Page 21 of Cuts Like An Angel: Part 3

Chapter Ten

Rosie

Oh, God. Oh, God. They went. Just a drive home was all they needed to survive, and it was done. “Let me know if you need anything at all,” Rosie said, glancing over her shoulder at the surprisingly quiet woman. As usual, she pretended Rosie didn’t exist. She spoke only to William. That was fine with her, but she’d not allow it to make her be any different than if she were the sweetest woman alive. Not that that would ever happen. But she was William’s mother, deserving the respect of giving the man she loved life.

“I think you’ll love the room we got ready for you. We chose vibrant colours, happy colours. Isn’t that right, William?”

“Yep,” he quipped, his mouth returning to that hard line. “Nothing but the best for you.” She wasn’t sure, but she thought she saw him cringe. She said nothing about it, though.

Rosie reached over and punched his side lightly. She turned up the burn in her glare when he didn’t bother to look at her. He was being way too … cold. That wasn’t a good sign. It had been slow going since his missed appointment with Carly. Always watching him, waiting for him to do something that could make her afraid. No doubt he was pissed at how his mother was ignoring her, but that wasn’t a way to start their life together.

Rosie decided to lean into him, soften his anger, but his hand shot out and prevented her.

What the hell?

She put herself back in her seat properly, staring at him. She shot a glance over her shoulder and found his mother smirking right at her. A cold feeling crept up her spine at the sign. Was nothing but purely a bad omen having her smile at her like that. Rosie returned the smile. “Can’t wait to spend time with you. Get to know you. You’ll love my American recipes, I think. I only know a few, but they’re very versatile. William can cook up a treat.”

The woman’s smile turned to the window, once again pushing Rosie out of existence.

“Leave it,” William whispered. “Don’t waste your breath. She’s being her usual self—a no good bi--”

“William,” Rosie nearly yelled, then spluttered. “Gas. I mean, petrol. Do you need it?”

He rolled his eyes before muttering, “We’ve got plenty.”

“Do we need any groceries?”

He finally glanced at her. “If we do, they can wait. We’ll get settled and decide what’s next.” She didn’t get it. Why was he suddenly angry? She recalled his mother whispering something to him when he was putting her in the car. His mood went downhill from there. Worse than she’d expected. Not like it was very uphill, but now it was nearly black. She’d seemed nice to William. Was he mad about that? Just no telling with him and her. Nothing was normal between them. She needed to quit expecting normal where those two were concerned.

Well, she’d tried. Until further notice, she’d keep her trap shut. No point in pleasantries if it only caused more friction.

She watched the scenery go by. They were already on the road leading to the house. It was a beautiful country area, that was for sure. She’d not been there long, but she loved it, so lush and green. It reminded her of pictures in her childhood story book. Something about a farm and a famous goose with a pet boy.

They turned into the driveway and Rosie muttered half excitedly. “Home sweet home.”

She glanced at William and thought his mouth had hardened even more somehow. Dear lord, he’d break his jaw if he wasn’t careful.

“How are we working this?”

“You’re going to fix lunch, while I get her into the house.”

His tone was non-negotiable and flat. “Okay then,” she said, forcing joyful compliance into her words while glancing at his mother. The look the woman gave froze Rosie. Her pale grey eyes were aimed right at her. The way her chin rose, and her mouth nearly disappeared said she might be grinding her gums in hatred.

Rosie fought to turn away from the ugly look, but found herself still in the evil current of her gaze, needing to understand it; figure out why it existed and what its intent was, who it was for and why?

“Rose,” William muttered in a grounded tone, saving her from the woman’s spell. “I’d like coffee, if you don’t mind.”

Rosie opened the door, nodding. “Yes. I’ll get coffee, and lunch.” She hurried to the house, trying not to stop when she heard William’s voice, low and mumbling. She wanted to hear what he was telling his mother. Was he being mean? Once in the door, she hid herself and listened.

“Please. You promised … I will … of course … Every night. Yes. No, don’t. Yes … I remember …”

Rosie jerked herself all the way inside when William glanced her way. She hurried down the small hallway and into the kitchen, trying to hear while she got the makings for coffee ready. How was he going to get her in by himself? She should open the doors at least. Something.

The sound of the front door opening made her pause. She quickly went to the kitchen door and opened it enough to put her ear to it. Everything was quiet. But …

Rosie jumped when Maria screamed. “What have you done to my house? What have you done? You fucking bastard …”

Rosie gripped the door, wanting to run out and help William, but knowing he’d not want her in the middle of that. Her shrieking obscenities faded quickly like he was hurrying her to her room. In a matter of seconds, she heard a door slam, the woman’s hateful rant muffled now.

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