Rosie White

Chapter 31

Sitting at my desk Monday morning, my list of to-do items is growing by the second. Luckily, Michael and Brandon are handling one for me right now.

Checking the list, I send a quick email to my assistant, informing her to change Rosie's pay to weekly and to do it as soon as possible.

Next, Rosie's apartment security. Right. Grabbing my phone, I dial James's number.

"Carlson."

"James, how are you?" I reply clicking and unclicking the end of my pen.

"Good on this end mate, you?" He replies.

"Same old, how's Olivia?"

"She's great, we're in the midst of painting the nursery and getting the furniture in. I tell you, never let a woman lose with paint samples. It was like a bloody rainbow on that wall before she decided a colour. Then she choses a neutral cream. I mean really?" He laughs and I feel a deep pang inside of me.

I want that.

I laugh naturally as well before replying, "The reason I called, I need some home security set up in an apartment complex, mainly one of the apartments, 3C. It's been authorised by the landlord, or is in the process of being, but I assure you it will be. All I need you to do is get in there and do your thing, I'm emailing over the apartment details as we speak."

James laughs, "Right, as a ex officer, I want to rip you to pieces about that assurance that it will be, but as your friend, I'll let it go this one time, and I assume the residents are aware as well?"

"Gentle persuasion James, gentle persuasion. I don't do things that will jeopardise my business or my life, you know that."

"I know, I know. You didn't answer my question," He replies.

Sighing I reply, "No, the resident doesn't know, but don't tell me they're going to turn down home security."

"Great, so I get to be at the end of the wrath which is really directed towards you. I should charge you extra for this job."

"What makes you think this is any different from any others?" I reply.

"Does this resident happen to be one," James coughs to clear his throat and I know what's coming, "Rosie White."

Shaking my head I reply, "Take the job or leave it."

James laughs down the phone, "You know I'll take it. But do me a favour, tell her first to at least expect me. I can fit it in Thursday afternoon, that will give me enough time to get the equipment ordered."

"Done, I'll talk to her."

"How's things going between you two?"

"Honestly?" I ask, I know some of the details of how James and Olivia came to be where they are today, and I know it wasn't an easy road.

"Yeah buddy."

"It's a fucking challenge, every single god damn obstacle is being thrown our way, or more Rosie's way. But I can't walk away now."

James is silent for a beat, "Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations."

"Since when did you become so poetic?"

"Love my friend, once you find it, you'll understand. Something tells me you'll find it sooner rather than later."

"Yeah, right." I reply, "Let me know when you and Henry are free, I'll book out a booth in the club. I think you'll need it after Thursday."

"Will do." James laughs and I say my goodbye before hanging up.

I notice a missed call from Brandon and dial him back.

"Brandon."

"Boss, just finished up, everything's set up as you want it and there shouldn't be a problem again," He replies.

"Good, any trouble?" I reply.

"A little, nothing me and Michael can't handle," He replies, and I can hear the smirk on his face.

"Good. I spoke to James, he's setting up Thursday," I add.

"Nice, does she know all this?" He asks.

"Nope."

Brandon scoffs, "You have a death wish my friend, but you know, I've heard make up sex is the best kind-"

Dropping my phone from my ear, I end the call.

Leaning back I type out a text.

"What you up to today?"

Lame Alex, lame.

I left Rosie's apartment Saturday afternoon after I'd made sure Rosie had eaten a hearty meal and was comfortable.

Well, as comfortable as one can be on a sofa bed.

The urge to send Rosie and Milly to a better apartment across the city is so strong, but I know Rosie would never allow me to do that, so I have to settle for the next best options.

My phone buzzes in my hand.

"Nothing. Reading."

I reply, "Good, have you eaten?"

Nothing.

Then a phone call.

"Rosie."

"Seriously Alex, if you, or anyone for that matter, asks me one more time if I've eaten, I'm going to throttle one of the many courgettes now gracing my fridge compartments at your perfect face."

I'm silent for a second, trying to hold in my laughter before I respond. "You think I have a perfect face?"

"Ugh!"

"Okay, okay, I'll stop. I'm sorry, I will stop with the asking. I just want to make sure you are alright."

"I'm fine Alex, really."

"I need to talk to you, can I come over later?" I ask.

"Hmm, I guess. Can't you talk to me over the phone?" She replies.

"I could, but I'd rather talk to you in person, and also I get to see you."

She's silent, then a quiet, "Okay."

"Don't cook, I'll pick up takeaway. Will Milly be there?" I ask.

"You don't have to do that, I have food now, remember? And yes, she will be here."

"What food do you both like?" I reply.

"You really don't have to-"

"Food Rosie, or I'll pick something."

I'm pretty sure I hear a grumble before, "We never get takeout, but we both eat Chinese."

"I'll be there at 6."

"You know, you just manipulated me into letting you round for dinner when this was really meant to be you talking to me about whatever it is you wanted to talk about," Rosie replies and I smile.

"Do you argue with everyone? Or just me?"

"...I'm throwing a courgette at you tonight."

Laughing out loud I reply, "I'll see you later peaches."