The Painted Lady

Princess

In the last chapter I made a mistake! Levy doesn't know Rose is Rose or her name. Remember he's looking for a girl named rose! (Sierra told him to come here to find his chef)

Levy

"That girl in blue hesitated a bit. Don't you think Pearl?" I ask, my eyes glued to her figure as she walked away as she tried so fervently to avoid my gaze.

"The girl in ...blue...?" She thought for a moment, distracted by the wad of cash newly bestowed onto her. I was so distracted by the girl in blue, I forgot to ask Pearl about a woman named Rose.
As much fun as I was having, I still came her on business of my restaurant. I needed a chef back at Home Sweet Home and if this Rose girl was any good, she would be missed.

"Oh! That girl in blue. That's Rose" She reveals the name.

"Rose! Her name is Rose!?" I whisper, loud enough for Pearl to hear.

"That's what she told me. Unless you reckon there's more to it" she says, squinting her eyes suspiciously.

"No. No. Pearl. I'm just surprised the name fits her so well" I lie, scratching my jaw to avert my surprise.
Her friend Sierra had told me the name of the chef at my restaurant and her name was supposedly Rose. So she was the famous chef Mr. Divine had fired.

I couldn't believe this was the woman who was in charge of the food at my restaurant. Her dishes were  always good, but putting her behind a kitchen counter would be a waste of her beauty.

Maybe I should keep my identity a secret for now?
She would be of more use to me as an outlaw if I confirmed she could read.

"Rose is just as illiterate as the rest of my girls but she sure is a beauty." Pearl pulls me from my thoughts.

"She's on the floor?" I ask, taking my hat from the hook.

"Yes. It's her first day! You might have to pry a few men off to get her attention"

"I don't like sharing my food Pearl"  I smirk.

"We'll, if you are so interested in her, she's being auctioned off at the virgin bride auction"

"Virgin bride auction?" I couldn't help but laugh. The name sounded ridiculous. "She's preserved?"

"As preserved as a purist." I was instantly turned on by the thought of her. I would want to be the first to take it.

"When is this little auction Pearl?"

"Just a few days from today. On the second Saturday coming up. You best come on early if you want to bid on her."

"Hmmm. Maybe I'll stay in town then?" I say. What use was it to leave town now? 

I walk to the main parlor room and see her surrounded by a legion of men.  She leaned a slender arm against the table leaning so elegantly as the men surrounded her relentlessly.

"Y'all make sure to buy your whiskey" she reminded them.

"Of course!"
"Only for you Rose"

I make my way to her side, pushing through the swarm of men before pulling her to my side.
"Hello"

"Howdy" I smile, looking down to her beautiful plump lips.

"Hey buddy! We were here first!" The men groaned.

"I'll buy out all the top shelf " I announced, making sure they heard my order.  The men groaned and sneered, scattering because they knew they were out bought. I was richer and always made sure to use it to my advantage.