Scarlett clutched the armrest as Rhett weaved in and out of traffic.
"Rhett, pull over," she stated in a frantic voice.
"Why, what's wrong?" He sounded completely unconcerned. If she were vomiting up her stomach lining, she imagined that he would act in the same nonchalant manner with which you ask someone about the weather. Scratch that, she thought as she remembered the glow in Rhett's eyes when the car had pulled up to the entrance of the hotel. Vomiting would draw some sort of reaction for sure…it's liable to ruin the leather.
"What's wrong?" Her voice filled with incredulous disbelief. "You are a freaking maniac, that's what! You are weaving in and out of traffic like a lunatic!"
He laughed at her discomfort. "You have some serious control issues. Either that, or you are scared…"
Scarlett gritted her teeth at his goading. "I am not scared…"
Rhett nodded slowly and remained silent. Suddenly he jerked the wheel of the car, and they swerved violently into the next lane. Scarlett screeched and covered her eyes. Rhett chuckled softly. "I thought you weren't scared?"
"You are an asshole…" She tightly closed her eyes, and leaned her head back against the headrest.
"Come now, Scarlett. Don't you trust me?"
"No."
Rhett nodded. "Good. Then you are very smart." His animal white teeth showed before he swerved again. This time she grabbed his arm before screaming.
"It's one thing to try to prove me wrong, Rhett. But to put us and others in danger is just stupid and you-"
"If it weren't for the fact that I was proving you wrong, and the fact that I am putting you in danger, you couldn't care less about whether or not I swerved into oncoming traffic." Rhett looked at her hand on his arm, before looking at her and grinning impudently. She quickly released him before leaning back in her seat.
"If anyone were to hear you talk about me, Rhett Butler, they would think I was the most selfish, heartless creature to ever walk the planet." She crossed her arms over her chest.
"Good, it's nice to know that I am not misconstruing your character." Scarlett turned her head swiftly at his remark, for she had been expecting-or rather hoping for- some kind of an apology. For just a moment, she felt an uncomfortable stirring in the pit of her stomach at his words, but her wounded feelings were soon repaired when her wrath took over.
"I can't believe that you just said that to me!"
Rhett rolled his eyes, amusement still plainly written on his face. "Scarlett, why do you always get angry when you hear the truth? I have never been one to lie to anyone, and I will not lie to you. You are indeed a selfish girl, as selfish as a child. And there have been times during our acquaintance that I have wondered whether you were blessed (or some would say cursed) with a living, beating, caring heart."
"Aa-" she began, her rage intensifying at his words.
"My dear, I will be honest with you about your faults just as I will be honest with you about your virtues." She stared at him.
"To hear you talk, I have no virtues," she pouted, secretly hoping that her wounded face would coax a compliment out of him.
"You have a few…hidden somewhere beneath that hard exterior."
Scarlett crossed her arms. "Humph. I think you are just saying that so I won't be mad at you any more."
Rhett glanced at her before glancing back at the road, a new smile spreading across his handsome face. "I suppose this is the instance where I am supposed to take the time to enumerate these aforementioned virtues in order to mend the rather high image you have of yourself." He sighed.
She tightened her arms around her. "I don't need you or anyone else to tell me something good about myself, Rhett. I like who I am…I don't need your approval."
"Oh really? Enlighten me then, will you? Just what do you like about yourself?" This question brought her up short, as Rhett's questions often did, and she opened up her mouth to answer before immediately closing it again. She realized that he had blocked her into a trap that she had no way of getting out of. Because she knew that if she stated one of her merits, particularly any about her appearance, it would bring about a barbed, perverted remark from him. But if she didn't say anything at all, he would try to say that she had no virtues and that she didn't like herself at all. She supposed that she could fix him really quick by mentioning something honorable, but for the life of her, she couldn't think of anything to say. And she knew that if she made something up, he would call her out on it and embarrass her further. So she sat in her seat for a moment and stuttered to herself.
