The Awards Show Ch. 05

The next morning, Jet woke to another good morning message from Rhett. It was short and sweet, and Jet felt at ease instantly. His messages always made her feel that way though. She responded with a smile and a quick meme she found online. She figured that he was okay with where they were and was happy to have a friend like Rhett, especially one with benefits.

From there, Jet's life fell into a nice routine. She would message with Rhett regularly, although she never seemed to be available to meet in person when he asked. With Jane, Jet had more flexibility. The younger woman made time to see Jet. She told her that messages weren't enough, and it made her feel good and wanted. After a while, Rhett and Jane both became fixtures in her life. It was a nice balance and neither of them seemed to mind the other. Jet was happy.

Although working with Rhett and Link was a little slower to get moving, it eventually became a real project. They all three started sending emails with ideas soon enough, and before she knew it they had an outline of the story idea. It was then to her to start with the real writing. She felt passionate about it, though, and she really enjoyed the dynamic she shared with the two guys. Link was a little goofy at times, but then again, it balanced that serious, overly thoughtful nature that Rhett had.

By the time they were three months into the project, Jet felt like her life was coming together in a way that made her feel completely whole again. Mitchell's memory seemed to fade. She and Rhett were comfortable as friends with a little more. Jane, on the other hand, had started to become a bigger and bigger part of her life. She was staying at Jane's at least three nights a week, and Jet truthfully loved it. She liked waking up with someone and having someone there to warm her up at night. Jane may not be perfect, but she filled a space in her life that Jet needed.

Of course, with Jane there all the time, talking with Rhett became difficult. She still messaged with him, but their nights of phone sex had disappeared. Jet could no longer say that things were just casual with Jane. And, by the time Jane asked her to be exclusive, she already was. Rhett wasn't thrilled, but he said he understood. After all, he was the one so busy that they never saw each other in person. Even with his understanding, it still made Jet's heart sink when she told him that all she could be was friends, though.

After another month, Jet felt like she had her life under control. She was working on a good project that she loved with nice coworkers, Rhett and Link. She was dating a woman who gave her no pressure for anything too serious, and she had a great friend in Rhett, who she messaged with daily. It was all coming together to a new normal that Jet thought she could maintain. Of course, nothing that ever worked out ended up staying simple for long with Jet. That's why she shouldn't have been surprised when a Friday evening on a lovely spring day rolled around that blew up her normal.

"You know I checked your phone." Jane copped an attitude as they sat eating dinner.

"Why are you checking my phone?"

"Because if we're together then we shouldn't have secrets." She gave Jet a serious look and it was so adorable on her soft face.

"Jane, I told you before, I'm an open book. We don't have secrets."

"Then why are you still messaging with Rhett?"

"We're friends and we 're working together on a project."

"Your texts sound like more than friends and work partners."

"I told you when we decided to get serious that I would stop seeing anyone else and I wouldn't see anyone else from that point forward. Don't you trust me?"

"I do, but I know you guys slept together before, and I think he's flirting Jet."

"Jane, I told him that you and I were officially together and that he and I could only be friends. You can read that in our messages."

"I know, but I just...some of those messages were pretty hot and heavy Jet, and I just...I'm jealous. I know I shouldn't be and I know I can trust you. It just makes me feel uncomfortable."

"So, what do you expect me to do? I mean we're working on a project together." She wanted to be upset with Jane, but the girl was just so cute that it was hard. Plus, she kind of understood.

"Look, you know I care about you and I want to ignore that you've had a lot more relationships and stuff than I have, but it's hard with something so recent. I'm just wondering if maybe there's a way you can work with his partner...what was his name?" Jane scooted closer to her and it made her body heat up.

"Link."

"So, can you maybe ask to just work with Link? I mean at least for a while until I can meet Rhett? I mean if I meet him than maybe I'll feel a little more comfortable; you know if I see you guys together and there's nothing there."

"Jane, you can't do this. You can't stifle my work because you're jealous. Rhett and I are adults and I told him about you and that we were being exclusive and he understands. There's nothing going on really."

