Worth the Wait

Part 7 - An Unexpected Guest

Part 7 - An Unexpected Guest

Rose’s POV

        Before I knew it, another three days had passed by without my knowledge. Beth had sent me some ideas, and I drew them up for her. She said that customers were pretty pleased with our store down there, and I couldn’t help but feel guilty for not being there with her. Of course she reminded me time and time again that everything was fine, that I should enjoy myself.

        I finished the designs for Steven’s motorcycle, and he loved them. I used the colors of electric blue, black, and silver with a hint of lime green too. He said it was perfect for the bike, and that the owner would love it. He finished putting everything together about a day and a half ago, and the parts had already been sent out for painting. In another four to five days, I would be able to see the completed product. I was so excited to see it.  

        Today was Thursday, and I was due to leave next Monday afternoon. Even with Beth’s ranting about me relaxing, I knew my place was back in North Carolina at the store with her. Christine had told me that Steven’s change in behavior was proof that her idea had worked. I smiled at her when she said that. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m glad he’s doing better, but the wound in my chest didn’t feel any better. Just seeing him everyday made my stomach flutter. When he said my name, my breath would catch. And when he would take me by the hand, I felt my bones start to melt. Knowing that nothing could come out of it, I tried my best to hide it. It seemed to be working, because he never once said anything about it. I guess a part of me was glad for that.

        I was working upstairs in my old bedroom, when a knock startled me. I looked up from the drawing of a sweater dress on my desk to see Steven standing there, leaning against the doorframe, smiling at me. “Sorry didn’t mean to scare you,” he said, a smirk quite evident on his face.  

        “Sure you didn’t,” I drawled. I turned my attention back to the drawing on my desk. I needed to take a break from it anyways, so I started putting my drawing pencils away in their case.

        “You don’t need to stop on account of me,” Steven said, looking worried. 

        I shook my head at him. “Don’t worry, I won’t,” I replied. “I just need to take a break form this drawing. It’s giving me some trouble. I can’t quite get the look right.”

        He pushed away from the frame to walk over to my desk. Leaning over my shoulder, he looked down at the sketchy drawing in front of me. I grimaced. “I know, it looks bad. It’s still in the early processes so--” A hand across my mouth interrupted my nervous dialogue.  

        “This is really good Rose. I mean, from the motorcycle, I knew you had talent for design. But this is amazing,” he said, taking his hand off my mouth.

        “I don’t know. It’d really not my best work,” I replied quietly, looking down at my hands in my lap. 

        “Doubt it,” he whispered, still staring at the drawing on my desk. The conversation ceased for a few minutes, neither one of us knowing what to say next. Memories of that day five years ago came flooding back, and I felt the blush creeping up on my face.  

        Steven turned and jumped onto my bed. I spun around and saw him stretching out, making himself comfortable. “What are you doing?” I asked. He looked at me like I was crazy.

        “I’m making myself comfortable,” he responded, with a ‘duh’ expression on his face.

        I scrunched up my brows. “Why?” I questioned.

        He smiled. “That’s a damn good question.”

        I waited for him to elucidate, but he remained silent. I shrugged and turned to keep putting my pencils away when a pillow hit me in the back of the head. I spun slowly this time, glaring at Steven as soon as he come into view. “Oh, no you didn’t,” I said, trying to sound menacing.

        He smirked. He actually had the nerve to smirk at me. “Oh, yes I did,” he responded, grabbing my other pillow.

        I all but jumped out of my chair. Snatching up the pillow from the ground, I jumped on top of him and proceeded to have a pillow fight.

 * * *

        “Hey, you wanna go get something to eat?” Steven asked, about twenty minutes later. We were both sprawled out across the bed, exhausted from the childish game.

        Instead of me answering, my stomach growled very loudly. I smiled sheepishly. “Does that answer your question?”

        We both started laughing loudly as Steven sat up. He grabbed my hand, and pulled me from the bed. “Come on Rosie! I’ve got the perfect place in mind,” he said, practically dragging me through the door.

 * * *

        We wound up at Benihana, a Japanese restaurant where they prepare your food in front of you. Our families always took us there when we were younger, and coming here with Steven brought back a lot of those memories. On the walls, there are pictures  of just about everyone who has come here to eat. Whether it was for birthdays, graduations, or just a night out, you were invited to get your picture taken. It made the large venue seem more homey.

        Steven devoured his entire meal, and even helped me to finish off mine. As we were leaving the restaurant, Steven took my hand again. He didn’t seem conscious of doing it, but I didn’t care at that point. I was going to take it as long as I could.