Rhett nods, giving me an understanding smile. “I’ll sleep here again tonight.”
He opens the front door and takes a step out before turning back. “Maybe we can convince Wade to do the same?”
“I’ll try my best,” I say with a smile.
“Me too,” Gus adds.
Rhett leaves, and Gus and I are alone.
“It’s funny… Wade comes across as the protective one, but you both take care of him.”
“Rhett more than me,” Gus says, scraping his bowl to get every last bit.
“You all care about each other.”
“Of course we do.”
“Because you’ve been stuck together?”
“No, even before that. We were best friends. Our families were close. We understood what it was like to grow up in a family like that, and then… well, wereallyunderstood what it was like.”
“You think he’ll stay again tonight?”
Gus smiles, taking my hand. “I think maybe if you talk to him, he might.”
“Me? I don’t know what to say to him.”
“Just don’t tell him you understand, that things will get better, or you’re going to help. Uh… I know that sounds bad, but he doesn’t do well with positive things. Maybe ask about something. Let him do the talking.”
“Right… that’s not at all difficult. Thank you, Gus.” I smile dramatically.
He grabs our dishes and washes them, then kisses the top of my head.
“I’m going to help Rhett.”
He hurries out the front door, and I head in to take a quick shower before going to find Wade.
Chapter Seventeen
Daisy
He’swanderingaroundtheedge of the property when I spot him.
“Wade!” I call out. “Hey, Wade!”
He glances up, watching me curiously as I hurry over to him.
“What are you doing over here?” I glance at the thick trees that surround the land. Not much of our town has woods like this, but the back of Grannie’s farm does.
“Thinking,” he grunts.
“Come inside and get some water. You look exhausted.”
“It’s the curse.”
“The curse?”
Pursing his lips, he stares at me like he is ready to let me have it.