"I can see that you have so many characteristics of intrinsic worth whizzing around in that head of yours that you can't choose which one to mention. A dilemma, to be sure. Perhaps I should help you, after all… Aside from your natural outward beauty (it was the first thing you thought of, wasn't it…don't look at me like that. It was.), you do have a few very admirable qualities. At least, in my opinion. I think many people would agree with me. You can be fervently loyal, even if it isn't always good for you to be. You are determined and dedicated. You are probably one of the strongest people I have ever met."
Her ego was slightly mollified at his words. "Whatever. I can't pick up a sack of potatoes and you know it."
"Sometimes your ignorance amazes me. For one so smart, you sure can be dense." He turned to her and spoke. "I am not talking about physical strength. I mean inward strength. You are strong…you are a survivor. I would side with you against any army on earth." His smile widened into his nasty smirk.
She scrunched her face up. "I don't know whether those things sound like virtues or not."
"That's the trouble, my dear. Most people in this world don't know if they are virtues, either. But that's the trouble with the world. The world insists on making everything black and white, but it comes with a price. They never get to see the colors. And you, my dear, are very colorful." The light turned green and he turned his attention back toward the road, grinning with amusement. "Which is why I wish you would get that sad eyed Ashley out of your heart and mind and move on to better things…"
She was almost too lost in the first part of his speech, so different from Rhett's normal nonchalant conversations, that she almost missed his mention of Ashley. She turned to him. "I don't know why you continue to assume that I am in love with Ashley or something…"
"I don't assume. I know…" he said before laughing loudly. "You are a true character. We just had a long and drawn out conversation about honesty concerning you and your character and you still continue to lie about the one passion that drives you to do the most reckless things…even for you." He sighed. "You know that I know…so why don't you just tell me the truth? If there is anyone in the world you can tell the whole truth to, you know that it's me."
Scarlett looked at him in disbelief. "And why is that? Especially when we have already established the fact that I don't trust you."
"Well, first of all, you know that I won't judge you. I can match you anything that you have done. And secondly, since I already know you, I know the truth before you even say anything."
Scarlett laughed. "You think you know me so well, Rhett Butler. But you don't…you never will."
"I do know you. And I probably know you better than anyone in your life knows you. It's a blessing and a curse for you, my dear. It's a blessing because you seem to know that you can come to me for such roguish things as crashing weddings. But a curse as well, because I know things you don't wish me to know."
Scarlett snorted, wishing that he would shut up so she could turn on the radio. "Okay," she simply said.
He laughed and changed the subject. "Where are we going again? What did you say was the name of this place?"
"The Varsity," she answered. "It's my favorite restaurant in the entire world."
"I am assuming that it's rather ritzy. I can't image you wanting anything else…"
Scarlett glanced at him and turned in her seat. "On the contrary, it's a fast food restaurant." She gave him what she hoped was her own version of his classic smirk. "Something you don't know about me…"
Rhett glanced over his shoulder at her and groaned. "No. I am right about the fact that, in general, you are a girl who likes glitter before gold. You look for the sparkle over superiority. Therefore, it is no surprise to me that you would like a fast food restaurant better than any in the world."
Scarlett's grin dropped and she turned in her seat and turned up the radio full blast before leaning back in her chair and pouting. The GPS spoke and said something about turning onto North Avenue, so Scarlett knew they were close. She turned to look out the window and watched as Rhett pulled into the restaurant's parking lot. As soon as the car stopped, she began to hurriedly gather her things so she could get out of that car and away from him. Dear God, but he did drive her crazy! Before she could open the door though, she heard soft laughter coming from his seat, and he gently grasped her arm. Turning to look at him, she was already defensive and ready to strike. But on his face was one of the most adorable smiles she had ever seen him wear, and though his eyes said that he wasn't sorry for what he had said, she could tell that he wished to get along. And, truth be told, she did enjoy his company immensely…whenever he wasn't acting like a cad. Which wasn't very often…
"Let the bugles sing truce?" His eyes glittered at his words, and once again, she couldn't help smiling back. Sometimes he was so infectious, so charming, it was impossible not to react…like earlier that day in the elevator.
