I used to think I was fine with that. But then I met Rhea, and I can’t get her out of my head. Not that I’ve had much opportunity to try yet. I’ve seen her every day this weekend, and it’s hard to forget someone when you’re constantly being thrown together. This week I have a full schedule at the shelter. The director is interviewing for new staff, so I’m going in to keep things running smoothly while she’s in meetings. Playing with the kids and helping the moms track down resources will go a long way in helping me keep my mind off of Rhea.
I hope.
Chapter 21
Rhea - New Friends and a Moody Drummer
“Found him.” Connor yells out from somewhere in the house. Alex and I have just come back in from checking to see if Aiden slipped out into the yard while she was giving me a tour of the pool house. I think the story of how she and Connor reunited after so many years, when she was hired as his chef, unbeknownst to both of them, is so romantic. Makes me wish I had a love story of my own, but I’ve been so focused on my career all these years that I haven’t made time for romance. It didn’t really fit into my life before, and now, with having to refocus on a new career, I’m not sure it ever will.
“Where was he?” Alex yells back. “We’ve looked everywhere.”
Connor comes around the corner and into the kitchen to where we are.
“He was sleeping in his room downstairs. I can’t even remember the last time he was down there. He never stays over anymore.”
“Oh, you didn’t wake him, did you? I can just call an Uber.” Somehow, when Alex was giving me the tour, everyone else left. I came with Xena and she took off, as did anyone else who could have given me a ride back to my place. Which makes me think they all planned this together in advance. “I don’t want to be an inconvenience. Really. It’s no problem.”
“He wouldn’t have stayed all night, anyway.” Connor assures me. “He never does. It can be three in the morning and he’ll still go home. He’s a bit of a homebody, I guess.”
“It’s true. Aiden keeps to himself more than the other guys. He’s the smart, quiet, responsible one of the bunch.”
“I should be offended that my fiancee is saying that, but it’s just a fact. Aiden is more mature than the rest of us put together.” Connor wraps his arms around Alex’s growing baby bump. She said she’s around four months along, but since she’s pregnant with twins, her belly is adorably huge.
“Well, I just hope he’s not too put out at the fact that he’s stuck with me yet again. Although, I suppose it’s a little better this time. At least I have my keys, so I’ll be able to get into my own place. I’d hate to invade his home again.”
“It’s probably good for him if you do,” Connor says. “With all the terrible memories he probably has in that place, he should have sold it long ago. I don’t know why he’s insisted on living there all these years. “
Alex walks over and loads the dishwasher. It looks like everyone was kind enough to bring everything back from the dining room before they made their hasty escape.
“What do you mean, terrible memories?” I know he didn’t want to tell me about his dad, but was it really so bad that the house would hold that many bad feelings?
“Are you ready to go, Rhea?” Aiden comes around the corner so suddenly that I jump in surprise when he speaks. My heart races and a nervous laugh bubbles up. I feel like we’ve been caught doing something naughty instead of talking about a house. I wish he’d waited another minute to come up, though, so I could have heard what Connor was trying to tell me.
“Only if you’re sure it’s not a problem. I can call for a ride instead, if you prefer. You’ve done so much for me this weekend, already. I feel bad asking you for anything else.” And I really do. Not only because I don’t normally need to rely on anyone, particularly someone I hardly know; I’m also a little nervous about being alone with him again. I know he’s not attracted to me like I am to him, and I don’t need any reminders. Just let me go home with my fantasies to my battery operated boyfriend. Less chance of rejection that way.
“It’s no problem at all,” he says, looking over at Connor and Alex. “In fact, with the way everyone’s been behaving today, I probably should have expected it and tried harder to stay awake.”
Alex and Connor look at each other, small smiles on their faces and guilty looks in their eyes. They had something to do with this alright. It’s not a coincidence that the only people left here are the ones that live here and me and Aiden.
“That’s true. At least it’s on the way, right? I can’t guarantee anything, but it’s possible you can just slow down in front of my building and I’ll be able to tuck and roll myself onto the sidewalk. You might not even have to stop.” I do my best to keep a straight face. If he wants to be ridiculous about giving me a ride, then I can be ridiculous about accepting it.
Aiden laughs, while Alex and Connor look shocked. “That’s a mighty nice offer, and I might have taken you up on it, but I don’t think it’s wise of you to be pulling any stunts wearing that dress. Next time wear jeans and a leather jacket and I might consider it.”
I wanted to look nice tonight, so I wore one of the three dresses I own. This one is a short, yellow sundress with big pockets. And yes, I bought it for the pockets. And so I didn’t feel too girly, I paired it with the same combat boots I wore with my fishnets and shorts the other night. At least I’m consistent, right?
“Deal.” I turn to Alex and Connor. “Thank you again for inviting me. I had a great time.”
“The invitation stands, as I told you earlier. We do this every Sunday and you are welcome to join us whenever you can.” Alex comes over and gives me a hug, her little baby bump pushing into my stomach. “It was great to meet you.”
“It was great to meet you, too. And thank you for dinner, it was delicious.” Alex went Southern with her cooking and we ate from a selection of fried chicken, hot and cold salads, Mexican street corn, and the best mac and cheese I’ve ever tasted. She said it wasn’t a fancy meal, but for someone who grew up on packets of ramen and plain oatmeal, any meal that has real flavour is fancy.
“Thanks guys, I’ll see you this week sometime. I’m doing some extra work for the director while she works on some other stuff though, so I probably won’t be around much.” Aiden gives a little two finger wave and then holds his arm out for me to go first.
“Thanks for driving me home. Again,” I say once we’ve made it to the car and Aiden opens the door for me. “I promise I have my keys this time.”
“It’s fine,” he says, not even looking at me before he closes the door. I barely managed to yank all my arms and legs inside the car before he slammed it. That could have been quite painful if I hadn’t been paying attention. Also, that was kind of a dick move. What’s his problem?
“Um, excuse you?”
