Page 33 of Roses for Rosie

“It just isn’t the same there without you,” she coos, stepping closer so she’s plastered against me.

“Oh yeah, good times,” I reply, taking a small but deliberate step back. The only woman I want slithering against me is Rosie.

“Maybe we could do it again sometime. I hear your tour is heading that way.”

I look to Jan for help. The schedule is her job. She answers for me as I hoped she would.

“You have your finger on the pulse, Sadie. We will be there next week,” she confirms.

Sadie reaches out to me and trails her finger along my jawline. “See you there, stud,” she says before moving on to flirt with the rest of the men in the room.

“Shall I rebook our hotel across town from her?” Jan asks.

“You’re a lifesaver.”

“Any time, ‘stud’,” she laughs at Sadie’s choice of nickname for me. I roll my eyes and elbow her begging her for a prompt as my next admirer approaches.

“Julie Shire, producer at the up-and-coming indie film studio, Lening. Her film won a big prize at Sundance last year.”

“Nice to see you, Julie.” I reach my hand out to shake hers when she is close enough. Luckily producers aren’t as physical as actresses, and she stays at arm’s length.

“We’re looking forward to meeting with you both in LA,” she replies.

Jan takes it from there, engaging Julie in conversation about our upcoming negotiations about film rights. Having one of my books made into a movie is a big step for me and for Jan. Even if Julie does work for a small studio, it’s a film and that means a whole new level of promotion and income. I was really excited about the opportunity a month ago. Now that every day away from Rosie feels like one day too many even the shine of the potential film is a little duller.

I excuse myself from Jan and Julie and head over to the open bar for a drink. While I wait for the bartender to get my scotch and soda a familiar hand lands on my shoulder and slides down my arm. I look to my left and see my ex-girlfriend, Scarlett, smiling up at me.

She’s wearing a gorgeous black gown that leaves little to the imagination. Subtlety never was her strong suit. The ensemble is topped off with one of her seductive smiles. That smile makes promises that not many women could keep, but Scarlett is the whole package and that smile is meant just for me.

“Scarlett,” I greet her with a kiss on the cheek. “How nice to see you again,” I lie. I wish I never had to see her again, but we move in the same circles and these events will continue to bring us together. It’s best to play nice and keep the peace.

“Adam,” she says, breathily. “It’s been too long. I miss you.” She takes a step closer so I can feel the curves under her dress pushing up against me. Her hand lands possessively on my chest.

“Things have been busy with the new book tour.” I take a step back.

“I know. I’ve been watching you. You look amazing, good enough to eat.” She stands on her tip toes and takes a nibble at my neck just above my collar. “I could meet you in your room later. Which floor are you on?”

“Look, Scarlett. What we had was great, but it’s over. I’m not interested.”

“It’s anything but over,” she replies with an edge to her voice. “You and I are perfect together, Adam. When are you going to open your eyes and see?”

“Perfect might be overstating it, Scarlett. I’m actually seeing someone else now.”

Her face goes as red as her name. “You’re cheating on me?”

“No, I’m not cheating on you. We broke up a month ago.”

“You have not heard the last from me, Adam. By the time I’m done you’ll be begging me to come back.” She turns on her heel and walks away, giving her hips a little extra sway. I’m sure she knows I’m watching and she’s putting on a show. Scarlett is always putting on a show. Her obsession with appearances and impressing everyone is one of the reasons I left her. She’s so fake. The opposite of Rosie, I think. Rosie is as genuine and authentic as any woman I’ve ever met.

Then I see her. Across the room is a woman wearing a golden dress which drapes over her body and puddles in piles of fabric around the neckline. I can’t believe Rosie is here! I rush across the room toward her. It’s all I can do to stop myself from pushing people out of the way to get to her faster.

I’m only a few feet away when Rosie turns around and reveals herself to be…not Rosie. My heart lands with a thud at my feet. Of course, it isn’t Rosie. Rosie is back in Jamesville living her life, not flying all over the country chasing me.

I’m so obsessed with her I’m seeing ghosts now. Is she thinking about me too? I imagine her curled up with one of my books on her bed at home. Maybe I’ll call her when I get back to the room.

I check my watch. It’s already ten o’clock. If I wait much longer it will be too late to call her. I glance around the ballroom and spot Jan still engrossed in conversation with Julie. I’ve put in my appearance; people saw me here. I bet I can sneak out now without anyone noticing.

I slide toward the exit, trying to look as inconspicuous as possible. I’m almost to the door when Jan glances my way and catches my eye. Her eyes widen and she gives a tiny shake of her head, forbidding me to leave. I respond with a shrug of my shoulders and leave anyway. She can say what she wants to me in the morning. I have more important things to do than shmooze with people at this party. I need to call my girlfriend.

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