I will not think of that now, she swore to herself, already feeling the familiar stirrings of something she didn't want to define. She exited the car after that and met him at the end of the car to walk into the building. As they walked, Rhett grabbed her hand in his large brown one. A little shocked, she glanced at him quickly before looking forward again. He had a tiny smile on his lips and upon seeing that smile, she suddenly only wished to rip her hand from his. But…well…it felt rather nice. His hand swallowed hers and it was warm and comforting. It made her feel…secure. Not that she had felt insecure or scared before he touched her but…now that he had, she imagined that if he let go, she would feel the loss of it.
So she held on to him too. This isn't so unusual, after all, she thought to herself. Friends hold hands all the time…it doesn't mean anything. It just feels…nice.
Yes…it felt nice.
"So what were you going on about on the way here? Something about being quick when I order?" Rhett interrupted her thoughts.
It took her a moment to answer, still unable to completely concentrate on his questions and her questions at the same time. "You just have to make sure that when you get up there you tell them quickly what you want, or they will make you step out of line. Oh, and you need to have your money in hand when you get up there too. They won't wait on you to get it out." She noticed now the line that had already formed outside of the restaurant.
"Is it always this crowded?" he asked.
"For the most part, yes. But that's why they are so quick. You have to tell them what you want and get out of the way. But the bad service is worth it…they have the best hotdogs this side of the Mason-Dixon." She grinned.
"Indeed?" Rhett said, looking at her and grinning back.
She nodded and they got in line. Though the line was long, the wait wasn't which was a result of the fast paced atmosphere of the restaurant. But for Scarlett, who only thought with her stomach when she was hungry, it wasn't fast enough. When one of the customers hesitated to take one of the empty registers, Scarlett immediately rushed forward, bumping into the other patrons, with Rhett by her side muttering amused apologies to the other patrons. The cashier next to the register that Scarlett occupied looked at her with brief annoyance before her face lit up with recognition. Scarlett didn't notice… The lady taking their order asked them, "What'll ya have?"
Scarlett immediately answered. "I'll take two Heavyweights, all the way. With a side of strings and a Coke."
"Same." Rhett stated as he handed the woman the money. She quickly gave him his change and Scarlett and Rhett both moved to the side and received their order within seconds. "So, what exactly did we just order?" Rhett asked. The look on his face spoke clearly of his amusement at Scarlett's use of lingo.
"Two hot dogs with chili, mustard, and ketchup. Fries and a Coke." Rhett let go of her hand to pick up their tray and Scarlett swallowed her disappointment, annoyed that she felt disappointed at all.
"Ah," he said, and they walked outside to sit in the cool autumn air. It wasn't quite dinnertime but because she had skipped lunch, she was starving. She tried to contain herself as she scarfed down her hot dogs, not wanting to do anything to cause Rhett to start teasing her again. But it was a daunting task and she found that after finishing the first hot dog Rhett was already leering at her in that hateful way.
The conversation flowed between them easily, as it always did. She seldom, if ever, ran out of things to say to Rhett and that was because…well…he was right. He did know her and it was to her advantage on occasion. She could tell him anything and talk to him about everything and she never had to worry about what he thought or how it looked to him…because he accepted her as she was. He didn't expect her to be like everyone else and even encouraged her uniqueness.
Though the conversation was easy, there were things lingering in the back of Scarlett's mind as they spoke. As Rhett talked to her across the table, the bass in his voice reminded her of how he had whispered in her ear earlier that day on the elevator. His smile, nasty as she knew that it was, sent strange tremors through her stomach. At one point, after they had both finished their meal, he had stretched, raising his arms high above his head. His gray t-shirt, which she was convinced was a size too small, tightened over his chest and arms, accentuating his broad physique and reminding her of the feeling of being wrapped around him. It was one of those annoying instances in life when the harder she tried not to focus on the lingering thoughts, the more often they seemed to assault her mind.
