Total pages in book: 150
Estimated words: 143633 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 718(@200wpm)___ 575(@250wpm)___ 479(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 143633 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 718(@200wpm)___ 575(@250wpm)___ 479(@300wpm)
“Hey,” she said, shifting awkwardly. “I just wanted to pop up and say thanks again.”
She was lying. I could read it in the drop of her eyes, the flush of her cheeks. I was coming to know her in such a short time. I realised then, as I watched her, her glasses were too loose, that’s why she had to keep pushing them up her nose. It only added to her cuteness – and my burgeoning hard-on – as she did it again.
“You’re very welcome,” I told her, already planning to say my goodbye, but she pre-empted me. She held up one of her dainty hands with a wait.
“It’s just, um…” she began, then smiled an embarrassed smile. “I just wanted to check something with you… about my mum.”
My stomach dropped. I hoped it was nothing sinister.
“Please…” Rosie continued, chancing a glance behind me. “Can I come in for a minute? I just don’t want to share it out here. People spread rumours, you know?”
Yes, I did know. I knew it all too well.
I rarely ever saw the old couple down the corridor or the guy on crutches in the apartment opposite, but I respected her privacy all the same. Against my better judgement, I stepped aside to let her pass, breathing in her heady scent – coconut shampoo, I think.
My living room put the shoddiness of hers to shame, and that was quite a statement. I tried to clear my strewn paperwork from the coffee table as her eyes wandered around. Thank fuck it wasn’t my pile of farewell letters on view.
I’d furnished this place from charity shops and second-hand warehouses on the outskirts of the city, telling myself I wouldn’t be needing it for long, not once I mustered up the courage. Every single item was both essential and practically worthless. She looked surprised at that, which shocked me. I felt bizarrely embarrassed myself.
I didn’t offer Rosie a cup of tea, or even a seat as she stood there. Her fingers were clasped awkwardly in front of her, and she looked so beautifully tongue-tied.
I decided to break the ice for her. “Is that idiot still hounding your mother?”
“No, no. Not yet,” she said. “I mean, he will, but not yet. He’ll leave it least a few days before he tries. Unless she tries him first, which she won’t do. She definitely won’t do.”
I loved her adoring ramble.
“That’s a relief to hear. What was it you wanted to check?”
She pushed her glasses up her nose yet again, one finger, right on the bridge, looking so nervous it made me smile. “The thing is, my mum is amazing, and I just wanted to tell you that she means it, about the dinner. She’d really like to cook you a meal to show her thanks.”
Of course. Yes. Rosie was matchmaking.
My smile soon dropped.
“I appreciate that, and I’m sure it would be lovely, but unfortunately, I meant it, too. I have meals lined up already, and I’m always very busy with office paperwork.”
“I see,” she said, and she did. She could read the meaning behind my words.
“It’s nothing against your mother in the slightest,” I told her. “I’m sure she’s a wonderful woman. She seems very nice.”
“She is. She’s brilliant! She’s so funny, and she loves being social, and she’s a great dancer. She’s probably out dancing right now.”
The poor girl sounded like she was presenting a dating site profile.
“I’m sure she is all of those things,” I said. “But I am very busy this month, and you really must have to go to work now.”
I walked along and opened the door, trying to coax her out, but she dithered, walking slowly. She paused when she got up next to me, and I caught her coconut scent again. She was so close it made my mouth water. I imagined licking her face. Christ, she needed to go before I did something stupid.
“The thing is–” she began, and this time I opted for honesty. I had to.
“I’m sorry that I have to make things this plain, but I’m not interested in dating your mother. I apologise for that, but I don’t want to waste anyone’s time. Neither mine, nor hers.”
Rosie’s eyes widened. I thought she might be about to cry.
“I’m sorry,” I said. “It’s no reflection on her, I assure you.”
The sweet little angel before me looked so disappointed that it stabbed me in the heart. I expected her to accept defeat and leave it at that, but she did neither. She stood in position in my doorway and looked me straight in the eye.
“I know Mum didn’t seem brilliant last night, being so upset from Scottie, but really, she’s great. Please give her a chance. At least one little chance to get to know you.”
She could have had her hands in the prayer position from her tone. It was terrible to have to tear the faith from her, but my silence spoke louder than words. I stayed quiet but solid, imagining her dropping to her knees and begging for more while I waited, but still, she didn’t let it go. Her efforts on her mother’s behalf were respect worthy.