The Rules: Book Five

Chapter 17

Su and Wendy slowly wandered down the street until they reached a little city park. He guided her to an open bench, and they sat down. "Sorry about that back there. The thought of someone going through my things with so little regard...it's insane." She sighed.

"I get it. I do. It's a horrible feeling."

"They probably gave my dress to their drugged-out girlfriend...or pawned it. Do you think they pawned in?" She looked at him, semi-hopeful it wasn't wadded up in a crack house somewhere.

"More than likely." he tried to reassure her, although he wasn't sure. Just then, her phone rang, "Riggs must be back from the show...hey, babe." She answered with a sigh.

"I'm going to go get us drinks," Su whispered, pointing to a vendor not far away. She nodded as he got up to give her some space to talk.

"Hey, Love. How's it going?"

"Shitty. We're down the road at the park."

"Why? What's going on?" She could hear the concern in his voice.

"I needed some air. Su took me for a walk. It just sucks to walk in and see your place like that. They broke or trashed almost everything. It all just feels dirty."

"I'm really sorry. I wish I could be there to help you with it all."

"I know, " she said quietly. "So, I guess we're going to pack up what I want to keep, and Su's going to have it shipped to London for me. I don't know how much there is left or how to know what to save."

"Keep whatever isn't replaceable for you. Don't feel like you need to pack everything like you're furnishing a new place. When the tour ends, we can buy new things for our flat together." He smiled a little at the thought of them moving in together.

"Are you officially asking?" She kicked the gravel a little with her toe.

"Begging."

Su looked over and saw a genuine grin on her face. He paid the man for the two sodas and made his way back to the bench.

"Love. I'm sorry you're doing this without me, but you're strong. Bang it out, and we'll start fresh. Ok?"

"Ok." She took a deep breath, feeling better about returning and tackling the mess. "Oh! Emmett and Miles are in the area. They're on their way to help out."

"Really?"

"Yup. I guess they were in Philly, so they're buzzing up. Su wanted me to reach out to some friends while we were here." She mouthed 'thank you' as he cracked open the soda and handed it to her.

"Good. I'm really glad to hear that. They'll be a good distraction for you." He smiled, glad she would have more help and maybe take a little pressure off Su. He knew Su was busy, and while he appreciated him helping Wendy, he also felt guilty he was taking up his time. "Hey baby, I hate to cut this short, but I need to sleep. It's been a rough couple of days, and we're leaving early tomorrow, but is Su there? Can I talk to him for a moment?"

"Of course he's here." She turned and smiled a little. "Love you."

"Love you too. I'll call you tomorrow, ok?"

"Ok. Bye, Riggs." She held the phone out, "He wants to talk to you." He looked surprised for a moment and took her phone.

"Hello?" Su got up and wandered off a little as Wendy enjoyed the fizzy burn of that first sip of soda.

"Hey. Sounds like it's not so great." Riggs said in a more serious tone.

"There was a lot of damage to the door. I've got movers on standby for when she has boxes ready to ship."