"Well, they both live close right? I mean why don't you work with Link for a while and then invite them over. We'll do a barbeque or something, get to know them and once I feel comfortable we can talk about it more."

"Are you serious Jane, come on. I could use this work. They have bigger names than Charlie and I do."

"I'll make it worth your while. I promise." Jane had her and she knew it. She had that kitten look on her face and her large brown eyes blinked at Jet through those thick lashes. Jet was powerless against this temptress. Jane was entirely too beautiful and as she climbed into Jet's lap; she surrendered.

"How are you going to make it worth my while?"

"Let's go up to the bedroom and find out." Jane kissed her and all thought of saying no left. The girl was gorgeous and could win awards for that sinful mouth of hers.

"Okay. I'll call Rhett tomorrow."

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

"Jet, hey, how are you?" A deep voice answered on the other end when Jet finally got the courage to dial Rhett's number.

"I'm good. I hope you don't mind me calling. I know I usually text, but..."

"Mind? I haven't heard your voice in what two weeks now? Text is fine, but it's amazing to actually hear you." His tone dropped and Jet felt her body respond for some reason. She had to keep herself in control though, this was a serious conversation and she had to have it.

"Listen, I called because...well...we have to talk." Something in her wanted to scream at him that he should have pursued her harder. He should have made the time to meet soon after the banquet so that Jane wouldn't have had a chance. Of course, none of that would do any good at this point.

"Okay. What do we need to talk about? Is it about the script?"

"No. Well, sort of. You know how I told you Jane and I were exclusive and we just had to be friends?"

"Yea. Are you two good? I mean still seeing each other?" Rhett's voice betrayed his hopes and Jet knew he still had feelings and she knew that she wanted him too on some level.

"We're doing well. Actually, we're doing really well, but you see Jane...she's young and...with our age gap and everything...I..."

"You can just tell me Jet. I'm not going to break. Come one, don't be shy with me. We've shared too much."

She sighed heavily, and just let it pour out. "Jane feels like there's still something between us and she's not really comfortable with us messaging all the time and working together. So..."

"What? I've been nothing but friendly and professional. I mean since you told me you guys were exclusive; I've been careful with everything."

"Come on Rhett don't get upset. I know you have. You've been great, but Jane is just sensitive and she saw the messages from a few months ago just after the banquet..."

"I love those texts. I still read them when I can't sleep."

"Rhett, come on, please. This is hard enough."

"Well, did you tell her that we're still working together? I mean I know you're with her but we have a project to finish."

"I know that and she knows that. She just asked that I work with Link as an intermediary for a while. Jane wants us to have some space."

"So, we can't be friends anymore? Who does she think she is telling you what to do?"

"Don't go there Rhett. She's my girlfriend, and I'm not going to let you attack her. She came to me with a concern, and I get it. I do. You and I, well...we were pretty hot there for a bit. I think she just needs to feel calmer in our relationship, and she wants to meet you. Once she meets you and can see for herself that you and I are just friends; I think her outlook will change."

"You know if we were together, I would trust you enough to be okay with you being friends with your exes." He sounded irritated and Jet wasn't sure if she liked his tone.

"Okay, first of all we aren't exes. We were never really together. Second, after the way we talked, can you really say that you would be alright? I mean we said some pretty hot stuff over text alone."

Rhett sighed on the other end of the phone. "Look, I just care about you Jet. I want to be friends and stay friends even if we aren't anything more. Of course, I want to be more..."

"And you think she doesn't sense that? Jane may be young, but she has some intuition. I told her what happened between us and she gets that kind of heat. I mean she and I have had our moments."

"I was the first person you fucked on a first meeting though. Is that why she has a problem?"

"Rhett please stop. Listen, can we just set up a time where you and Link can come over and we can all do a barbeque? Then Jane will see for herself and we can start talking again."

"Fine, but I don't like this. I'll talk to Link, but sooner or later we're going to have to all work together."

"Thank you. I really appreciate it. I'm glad we're still friends you know. I just have to respect my girl, so thank you for understanding." Jet's heart sank. She enjoyed the casual text banter she shared with Rhett. It made her smile. The last thing she wanted to do was lose him as a friend.

