Page 96 of Dear Rosie
Because I have work to do.
And because Nathan is now back where he belongs.
In the past.
SIXTY-EIGHT
NATE
Charles greets me at the door, and as soon as my shoes are off, I bend down and scoop him up.
He meows.
“I know. I like her too.”
He bumps his chin against my chest.
“I’ll text her. Just not yet.”
Charles lets out a scratchy meow.
I sigh. “I’m not playing games. If anyone is playing games, it’s Rosie.” I shift Charles in my arms and stride toward my bedroom. “It’s like she can’t just be happy around me. I get these moments. These glimpses of her smiles, two seconds of a laugh, but then she’s back to being shuttered.”
The furry body in my arms rumbles with a purr.
“I don’t know what the deal is.”
Charles purrs louder.
“Dude, I said I’d text her.”
He kneads his front paws against my chest, and I change my grip to hold him at arm’s length.
“Fine. You win.”
I set Charles down on the bed and pull my phone out of my pocket.
SIXTY-NINE
ROSALYN
I stare down at my phone.
Nathan: Drinks, same time, same place. Friday?
I just finished making myself another cup of coffee after my quick shower. And Nathan is texting me, seeing if I want to go out again next weekend, after not saying anything at all when I got out of his car.
Me: I’m working Friday night.
He replies immediately.
Nathan: Saturday night then.
Me: I’m working Saturday night too.
Nathan: Meet me after.
I drag my teeth over my lower lip.
