But that didn't stop me from buying the ring. Because Rosie still deserves to have that. Because no matter what she wants at the end of this, she’ll keep that part of me.
“Okay,” she says finally, giving a small nod and a polite smile. “That’s probably the wisest decision.”
Then, just like that, she turns back to her food, eating as though we didn’t just have this gut-punch of a conversation.
I’ll give her the ring someday. But not today.
I’m not sure if she believes what she said, or if I do, for that matter but for tonight and at the risk of touching her again I’ll pretend to.
“So, I wanted to update you on something that I’ve been working on behind the scenes.”
She takes another bite of her food. “Oh?”
“Remember when I told you I wanted to throw a Valentine’s Day charity auction?”
She nods. “Yes…”
“Well, I think I’ve figured out how I’m going to do, and I have the perfect fundraiser in mind.”
We spend the rest of the evening going over the details of my idea, laughing and talking like we really are just friends.
And it’s… nice.
She's easy to talk to, smart and witty, and despite her not having any close friends, I know it's simply because she doesn't have the time for them and not because of her personality. Because Rosie is funny, kind, attentive and smart.
And this… This is how relationships are supposed to feel, right? Easy. Comfortable. Full of joy. It’s nothing like what I had with my ex.
Maybe I should call up Rhiannon and ask her to verify that for me. She’d know as our resident relationship expert.
Friends first, then lovers. That’s how it’s supposed to work.
And that’s how it feels with Rosie. She’s in my corner, and despite every instinct screaming at me to make this more, I’ll prove to her that I can be in her corner, too without the sex.
I’m going to support her goals as much as she's been supporting mine. I’m going to show her what a true partnership can look like. For the next two months. Until she gets this promotion. Until my case is dropped.
It’s just two more months.
Then I’ll beg her for more.
Even if it kills me to wait. Even if it hurts me not to touch her.
Chapter 24: Boone
“Thank you for coming tonight,” I shake another hand and nod at a guest as they take their seat at an open table.
My teammate Ty grips my shoulder. “Hey man. It’s time to get started.”
“Okay.” I move through the crowded space, the sound of the kitchen prepping tonight’s dinner the only noise as our group settles down. When I reach the small stage where bands typically perform on Friday nights for drunken crowds, I grip the microphone and tap twice.
“Thank you all for coming tonight,” my voice carries over the packed restaurant that’s decorated in cutout paper hearts strung from the ceiling, red glitter and candlelight. It might not be the most expensive venue for our first ever charity dinner, but Brookhaven Brews is in the heart of Brookhaven, the small community that Rosie loves.
“I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting such a big turnout, but I guess that’s what happens when word gets out that the Mayhem’s resident playboy, our very own Penn, is auctioning off a date.”
Laughter ripples through the room as Penn calls out, "It's the least I can offer!"
I smile and scan the crowd, familiar faces everywhere. Sponsors who’ve been part of the Mayhem family for years. Teammates I trust with my life and my career who are showing up to support my first charity event. Coach Steele. Cain and Rhiannon. Gabriel and Eden.
Even Caleb King showed up, already looking like he’s prepared to open his wallet. I hope he does. Maybe a month ago I would have done this to prove to my team's owner that I'm a changed man, but there's nothing fake about this event tonight. I’m putting this on because I want to. Because I want to honor my wife.
