Page 71 of The Nicest Thing
God, why did it take me so long to put it together?
"Do you need help, Rose?I have some money saved up.I could—"
"No," she said, laying a hand on my arm."You've already done so much, Finn.I just have to figure out how to find more readers.I never had to do that before, so it's been a learning curve."
She shrugged.
"It wouldn't hurt to have new reels, fresh content."
"Of course," I said, "but Rose, I want to do more.I know how much you love your grandma.Like I said, I have money.It's killing me that you won't let me help."
"You are helping."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because I knew you'd go all white knight on me and try to save the day."
"That's exactly what I want to do."
"Thanks, but I need to save myself."Rose lifted her brows."Now, can I film you rolling up your sleeves, peeking up at the camera like you have a secret?"
"No problem," I said.
"And then can I get one of you looking down at the flowers then holding them out to me like you're in love?"
"I think I can do that."
Anything she asked me, I did.
We spent probably an hour filming reels for her books.The whole time Rose commented on what a good actor I was, how believable my 'heart eyes' were.And I wanted to say: That's because I'm looking at you.But I held back.Rose had already confided in me.She wasn't ashamed of needing money, but I knew Rose was proud.Like she said, she wanted to save herself.As much as it killed me, I had to honor her wishes.
But if things went to hell, I was not above playing dirty.
She could be mad at me all she wanted.
If it came down to watching her sink or catching her fall, I'd do the latter.All day.Every day.But I'd let Rose believe she had to do everything herself.
For now.
Afterward, we were lying on her bed, watching old reruns of Bridgerton, when she sighed.
"What's up?" I asked.
Rose turned her head to me and said, "Be honest.Do you think it's weird that I'm still wearing the ring?Is that why you asked about it the other day?"
"No.Not at all."
"It's a present from my best friend, and I like how it shimmers.Also, I like to escape to fictional worlds and pretend sometimes.Is that a crime?"
I bit back a laugh and shook my head."Nope."
Rose narrowed her eyes at me."You're terrible, Finn O'Brien."
The laughter slipped out without my permission."How am I terrible?"
"Our one-day marriage of convenience obviously meant more to me than it did to you."She shot a pointed look at my bare finger."You already lost yours."
I scoffed and started unbuttoning my shirt.
