by E. L. Todd
“What does that mean?”
“There was this girl I was really into…but she never noticed me. She kept looking at me like I was just a friend. If she finally opened her eyes and saw what was right in front of her…we could have had something pretty damn amazing.”
I didn’t have a clue whom he was talking about. “What happened to her?”
He shrugged and never answered.
Rex opened the door and walked inside. “Yo, it’s me.”
“We know,” Zeke said. “Who else would just walk in like that?”
“Or because you knew I was coming.” He came into the living room and stood by the back of the couch.
“What did you need to do?” I asked.
Rex held up a Hallmark card. “I got you guys something.” He handed it over. “Keep in mind, I’m penniless right now.”
Zeke took it then turned it over as he examined it. “What’s it for?”
Rex put his hands in his pockets. “You know…for everything.”
Zeke looked at me before he did the honors and opened the card. Then he moved beside me on the couch so we both could read it at the same time. It was a red card with a bunch of pink hearts everywhere.
“I know the card is kind of lame…” Rex shrugged and looked at the ground.
Zeke and Rae,
I just wanted to say thank you for everything you’ve done for me. You weren’t obligated to do anything, and I didn’t ask for anything, but you wanted to help anyway. I’d be drowning right now if it weren’t for the both of you. I may be broke and without a cent to my name, but I feel rich having the two of you in my life.
Sincerely,
Rex
“Awe…” It was one of the sweetest things Rex had ever done.
“That was thoughtful,” Zeke said. “Thanks, man.” He left the couch then hugged Rex. They didn’t usually show affection to each other, but this was an exception. He clapped him on the shoulder. “You would do it for me.”
Rex nodded.
I came around the couch and stopped in front of him. “You know I would do anything for you, Rex. You took care of me when it wasn’t your responsibility, and I’ll always take care of you.”
Rex didn’t handle emotion very well, so he looked uncomfortable. “I know. You have no idea how thankful I am that we have each other…even if we don’t have anyone else.”
I opened my arms. “Should we hug or something?”
The corner of his lip lifted in a half smile. “I guess we can…but we can’t let this turn into a habit.”
“Deal.” I pulled him in for a hug and wrapped my arms around his waist.
Rex rested his chin on my head. His arms were around my shoulders.
Zeke stood there silently, giving us a moment.
Rex cleared his throat and stepped away. “Okay, enough of the lovey-dovey shit.” He crossed his arms over his chest and didn’t look at me again. “I need a beer or something.”
Zeke chuckled. “Or maybe a shot?”
“Yeah.” Rex snapped his fingers. “I need a shot of vodka.”
“Coming right up.” Zeke headed into the kitchen.
I kept smiling at Rex because I knew he was a big softy under that rough exterior.
“What?”
I shrugged. “Nothing.”
“You’re giving me that look.”
“What look?” I played innocent.
“Like you’re thinking or something.”
“Well, I do think pretty often.”
“Well, I don’t like it.”
I gave him a playful slap on the arm. “You really want to know what I was thinking?”
“Not really.”
I crossed my arms over my chest.
“Okay, I already know what you were thinking.”
“What?”
“That you love me.” He cringed like he was disgusted by his own words.
I grinned from ear-to-ear. “You’re a mind reader. And I know what you’re thinking too.”
“Do not,” he snapped.
“You love me too.”
He rolled his eyes and walked away.
“What?” I said. “You do.”
“Don’t push it.” He walked into the kitchen and his voice carried. “Zeke, where the hell is that goddamn shot?”
The story continues in Book 2 of the Ray Series.
Click here to purchase Ray of Hope.
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