By the time they finished their meal, Rhett had mentioned something about going to see a movie. She automatically agreed when he mentioned that he had been wanting to see the new horror movie that had come out recently that everyone was raving about, for she too had wanted to see it. But as they headed for the car and he grasped her hand tightly in his again, she wondered if it would be such a good idea to be stuck in a dark, enclosed place with him for very long.
Normally it was easy to brush him off, no matter how tempting he was. Especially when he was cooing insults and perverted comments into her ear. But he was being so nice…and it was always so disconcerting when he was being nice because he was so likable when he was nice. He really could be the most charming man; he just had to be in the mood. And his warm hand and equally warm attitude were getting to her in a way that both intrigued her and annoyed her.
I am acting like some silly little school girl who has a crush! She thought and she couldn't understand it. She didn't like Rhett…not in that way. She was sure of it…but what of this warm feeling in the pit of her stomach when he smiled at her? Or the way her arm tingled pleasantly when he softly brushed his thumb over the back of her hand? How could she explain this?
As she got into the car, she began to make excuses for her emotions. Perhaps I haven't gotten laid in so long that my body is getting desperate… And then, suddenly, she knew and she brightened up considerably at the thought…
It's because of Ashley! She thought triumphantly. I saw him today for the first time in so long, and he kissed me! I would have to expel those feelings somehow… Yes, she thought, that makes sense. And it did. Of course it was Ashley. And now, as she looked at her tiny, white hand folded deeply into Rhett's large one, she felt a lot better about it.
When they got to the theater, Rhett paid for their tickets and bought them popcorn. As soon as they got into the theater and sat down, it was like something triggered inside of Rhett and suddenly he was his annoying, vulgar self again but it was oddly amusing…for the time being. As the previews rolled, Rhett made little comments on every aspect, from the scenes to the actors; and all of his comments were dripping with sarcasm.
Watching the movie with him was equally annoying, because throughout the movie he would constantly try to scare her. During the quiet, suspenseful moments he would quickly tickle her side or use his fingers to crawl up her back. One time he did this, and she shrieked, causing half the theater to look back at her. He had softly laughed as she tried to sink lower in her seat to escape the wandering eyes.
By the end of the movie, the simple fact was that it had been scary and it had been very original and thought provoking. The whole way back to the hotel, it's all she could focus on.
"I mean, can you imagine, Rhett? A demon…following you all your life."
"My dear, you act as if it was all real. You do know it wasn't, right? It was filmed as if it were filmed by some amateur to make it more realistic…but that's it."
Scarlett lifted her chin. "Of course I knew it wasn't real…" There was no way in hell that she would ever admit that at first she thought that it was…but only at first. "It's just something to think about is all…I am afraid I will be frightened tonight when I cut out the lights."
"Well, you could always stay with me…" She glanced at him from over her shoulder. He was wearing that disgusting grin again… Oh God…here it comes, she thought. "We'll even set up cameras in the room…but for different reasons than…what were their names?"
Scarlett rolled her eyes at him, completely baffled by the fact that everything was sex with him. So baffled that she blurted out, "Rhett, why is everything always sexual with you?"
Rhett laughed and glanced at her as he pulled into the parking area and pulled up to the valet. As he got out of the car, he answered with a question. "Why do you always think of things in sexual terms, but you never say it out loud?"
"Because I have the decency not to…" She said as she exited. Her answer forced a loud laugh from his lips. She ground her teeth together, realizing that she must have answered in a way that made him…right.
As he continued to laugh, he spoke. "You little hypocrite…you don't mind thinking those things, just saying them aloud." She began to walk away, much faster than might have been appropriate, towards the doors to the hotel. Even with having to hand over the keys to the valet, he caught up with her quickly. He gripped her elbow as he led her into the building and towards the elevators. As they stood in the elevator, the low 'ding' sound was the only noise breaking the silence. They reached her floor and she barely noticed that he was exiting the elevator with her.
