Page 169 of Rhodes

“I’m supposed to look out for you.”

“You can look out for me without deciding every bad thing that happens means somebody did it to me.”

He takes a step back and drags a hand down his face.

“I’m not saying you can’t make your own decisions.”

“You’ve been saying that for years while doing the opposite.”

He exhales hard through his nose. The room goes quiet. Finally, he says, “Just tell me he didn't cheat on you, or promise you something he didn't deliver.”

I look down at the floor.

“I can tell you he didn't do either of those things.”

He opens his mouth, then closes it again.

I step closer.

“Whatever happened between Rhodes and me belongs to us. I’m not keeping secrets because I’m scared of you. I’m telling you there is a line, and I need you to respect it.”

He looks at me for a long time. Then he lowers his arms.

“Okay.”

I blink.

“That’s it?”

“No, that is not it.” He points at me. “I am still pissed at him.”

“That’s between you and him.”

“I know.”

“And I’m still pissed at you.”

“I can take it. But I will ask you not to make me the reason you destroy a friendship you’ve had your whole life.”

His expression shifts.

“That’s not your call either.”

Cooper leans against the counter across from me.

“So what is this now?”

“I don’t know.”

“Y’all kissed, so are you still seeing each other?”

“No. I wouldn’t say we were ‘seeing each other,’ but we ended things in April.”

“Do you want to be?”

I shake my head. This is already going further than I am comfortable with him, and now he’s asking me questions I don’t want to consider.

“I don't know, Coop. Why is that any of your business?”