Young And Beautiful

Chapter 9

After two years of living with Todd, I really wondered how I had ever lived and survived without him. He made love to me, cared for me, told me he loved me, cooked for me, massaged my feet and loved me some more. I fell completely, wholeheartedly,  head over heels in love with him. We laughed together, had long conversations about nothing in particular, went on walks with no destination and held each other every night. Later it might have seemed questionable, but I really loved Todd. 

There were days that I missed Matthew so much I felt physically sick. I wanted to call him and talk to him, but I couldn't get over the fact that he loved Grace more than he loved me. I gave birth to him. I suffered sleepless nights for him but he still chose her. 

"I wanna take you out for dinner tonight alright baby?" Todd called out from the bathroom,  pulling me out of my reverie. "Dress real fancy."

I got out of bed and put my morning gown on as I stood in front of my dressing table, looking down at all the beautiful expensive jewelry Todd had gotten for me over the last couple of  months.

"What's the occasion?" I asked, sitting down.

"Nothing I just want to save you the trouble of cooking."

I smiled, looking at myself in the mirror. "You're so sweet for that but you know I love cooking for you."

Todd came out of the bathroom, a towel around his waist. 

"I know baby but I just want to take you on a date. Maybe we can have that steak and cheese sauce you love."

I smiled at him. "Well, that would be really nice Todd."

I was a housewife and I loved every bit of it. I would bake, cook, clean and dress up to go into  town for some shopping.  I would buy flowers, vases, anything to make the house prettier. I bought myself dresses and jewelry to cover for all the years I could never afford it.

I would go have lunch at outdoor restaurants by myself,  just enjoying the new life I had always craved for; a life where I had freedom. Todd didn't control me. He gave me space to learn amd grow, and he walked every step of the way with me.

That day I went to town to do some grocery shopping but I ended up walking into a classy expensive jewelry store. That was the day I discovered my profound love for diamonds.

I found myself standing in front of a pair of eye catching earrings.  They were diamond, with tiny pink crystals around them. I fell in love with them at first sight but couldn't help but sigh heavily at their expense. Todd earned an immense amount of money and gave me an allowance more than generous,  but I still felt bad to just buy uselessly pricy things. I knew he would not mind, but I still felt guilty.

"Would you be interested in purchasing them?" a store employee asks as he approaches me.

We both stared at the gems behind the glass frame. I smiled politely, tucking a silky strand behind my ear.

"No, thank you."

"Why not? They'd look lovely with your beautiful eyes," he smiled.

I blushed slightly. "I can't afford them," I lied. 

"Then I'll pay," a deep voice chimed in.

We both turned to the short bald man approaching us.

He held out his hand to me. "Stewart Douglas. Manager of Starke."

"I don't believe I've heard of your business," I replied as I shook his hand. "I am quite uncultured when it comes to these kinds of things," I smiled guiltily. 

The man, Stewart, turned to the employee. "Excuse us, please."

Once the employee left, Stewart put all his attention back on me.

"Well we're a film production company and you have exactly what we're looking for," he grinned, his voice bubbly and enthusiastic.

My eyes widened. "Me?"

"Yes, you, my dear...?"

I cleared my throat. "Rose-Marie.  Rose-Marie Grant."

"Miss Grant, you have the look, the feel, the name and the charm of a Hollywood Star!" He boomed. " I have the connections to make you the next big thing."

"A H-Hollywood star?" I stuttered. "I don't know. I've never explored anything related to acting."

"Perfect. Hollywood needs a fresh face. Starke is based here in Los Angeles. We're currently in the process of casting for our upcoming movie 'The other woman' and I feel that you, Miss Grant, stand a chance to being auditioned and actually getting a part."

"Well...I'd love to try if given the chance. You don't get the opportunity to do this everyday," I answer.

I took a business card from Stewart. 

"Please consider this. I really think you can become someone," Stewart urged.

I nodded. "Thank you."

I left the store with a business card in my hand and a bag containing my new pair of diamond earrings, a present from Stewart. 

That evening Todd picked me up for dinner. I wore a purple blouse and a knee length white skirt with white heels. I also wore my new pair of earrings. 

"You look stunning," Todd commented over dinner.

I grinned at him as he sat across me. "Thank you. I have something to tell you."

Todd took my hands across the table. "So do I, but you go first."

I cleared my throat, bubbling with excitement. "I was in town today and I was approached by a man called Stewart Douglas. He is the manager of Starke, a film house."

I took the business card out of my purse and handed over to him.

"He said to give him a call if I'm interested.  I wanted to hear your thoughts on it first."

Todd grinned at me. "Wow. This is one of the biggest film houses in the country. The manager personally scouted you? That's kind of a big deal baby. I'm so happy for you. So what do you want to do?"

"I think I should go for the audition. What do you think?"

He kissed the back of my palm. "I think you should do what makes you happy, because that would make me just as happy."

What if this was my purpose?

What if I could be a star?

What if everyone loved and adored me?

"You wanted to tell me something?" I asked Todd, snapping out of my thoughts. 

"Yes. Well, Rosie, I never believed in soulmates until I met you. I have never been so happy in my entire life. You complete me, and together we've built our own little world."

He got up and kneeled in front of me with a diamond ring in his hand. I gasped, tears clouding my vision.  I could feel everyone's eyes on us now and people watched with admiration and envy.

" I promise to treasure you and try to keep that beautiful smile on your face for the rest of my life. Will you marry me?"

I let the tears fall as I nodded. "Yes! Yes of course I'll marry you!"

A tear fell from Todd's eye as he slipped the ring onto my finger. Everyone applauded and cheered as Todd rose and kissed me passionately,  like it was the last time he would ever get to.

"I love you," he whispered against my lips.