Total pages in book: 64
Estimated words: 61100 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 306(@200wpm)___ 244(@250wpm)___ 204(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61100 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 306(@200wpm)___ 244(@250wpm)___ 204(@300wpm)
She’s still scanning my face, and my thoughts must be written all over it. “You’re already feeling something for those men, aren’t you?”
My emotions feel much too close to the surface for me to do anything other than nod, and Nancy immediately wraps an arm around my shoulder. “I know these types of things are hard since you don’t have your mom around anymore, and I hope you’ll find some value in my advice. You need to protect yourself, Rose. I know you don’t have a lot of time for dating when you’re working so hard, but you’d be much better off spending your time looking for someone you can have a future with. One man, someone who wants a commitment, and who’s interested in more than just a physical relationship.”
I want to argue with her, but I have no idea what my argument would be. She’s not saying the men are bad, just that they’re not right for me, and I’ve known that all along, even though when I’m with them, things feel so right.
“If you continue down the path you’re headed,” Nancy says, “you’re going to get hurt, and I’d hate for that to happen to you, Rose.”
33
HUTCH
Zipper’s concerns about Rose are heavy on my mind as I clean my station. Today feels like it’s gone on for a couple of years. There was such a bright spot when Rose was here, immediately followed by the harsh realities Zipper made me face.
Much as I want to ignore everything he said, doing so would end up with Rose being hurt by the four of us, and I don’t want that.
I usually assess situations from different angles and plan for potential problems, but ever since I met Rose, I’ve had my head in the clouds. We’re not right for her, and continuing to see her would be very selfish. It makes sense that we couldn’t resist her in the beginning, but letting things go on for as long as they have has been irresponsible, and I’m angry at myself for being blinded to the potential repercussions.
As much as I’m certain of this, my determination to make things right is being met with a lot of internal resistance, and I find myself looking for faults in Zipper’s logic, though I haven’t found any yet.
Someone as sweet and pure hearted as she is doesn’t belong with men like us.
The bell rings, alerting me that someone’s come into the shop. Shit. I’ve been so distracted that I forgot to lock up after the last client left. I step out, prepared to tell the person that we’re closed, and see a man who looks vaguely familiar. It only takes a moment to place him.
If I didn’t already recognize him, the grim look on his face would be a big clue.
“I need to talk to you,” Rose’s brother says, striding toward me. It’s been a while, but I recall seeing him at the coffee shop when I used to go there, before we started having all of our drinks delivered.
If it weren’t for the storm clouds behind the man’s eyes, I might worry that something happened to Rose, but I’d be willing to bet the shop that I know exactly why he’s here.
“What can I do for you?” I ask, squaring up my shoulders. The music is still blaring, so I slide my phone from my pocket and dial down the volume, noticing with irony that the song playing is “About a Girl” by Nirvana.
“I’m Patrick Morrison. I own the coffee shop, Island Java.”
I nod my head in acknowledgement, peripherally aware that the other three men have stepped out of their stalls to come stand behind me. If Rose’s brother is intimidated at all by the four of us, he doesn’t show it.
“My shop has been delivering to you. More specifically, my sister Rose has been delivering to you. I’m here to tell you to leave my sister alone. As a businessperson, I want to have good relationships with other businesses on the island, but I’m sorry to tell you that we won’t be offering delivery to you anymore, and it will be best if you take your business elsewhere.”
To this, I give him a half nod. It’s his right to do as he pleases with his coffee shop, but I don’t know why he thinks his control should extend to his Rose. “Are you aware that your sister is an adult who can make her own decisions?”
The man’s jaw hardens and his eyes narrow. “My sister is my concern, not yours. I didn’t come here to start any trouble, but I think you’ve been playing games with her, and it’s going to stop.”
“What does Rose have to say about this?” Mace asks in a cold tone I rarely hear from him.
“I’ll be talking to her later,” Patrick says, equally as icy. “Right now, I’m here to tell you to stop talking to her and stop contacting her. Whatever’s been going on, ends now.”