Chapter 19

Chapter Nineteen

CARA

S loan is on me the second I open the door, throwing her arms around me and embracing me in a tight hug. "I've never gone this long without seeing you," she says with both worry and relief in her voice.

"I know, I'm sorry," I apologize as I hug her back, looking over her shoulder to see Sloan's friend, Emily, along with one of our other friends, Amaya, and her boyfriend, Jason. Sloan's latest obsession, Alex, stands at the back of the group.

I hadn't expected to see Alex here, but then again I haven't talked to Sloan since Halloween night. I don't know what she's been doing over the past few weeks, and Rhett only shared bits and pieces of their conversations.

"Come in," I wave, inviting them inside.

They shuffle through the doorway, then make their way toward the strong scent of food flowing from the kitchen. Before I can follow them, Sloan pulls me into the hallway, out of Rhett's sight.

Her voice is a low whisper so that only I can hear her, and she leans in. "Are you okay? What's going on?"

I put on my best poker face, and then act like I have no idea what she's talking about. "What do you mean? I've been sick and Rhett has been here taking care of me."

"That's kind of weird though, isn't it?" She's obviously suspicious. "You disappeared with a stranger and you've been a lot more quiet than normal. Even when you're sick, you at least check in to let me know you feel like you're dying. I've barely heard from you. Is he doing this? Was I that overbearing at the Halloween party? I'm sorry if I was too much. I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

I shake my head, setting my hands on her shoulders as I look into her eyes. I can't see Rhett, but I know he's listening to every word. "This has nothing to do with the Halloween party. No, he's not doing anything. I was sick, and now that I'm feeling better, I've been spending all of my time with him." I let go, allowing my arms to drop to my sides. "And I really think he might be the one."

Sloan's eyes go wide. " The one?"

I nod, giving her a soft smile. "Yes."

Her waterline is wet, almost like she wants to cry, but she pulls me into another hug, squeezing me tightly. "You're sure?"

"Yes," I say as I step back. "I'm so sorry I didn't say goodbye on Halloween. I suddenly wasn't feeling very well and he made sure I got home safe. I should have let you know I was leaving."

Sloan playfully pushes me, wiping away an almost-tear in her waterline. "You should have. I've been worried sick about you."

"I'm fine," I say, biting my cheek as I work up the courage to tell her we're leaving.

"You don't seem fine," Sloan whispers, looking around my shoulder to make sure we're still alone.

"No. I mean, I am fine, but I've been dreading telling you that I'm leaving for a while. Rhett offered to take me traveling with him, and I know it's kind of crazy, but I said yes."

"What about work? What about the shop?" Sloan's words are filled with horror. "What am I supposed to do without you? Cara, this doesn't sound anything like you. Are you sure this isn't him? Is he making you do this?"

Each of her questions hit me like a ton of bricks. One after the other, making it hard to keep a poker face. Her concerns are valid, and normally I'd agree, this doesn't sound like me. But I've changed. If these past few weeks have taught me anything, it's that it's okay for me to step outside of my comfort zone and take some risks. Even if we weren't running from a drug cartel, I would probably take Rhett up on his offer if he wanted me to go traveling with him.

"Jeremy is going to keep running the shop. I'll check in with him remotely to make sure things are going okay. I've been overwhelmed with work anyway, and it's been forever since I've taken some time off. I feel like I deserve this. I just want you to be happy for me and not question what I'm doing," I sigh. "Please."

She looks me up and down, studying my facial expression, but I remain unphased.

"Please," I repeat. "When will I have another opportunity like this to see the world? I have enough money saved to pay my mortgage while I'm gone. It'll be fine."

"Okay," she slowly nods. "If this is what you want."

"It is," I say, reassuring her. "I'm really excited about this and I hope you can be happy for me. I'm set on doing something for myself for once."

"But you have to check in with me more. I can't be left in the dark, wondering what my best friend is doing without me."

"I promise I'll check in more," I laugh, giving her one last hug before we join everyone in the kitchen. "It's almost time to eat. Let's go get some food."

Sloan and I wander into the kitchen to find everyone laughing and talking, watching as Rhett carves the turkey. They're all standing there hungrily, almost salivating with their plates in their hands while they wait for Rhett to dish them up a thick slice of turkey. My eyes immediately land on Emily, who's standing on the other side of Rhett. She's standing too close to him, smiling up at him as he masterfully cuts the turkey into manageable pieces. Her hand is on his arm, gripping his bicep as it flexes with each cut.

