Page 57 of Four Dates and A Forever
She was different. Elsie got to him in ways that nobody else had. Not even his family. “I don’t know what it is about her, but I can’t seem to walk away.” Even when it was the smart thing to do.
“Then why are you in my office instead of at home with your pretty redhead?” Gage asked. “We could have worked all of this out over email.”
“I asked her out and she said she had to think about it. And based on the radio silence, there’s a lot to think about. She said she was off men, but she’s already been on a few first dates with some other guys. Lame ones, too. Not worthy of her.”
Gage bit back a grin—the asshole. “And you are? So let me get this straight. You asked her out, she said no, and now you’re hiding out in my office?”
“I’m not hiding out. She didn’t say no.”
“But she didn’t say yes,” Gage so helpfully pointed out.
“She said she needed time to think things through.” Why did he sound so defensive? “I’m giving her space. I don’t want to rush her. This is a big decision.”
Gage crossed his arms in consideration. “Define ‘big.’”
“Big enough that I’m here talking to you.” Because that’s why he’d come. Yes, he wanted to play a larger role in the event and, yes, the idea of mentoring kids was inspiring. Then there was the fact that he’d spend more time around his family. But he’d come here this morning looking for direction because when it came to Elsie, he was so damn lost.
He knew what he wanted.Her.He just wasn’t sure how to go about it.
If asked, Rhett could list a hundred-and-one reasons for why this should be a slam dunk. There was but one reason to walk away. He didn’t want to hurt her. They’d been down this road before and he’d put an abrupt end to things and disappointed her. They were in the same place, but this time there was more at stake. And the sexual awareness? It burned hot enough to scorch the earth.
“If it’s that big, why aren’t you talking to her?” Gage asked.
“She needs time to weigh the pros and cons.”
“She said that?”
“Yeah, well, actually no.” Rhett had said it. She’d asked him if he was serious about becoming athem,even if he was leaving for LA in a few weeks, followed by the end of Subtle Warfare’s tour. He’d been so afraid she’d tell him to eff-off, he hadn’t let her answer, then he’d avoided her for a few days.Shit!“I think I screwed up.”
“We’re Eastons. It’s what we do. You want to know what you do?”
“Not really.”
“You please.”
“What the hell does that even mean?”
“You give everything you have to everyone. It’s part of the reason you’re so successful in an industry where everyone fails. You’re a pleaser.”
“And here I thought it had to do with talent and hard work.”
“Those too, but you’re like Dad in that you’ll keep on giving even after your well is tapped. One,” Gage held up a finger and ticked off the ways Rhett was supposedly ruining his life, “you give your fans what they want.” Another finger. “Your band what they need.” A third finger joined the others, “And your family your unyielding support.”
“And that’s a bad thing?”
“In your professional life? Hell no. But in your personal life? You’re so focused on everyone else’s needs, you forget yourself.”
Rhett held up a finger of his own. “I’m stepping out on my own with this album.”
“Which is great. Seriously, I’m excited for you. It’s been a long time coming,” he said. “But take your divorce, you gave Steph everything she asked for without question or hesitation. It’s no wonder why you’re in burnout.”
“You’re saying the past few years have been hell because I’m too nice?”
“Maybe.”
“So I should become a prick?”
“I’m not Yoda, man, but take stock of your past year. You’re homeless, burnt out, and the proud parent of a dog you never wanted because it was easier to give Steph whatshewanted than to tell anyone whatyouwanted.” Gage got really quiet. “What do you want, Rhett?”