"What are you doing?"
"I think that it's only fair that I see your room, since you have seen mine," he chuckled. "And anyway, you might want me to scare the demons away…"
Scarlett snorted. "Scare them away? It'd be more like you to ask them over for drinks…"
Rhett laughed loudly at that, and Scarlett felt slightly proud of herself for having come up with something so clever. "Scarlett, maybe you know me better than I thought." His eyes sparkled down on her as she unlocked the door.
She allowed him to enter her suite and he surveyed the surroundings once inside. He nodded his head with satisfaction. "Very nice. If you couldn't have the Presidential Suite, this is a nice alternative. A hundred times better than The Mausoleum?"
Scarlett came up short. "The what?"
"The Mausoleum. You know, your apartment?"
She balked. "Why on earth would you call my apartment that?"
Rhett laughed as he sat on the sofa in the parlor. "My dear, any place with that many dead animals deserves some semblance of respect. The name I have so respectfully bestowed upon your home is my way of showing reverence to the dead."
"Why you-!"
He ignored her as he walked towards the bedroom, and then interrupted her as he reached the doorway. "What's in the bedroom?" he questioned.
"The bed, I would assume. Now would you please leave? If I had been using my brain, I wouldn't have ever let you in here," she stated, more to herself than to him.
"Use your brain? Why start now?" He turned on the lights to the bedroom. "Damn…" He sounded disappointed.
And that, aggravating as it was, made her curious as to why…
She slowly walked towards the doorway. "What?" She questioned standing a few feet behind him.
He glanced over his broad shoulders at her, a crooked smile on his lips. "No cameras…"
Scarlett rolled her eyes. "Okay, you've seen my suite. We are even. Would you get out of here?"
Just then, her phone began to ring, sounding "Bad Romance" throughout the room. She walked over to her purse and grabbed the phone from its designated pocket. Without looking to see who it was, she answered roughly, "Hello!"
"Scarlett?" Ashley…
Scarlett sank into a nearby chair. "Ashley…hey!" She turned away from Rhett when she saw how his genuine smile turned into a twisted smirk at the mention of Ashley. She softly answered, "Ashley…can you hold on a second?"
"Of course…" he replied as she placed the phone in the palm of her hand.
She turned back to Rhett and whispered, "Leave now please!"
Rhett sauntered over to her, the strange smile still on his face. His eyes remained on her face throughout his trek across the room and upon reaching her, he grasped the hand that held the phone and brought it to his warm lips. He held her hand there against his mouth until she began to wriggle under his unusually gentle assault. And with that he walked out of the suite, the door shutting loudly behind him. Scarlett quickly lifted the phone to her ear.
"Ashley?"
"Where have you been? I've been calling you all afternoon." Oh, that's right…I did leave my purse here all afternoon, didn't I?
"I've been…er-" She stopped herself, remembering that no one was suppose to know about Rhett. "I've been asleep…travelling is tiring." She admitted, hoping she sounded convincing. She was a terrible liar, and she so hated lying to Ashley.
"Oh, I know. It takes me a whole day to get back into the routine of things after a trip." Neither of them said anything for a moment. "So…" Ashley continued, "I was wondering if you are doing anything tomorrow before your fitting with Melanie. I was thinking we could go out for breakfast? I have something I want to show you."
Scarlett heart lifted at his words, and suddenly the kiss from this afternoon was vivid in her mind. "Of course! I would love to…you know that." She added the last part softly.
He gave a half-hearted laugh. "Yeah, I thought it would be okay. Um…where do you want to go?"
They made their arrangements before Ashley said that he had to go. After saying their goodbyes, they hung up.
As she readied herself for bed, she thought of something that annoyed her even as it brought a smile to her lips. For the first time, Scarlett was grateful for Rhett's disgusting sense of humor. If it weren't for the thoughts he had planted in her head about alternate uses for the cameras in that horror movie, she wondered if she would have ever gotten to sleep…even with the television and lights on.