He’s right, I’ve had an opinion of him for years. Now that I think about it, I could be totally wrong about the guy I always assumed he was. I don’t think I am though. I see beyond the bullshit.

“Rhett, people judge me every single day of my life because of decisions my father made. I know the rumors floating around, I’ve heard them all. Yet here you are, talking to me despite that. If anyone gets it, I do.”

I remember the first day back to school after dad left. Word around town traveled quickly, and I lashed out at Kate because I was equally ashamed and angry. All that did was secure me a trip to a counselor before she lost me entirely. At the time, I hated her for it, especially when everyone in school called me crazy for seeing a shrink, but looking back on it, it was a blessing in disguise. Had my sister not read the warning signs as well as she did, I could very well be a high school dropout doing god knows what with god knows who.

“I don’t care what other people think about us, Kinsley. I only care what you think of me—and how you make me feel.”

My voice wavers the slightest bit when I ask, “How do I make you feel?”

“Alive,” he says, simply.

“Well that’s better than dead.”

His shoulders shake and he reaches over to squeeze my leg just above the knee. “I like when you’re a smartass, too. What I mean is, you don’t have expectations. You don’t assume anything—it’s refreshing.”

“Well, I do have one expectation.”

He smiles, “I knew it was too good to be true. Lay it on me.”

“I can’t yet.”

“When can you?” he asks, curiously.

“Soon—maybe.”

“Adding a little mystery to the mix, I like it. I actually have one for you, too.”

I fidget in my seat, not sure if I’m ready to hear what Rhett expects of me or from me. This is another area where we’re worlds apart.

“Don’t look so nervous.”

“I am,” I whisper.

“Kinsley, it’s not like that. Look at me.”

I turn my head, expecting to be laughed at, but he’s not even smiling. “What?”

“For starters, that’s not what we’re about. I’m not looking for a random hook up. Secondly, I was trying to ask you to Fall Fest.”

“The music festival? That’s your expectation?”

“The one and only.”

The eighteen-year-old inside of me wants to jump up and down, but I’ve had to grow up a lot faster than most kids my age. Automatically, my mind focuses on the cost. With having to pay Betty back, I don’t know when I’ll be able to save enough money to go to Fall Fest. I do know it won’t be in time for this year’s festival. That’s for sure.

At the next red light, Rhett looks puzzled when I don’t immediately respond one way or the other. “You said you like country music, right?”

“I do, but I don’t think I’ll be able to go.”

“Why not?”

I feel like such a loser. Moments like these make the anger I’ve tried so hard to get rid of bubble to the surface. I shouldn’t have to worry about money or making it on my own. I should be living it up this last year of high school. “I just can’t. I’m sorry, Rhett.”

“Kinsley, please tell me why. If it’s me, if you’re not interested, I can handle it.”

As soon as he says something as ridiculous as that, I realize I have to tell him the truth. I can’t let him think I don’t like him, or that I don’t want to spend time with him—because I want that more than anything. So, I swallow my pride before I hurt his feelings any more than I already have.

“I can’t afford the ticket.” There, I said it. Now that I have, I’m ashamed. If I could, I’d open my truck door, and walk the rest of the way home, just to spare myself the humiliation.

Sensing my discomfort, Rhett reaches over and grabs my hand. His thumb rubs tiny circles back and forth over my skin. I can hardly breathe with him touching me, but I don’t want him to stop, either.

“I’m taking you this year, Kinsley. We stay in tents on the festival grounds, so other than the ticket and food, there’s really no other costs. It’s a little on the hick side if you aren’t into camping, and it’s a little miserable if it rains, but still crazy fun.”

“Rhett.”

“I’m not above begging, Kinsley. The guys always take their girls. I’ll be the odd man out without you.”

His hand leaves mine as he turns to pull into my driveway, but he grabs it again as soon as the truck is in park. “Which one’s yours?”

“Top right,” I tell him. “Number 422.”

“It’s nice.”

“Pfft, no it’s not.”

“Don’t make it less than it is. You think people talk about you, and maybe they do, but not everyone disrespects you. I respect how hard you work. I’d never survive all you’ve been though. You’re brave.”

“You think I’m brave? Rhett, I’m scared shitless every morning I wake up. I worry how I’m going to keep my car running. How I’m going to manage school and work again—if it’s all for nothing because I won’t be able to afford New York once I get there anyway. That’s if they even accept me. But then I remember, it could always be worse. Some kids at school have it so much worse than I do, and that’s what keeps me going.”

“Like I said, you’re brave, Kinsley.”

“I get jealous.” I look down at our joined hands, wishing I felt as strong as he thinks I am. “Sometimes, I just want to live in our old house, and I want my life to be the way it used to be—when my mom was alive.”

“I want that for you, too. I couldn’t even imagine what it would be like to go home and be on my own. Do you get along with your sister at least?”

I nod my head. Kate’s been my one constant. “We fight like sisters do, but we get along for the most part. It’s been different though, since she started working nights to make some extra money.”

“You’re alone? I had no idea.”

“No, I’m not alone. Carson’s home most nights. He was Kate’s doing, mostly. She has her sights set on a house after I graduate—one closer to Philadelphia. She’s been taking as many shifts at night as she can so she has more time to do school stuff during the day. I can’t fault her for going after her own dreams. Not when I plan on doing the same.”

“What’s in Philly?”

“Opportunity, basically. Plus, that’s where her boyfriend is originally from. They were in the process of moving in together when Dad left. She stayed for me and Wyatt, but I know she’s itching to get out of here. She sacrificed a lot for me which is why I tolerate her boyfriend.”

“Tolerate? He’s a dick?”

“Not usually, but he’s pissed she’s stuck with me. I can tell.”

“Kate’s your guardian?”

I nod my head. “Wyatt’s too—well before he turned eighteen.”

Rhett runs his hands through his hair, processing my reality. I dumped a lot on him tonight—more than he probably thought he’d ever have to hear. Even if it makes him uncomfortable, I’ll never lie about my situation. It’s not ideal, it’s even pretty terrible, but it’s mine.

“Please come with me to the festival, Kinsley. At least for those two nights, you’ll be with me—and I’ll know you’re safe. It’ll make me feel better about having to leave you here tonight.”

I open Rhett’s palm and without even realizing I’m doing it, I trace the pattern of a heart, over and over. “I’ll go,” I whisper. Finally, I get the courage to look him in the eye. “Thank you. It’s hard for me to accept handouts.”

“It’s not a handout. It’s a guy asking a girl on a date. That’s all.”

“A date, huh? An overnight date.”

“Yes, but if you’re not comfortable staying with me, I can bring a separate tent for you to sleep in. There’s no pressure. All I want is for you to have fun.”

I shake my head. “I don’t need my own tent.” If I’m going, I’m staying with Rhett.

“You’ll really go with me? You’re saying, yes?”

“We’re jumping right in, aren’t we? They don’t even do overnight dates on The Bachelor until the end of the season.”

“Don’t worry, by the time we go to the festival, my status will be changed in your contact list.”