The Tangled Rose (Book One in the Tangled Series) (Editing)

Chapter 18

*A year and a half later*

Eric's POV

I close the door to my apartment grabbing the pack of menthols off the table after saying goodbye to yet another meaningless fling. I could make the excuse that this is my way of coping but that's just bullshit. I walk out onto the balcony of my apartment. Lighting a cigarette I stare out at the small pond in the back of my apartment building.

Oliver got his own place after we got into an argument about how I'm spending my time along with ignoring Rose. I got drunk one night when I was with a girl; Rose called me and I told her I wanted nothing to do with her. I didn't know how I could even start by saying sorry so I just kept putting it off. Oliver found out and moved out. I almost lost my job for being late so many times.

About a year ago Oliver called me and asked me if I had heard from Rose because she stopped answering his calls and texts. When Oliver went to her studio apartment her neighbor said she moved. My worry and guilt for her were just buried with cigarettes, girls, and alcohol.

I'm meeting up with Jamey from the model agency tonight. Her dad works at Flushing hospital so maybe she can get me a meeting with him.

**5 Hours Later**

**5:30 p.m.**

Slipping on my dark jeans I glance over at the mirror and I am wearing a light blue dress shirt with my jeans along with my brown ankle-high boots. I grab my phone slipping on my brown wool coat and navy blue scarf. Putting on my black bennie, I rush out the door texting Jamey that I am on my way.

When I pull into the parking lot of the bar I get out of my truck and head inside sitting down. Suddenly I hear my name so I turn my head to the door.

"Eric!!" Jamey says with a big smile waving her hand at me. Weaving through the crowds she comes into my full view. A lot of the guys stare at her like she is perfection honestly she isn't my type but then again I've only really had one type. Jamey is wearing a black leather dress that goes about mid-thigh along with a leather jacket and her blonde hair is a little messy in waves.

She comes up to me and kisses me on the cheek. This is the second time I've been out for a drink with her. Pulling off my beanie I ask her what she wants to drink.

"Voda on the rocks please," she says towards the female bartender that has been eying me quite awkwardly for the past 5 minutes. "You look great Eric." I give her a soft smile in response.

"So how is your dad?"

"Oh you know busy," she says rolling her eyes.

"I'm sorry," I say trying to seem interested but I still smile softly. "So how are things at the agency?"

"Oh pretty well for me at least but there is this sorta-new girl. The boss has been getting on her ever since she started for taking so long in the dressing room. She seems so closed off and like never smiles in her pictures. Her name is Rose or something but some of the girls are saying that she takes so long in the dressing room because she is trying to cover up bruises or something." Jamey says taking a swig of her drink. My eyes widen at the thought that comes to my mind. Could that possibly be Rose... Kyle's Rose.

"Sounds pretty strange," I say trying to sound casual. "So I was thinking I could come by and see you model." if I can get there, I can check for sure if it's her. She blushes and nods.

"Of course, I didn't think you would want to," she replies. I pretend to not feel well by holding my stomach.

"I'm really not feeling well Jay. I think I should go home and lay down." her eyes have some worry in them.

"Of course here let me help you out," she says standing and grabbing my arm. I put my bennie back on and drop a ten on the bar. Jamey walks me to my car and helps me inside.

"Thanks, Jay." I nod to her but she leans in and kisses me. I pull away slowly. "Nice to see you again."

"Let me know when you are feeling better," she says with a wink. "I will see you at the agency tomorrow maybe you can do a couple of shots with me like old times." Old times huh... more like bad times for me at least. Being known as the player of the agency. I nodded trying not to roll my eyes. I turn my car on telling Jamey bye and pull out of the parking lot texting Oliver to meet me at my house.

When I get to the apartment I see Oliver's car so I park and rush inside. He is sitting on the couch.

"What was so important that you need me to come over at 7 p.m.?" Oliver asks annoyed.

"Okay umm I met up with Jay again tonight," he rolls his eyes before I finish.

"You wanted me to come over so you could tell me about a stupid fling?!"

"No, listen she told me about a new girl there named Rose. It might be her I am going there tomorrow. But I need you to cover for me at work-"

"Nope. I'm not falling for it again." Oliver says grabbing his coat and heading for the door.

"Please! If it's her I need to make things right!" I plead to him. He has never seen this side of me. The desperation to make things right. He takes a moment to look into my eyes and it looks as if he gives up.

"Fine. As soon as you find out if it's her or not text me." I nod gratefully as he walks out of the apartment. I walk out to the balcony lighting a cigarette. I love Rose... but will it ever be okay to be with her...