“That’s a joke, right?” Rett asks, his arm wrapping around my waist. “Last time I checked, you’re all he wants to talk about.”
Deo adds, “I can see why he fancies you.”
My face is on fire listening to them discuss JJ’s feelings about me.
I’m no longer able to be invisible with Rett by my side. Every person we pass greets him, smiles, flirts, or wants to talk. He handles it smoothly. Deo gives me commentary the whole way to the parking lot.
“...oh, watch this. It's another one of his admirers. She started a fan club for him last year.”
“Oh, here comes the head of catering services. She's going to ask if he has a menu request for next week's banquet.”
The short walk drags on, but Deo is entertaining, Rett is charming.
We approach the lot where Deo’s blue Range Rover sits. I’m happy about how the day has turned out until I see him.
Rippley.
Standing frozen near his car, staring at the three of us. A mix of disbelief and hurt on his face.
Rett spots him, completely oblivious to his reaction, and waves before opening my door. I take a step in Ripp’s direction, but he turns and walks away.
I can understand why this looks bad.
I ducked out on him yesterday, letting him think I wasn’t feeling well. Today I’m parading around his university campus with two other guys, looking just fine.
My mood shift catches Deo's attention. “Ya alright, doll?”
“Uh,” I crane my neck to look for Rippley’s retreating back, but I no longer see him. “I will be?”
Rippley will understand, right? He knows I see Dr. Fraine. I’ll just talk to him about it.
Their conversation moves on, but I don’t.
I try to think of the right words to let Rippley know I’m not another “almost” or letdown in his life.
Chapter Twenty-One
JJ (Josh)
Imagine my luck. I can forgive Rett and Deo for ignoring the whole purpose of our meet-up by bringing her along. House business is best handled on campus anyway.
I’m curious why she’d been there, but I don’t want to pry.
“Hey buddy,” Hobey chirps before rubbing his feathered head against mine while tapping his wooden spoon on my neck.
“He’s just a little percussionist,” Biz says, sitting next to me on my mismatched, quilt-covered couch. Her smile wipes away my earlier worries.
Just like that she brightens my outlook.
“Greys are like little delinquents.” I duck to avoid his spoon. “Not gonna lie, I love that.”
Rett is in my kitchen, digging through the fridge. “Dude, you have nothing but sauces.”
Deo hops up to join him, causing Hobey to squawk and follow.
Giving me a minute alone with Bizzy.
My dream last night made me apprehensive. The moment feels fragile. There has to be a way to include her without giving anything about the House away, and to safely have her in my life.
