myself to enjoy it. It was one of those few times when Mom didn’t let me or Dad make our usual excuses. Dad hadn’t been happy and had refused to go out with us. It was rare for him to tell her no about anything, but I think he did it because he was upset he’d lost control over me. So I’d felt like I had to pretend I would rather be inside with him. That I was above such childish things, though I’d been a child myself, at least in age. I don’t think I’ve ever been one in spirit.
Today, Tripp invited me over for breakfast. I was here late last night, left, and came back early this morning. Later today they’re spending time with his family. He invited me, but I don’t feel it’s my place to be there. Wouldn’t his family wonder why he brought a random friend?
“My dad taught me. He’s really good too,” Meadow replies.
Tripp’s in the kitchen, making breakfast. He banished us from the room, so we continued the game we started a couple of days ago. “Don’t play Tripp in chess. Got it.”
Meadow chuckles, while I study the board to figure out what the hell to do next. She’s going to beat me, and I really hate losing. Strangely, I’m not sure I’ll hate it as much this time. Partly because it’s to her, but also because I’m enjoying the moments of playing.
“You’re different,” Meadow says, studying me with those blue eyes that look older than thirteen.
“What do you mean?” But really, I know what she means because I am different. Talia mentioned something similar. I’ve felt the transformation in the last few weeks—longer than that, really—but it’s been even more prominent lately, and it seems I needed to hear it from Meadow.
She shrugs. “It’s hard to explain. You feel more like Rhett. Like the one you were always supposed to be.”
“The one I was always supposed to be?”
“Yeah. You said you were figuring yourself out, and I could see that. It’s like you started to find what you’ve been looking for. I talk like that sometimes, and it’s probably dumb, but—”
“It’s not dumb,” I interrupt. “You pay attention to people and take the time to see what others don’t because you care about them. It’s…special.” It’s the only word I can think to use.
“Thanks.” Meadow gives me a soft smile.
I don’t think she realizes how much she’s given me. Maybe it’s silly to feel this way—me, a grown man, getting confirmation from a thirteen-year-old that I’m on the right track—but that’s how I feel. “My mom used to try and sew. Did I ever tell you that?”
“No! Why do you say try?”
“Because she wasn’t very good.” The memory makes the corners of my lips turn up. “But one time, she insisted on making my and Morgan’s Halloween costumes. It was the year before East and Ella were born. When she was trying to fit us, she accidentally poked me a few too many times with the pins. I remember gritting my teeth so I wouldn’t tell her. She was having so much fun, I didn’t want to ruin it for her. When it was Morgan’s turn, I noticed him doing the same thing.” I’d grinned at him, and Morgan had returned it. It was one of those rare times we shared and held a good secret, where we were on the same page, while most of our life we felt like adversaries.
“What was your costume?”