Shattered

Chapter Ten

"So, when are you going to text either of them back?"

Jess and I were sitting on the edge of a dock with our legs dangling off the side. We picked up sandwiches from a nearby deli, grabbed waters, and walked down here.

"Soon. I just need time to process last night. As for Red, she's always behind. This is probably her way of giving me an out if I need a quick escape plan. I'll text her later and tell her I'm ok."

"She's pretty cool, I'm glad you've had her up there. She looks after you like I do. I like that. So, do you think you and Rhett are able to be friends?"

I looked at her over my sandwich as I took a bite. I never responded. The two of us ate in silence as I watched the acting in front of us. There were a few people I could probably recruit but they weren't showing me that this was a passion for them, so I stayed put. I let my mind wander off to Rhett. Could we go back to being friends? We obviously still have strong feelings for one another, could being just friends work? I don't want to be just friends. He's all I have ever wanted. He's it for me. I can't be friends, it's either together or nothing. Is that wrong of me to think that way?

"Earth to the cinnamon-eyed girl sitting next to me. Where'd you go just now?" Jess bumped her shoulder into me pulling me out of my thoughts.

"Sorry, I was just thinking. Is it wrong of me to feel like if Rhett and I can't be together then I don't want to be friends? Kind of like an all or nothing type of thing?" My attention was no longer on the production set. I was now focused on my question and curious about how she would perceive it.

"If I hadn't known your history, I'd say yes. But, knowing the history you two have, I completely understand why you'd feel like that. Who could be just friends with someone they're in love with?"

Thinking about her response, I chewed on the side of my lip as I pulled my phone from my back pocket and sat it on the dock in between us staring at it. The green light was blinking notifying me that I had either a missed call or missed text.

"I know both of you, I know what each of you have told me, and I definitely know what each of you have gone through without one another. I won't get involved in this more than I already am but, I will say, you both deserve another shot at this. The happiness that you two had when you were together was sickening. I'd love to complain about how gross you two are again." She laughed when I playfully pushed her arm.

Picking up my phone, opening my text messages, I selected Rhett's recently saved contact and opened the new text.

Rhett: I won't bug you again just please let me know if I should stop trying.

Taking in a deep breath, I slowly let it out as I began tapping my screen with a reply.

Me: I just needed some time to think. Still need time to process but, meet me at the diner for dinner?

No sooner than I sent the message did the bubbles pop up telling me he was already replying.

Rhett: I'll be there, what time?

Me: 6:00 work for you?

Rhett: Done. I'll have our booth. :)

Me: See you at 6.

Placing my phone back on the dock between us, I wiped my now sweaty hands on the leggings I was wearing.

"Why did I do that? I just ate, I won't be hungry in three hours. What was I thinking?"

Jess placed her hand on my arm. "You were thinking that you've waited long enough to finally get your boyfriend back where he should be."

When my eyes met hers, she was wearing a mischievous grin. Not able to hide my own grin, I leaned into her shoulder with a silent thank you.

"Three hours." Jess stated as she climbed to her feet, gathering the trash from our lunches. "Let's get back to the ranch and find you something to wear."

"It's just dinner at the diner, nothing special, Jess."

"Nonsense. I have waited for this moment for four damn years, let me have this!" She exclaimed as she tossed everything into the trash can.

Laughing to myself, I nodded my head and waved her on in front of me. I wouldn't tell her this but, I was a nervous wreck.

In her room she was tossing outfit after outfit at me with a scowl every time I shook my head no.

"Give me something to work with here! We've been at this for two hours." She said exasperated.

I stood from the chair I was sitting in and walked over to the bed where nearly her entire closet lay. Sifting through the outfits she tossed out, I grabbed a pair of dark denim jeans, a black tank top, and a light and dark blue flannel.

"Really? You have worn flannel since you got here. Wear something different!"

"Jess, please. You know that isn't me. I only dressed up for work. Being back here, well, it's shown me just how much I miss the old me. I'm not about to be someone he and I both know I'm not. This will do just fine." I smiled, holding up the clothing.

She scowled but began hanging her clothes back on the hangers and hanging them in her closet, one by one. I slid out of the clothes I was wearing and pulled the jeans on, pulled the tank top over my head, and slid my arms into the sleeves of the flannel. I buttoned the bottom four buttons and started to pull my hair into a messy bun.

"Let me at least curl your hair." She begged.

Giving her a look of dissent, she stared back at me with pleading eyes.

"Come on, I'll curl it and pull it up for you. It'll just be some wavy curls, nothing fancy."

Sighing in defeat, I slipped my ponytail band back onto my wrist and followed her into the bathroom. She plugged in her large barrel curling iron and has me sit on the edge of the tub. An hour later she was pulling my band off my wrist and securing my hair back with it, pushing and pulling in certain spots of the ponytail to add lift and spread the curls.

"There. Let me grab my makeup and..."

I rushed to my feet at the mention of makeup. "I don't wear makeup, you know that. Never have, won't start now."

"But-"

"No. This is where I draw the line. Besides, I've got fifteen minutes to get there. I should leave now." I glanced at my phone, one missed message.

Rhett: Why did you have to pick dinner time? It's too long of a wait.

Laughing, I showed Jess the message as a smile grew across my lips.

"Ew, stop. Y'all aren't even back together yet and it's already gross." Jess wrapped her cord around her curling iron and placed it in its holder.

"Can I use your car?"

"Keys are hanging by the door. Be back by midnight or it'll turn into a pumpkin." Laughing at her own joke made me chuckle and roll my eyes. I hurried down the steps, slipped on my boots, grabbed the keys, and headed out the door.