Page 41 of The Final Rose

She’s gorgeous. It’s easy like that. I always plan my days around her, but today it took an uncomfortable turn. I can’t banter because I can’t look anywhere else but her tits. They look about to burst from that dress, the fabric fits her so perfectly, it's leaving very little to the imagination.

I’m a tortured man.

I clear my throat and look to the safe side of the table, my sister. “What do you fancy, Bea?”

Bea makes a little face, looking away from Callie to check the beer taps over the bar. “Anything that looks nice.”

“How old are you?” Callie asks.

“Nineteen.”

Callie breathes out, “Gotta love Europe.”

“Proper fun over here,” I agree, and she rolls her eyes.

Once we all have drinks, Bea goes to the jugular. “So, tell me, how’s the show going?”

Callie sips, “Are you asking me about the six women your brother is currently dating?”

Bea wriggles her nose. “Ew. I didn’t think that way. Gross, Sebastian, why are you dating six women?”

I rub my face. I should know better to get these two together. “I’m not exactly dating–”

“Oh, I think that’s exactly what you are doing.” Callie insists.

“So, you like cider?” I try to change the subject but all she gives me is a half-shrug with an innocent smile.

“Can you tell me anything about the girls?” Bea asks. “Or it’s super against the contract?”

“Super against the contract,” Callie confirms before I do. “But I can say they are all extremely beautiful, and I’m sure Sebastian’s wife is one of them.”

She’s looking straight at me when she says it. They are her words, but they leave a bitter taste on my tongue.

“Is that true? Are you falling in love?” Bea pokes.

And I don’t even think about it. I eye Callie and say, “Yes.”

***

“Tell me about your classes,” I ask when Callie excuses herself to the loo.

Bea rolls her eyes, “Who cares? Let’s talk about Callie.”

I drink so I can avoid my sister’s gaze. Three pints in, I don’t trust myself to keep the charade. Bea arches her eyebrow every time Callie says something about me, or when we laugh together. They became fast friends like I thought they would, but I know what she’s trying to get from me.

“Yes, Callie is great,” I say, just to let the subject go.

“It’s Callie.”

“Excuse me?”

“It’s Callie.” She repeats, putting her pint away so she can brace the table. “It’s Callie.”

“I heard just fine the second time, but Bea…”

“Callie is the one for you, Seb. I didn’t even meet the other girls, but I don’t think it’s necessary.”

“Bea, listen. Yes, we get along well, but--”

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