"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."
