Every Rose has a Thorne (last chapter being redrafted & all editing being done)

Chapter 3

I pulled up outside the pub, relieved to find my usual parking spot. It might sound bad to have a regular spot at a pub, but with the stress I endure, a girl needs a place to vent. This pub has been the Friday night haunt for Tim and me. Now, I'm buying him and his muscled friends a round as a thank-you for their help.

Most women spend their first married night at an exotic resort. I never expected much, but I did hope to spend mine in the arms of the man I'd just vowed to be with forever. Instead, I'm here, at the pub with my best friend.

Walking in, I felt Max's gaze immediately. It made my skin crawl. I avoided eye contact and beelined for the spot next to Tim.

"You clean up pretty well, Roxy," Tim teased, noticing my effort for the night. I just needed to feel good about myself today.

"And you still look like a mess after moving all my stuff. Didn't you shower?" I retorted with a playful slap on his arm.

"Nope, we came straight here for those beers you promised," he replied, his eyes slightly unfocused. He hadn't eaten, and I suspected this night might end early for him.

I felt someone brush up next to me and turned around ready to give my usual death stare, but was surprised to see Max's face right up next to mine.

"Heeeeyyyyy babe......" he slurred out, throwing his arm around me in a loose hug. I shrugged him off and mumbled about liking my personal space. Maybe if I was pissed too he wouldn't be irritating me so much. I looked up at the bar-lady and she nodded, knowing my usual order. 

"Max, please back off. I'm not interested," I said firmly, trying to hide my fear. His persistence was unnerving.

"Add a beer for each of these guys to my tab as well please Louise, I owe them one." I asked as she started pouring my first Vodka, Lime and Tonic.

"You think that's a good idea love? They've been knocking it hard." she questioned with a raised eyebrow. She always did the late shifts, so she knew how to handle this rough guys. I just didn't have the energy to fight with Tim after promising him and his boys a beer.

"Just one more, then cut them off," I assured her. I grinned as I heard Tim disagreeing behind me. He never realizes when he's had enough, but then again most men don't.

Louise passed me my drink and I shamelessly downed the first one. She knew I always did this so made sure not to put any ice in the first one. I put the glass down and thanked her for the second Vodka, Lime and Tonic she replaced it with. She was the best bar-lady I knew, she remembered every patrons order and preference.

I could feel the alcohol already releasing me of my stress from the days events. Tim was rubbing up against what looked like an 18 year old school girl. Hope she realizes that no man picks up his "Happily Ever After" at a pub. This was just a booty call. Well done Tim.

Max was still bumping me and I think trying to flirt, but he was so drunk I couldn't understand a single word that was coming out his mouth. He was starting to scare me a bit, he is a big man and doesn't seem to catch the drift that I am not interested. Not because I just got married, but because I did not like the type of person I could tell he was. I trust my gut when it comes to situations like this.

I excused myself and went to the ladies room, hoping Max would move on to some other more willing victim in my absence. Looking in the mirror I was shocked to see that even through the make-up I could still see a frightened little girl. Too scared to go home to my new suite, too scared of what the next 5 years held for me.

I splashed some water on my face looked up and gave myself a mini-pep talk.

You can overcome this, it's just 5 years. Smile, wave and it'll all be over soon.