“Yeah, blame that.” I playfully push him. “Have a shower, we’re going shopping.”
Well, this is awkward.
Renley’s driving. Kitty’s in the front seat, Rupert is directly behind her, and I’m sitting next to Rupert.
There isn’t a hint of music.
Not a sprinkle of conversation.
Just silence.
Dead, uncomfortable silence.
I thought Kitty might say something, possibly entertain, but either she’s passed out up front or Renley put her on a strict no-talking policy.
Which brings me back to my phone when it buzzes in my hand with a text from Rupert.
Rupert:Someone needs to say something, I’m about to sweat through my shirt. I can’t stand the silence.
Tell me about it.I text him back.
Theo:Strike up a conversation.
Rupert:Me? Why me? I’m not the one attempting to court the driver without her knowing that you’re courting her.
Theo:Which makes you the prime target to start a conversation, because if it was me, I might come off as trying too hard.
Rupert:You proposed in her front yard after she turned you down earlier. If that’s not trying too hard then I don’t know what is.
Theo:Could do without the impudence. Just say something. Talk to Kitty.
Rupert:Uh…I can’t talk to her, she didn’t comment on my comment—on purpose. I can’t live with that. I’m ashamed.
Theo:Please don’t make me despise you.
Rupert:In sickness and in health, sir, that’s what we agreed upon when entering into this friendship.
Theo:We actually didn’t. There has been no formal agreement that requires me to stick with you through sickness and health.
Rupert:Then what the fuck am I doing in Massachusetts, riding in the back of a moderate Toyota Camry, silence circling me like a goddamn disease? If we aren’t with each otherthrough sickness and health, then get me a first-class ticket back home. See ya, chum.
Theo:I think you’re forgetting one important thing. You got me into this mess, and if you intend on ditching me, then I have no problem telling my father to look closer at his portrait. Oh, and the bad cigar in each batch has nothing to do with the company and everything to do with you stealing his prized cigars.
Rupert quickly shoots a glare at me and then texts back with ferocity.
Rupert:You wouldn’t.
Theo:I would.
Rupert:Wow, never thought you’d stoop this low.
Theo:You’re the one saying you’ll ditch me. You started this.
Rupert:No, the silence started this! This is exactly what the silence wants. It wants to tear us apart. We can’t let it do that to us. We have to be strong. Stick together.
Theo:You’re right. What were we thinking?
Rupert:We were thinking too much. The silence, it’s deafening. I can’t take it. Say something. Anything.
