“I don’t know who started that rumor or why it persists, but it’s always the same kinds of guys who come in and try to get friendly with me. They’re thinking about this non-existent cash instead ofme. Because obviously I have feelings of my own, and knowing, or not knowing, where I came from is something that will mess with my emotions. It’s just a gameto them, and in their minds, I’m not even a human being. I’m just a thing they can try to exploit.” I draw a heady, shuddering breath. “What kinds of weird things was the guy asking Cliff?”
“Just the same questions most folks ask.”
“If I’m the woman from the news,” I sigh. “And if I grew up in… whatever town they grew up in. So they can claim they know me. Which is laughable, since I don’tknowwhere I grew up.”
“Simple minds tend to think simple things, and then we’re forced to live in the same world as them.” He straightens and comes around the counter, tucking my hair back and stroking my jaw with his thumb. “Nothing has happened, the guy didn’t do anything wrong, and you’re safe, right here with me.” He lays a feather-soft kiss on my lips. “If the guy is here to ask questions and claim money that isn’t there, then he’ll go to Billy. Billy will screen him, and we’ll know everything we need to know about him before we even set foot inside the police station. If he’s here to cause trouble, then I’ll wring his fuckin’ neck and put him in the ER, then I’llaccidentallyamputate his head or something.” His lips wrinkle into a small smile. “I decided I wanna keep you forever, Rosaline. Even if Giselle sashays her supermodel ass back into town.”
I choke on a weak, ridiculously raspy laugh. “I’m handy with a hammer, remember? I might ugly up her face so you don’t wanna be with her anymore.”
“So we agree then?” He kisses the top of my head. “I’ll hurt any guy who wants your attention. You’ll hurt any woman who wants mine. Toxic possessiveness to match our toxic attachment and trauma behaviors.” He drags the tips of his fingers across my jaw, then he turns to the fridge and yanks it open, taking out the ingredients for dinner. Loading up his arms with brightly colored vegetables and a plate with defrosted chicken breast in a bag, he peeks over his shoulder and smirks. “Say it, Rose. You know you wanna.”
I drop forward and set my elbows on the counter, my chin in my hands. Pouting, I look anywhere but into his smug eyes. “I love you.”
Laughing, he hip-bumps the fridge closed. “You seem thrilled about it, too. And keep Poopy McStinkypants off the counter. She knows what chicken smells like now. She’s shameless.”
I peek down and find her back feet on my thighs, her front paws on the edge of the counter. She’s cute and fluffy and wildly uncoordinated, but she’s also a predator in the wild, and she wants her prey. “Cheeky girl.” I scoop her back and scratch her neck. “No chicken for you, Poppy.”
“Poopy.”
“Poppy!”
ROUND FORTY-THREE
OLLIE
ROSE - May 5, 8:45am
Hey. I was walking to work, but Cliff drove by and picked me up. Said he was out this way for an inspection. Almost at the office now.
8:46am
Sidenote. Cliff’s nostrils grow wider when he’s lying. So the inspection thing was entirely fabricated and an excuse to not let me walk alone.
8:46
I suspect you knew about—and were possibly involved in—this not-so-covert scheme. But he’s being so sweet and innocent about it, I don’t have the heart to burst his chivalrous bubble and call him out for being a sneaky liar.
8:47
Also, not to be that person, since the day is just starting, but I already miss you. A lot. Only nine hours to go until you finish your shift.
ME - 9:02am
Eight hours, fifty-seven minutes, and thirty-seven seconds. But who’s counting?
9:02am
No comment on the lies Cliff tells. That’s between him and you.
9:03am
Eight hours, fifty-six minutes, and thirteen seconds. Have you heard anything from Billy today?
ROSE - 9:04am
No. And I get anxious every single time my phone beeps. I really, really, really don’t want him to call today. I just wish Cliff’s weird feeling would go away and for everything to be normal again. It’s not so much to ask.
No. It’s fucking not. She’s already been through so much. Already survived some of the worst shit others will never face, and she’s done it bravely and amazingly, often emotional, but never complaining.
