The Awards Show

"Jet?" The door to Rhett's house opened and Link stood there with a smile in a suit. He looked to be already a little drunk and more importantly happy.

"Hey sexy man." She grinned and gave him a big hug.

"Damn girl, you look good." Link leaned back taking her in.

She was hoping someone would notice. Jet had worn her tight blue and black dress and a pair of blue plush heels that were at least 4 inches high. She wanted to impress tonight. She hadn't been to a party in forever and wanted to feel good. Her hair was in a braid and hung down her back, swaying as she walked inside.

"Be careful Link, Christy might get jealous."

"Of what?" Christy popped around the corner.

"I think your husband likes what I'm wearing."

"My husband is probably wondering if they can find a way to put it on the show. Besides, I'm not jealous. You can have him if you want." She gave Jet a hug.

Jet made her way inside saying hi to everyone on the crew that she recognized as she went.

Link stayed by her side as she made her way over to the table of liquors to get a drink. She was pouring out some rum when she saw him. Rhett was standing in a corner in the dining room, which was attached to the kitchen. He was talking to a few people she didn't recognize. At first, she wasn't sure if he saw her, but when he raised his glass in her direction she knew.

"I told him to steer clear of you all night, so don't worry." Link spoke into her ear.

"I'm not worried Link. It's fine. Actually, I should talk with him. We need to clear the air."

"Are you sure, because you don't have to?"

"You know you never tell me how he's been since that day."

"I know. I didn't think you'd want to know."

"Oh. Tell me now. How's he been?"

Link gave her a soft look at her request. "He's been rough. It hit him really hard when you left like that, and he's beat himself up a lot for doing what he did. He didn't know what you'd been through though. That was something you told me, and once he knew he realized that was the worst thing he could have done."

"That was the problem, you know, we never talked. I mean really talked. He and I were like a powder keg."

"You know what killed him the most was not being able to check to see if you were okay."

"Really?"

"Yea, he asked me like every single day if you said anything. Once he knew you were doing okay, then he calmed down, but he hasn't been the same since that day."

"I've thought a lot about that day. He wasn't the only one that overreacted. I called him a monster for god's sake."

"You both said and did things you didn't mean. He's still in love with you, you know. I mean he hasn't even talked about another woman since you walked out."

"Really?"

"Yea. Don't worry; I haven't said anything about you and Jane to him. All I told him was that you were okay."

"You're a good friend Link."

"Aw, you'd do the same for me."

"I would, and now I think I have to go get my other friend back." She bopped his nose with one of her fingers and took her drink with her as she walked over to where Rhett was standing.

Rhett looked up at her with a head tilt, and when she nodded he stayed where he was as she approached.

"Hey Rhett, how are you?"

"Good, you remember Stevie and Chase."

"I do. How are you guys?"

"I'm good, but I was actually just about to get a drink if you'll excuse me." Chase ducked around her.

"I think I'll do the same." Stevie ducked away as well.

"Wow, awkward much?" Jet laughed a little and Rhett did too.

"Can you blame them? I put a hole in the wall like an asshole the last time we were together."

"Oh yea. I think I remember that. That was just before I stupidly called you a monster I think."

"Yep. So, how are you?" Rhett smiled at her and all her old feelings came flooding back. His hair and beard were even longer, but otherwise he hadn't changed at all. The same soft, gorgeous man stared back at her.

"I'm doing well. I was happy to get Link's call. Sounds like we're getting some recognition."

"With a script like you wrote, how could we not?" Their eyes were barely meeting as they spoke.

"You're too kind. So, listen I came over because...well...Rhett I'm sorry. I'm sorry for how I reacted that day and I'm sorry for putting you through all the turmoil and confusion."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. First of all, come here." Rhett took her hand and led her down a hallway to what appeared to be his bedroom. He walked her inside, and closed the door. "Sorry I wanted to talk privately. If it's not okay, then tell me and I'll open the door or grab Link or whatever."

"No. I'm okay."

"Good. Now, you have got to stop this apology. You didn't do anything to me. You reacted because of something in your past that I should have known about if I had tried to get to know you instead of just getting to know your body. That is totally understandable especially something like that. I, on the other hand, blew up because I wanted something so bad, and I projected what I wanted onto the situation. I knew you and Jane were on a break and I'm the one that pushed to have a whole, fantastic, weekend of sex with you. Then, I conflated that with you wanting a relationship with me. I'm the one that jumped to conclusions that weren't fair to you."

