Rhett (Rhett #1)(22)
Author: J.S. Cooper

“Veronica and you having a good time?”

“I dropped her home.”

“Oh.”

I didn’t respond again.

“I thought about it and you were right.” She texted me again after two minutes.

“About what?” I texted back.

“It wasn’t smart to invite Elliott back to my apartment after one meeting.”

“Told ya.” I smiled to myself.

“He’s not a psycho though.”

“We’ll see.”

“What you doing?”

“Relaxing.”

“At home?”

“No.”

“Oh.”

“I came to relax.”

“Oh. I see.”

I didn’t respond again. Instead, I stood up and walked over to the playground and looked around.

“Can I come?” She texted back again.

“If you want.” I responded slowly. There was no response from Clementine after that and I walked back to the bench and sat down again. About ten minutes later, I saw a car pulling into the parking lot. I watched as Clementine got out of the car and walked towards me with something in her arms.

“Hi.” She smiled at me softly.

“Hi.” I nodded and tried not to stare at her beautiful face.

“I brought this for you.” She handed me a sweater. “I knew it was pretty cool out and I knew you just had on your t-shirt.”

“Thanks.” I took it from her gratefully and pulled it on. “How’d you know where I was?”

“How could I not know?” She smiled and sat down next to me.

“Yeah.” I sighed and leaned back, my shoulders rubbing hers.

“That’s what best friends are for.” She rested her head down on my shoulder and we both sat there in silence just watching the stars. These were the times that I loved. These were the times I craved. Sitting in silence with someone. With her. It reminded me that while I felt alone, I always had her. Even in my darkest hours. Even when I didn’t want to talk. Even when I felt like the world was caving in on me. Clementine was always there. She was the light at the end of the tunnel. I closed my eyes and thought about my mom. There was a point in my life that I had thought she’d always be there as well. There was a point when I thought that I was her world. But I’d been wrong. I felt my body tensing as Clementine rested next to me. What if Clementine left me as well? What if her forever was temporary as well? Would I ever be able to get over losing my best friend?

Chapter Six

“What time is the barbeque?” I watched Clementine as she pottered around in my kitchen.

“I told Nanna, we’ll be there around noon tomorrow.” She opened the fridge and pulled out some butter and cheese. “Want a grilled cheese?”

“Sure.” I nodded and sat on one of the stools that she had helped me choose out. “Don’t burn the bread.”

“When have I ever burned the bread?” She turned to me and raised an eyebrow.

“Well there’s a first time for everything.”

“There’s a first time for me to stab you with this knife.” She rolled her eyes at me and I laughed.

“Just don’t burn the bread.”

“Don’t just sit there watching me cook.” She grabbed a frying pan and put it on the stove.

“What else should I be doing?” I jumped up and walked over to her.

“Go and watch TV or something.”

“You’re the TV fiend.” I reached over and grabbed a slice of American cheese and started eating it.

“Rhett!”

“Yes?” I grinned as I nibbled on the cheese.

“You’re going to ruin your appetite.”

“Yes, mom.”

“Whatever.” She punched me in the arm. “Get out.”

“In case you forgot this is my kitchen.”

“What’s yours is mine.” She grinned at me and I groaned.

“Never.” I shuddered.

“Thanks, Rhett.”

“Sorry, but that makes me think of weddings and forever and evers.” I made a face and she gave me a look.

“There’s nothing wrong with forever and ever and happily ever afters.”

“They don’t exist.” I opened the fridge and grabbed a coke. “Unless you live in a fairytale.”

“Not true.” She shook her head. “There is someone out there for everyone, even you.”

“Even me?” I laughed and took a long swig of coke. “I don’t want anyone.”

“Don’t you ever wonder what will happen though, Rhett?” She looked at me curiously. “Don’t you want to grow old with someone?”

“I have you.” I laughed and she smiled at me softly.

“But I’m going to get married and have kids, what then?”

“You’ll still be my best friend.” I frowned and tried to ignore the pang that hit my heart at her words. What would happen if Clementine met someone and fell in love? What if she got married and had a bunch of kids. What would happen to us?

“I will, but my husband won’t like me hanging out with you every day.”

“You guys can adopt me.” I grinned.

“I’m being serious, Rhett.” She frowned. “We won’t be able to hang out every day. You can’t just come over. You can’t call me at all hours of the night. You can’t expect to just be in my life like you are now.”

“What are you trying to say, Clemmie?” I frowned now. “Are you mad at me or something? Are you still upset at the other night?”

“No.” She sighed. “I’m just saying you have to realize that everything isn’t going to stay the same.”

“I want us to stay the same.” I grabbed her around the waist and picked her up.

“Rhett, put me down.” She squealed as she squirmed against me. “Rhett.”

“What?” I laughed and carried her through to the living room and dropped her on the couch.

“You can’t just pick me up like that.” She sat up and glared at me, her face a red flush.

“Why not?” I grinned and winked at her.

“Because it’s not appropriate.”

“Since when have you cared if something is appropriate or not?” I sat on the couch next to her. “You’ve worn my boxer shorts to sleep in. That’s not appropriate.”

“That’s only because I slept over and didn’t have PJ’s.” She glared at me.