Delicious Rose

9

Rose

Spinning around my work chair, trying to block the visions of my nightmare, my past. Everyone heard and saw me have a breakdown, it's nothing new to them. But it was for Luca. For all of Sunday I stayed in my bed, sulking and hiding from the embarrassment. Daniel came in and spoke to me for a while, I don't know what he told anyone but he knows how badly I suffered, how I couldn't sleep for months and months when he died. Looking down at my phone as it vibrates on my desk, an unknown number has messaged me.

Text Message [From: Unknown] what are you doing after work?

I'm hesitant, unsure who it could be.

Text Message [To: Unknown] Who is this?

Only seconds pass when my phone vibrates in my hand again.

Text Message [From: Unknown] Its Luca, you want to go get food?x

I stop typing before I hit send, is this a bad idea? I can't deny we have some weird chemistry going on. We probably just find each other attractive, but we don't act on it? Surely that's not a bad thing. Like Lee and I? Maybe he just wants to be my friend? Or he wants to know about Saturday night?

Text Message [To: Unknown] Yeah, I'm game. Where and what time?x

I bite on my acrylic nail, waiting for him to text back. I know this isn't a good idea, I know the sexual chemistry we have is stronger than some innocent flirting like Lee and I. I know my brother will not be pleased, but I'm also my own person and I don't shy away from meeting men.

Text Message [From: Luca] I'll pick you up from work, five-thirty okay?x

This is a bad idea.

Text Message [To: Unknown] Perfect x

At five-twenty-nine I make my way over to the toilets, I need to check myself over before I meet him. My tight dress squeezing everything in I can hardly breathe. My black heels killing my feet but I'm used to facing pain with a straight face. I run my fingers through my wavy blonde hair as I take one last look at myself. I don't look too bad for a full day's work.

Stepping out into the warm evening air, I come to a complete stop. I watch him from a few feet away, leaning up against a black 4x4 Mercedes. He's wearing a black bomber jacket, skinny jeans and light brown Chelsea boots. This is so not fair, he's fucking beautiful and I can't even have him. Faking the biggest smile possible I stride towards him, trying to ignore the possible blister on my left heel.

"Well don't you look lovely." He smiles at me, his face beaming. He wraps his arms around my waist for a hug, letting me go and opening the passenger door open for me. I somehow manage to climb into the car without ripping my dress. The scent of cigarettes and cologne fill the air as he climbs in and shuts the door beside me, turning to face me.

My heart pounding and my core throbbing as his minty breath fans my face. Hold yourself together Rose, you can do this, he's a god but you can do this. "What do you like to eat?" He asks, I divert my eyes from his stunning blue orbs to look out of the window.

"I'm not fussy." I reply quickly. I feel awkward and shy being around him in such a small space, I just want to pounce on him, but I can't.

"Italian good?" I can feel his eyes watch me as I lift my head up to look at him.

"I love Italian." I answer him, instantly happier. The thought of creamy pasta makes my mouth water.

"Sorted, I know a great place." He replies, giving me a smile worth a million pounds. He turns his engine on and begins to drive through busy London, the journey silent. My heart pounding aggressively in my chest, I'm not sure how to act. I don't know what to think.