"Have you rehearsed that speech?"

"Yea, but only maybe a hundred times. I mean give or take."

"It was a good speech."

"Thank you. So, am I forgiven for being a jackass?"

"Yea, I think so. Am I forgiven for calling you a monster?"

"Never even had to ask."

"Great. So, can we at least talk again? I miss talking to you Rhett. I like our little funny text messages back and forth." Jet sighed and walked up to him.

"That would be awesome. I mean unless Jane has an issue with that or whatever, which I will totally respect." Rhett sat down on the bed with a sigh of relief.

"Jane and I never got back together."

"Oh, well I mean if you're seeing someone else..."

"I'm not seeing anyone Rhett. Are you?"

"No."

"Cool, so then we can talk, no issue." Jet nodded, she hadn't realized how close she had gotten to where the large man was sitting, and then she was right on him, inches away as she looked down into his face.

"Yes, we can talk."

"I...uh...really like the wavy hair thing, and the longer beard." Her fingers moved without her thinking to his beard. She brushed over it in emphasis.

"I've been keeping them longer. This super-hot chick told me she liked them that way."

"Oh. Well, it's nice." Rhett tilted his head up to hers and she leaned down slowly, checking in his eyes. Before she knew it her lips met his and she felt his hands grab onto her hips.

"Everything okay in here guys?" Link's voice made them part as the door opened. "Oh crap, again? Well, you guys will have to pick it up later because we're about to cut the cake."

He turned and walked out and Jet backed up, raising her fingers to her lips. "I'm sorry."

"Don't. Please. Don't. I wanted that too, but we should talk first. You know really talk. So, why don't you hang out after the party breaks up and we'll chat?"

"Is that a good idea? I mean maybe we should talk on the phone first."

"No. It'll be fine. We'll talk, just talk. I swear I won't start anything, nothing."

********************************

As the party finished, Jet watched as everyone left but Link and his wife. She knew Link was trying to give her time to leave, and sure enough, he cornered her as she came out of the bathroom while Rhett started to load things into the fridge.

"Link? Oh you scared me for a second."

"Hey, I'm a little tipsy, but I didn't forget my promise that I would make sure you were okay here. So, are you okay?"

"I am. We talked and I feel good about it."

"Well, Christy is helping Rhett put things in the fridge, but we were thinking of leaving. Do you want to duck out at the same time?"

"No. I promised Rhett I would stay so we could talk, and I'm going to."

"You don't have to Jet. You can just leave and talk to him some other time, even at the studio if you want."

"Have I told you what a good friend you are?"

"You have, but you can keep saying it and feeding my ego anytime you want." He gave her his signature goofy grin and Jet couldn't help but pull him in for a hug.

"Thank you Link. I'm glad you made me come tonight. Rhett and I needed to talk. I miss him."

"Geez, you're going to make me cry man. I get all emotional when I drink too much."

"You're too much sometimes."

"So, you're going to stay?"

"Yes. I'm going to stay and we're going to talk. It'll be good."

"Alright. If you need anything, I'm going to leave my phone on next to my bed, so just call me." He held her hands as he spoke.

"I will."

"Thanks Link."

With those words, they both made their way towards the kitchen where Rhett and Christy were plastic wrapping the last dish to put in the fridge.

"Christy, I'm exhausted. I think it's time we head out." Link spoke first and he and Christy exchanged a look that conveyed even more than he said out loud.

"Alright. Well, it was amazing to see you again Jet, and Rhett I'm sure I'll see you soon." She gave them both a hug and Rhett walked them out as Jet started to load dishes into Rhett's sink. She had a thing about cleaning, and his house definitely needed it. Besides, she wanted to find an excuse to give him time to say goodnight. Somehow, Jet knew that Link would need to say a few words to him before he left.

Rhett returned a few minutes later, and she was already rinsing dishes and loading them into his dishwasher.

"Are you actually doing my dishes?' His deep voice made her smile. She loved the sound of it, and had definitely been missing it the last few months.

"I am. Would you like to help or just stand there and observe."

