Holly versus Mr. Ivy by Amanda P. Jones
Chapter 14
Holly
I laughed out loud when the princesses gathered around Vanellope, trying to help her figure out what to do. Overall, I loved Ralph and Vanellope. It was blatantly obvious why Rhett had shown these movies to me. He was trying to help me understand that friendships could form between the most unlikely people.
Like him and me.
Now the problem became what I was going to do about said new friendship, because the more I was around him, the more aware I was of him. Every time he shifted during the movie, I noticed. Every time he laughed, I smiled in response. So ridiculous that he’d turned me into this simpering girl. I had to channel my inner warrior just like in the fantasy novels I read.
“What did you think?” Rhett asked when the movie ended.
“Great choices. Although a little late in the message since I already agreed to be your friend.”
“It’s never too late for these movies.” He stood, gathering his trash and popcorn bowl. “Where’s the garbage?”
I picked up my glass soda bottle and candy wrappers. “In here.”
Rhett followed behind me. I pulled out the oak cabinet next to the dishwasher, where the garbage can was hidden under the counter. After tossing my trash in the bins, Rhett trailed behind me to the living room. Considering the time, I thought he’d leave right away. Instead of getting the box of popcorn he’d left on the coffee table, he stood in front of the pictures hanging on the wall across from the couch.
The pictures of Landon and me from kindergarten to graduation hung in various wood frames. Mom had never bothered to make sure they all matched. I collapsed my hands behind my back, squeezing my fingers tight. Did he notice the acne smattering my chin and forehead during my early teen years before I’d begged Mom for face wash? What about my frizzy, untamed hair in seventh grade? Or the stupid side-swoop bangs I had in my ninth-grade photo? My forehead was too small for bangs, and they’d constantly gotten in my eyes. I’d never made the same mistake again.
He pointed to my eighth-grade photo. “Even with braces and a brush of acne, you’re cute.”
My cheeks heated. At least by the time I’d posed for that photo, my face had cleared somewhat—and I’d been introduced to a flat iron. “Umm. Thank you?”
He chuckled. “You should have seen me as a teen. Horrible hair and braces for three years.”
Knowing the little I did about Rhett, there was absolutely no way he had looked awful. He didn’t have an awkward bone in his body. I was sure his parents had taken him to the best doctors, and he’d never had a zit on that handsome face of his. “I think you’re saying that just to make me feel better.”
He shook his head. “I’m not. Maybe I’ll show you sometime.”
I’d like to see what he claimed was “horrible hair.” “I feel like it’s only fair at this point.”
He smirked. “Ah. Haven’t you learned life is rarely fair? Either way, yes, I’ll be brave just for you.”
Rarely fair? How about never?
Rhett’s eyes immediately softened. “I take it that comment is about your mom?”
I snapped my head up to meet his gaze. Had I said that out loud? I rubbed the back of my neck. “And my dad,” I said softly.
Rhett placed a hand on my elbow, leading me back to the couch. We sat facing one another, our knees almost touching. “Where is your dad?”
My chest squeezed. I hadn’t spoken about Dad in a while. I liked talking about him, but the pain of losing him never went away. I lived with the ache of his loss all the time. It was like a pinprick on my heart. Always there, but not enough to completely drown me in despair unless I dwelled on it.
I stared at my hands in my lap. “He passed away from a heart attack seven years ago.”
Rhett placed his hand on top of mine and squeezed. “I’m so sorry.”
“Thanks,” I whispered.
“And your mom?” he gently prodded.
I inspected Rhett’s hand, still on top of mine. Heat from his warm skin melted into me. His fingers were long and slender. His knuckles bulged the slightest bit. He kept his nails cut short and smooth. They were nice.
I cleared my throat. “She has kidney cancer.”
He sucked in a breath. “Oh, Holly.” He squeezed my hands again. “That’s awful. Is she going to be okay?”
I shrugged. Were any of us ever okay? “We hope so. We’re waiting for surgery. The doctors hope it will be successful.” Her latest counts had improved, which made hope brighten within me. Hope was a dangerous thing, though. I tried to stay level-headed and not believe in promises no one could truly make.
Rhett pulled his hand away, dropping it next to him on the couch. “Is she the reason you can’t come in early frequently?”
I nodded.
Rhett’s lips pulled in a straight line. “I’m sorry. If I’d known, we could’ve figured out something else. I feel awful for pushing more hours on you.”
I didn’t enjoy being kept away from Mom more than was absolutely necessary. If Mom didn’t make it, I’d be frustrated that work had taken me away from what might be my last months with her. At the same time, we had to have money to pay the bills. Mom made little on her disability income. It was up to me, and right now, Anthony Ivy had my job on the line. “If you and I want jobs at the end of the year, we don’t really have much of a choice, do we?”
Rhett opened his mouth to respond, but the garage door leading into the house opened. My heart thudded. Was someone breaking in? How had we not heard anything? I twisted over the back of the couch, hands fisted in my lap. I had a baseball bat in my bedroom, but how would I get to it in time, and what if they had a gun? My heart beat wildly in my chest.
“Hols?” Noah called out.
My shoulders relaxed, and I let out a relieved sigh. “Yeah?” I shouted.
A second later, his dark brown hair—almost black—came into view as he bent down. He braced himself against the doorframe. While he worked on getting his shoes off, I turned my focus on Rhett. I whispered, “Sorry. I didn’t know he was coming over today. That’s my cousin, Noah.”
He bobbed his head once. “I enjoyed meeting your mom. I’m sure your cousin will also be nice.”
I shot him a questioning look. “It’s embarrassing for you to meet everyone. I barely agreed to be friends with you, and all of a sudden, you’re here and…” youknow everything about me.
