“Oh, here we go again. Micah, that guy is using you.”
“He’s not. He’s sweet. And he needs me. Rhodes doesn’t.”
“Exactly. Rhodes chooses you with no ulterior motive. Better to be with someone who chooses you than someone who needs you for their own selfish gratification.”
I sigh. She has a point. “Rhodes way too hot for me, Sissy. It makes me insecure.” I surprise myself with the candor.
“First off, Rhodes is not too hot for you. From what I can tell, he’s exactly what you need. But regardless of whether Rhodes is even in the picture, Garrett is bad for you. He’s been that guy since you met, and he will always be that guy. You accept it because you don’t think you deserve better, but you do. You always have. You’re gorgeous, you’re smart, and you have the biggest heart of anyone I know, which is what allows people to take advantage of you. It’s beyond frustrating to watch.”
I guess now would not be a good time to tell her about the money.
“Are you seriously still sleeping with Garrett?”
I bite my lip and hesitate. “Yes.”
“How often?”
“Twice since Nana was in the hospital, but I didn’t stay the night either time.”
“Twice in one month? That’s a record for him. He usually doesn’t make much time for you.”
“He’s been struggling a lot, and it’s made him open up more. I think we’re getting closer.”
Her interest piqued. “What is he struggling with?”
I close my eyes and take a deep breath. I tell her about the lawsuits and personnel issues his company is having, and she stares at me like she doesn’t believe me. I do not mention the money. She would wring my neck, and I’m not ready to die.
“What is his last name again?”
“Bullingbrook. Why?”
“Just curious.” She drinks her beer, never taking her eyes off me. “Look, Micah. He’s not even here. He’s never been here to see you. He’s married to his work, as you’ve always said. You deserve someone who puts you first.”
“You realize Rhodes is also not here and married to his work, right?”
“Rhodes is making a trip to see you, and he has further to go. Garrett has never been here. Ever.”
“Well, it’s hard for him to visit when I share a house with Nana. And Rhodes is mainly coming to see the hotel, not me.”
“If Garrett really is some great successful businessman, he can afford a hotel room in Magnolia Row. There’s no excuse.” She’s right again. “Give Rhodes a chance when he’s here next weekend. That’s all I’m saying.”
We have a few more drinks and listen to a teenage girl with a guitar play an acoustic set of Taylor Swift covers. As we’re leaving, Sistine stops me on the way to my car.
“Micah, if Rhodes and Garrett were here right now and you had to choose which one to go home with, who would it be?”
I pause.
“Don’t think,” she says. “Answer.”
I stare into her eyes, and she knows my answer before I even have to say it.
“Rhodes.”
* * *
The following Wednesday, I’m at work when Sistine texts me. She asks me if I can spare a few minutes to come meet her at her coffee shop. I check on Nana, who is in her office drinking unsweet—yes, I checked it—iced tea. It’s her first day working this week and I can tell she’s tired, but she needs to get out of the house. She gets depressed when she’s cooped up.
“Go on,” Nana says when I ask if she’ll be okay for me to leave for a few minutes. “Tell the girls I said hello.”
