Here Lies the Lives Left at the Altar (On Hold)

Chapter Nine

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Archer

Dinner was... a lot.

Rosie put on quite the performance for dinner. She was frantically making sure that anybody in sight would know we're 'married'. It was more than just her seemingly typical antics, she seemed on edge. She was tense, and I couldn't figure out why. Rosie kept her arms close to her body, almost covering the dress she wore.

God, that dress. I was speechless when I saw her in that thing. Gorgeous doesn't even begin to describe how she looks in that dress. I caught myself staring at how it hugged her body too many times, finding it difficult to divert my eyes.

But those god damn heels. I really thought she would have no trouble walking in them. She seemed the type to be able to run a marathon in heels and finish first. And maybe she can do that, but not when she's walking on cobblestone, apparently. Rosie had her arm looped through my own on the walk, but that didn't do much good with her insane heels. She tripped and stepped to the side to catch herself, digging her heel into my foot in the process. I should've won a damn Oscar for my performance when I pretended that it didn't hurt so she wouldn't feel bad. I almost gave her some shit for it but clamped my mouth shut as soon as she turned to me with a mortified expression when she realized what she did. Those damn eyes of hers, I guess.

We made it through dinner with a free dessert and drinks on the house, but at the cost of the Rosie I've grown pretty use to. She's been glancing around nervously, shifting in her seat, and I noticed she was using her pointer finger's nail to scratch at her thumb. It was strange to watch, because I could tell she knew she was on edge and knowing that added to her discomfort.

I decided I didn't like this. God, I've only known this girl for a few days and I'm doing shit I've never even thought to do before. I guess there's just something about her. If anyone who knows me saw me doing what I'm about to do, I'd never hear the end of it. I'm just gonna go with it's because she's hot. No one wants to see a hot girl wig out.

After we got back to the hotel and changed into more comfortable clothing, I asked her to go on a walk with me. She seemed tired, but said yes, nonetheless. She seems to be quite the people pleaser, never wanting to say no. I made sure we didn't go far since I could see she wanted to sleep after the long drive.

And that's how we found ourselves laying on a small clearing of grass near the hotel. I laid next to her with an arm resting behind my head. I breathe easy as I inhale the fresh air, enjoying how the city doesn't feel like most cities. It has a refreshing factor to it that most cities lack. Rosie, however, is still shifting around and appearing no less calm than she was when we got out here.

"Rosie, you need to relax," I say with an exhale.

"Sorry, don't come with that setting," Rosie murmurs jokingly, "that's in the upgraded version."

I tilt my head to look at her, giving her a beseeching look. "Rosie."

"The grass is prickly," she comments simply and I can't help but let out a chuckle.

"It is," I agree. "I always liked the way it feels."

"I don't mean to be rude," Rosie begins, "but how long will we be out here for? We should really get some sleep."

"Just... look at the stars," I tell her, jutting my chin up gently.

"I've seen the stars plenty of times," Rosie tells me with a roll of her eyes, her voice tight and her body language rigid. I've gathered that she's a bit of a frantic and anxious person by default, but instead of her usually bubbly self, she's quiet and contained. I don't like that.