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

Chapter 15

***PROCEED WITH CAUTION - THIS CHAPTER EARNS ITS RESTRICTED RATING***

Sitting in my usual spot at the pub, I looked at the ladies room and felt a shiver of fear down my spine. I didn’t realize how being here again would affect me. Louise kept checking on me, happy to see me again but concerned for my mental well-being. If only she knew, Max was the least of my problems right now.

I felt an arm wrap around me and I went tense immediately. As I turned to see who it was I felt another arm around me. It was Tim and Chrissy. They’d left me at the bar to play a game of darts, the loser having to down 3 different shooters.

“Sis, why did you bother marrying Marco when you have a man like Tim in your life” Chrissy whispered in my ear as she leaned in for a big family hug.

“It seems like you enjoying yourself Chrissy.” I giggled back at her, pushing both their drunken bodies off me.

“Roxy come on be a sport and join us for the next darts or pool game?” Tim was grinning from ear to ear. I haven’t seen him this excited in ages.

I looked over at Chrissy, and then back at Tim. Oh boy. This should be interesting. I grabbed Tim and pulled him closer to me, watching as Chrissy went off to the ladies room.

“If you even think of making her another notch on your belt I will skin you alive with a blunt knife.” I whispered in his ear.

“Roxanne Stevens, I would never even think of hurting your sister.” He glared at me, suddenly extremely serious. “She is funny, intelligent, crazy and the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on. Why would I want to hurt someone so perfect?” I watched his eyes glaze over as he spoke of her, damn I think Tim is eventually in love.

“Well what’s taking you so long to make a move? It’s not like she’s seeing anyone.” I was excited at the prospect of my best friend and my sister being an item.

“Honestly Roxy, I was just waiting for her to go to Med School and live a bit before I let you or her know how I feel.”

“What do you mean you were just waiting?”

“I have been in love with your sister since the school dance I escorted her to because he dipshit boyfriend flaked out. I have never met anyone who makes me feel the way she did that night. She excites me, challenges me, never backs down and just completes me.”

“Tim you sound like a chick now! No-one completes anyone.”

“You know what I mean Roxy, why do you think I’ve never had a serious relationship? Every single woman I’ve been with I have compared to Chrissy and none of them have lived up to my expectations.”

“Okay Tim, now you worrying me. You’ve been drinking, so I don’t want you saying these things to her tonight. Sober up and take her for a lunch date tomorrow.” I watched the hugest smile grow on his face, “and if she says no, then you have to let her go and move on with your life.”

“So you approve! Thank you Roxy, I knew there was a reason we stayed friends all this time. I promise if she doesn’t feel the way I do, I will walk away and let her live a happy life with whomever she chooses.”

“Sshhh, she’s on her way back.” I looked up at my sister, watching her face light up as Tim turned around and smiled at her. Yip, she felt the same way. He had nothing to worry about.

As they went on with their chatting, I sat wondering if Marco ever said those things about me. I doubt it. If he had thought them, he would be sitting by my side now. Not rushing off to her ex to hold her had through her pregnancy. I didn’t know Viola at all, but I hated her. Hated her down to my core. Woman like her always got their way.