Their Rose Petal

Chapter Two

It's been four long days since I last saw Elias. One of those four I spent on the other side of my restaurant. I believe he was just in town for the night and wanted a decent meal, seeing as Roselet's was one of the finer dining establishments in this small city in Virginia. I'm not sure why he crossed my mind after his one evening out, but nonetheless, he has. 

I look into the mirror of my bathroom, applying the nude eyeshadow and mascara to finish. I rarely wear a full face of makeup, I typically stick with the basics. I've been a single woman for a little over a year, and I've been trying to find myself. In the midst of combining your soul with another's, when you part you're left with only part of yourself. My last relationship was one of the worst memories that still resides brightly in my head. It's fucked me up, inside and out. It took me a while to realize the toll that it had taken on me. It shows in the small moments, ones you wouldn't consider unless it has trauma attached to it. 

I moved into a one-bedroom apartment in a new part of the city. The type where you have to know a code to get in, and security sit at the front desk. I have a ring camera on my door. All precautions in case the bastard wants to play games anywhere near my home. 

I stare at my reflection, my bright blue eyes staring back. I coat my long lashes in mascara. I run my fingers through my long, brown hair. Letting it fall loosely above my butt. I'm tall for a woman, almost 5'10, but that doesn't stop me from wearing a nice pair of heels every once in a while. Sighing, I go towards my closet to find an outfit before I head to the restaurant.

My eyes land on my red off-the-shoulder top, and I pair it with simple black leggings and low black boots. I leave my hair in its natural waves. Doing my hair is a hassle, and it takes a lot of time. It's slim and far between I make an effort to make it look different.

I wave at the daytime security guard as I exit the building, his polite face always bringing me comfort. I press the unlock button on my Toyota, sliding into the cool leather seats.

A noise breaks through my silent and quick ride to work, causing me to sigh as I press the button on the steering wheel to answer.

"Mitch!" Kinsley's loud voice echoes through my car.

A small smile etches its way onto my face, my best friend's voice making my day already. "Yes, Kins?"

Our friendship has been consistent and dependable for as long as I can remember. She and Noah have both been my guide through the darkness that constantly finds its way into my life. Somehow, they always make it a bit brighter. When all else fails, I have those two to turn to. The comfort of knowing they will always be there means more to me than they know.

"I'm coming into town tomorrow, I'll be in for exactly six days. I plan on crashing at your place since you're lonely and refuse to find some consistent dick in your life." My eyes roll at her comment. "Okay, besides the point, but tomorrow I want to go into Rose Petals and find some sweet, domineering dick. And, you know, since you own the place I demand you join. Understood?"

I bit my lip, searching deep into my mind for a good excuse, and I find one. "Aht aht, I know better. You don't have any plans besides bartending and that's fine, I'll have a few drinks and then we can get ready in your office when the restaurant side closes and then we will proceed to go to the other side," her voice is smug and I know she has a smirk that accompanies it. 

"Kinsley I really don't think that's a good-" and I'm cut off.

"Okay great! I'll be at your place at two tomorrow. Love you!" And then she hangs up.

I can't blame her; all I do is work, eat, and sleep. If she were like this I would do my best to break her out of it as well. I walk into the restaurant, heading towards the kitchen to meet with Noah.