Page 29 of Roses for Rosie

“That was my intention, yes.”

“Oh Adam. You know I would love to, but my father doesn’t really like it when I go out.”

“This isn’t about your father. It’s about you. Do you want to go out to dinner with me?” There’s an edge to my voice as I think about everything her father has taken from her, how small he has made her world for so long.

She pauses, considering the ramifications of her answer. “I would like to see you again.”

“Great. I’ll pick you up at six. I was thinking Antonio’s,” I say, naming the only white tablecloth restaurant within forty miles of Jamesville. If I’m going to do this, I’m going to do it right. Our first date will not take place at some greasy spoon diner with all her neighbors watching. “And don’t worry. I’ll take care of your father.”

“Antonio’s?” she asks uncertainly. “I’ve never been there. It’s awfully expensive.”

“I promise I can afford it,” I laugh.

“OK. I’ll see you Saturday at six then. Bye, Adam.”

“I’m looking forward to it. Bye, Rosie.”

The digital display on my dashboard reads 5:59 as I pull up to Rosie’s house. Perfect timing. I pick up the fresh bouquet of roses I brought with me and turn to open my car door when I see Rosie hurrying down the walk toward the car.

“I was going to come up and knock on the door,” I say as I catch her arm and raise her fingers to my lips. “I brought you something.” I hand her the flowers.

She glances from the bouquet, back to the house and over to the car. She’s as jumpy as a cat.

“You snuck out of the house, didn’t you? He doesn’t know you’re on a date.”

“It seemed easier that way,” she mumbles. “Can we just go before he looks out the window and sees you?”

If I’m going to date Rosie, I’m going to do it right. I don’t want to sneak around and hide my feelings for her from anyone. I want to jump up on a chair and shout to the world that I’m with Rosie. I’m sure as hell not going to hide this from her father.

“I’ll be right back,” I say, leaving her by the car and striding up to the house.

“Adam,” she calls, hurrying after me. “Don’t antagonize him.”

“I want to do this right, Rosie.” I turn to her and lightly stroke her cheek with one finger. “I’m proud to be your date tonight and I want him to know it.”

I open the door to the house, with Rosie a half step behind me.

“Mr. Todd,” I call.

“What? Who’s there? Rosie, where you at, girl?”

“I’m right here, Dad. A friend of mine just wanted to say hi.”

“You aint got no friends.” He laughs.

“I beg your pardon, sir, but she does have a friend. In fact, she has a date. Remember me?” I ask, standing over him as he lounges in his easy chair.

“You again? I thought I told you if you came back here you’d see the business end of my shotgun.”

“No, sir. I’m afraid you were too busy pissing your pants and agreeing to my demands that you stop hurting your daughter to threaten me.”

He sputters a bit, but I interrupt him before he can gather his next argument. “I’ve asked your daughter to accompany me to Antonio’s for dinner tonight. I am taking her on a date. I understand this is unusual in your household, but I assure you that I plan to make a habit of it. I’ll have her back before midnight. If you give her any shit about this, you know there will be consequences. Have a nice evening.” I nod and walk away before he responds, pulling Rosie with me.

“I can’t believe you did that!” Rosie whispers when we get in the car.

“I can’t believe how amazing you look tonight.”

She blushes and looks down at her dress. She put some effort into looking her best tonight. The dress is sheer and silky, falling in golden waves over her shoulders pooling in loops of fabric over her chest. The color brings out the golden flecks in her brown eyes. Her hair is pulled up in a simple twist, revealing her neck and tempting me to lean over and leave my mark, but we have reservations and I don’t want to be late.

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