Noah waltzed into the family room with a knowing glint in his eyes. “Hey, Hols. Whatcha doin’?”
And right then, after Noah spoke four whole words, everything clicked into place. Mom must have told Trevor I had a friend coming over today and sent Noah to spy on us. My brother was so dead. “We just got done watching a movie.” I checked my smart watch. “Ah. Would you look at the time, Rhett? You probably need to get going.” I stood, motioning for Rhett to do the same.
Rhett crossed his arms, a playful smile tugging his lips. “I have a few minutes.”
I shot him daggers. Get out! My two worlds were colliding, and I didn’t like it. Especially if Noah was here on behalf of Trevor.
Rhett’s attention went to Noah, who stood in front of Mom’s recliner, staring at us. Rhett offered Noah a wave. “Hi. I’m Rhett. Holly’s friend and coworker.”
Noah darted a quick glance in my direction before settling back on Rhett. “I’m Noah. Nice to meet you.”
“You too.”
“Rhett, you don’t want to be late. Aaron starts today. Remember?” I held my hand out to help him up from the couch.
Rhett nudged it aside.
I gaped at him. Had he just dismissed me? Oh, heck no. I stood directly in front of Rhett, blocking Noah from view. “I’ll walk you out.”
Rhett met my gaze, a challenge in his eyes. “In a minute. I want to talk to Noah.”
Unbelievable. I fisted my hands, placing them on my hips. “Why?”
“Because he seems like a nice guy and someone worth knowing.”
Noah poked his head over my shoulder. “It’s true, Hols. I am pretty awesome.”
Rhett pointed at Noah. “See?”
If I had arranged for Noah to meet Rhett, I would be all for their introductions. Since Trevor was the one who’d likely told Noah to come over, my senses were on high alert. “You already exchanged names. What more do you need?”
Rhett completely ignored me and addressed Noah. “You’re Holly’s cousin?”
Noah’s lips broke into a huge grin. “I am. You’re stuck working with her, huh? Is she as bossy and rigid with her schedules at the restaurant as she is at home?”
Rude!My schedules kept things clear and easy for everyone. Also, stop talking like I’m not right next to you, Noah! I glared at my cousin, the newest entry on my shiz list.
“Yeah, she is. But I wouldn’t use the word stuck.” Rhett’s head tilted as if thinking of how to phrase his next statement. “I’d say privileged to getto work with her. That she tolerates me, and has accepted my friendship, is good enough for me.”
A rush of warmth flooded my heart at Rhett’s kind words—dangerous words because they made me fall for him.
I expected Noah to respond with another teasing remark. Instead, his face turned to stone. “You’re right, man. It is a privilege to be in Holly’s inner circle. Those of us who are already here are very protective of her.”
Rhett wasn’t intimidated by Noah’s quick change in attitude. “Well, then. I’m even more grateful to have been accepted into this elite group. I won’t let her down.”
“See that you don’t,” Noah warned.
All righty, this was getting a little too testosterone-y for me. I patted Noah’s shoulder. “Thank you for that awkward conversation. Are you sticking around for a bit? If so, I’ll walk Rhett out and chat with you in a minute.” And by chat, I meant give him a piece of my mind. How dare he waltz in here on Trevor’s command and act all protective of me. Absurd.
“I brought some new flavor samples I want you to try. The tray’s out in the garage. I’ll go grab them.”
Rhett stood, holding his hand out to Noah. They shook hands, apparently at ease. “Nice to meet you. I’m sure we’ll see one another again.”
“If you can handle my Hols, then absolutely.” A funny look crossed Noah’s features. “Hey, uh, we get together for brunch and games the first Sunday of every month. You should join us next week.”
No way was Noah inviting Rhett over during our family time.
Watching movies for the sake of Rhett’s blaringly obvious hint about friendship was one thing. Rhett coming to eat and play games with us had nothing to do with work, and while I liked Rhett and wanted to spend time with him, if anyone found out, we’d lose our jobs. I jumped in before Rhett could respond. “We both work Sundays. I’m sure Rhett has other things to do than hang out with us when he’ll have to see me right after at the restaurant.”
Rhett pretended to be offended, complete with a scoff and an incredulous look. “You would deprive me of the pleasure of an entire day in your company?”
More like trying to save our careers.
Noah’s gleeful grin bounced back and forth between Rhett and me.
I ignored him and shot Rhett a dry look. “Don’t pretend like I’m doing you a disservice by offering you an out.”
Rhett chuckled. “Oh, but you are.” He turned to Noah. “I’d be delighted to come. What time do you start, and what can I bring?”
“Rhett,” I warned.
Noah shot me a smug smile before addressing Rhett. “We start at ten. Don’t worry about food. Hols and I have it covered. Feel free to bring any card or boardgame you like. We’re always looking for new ones to play.”
Rhett’s head cocked to the side. “Are you a chef too?”
“Nah.” He shook his head. “I just make donuts.”
I rolled my eyes at his self-deprecation. “You don’t just make donuts.” I explained to Rhett, “He makes a variety of pastries similar to donuts from around the world. He owns a food truck.”
“Sweet. Food obviously runs in your family. I bet get-togethers are delicious. I’m excited to join in.”
I pushed Rhett’s shoulder, needing him to get out of my house before Noah said or did anything else. “Now it’s really time for you to leave.”
Rhett let me push him. That’s right, let me, because there was no way my petite frame could move the built-like-a-wolf man without him allowing it. He chuckled as my arms continued to usher him to the front of the house. I pointed at his shoes, a silent demand he keep moving.
Rhett raised one brow. “Does the thought of me joining you for your family game time bother you that much?”