A jealous rage sparks inside me, and it takes everything in me to not say something. She doesn't notice me at first, but turns to look at me when I say, "I hope everyone is hungry. We've been working on this all day. Rhett did most of the work, but he let me help here and there."

She looks me up and down, clearly annoyed with my presence.

In my fucking house.

Who does this bitch think she is? I didn't even invite her. She's Sloan's friend.

I glance at Sloan, who's completely unaware of what's happening because she's completely consumed with getting back to Alex. He's almost done filling his plate when she joins him. By the look on his face, I have no doubt he'll be going back for seconds or thirds.

And I really can't blame him. It smells fucking delicious in here. Between the turkey and the pies Rhett made, I don't know what smells better. He worked so hard on this to impress my friends and give us one last memory together.

He did this for me.

When I turn my attention back to Rhett and Emily, I find that she's gone back to ignoring me, and now she's standing even closer to Rhett. Why is he letting her be that close to him? Does he know how far into his space she is right now? Or is he completely oblivious?

I'm fucking fuming watching this bitch throw herself at my man inside my own home. Is she serious right now? I'm standing right here.

"Do you have a plate, Emily?" I ask, drawing her attention back to me.

She turns away from Rhett, and responds without falter. "Rhett got a plate for me. I'm just waiting for a big, juicy piece of his meat." Her eyes slide up and down his body, but he doesn't seem to notice. "He's working on it, but it's hard."

My jaw drops. Is she fucking with me?

I struggle to find words, but I finally say, "I've been making sure his meat has stayed wet all day, so I'm sure any piece will do."

Her face falls flat, and I can tell Rhett has taken my hint when he throws a piece of turkey down on her plate, immediately going back to carving the rest of the turkey.

Everyone piles heaps of food on their plates, and then we head to the table, which I spent entirely too much time setting. I broke out the fancy china and napkins for the occasion, just like I do every year that it's my turn to host Friendsgiving. My great grandma gave me her Thanksgiving and Christmas china before she passed, and I swore to her that I'd put them to use as much as possible.

We each take a seat at the table, and it doesn't slip by me when Emily sits on the other side of Rhett, scooting her chair a few inches closer to him.

Sloan notices this time, and we exchange glances. Even she's annoyed with Emily.

"Wine?" I ask the entire table, picking up a bottle of my favorite moscato and waving it. "It's sweet."

"Do you have any red?" Emily asks before anyone can respond. "I only drink red."

Rhett pushes his chair back and stands, turning toward the kitchen. "I think I saw some in the pantry. Let me grab it for you."

Emily flutters her eyes at him, clasping her hands together. "Thank you SO much."

He gives her an awkward nod, then disappears into the kitchen.

"I'll take some, please," Amaya smiles as she holds her wine glass up for me.

I twist the top off the bottle, then pour a generous amount of wine inside her glass.

"Thank you," she says, immediately bringing it to her lips and swallowing a big mouthful.

"Me too," Sloan says, but instead of pouring hers, I just hand her the bottle. She'll probably pour some for Alex too.

Looking around the table, everyone is smiling and happy. Amaya and Jason are lost in conversation with Sloan while she pours the wine into each of their glasses, going on and on about the latest gossip at work. She looks so happy surrounded by her closest friends.

I know I'm her best friend, but she has so many other people in her circle. My heart feels content knowing she won't be completely alone without me. She'll be okay, and now she has Alex too.

"Will this do?" Rhett asks Emily when he returns from the pantry, holding out a bottle of red wine I've had sitting in the back corner of my pantry forever. "I grabbed a corkscrew for you, too."

"Yes!" she gasps, far too excited for my liking. "This is perfect. Thank you, Rhett."

Rhett gives me a quick glance as he sits between us, then picks up his fork, shoveling a mountain of mashed potatoes inside his mouth.

Emily pops the cork, then pours herself a heaping glass of wine. She guzzles it down instantly, then refills her glass. I breathe out, trying to contain my emotions before I get petty. This is going to be a long evening with Emily. I'm exhausted and not in the mood for this.

"Mmm," Emily moans as she finishes her second glass, immediately pouring herself a third. "This is so refreshing."

We're all sitting here, frozen in place as we watch her blatantly act out. She's acting like a fucking child.

Her hand falls to Rhett's hand, and then slides up his forearm. She's leaning into him as he's eating, but he's ignoring her for the most part. I pick up my fork, and everyone else follows.

"Happy Friendsgiving," I say, raising a forkful of gravy-smothered turkey to everyone.

"Happy Friendsgiving," everyone except Emily cheers, and then we feast.