"That is a hell of a choice to give a guy." He laughed and walked over, placing more dishes beside her on the counter. "Why don't you let me finish and you can get out of those shoes. I'm guessing they stopped being comfortable a while ago."

"That sounds wonderful. I'll put them by the door if you don't mind." Jet pulled her hands from the sink and dried them before passing him as she made her way into the other room. When she returned, Rhett was where she had just been.

"Do you mind grabbing everything and just piling it up? I think I'm going to run the dishwasher tonight, so I have something to eat off tomorrow." He laughed and Jet started picking things up. "Of course, this makes me a terrible host, forcing you to clean."

"I do not mind at all. It's honestly not that dirty. Everyone was pretty respectful."

"They were. It helps when Link is here because he usually cleans up after everyone. He's a good party guest like that."

After a few more minutes, the dishwasher and drain board were full. The two had stopped talking and just sort of worked together as Rhett hummed lightly. Jet found it relaxing and inviting. It was so peaceful to be in his company once more.

"So, that's it. Now, what would you like to do?" Jet smiled, and crowded towards him, her hands running down the front of his button down shirt.

"I'd like to kiss you again." He leaned down with those words and claimed her lips. Jet let her hands move to his buttons and she started to separate each from the fabric on the other side. He pulled back suddenly and grabbed her hands. "Wait...wait. I don't want to start the night this way. I want us to actually talk."

"Oh, I'm sorry, should I go? I mean I thought..."

"No, please don't leave. I want you here, and trust me I want to do a lot more than talk, but this time I promised we would talk and I want to keep that promise." Jet stepped back and tilted her head to the side.

"Talk. Okay, yea, we can talk."

"Good. Come here." Rhett led her to his living room and gestured to the couch. "Have a seat. I'm going to take off these shoes and I was thinking of having a little scotch. Would you like anything to drink?"

"Sure. I'd love a gin and tonic if you have it."

"I do. You hang there and be comfortable. I'll be right back." Jet relaxed into his couch. It was super long and very comfortable. The large pillows behind her made her feel like melting and she gathered her legs up next to her.

Rhett returned a few minutes later handing her a drink, and Jet smiled at him as he sat near her, but left space between them.

"So, tell me what you've been up to since we spoke last." He took a sip from his scotch and looked at her.

"Really?"

"Yes, really. Talk to me because you're my friend and I haven't talked to you in months." His eyes were full of caring and Jet wanted to grab him and kiss him for it.

"Okay. Well I was offered to ghost write part of a novel for someone. Her name is Debbie and she is terrible at writing love scenes. So, she basically gave me this story that was beautiful, but every sex scene was like the basics, but no heat and no feelings."

"That sounds kind of fun. Tell me about the story." Rhett smiled and put his drink down, sliding over to grab one of her feet and slide it towards him. He placed it on his lap and Jet let her other leg trail along.

"I thought we were just talking." She raised a brow.

"We are. You are going to tell me about this story and I am going to rub your feet because I think that would feel nice." He said it easily and Jet felt his fingers dig into the sole of her left foot. She sighed.

"Now, talk, or I'll stop." He smirked at her and Jet started to tell him all about Debbie's story and how she had used it as a starting point to fill in the sex scenes and how much it meant to her to be a part of it. Rhett was completely attentive as she spoke, asking questions and making comments as she went.

It was a half an hour before Jet was done and her feet felt amazing. "Well, what have you been up to with and without Link? And give me those big things." She questioned him as she motioned to his feet.

"You're going to rub my feet?"

"Yea, why not?"

"No reason I guess. I just have never had anyone but a masseuse agree to that."

"There's a first time for everything. Now tell me about your work."

Rhett plopped his huge feet into her lap and Jet pulled each sock off before starting into his toes first.

"Oh man that feels nice." He groaned and Jet felt herself heating up.

"Uh huh...speak or I stop." She warned him and Rhett proceeded to detail the projects he and Link were working on and then talk about how GMM was doing. It was so cute to see how animated he got as he spoke, using his hands to describe all the crazy things they were thinking of building for the show.

Another half an hour passed before Rhett was done and practically jelly on the couch.

"Can I be honest with you?" Rhett finished his latest show description and pulled his feet back.

"Of course, what's up?"