"I don't understand, but I respect you Jet and if this is what you want, then I'm willing to do it."

"Okay, well have Link text me, and let's do a barbeque soon, alright?"

"Okay. I'll talk to you later Jet."

"Alright, bye." She hung up the phone with a heavier heart than she even expected. She didn't want to stop talking to him at all, and she actually couldn't believe that she wasn't being stronger. The other problem was she did still have feelings for Rhett and as much as Jane made more sense, there was something about the tall man that had her in its grip.

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The next month went by without a single text message from Rhett. He respected her enough to cease contact. On the other hand, Link and Jet had formed a friendship as they chatted back and forth about the script. Link was careful to only mention Rhett here and there, never really saying more than what the other man's thoughts were on the script. It was calm and nice, but Jet still missed him.

There were nights where she held her phone tight in bed even as Jane slept and she would scroll back through their messages. At first, it was just the hot ones, truth be told, but as time wore on it was just his notes asking how she was doing. He had really started to turn into a true friend, and now he was gone from her life and it left a cold emptiness.

Jane, on the other hand, seemed happier than ever. The two got together almost every day at this point, and she seemed to be on cloud nine in the relationship. Jet was happy, but there was always that twinge in the back of her mind. As time slid by, she pushed it out, and by the time the script was nearly finished to everyone's satisfaction, Jet had managed to fully invest herself in Jane. Of course, that was destined to change.

After not speaking to Rhett for two more months, Link and Jet had finally set up a time to meet at Link's house to eat. It was supposed to be a time where they would pour through the last of the script. It was also the first time that Jane would be introduced to Rhett. Schedules had been tight, but with filming on the horizon and Charlie chomping at the bit to get started, Link had really pushed. He knew that they would all be spending time together, so Jane had to be pacified. She and he had grown close over those months and he was completely understanding of the delicate situation. The nice part was he didn't insert anything that Rhett had told him about his feelings, so as far as Jet knew Rhett had moved on. She was almost hoping he would bring a date to their little get together.

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

"Are you ready Jane? We have to leave soon." Jane bounced out from the bathroom in a set of cute black Capri pants and a white tank top. Her still insanely perky tits bounced, and Jet couldn't help but be mesmerized for a moment.

"Does this work?" Brown eyes blinked at her softly as she put in a pair of large hoop earrings.

"Work? Those guys are going to be drooling over you."

"Well it's their loss, because I only have eyes for you." Jane sauntered over and made a twirling motion with her finger indicating that Jet should spin around.

Jane skimmed her hands up Jet's back and took the two black fabric ties from her fingers knotting the halter top of her Betty Page like dress that had cherries all over it. Jet had opted for cute in the hot L.A. weather. Of course, Jane never wore skirts, so the Capri pants were the girliest thing she had.

"Do I look okay?"

"If you ask me you look too good. I wish you'd just wear some baggie sweats so I'd know Rhett wasn't looking at you."

"Jane you promised to be okay. I haven't talked to the guy in months. He'll probably bring a date. You'll see that he and I are just friends and co-workers. I promise. Then, you'll be fine with us banging out this film together. You know you loved the script."

"I did, and I think you're brilliant and deserve like a billion awards, but I'm just nervous about you seeing him again."

"Look, you can trust me. Even if he tries something, I'm going to resist because I have a beautiful woman just waiting for me to take advantage of her. Although, I wish you'd wear a bra."

"No way, those things are gross and I'll get all sweaty. I don't know how you have one on."

"Easy, my tits aren't as perky as yours anymore."

"They're perfect Jet. I told you, your body is amazing."

"Okay, well, what do you say we go hang out with everyone?"

"Fine."

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

A 45 minute drive with entirely too much traffic parked them outside Link's house. Jet grabbed the cake she baked out of the back floorboard and they approached the door. Jane rang the bell and smiled.

A lovely blonde woman came to the door and opened it with a smile.

"You must be Jet. I'm Christy."

"Sorry, I'd shake your hand, but mine's kind of full." Jet smiled at the woman.

