Behind The Bright Lights

Chapter 10

'Nate? Natey?' Rocki called out roaming in his house carrying a bottle of wine.

She had changed her mind about that "never surprise Nate again" thing. And today was a great day because Sharon was out working so there really shouldn't be a problem.

'Who let you in here?' Nate said from behind her causing her to jump. He was wearing a white vest and a pair of shorts and of course, barefoot.

'Don't do that.' She mumbled with a hand on her chest.

'What are you doing here, Rocki?' he asked taking the bottle from her and going with it to the bar with Rocki in tow. 'I thought you said you were never coming back here.'

'I changed my mind.' She said simply and Nate gave her a cool look so she continued. 'And Max is in Chicago for the weekend plus Kimmy is working so...here I am.' She smiled prettily.

'Mmm I knew there had to be a reason.' He mumbled putting the wine in the fridge. 'So who let you in?'

'Your maid...cook...whatever...the lady in the hideous uniform. She told me Sharon wasn't here.'

'Mmm...'

'What is wrong with you? You are making me feel like I'm not wanted here.' She complained causing him to pause then look up at her and smiled slowly until Rocki was smiling back.

'I'm sorry, Rocki. I have a ton on my mind. You good?'

'Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking.' She sat down on one of the bar stools and waited for him to sit too so he sat on a stool next to her. 'Pour us something.'

He eyed her for a moment. 'What's wrong, Rocki?'

'What do you mean?'

'You look like you have something you want to talk about. What is it?' Nate could tell that there was something she wanted to say.

She regarded him coolly then dropped her gaze for a second then looked up again with hooded eyes. 'I think Max has someone else.'

'Sonofabitch.' Nate cursed under his breath. 'How did you find out?'

'I'm not sure yet but the way he has been treating me and this long weekend in Chicago has me raising my eyebrows.' She raised her eyebrows comically.

Nate frowned. 'You don't care?'

'Well, Max and I both knew that we were just having fun and now the fun is over so...' she shrugged. 'I was bored with him within a week but I didn't want to hurt his feelings.'

Nate gave Rocki a side glance sighed and looked away. 'You made me curse the poor guy's mother for nothing! Dammit!' he slammed his foot on the wooden floor comically.

Rocki laughed. 'I never asked you to.'

'Yes but when your friend tells you that their boyfriend is cheating the only other acceptable thing to say is "asshole".' He said with a mock pained look on his face that made Rocki laugh again. 'Even when what you actually want to say is "you had that one coming".'

'That's the worst thing about friendship.' He commented casually putting his feet on Rocki's leg rest.

'People never tell each other the truth.'

'Cos they are afraid of hurting each other.'

'It's stupid...and pointless.'

'Cos if the truth is not told one way or another the person will still get hurt.'

Rocki shifted so she could face him. 'Promise that you'll always tell me the truth no matter what.'

'I always tell you the truth.' He said with a smile.