"I would really love to get out of these clothes. I mean they aren't uncomfortable, but I'd love to be in pajamas right now." He stood up, and Jet suddenly had a dozen thoughts run through her head.

"Um...I...oh hell...Rhett I'm a little confused. Are you trying to tell me it's time for me to leave? Are you trying to offer something...that I'm totally into by the way? Or, are you saying something else."

"Are you comfortable in your dress or would you like to get out of it?" He smiled at her.

"I wouldn't mind changing, but..."

"Then, come with me and stop overthinking." He extended his hand and Jet took it following him back to his bedroom.

Once there, Rhett unbuttoned his shirt and took it off before making his way over to his dresser. He retrieved a t-shirt and pulled it over his head before pulling out a second one.

"I know this is going to be big on you, but it's really soft so if you'd like to wear it you can. Or you can wear my robe, but that will probably hang on you." He walked towards her and handed her the shirt.

"Oh, so you're cool with me staying?"

"Jet, I would love it if you stayed. In fact, you can stay as long as you are able or at least as long as you're willing. Now, do you need help with your zipper?" Rhett leaned down and kissed her mouth. Jet moaned into the softness of his mouth and her hands went around his neck again wanting to be connected to him forever. Rhett pulled back and tilted his head.

"Naughty, naughty. I told you just talking for now." Rhett licked his lips and Jet almost jumped him once more but instead she turned around.

"I could use the help if you don't mind." At her words, she saw Rhett place the shirt on the edge of his bed and then felt warm hands on her arms. He skimmed them up and over her skin before taking her zipper in his fingers and easing it down. When he finished, one of his hands slid into the dress and rubbed over her exposed skin before unfastening her bra.

"I miss your skin and how soft it is under my fingers. I still want to just talk, but I figure the bra isn't comfortable to wear too long either." He leaned kissing the side of her neck and Jet sighed.

When she turned around, she looked into his eyes as she peeled her dress down and off and then her bra. "I miss how you feel too." She stood up wearing only her panties and paused.

Rhett's eyes scanned her body and she saw his tongue skim his lips once more. "You're gorgeous, but we are going to talk more." He pointed a finger at her and Jet smiled, surrendering to grab the shirt on the bed and pull it on. It was comically large, hanging on her and reaching to her mid-thigh. She paused rolling up the sleeves a bit.

Rhett undid his pants then, pulling them down to reveal bright yellow briefs and he opened yet another drawer in his dresser pulling out pants. Jet couldn't help but notice the obvious bulge as he turned to the side and she found herself licking her own lips at just the thought of tasting him once more.

"Hey, my eyes are up here lady." He smiled at her and tossed a pair of black shorts in her direction. "Those are the shortest shorts I have without being spandex. Do they work?"

Jet leaned down, pulling them onto her legs, but was forced to stop as they reached her hips. "I think they're a little small for my hips. Sorry." She laughed and pulled them back down.

"Are you okay in just the shirt, because...well...otherwise I have to give you drawstring pants and they might be huge." He shrugged and looked at her.

"It's pretty long, I should be fine. Unless it will be too tempting." Jet raised an eyebrow in his direction.

"It will be very tempting, but I'm going to resist. I promised myself, you, and even Link. We are going to keep talking Jet whether you like it or not."

"I like it, and of course, I hate it, but I'll talk as long as you want to talk." She smiled and took a seat on his bed, pulling up her legs to perch on the edge and watch as he slid on his pajama pants, which did not cover the fact that he was excited by a long shot.

"Man, you look good in my bed. So, we should go back to the living room."

"Alright." They made their way back out at those words and Jet curled back up on her corner of the couch even as Rhett took his seat once more.

"Perfect. Now, the hard question, tell me what happened with Jane." Rhett got up and pulled a blanket from the other couch. When he returned, he laid it down over her legs and then he stretched himself out on the other end of the couch covering his own legs with the rest.

"Let's see where to begin?" Jet pondered for a moment, and then filled Rhett in on her breakup with Jane and her thoughts and feelings.

"So, you think that's completely over? Or do you think she'll come back." Rhett was completely lounged down, his long legs intertwined with hers as Jet finished talking.

"It wouldn't matter if she did. I'm done with that Rhett. You were right, she was too young. Jane needs to live out her twenties and party and do all the crazy shit I did in my twenties. Then, she'll be ready to settle down."