"No worries. Let me take that from you. She reached out her hands and took the cake opening the door with her back. "And you must be Jane."

"I am. Thank you for inviting us. Your place is gorg." The slang slipped easily out of Jane's mouth, but Jet couldn't help but notice the slightly puzzled look that crossed Christy's face.

"So, the guys are out back. We sent the kids off to their friends' house so you would all have some peace to go over the script."

"Oh, that was so nice of you. What can I help with so we can get food going?" Jet offered to pitch in instantly.

"Babe, check out this awesome fireplace. Man you don't see stone work like this in L.A. anymore." Jane was already being her mildly distracted self, which was not one of her winning personality traits.

"We just had that redone." Christy smiled at them and walked to the kitchen setting the cake down.

"Jane is working as a real estate agent's apprentice right now, so she tends to investigate everyone's home." Jet tried to justify her girlfriend's reaction.

"Oh, lovely. If you want I'll give you a tour of the place." Christy smiled at her.

"Um...yea. Babe you don't mind right?" She smiled at Jet.

"No, of course not. I'm just going to go say hi to Rhett and Link. I'll catch the tour later." Jet needed a break from Jane's hyperactivity for a few minutes anyways, but really she couldn't wait to see Rhett in person. She missed his friendship so much it was killing her.

As Christy walked Jane over to another room, Jet made her way to the back door where Christy had pointed with a grin. She wondered if Christy knew the whole story. She wasn't even sure if Link did. Then again, it wasn't much of a story, was it? Jet had hooked up with Rhett only one night and then they talked a little. That was really it, right? I mean it's not like they had developed some type of relationship in such a short amount of time.

As she opened the back door, Jet glanced up and a set of green eyes caught hers. Her stomach dropped instantly. His beard was shorter than she remembered and his hair trimmed. He had on a pair of tan shorts and a cute white shirt with little palm trees all over it. The colors accented the tan shade of his skin and made her pause for a moment. He looked incredible.

"Hey Jet, good to see you again." Link broke the silent moment when he came towards her with an outstretched hand.

"Link, good to see you." She quickly pulled him in for a hug. "Sorry my family always hugged after we got to know people. She was right; it was instinctual for her, although she had wished she had subdued it. It might just be too much for her to hug Rhett and feel that warm body pressed to her.

"I remember you taller." He leaned back with a quizzical look.

"I had on 4 inch heels at the awards show. I'm in flats today." She motioned to her sandals and he nodded.

"We're just starting up the grilling, so if you want we can work on the script a little while we wait." He seemed so normal, and yet Jet felt anything but normal. Her eyes looked over to Rhett who was approaching cautiously.

"Sounds good. Um...hi Rhett..." The big man was now right in front of her and Link faded out of her vision.

"Hey. You look...amazing." He spoke slowly as he stood awkwardly opening his arms with a lean.

"You do too, although you feel really tall right now." Jet was 5'6" tall, and with flats on Rhett towered over her. Her arms extended and she wrapped them around his waist.

Rhett pulled her into the hug and she felt warm hands on the upper part of her back. They were huge and she swore she heard him hum as he pulled just a little tighter. They held each other for a moment before slowly parting and she was left to look up into his face.

"You're uh...beard...it's short." Her hand moved on its own sliding up to cup the side of his chin and Rhett's eyes closed for an instant.

"I cut it back some recently, do you like it?" Rhett's hand moved over hers and Jet felt like he might lean in and kiss her. The moment seemed to be stretching forever, and it was so surreal.

"Anyways, that's our house, now you just have to meet these two crazy guys." Christy's voice cut through the pause as Jet heard the door open from the house. She instantly dropped her hand and her eyes parted from Rhett. She was left to wonder if he felt that too. It was that same weird connection that she had had with him that first night, the one she thought was a figment of her imagination at this point.

"Hey guys, I'm Jane." The young girl danced over in her usual light way and extended her hand.

"Rhett." The large man extended his hand out, and Jet watched as he looked Jane up and down.

"I figured. You seem even taller in person than Jet described you." Jane shook his hand lightly and then looked to Link.