Page 21 of The Rhino's Rose

Rose,

I’m not going to apologize on a piece of paper. I want to do that in person, if you let me, and when you’re ready.

Since you can’t drive until Dr. Schaefer says you can put weight on that foot, and I assumed you wouldn’t want myhelp, I asked your friend Alexis to drive you to the doctor’s office this morning. She’ll be there at nine. If you’re not at your store by its opening time, I’ll go over and stick a note on the door telling customers you’ll be back soon.

I spoke with the plumber, and he’ll swing by your house after your shop closes today to look into your hot water issue. If he can’t fix it on the spot, you’re always welcome to use my facilities, and I will go run some errands while you do, so you have privacy.

There’s a good chance you’re going to be angry about all of those things because it probably seems like I’m making decisions for you again, trying to control your life. That’s not my intention or motivation, but based on my previous behavior, I will understand if you see it that way.

If you need anything, anytime, let me know. I will always be here for you.

There’s no sign-off, just a swooping line below the text.

It’s not the groveling apology I was hoping for, but it’s also not the breaking-things-off note I was afraid I might find. It’s just Cornelius being Cornelius, doing what he thinks is best for me.

I know he didn’t make those calls and plans out of some overbearing need to control my life. He did them because he cares for me. The same reason he kept his distance for the past five years, why he fought his feelings and kept them secret. Of course,thatdecision was wrong. But it was his to make.

Well…shit.

CORNELIUS

A busy day on the jobsite wasn’t enough to keep my mind off of Rose. At the current stage of the stonework, I spent most of the day inside, without a sightline of Rose’s flower shop.

Either lucky timing or fate had me near the renovation job’s front window when she arrived, dropped off by her friend Alexis. It took everything in me not to rush over there. To help. To apologize. To make things right.

At five o’clock, I’m winding things down, cleaning up my area of the jobsite, when my phone pings with a new text. Could be anyone, and is most likely job-related, but my pulse kicks up with hope, like it has every time the phone buzzed in my pocket today. This time, when I swipe my thumb across the screen, the only name that matters is on my screen.

Rose

Your note said you want to talk. If you’re free after work, can we talk then?

We can talk anytime you want. I’ll walk away from anything for you.

Rose

I have things to do here at the shop, so no rush. Stop by when you’re ready.

No rush.Stop by.Words people use for unimportant things. Casual meetups. The opposite of everything I feel and want.

Washing up. Be over in a few minutes.

Rose

I’ll leave the front door unlocked for you.

No blushing face emoji this time. Just the rose. But it’s something.

Ten minutes later, the old-fashioned bell over the door of Rose’s Garden chimes my entrance. I’ve only been in one other time, for her grand opening three years ago, and there were so many bodies packed into the small space, all I could smell was people. With just Rose and I in the shop, I’m bombarded by scents of flowers and greenery. Fresh scents that remind me ofRose’s hair, Rose’s skin. I assumed it was her perfumes and products. Once again, I assumed wrong.

Standing at a worktable near the rear of the store, her long red hair shimmering beneath the overhanging light, a pale-pink dress caressing her curves in a way that makes me envious of the fabric, she looks over her shoulder at me. “Would you turn the deadbolt? I don’t want anyone thinking I’m open and interrupting us.”

Nodding, I lock the door, the metallic click of it sharp against the pounding pulse in my ears. “I saw you arrive on crutches. Any news from your appointment with Dr. Schaefer?”

“The swelling has gone down a lot, but she did a scan anyway, and confirmed it’s just a minor sprain. I need to be careful with it, probably for a few weeks.”

“That’s good news. If there’s anything I can do, I’m happy to.”

“I know, thank you. And thank you for the arrangements you took the time to make. I’m not angry; I appreciate them.”

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