Page 23 of Differences
He nodded. “This is cool.” He dug into his pocket and grabbed his card. “Can you book me a suite, please?”
Any other time, I would’ve told him to do it himself, but this time was different. He was hurting, and he clearly needed someone. So, instead of giving him attitude, I grabbed the card and headed inside to book him a hotel. After getting the key card, I returned to find Weston on the phone while also rubbing his temple.
“Rae, please just tell me how much shit is right now!”
He paused.
“Rae—”
She must’ve hung up the phone because he let out a frustrated sigh. I really wanted to tell him he was missing the point. Money wasn’t the way to fix this. Rae and his mother needed him, regardless of the money. Yet, I didn’t want to come in between him and his family with my unsolicited advice. Instead of digging and stating my opinion, I handed him the keycard.
“Here. You are on the sixth floor.”
He reached for the card. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Weston looked at me for the first time since we got back in the car from the hospital.
“Nah, for real, thank you. You could be home boo’d up, but you out here chauffeuring me around dealing with my fucked-up family problems.”
He dropped his head when he mentioned his family. I put my hand on his knee, causing him to look back up at me.
“Nah, I was headed home to rest and do it all over again tomorrow. Yet you’re welcome. It’s hard seeing you like that, plus it seemed as if you needed a friend.”
“What do I owe you for all of your help?” he asked.
I immediately rolled my eyes. Weston didn’t get it, and I felt it was time for him to get it.
“Seriously?” I asked with an attitude.
His eyes widened. “What?”
“It’s not about money all the time. I need you to know that sometimes it is not always about the money. People do things out of the kindness of their hearts because they care. People don’t want your money. Sometimes, they just want your presence. Money is not always the answer, Weston.”
“Then what is?” he rebutted.
“You! Believe it or not, sometimes people just want you for you. Not the suits, not the car, not your checkbook, but you. For example, your sister. She doesn’t want your money. She is not looking for you to come in and drop tons of money at the hospital. She wants her brother to be there for her. Pray with her, share memories with her, and help her make tough decisions. That’s all she wants from you, Weston.”
I felt myself getting emotional. I dabbed at my eyes to stop the tears from falling completely. It was devastating to watch him go through this when the solution was an easy fix.
“Look, Weston, I’m sorry for talking to you that way and butting into your family business, but—”
He leaned across the console of the car and softly placed his lips on mine, cupping the side of my face. He kissed me slowly before gently separating my lips with his tongue. Respectfully, I accepted his invitation. The kiss deepened but never once became forceful. My head felt light as if I was floating on a cloud. The busy city streets around us were quiet, and it felt as if time stood still. I had experienced many kisses, but none like this one. I could feel all of Weston’s emotions in this kiss. His other hand rubbed down my thigh, sending shockwaves throughout my body. He gripped my thigh tighter and moved down to my neck, placing a kiss on it. I let out a low moan. He continued with the soft kisses and his grip on my thigh.
The ringing of my phone snapped me out of my trance. I immediately answered it, not even focusing on who it was calling.
“Hello,” I tried to keep my breath, but it came out winded.
“Ta, where you at?” Jay grilled, damn near yelling into the phone.
“Um, I’m helping a friend right now, Jay. What is it?”
I didn’t bother to look over at Weston. I’m sure he heard him through the phone.
“I need the car. I need to DoorDash tonight.”
“Give me thirty minutes, Jay,” I responded, frustrated.
