Page 16 of The Nicest Thing

"Francine Shoemaker called, saying something about inappropriate behavior, and gave me the whole story," she said with a lift of her brows. "You know she's had her eye on you for her daughter Serena for some time."

I did.

Francine wasn't exactly subtle.

There wasn't anything wrong with her daughter either.

I just wasn't interested in anyone whose name wasn’t Rose.

"I believe you owe your sister an apology," Mom added.

"I'm sorry," I said then remembered something. "But you said she wasn't the first person. So, she did tell you?"

Mom smiled. "Coach Williamson told me second. Emmy was third."

"Bunch of nosy people," I muttered.

She laughed then said, "Good luck at dinner."

With a nod, I got to my feet. "Thanks, Mom. I better go."

Mom followed me to the door, and as I was about to leave, she added, "Do you know what her parents like?"

"No," I said, "but I don't think it matters. From what I understand, Rose's parents left when she was a baby. They weren't around. She was raised by her grandparents."

Mom frowned. "They just…left her?"

I gave a short nod.

"That had to leave a mark," she murmured.

"Rose doesn't talk about it much. A sad look comes into her eyes whenever she does, so I try not to bring them up."

"I can't even imagine leaving my kids behind."

"That's because you're the best."

Mom waved off the words and refocused her attention on me. "Remember what I always say about visiting someone's home?"

"Never show up empty-handed," I replied.

"So?"

"I'm headed to the store next to pick up a few things before I see Rose."

"That's my son," she said. "Her family is going to love you, Finn."

They would.

Because I was determined to make it happen.

To be whatever Rose needed me to be.

No matter what.

#

I knocked on the door to Magnolia House.

Rose answered a second later, and her eyes went wide as they took me in.

"Finn," she said, "what is all that?"

I sent her a smile and held up the items in my arms. "I didn't know what to get, so I brought flowers, candy, and bottle of wine. I got red. The checkout lady said it was sweeter, and you mentioned that your grandma liked sweet things. Hope that's okay."

Rose sighed. "It's more than okay, but…"

"But?" I repeated.

"I guess this means you didn't get my text?"

Frowning, I carefully pulled my phone from my pocket.

There was a new message.

My Rose: Hey Finn! I just found out family dinner is cancelled. My cousin Derek and his kids all have strep :(. So, no dinner tonight. Sorry for the late notice!

I looked up and nodded. "Ah, okay."

"Sorry," Rose said, "I know you were looking forward to meeting everyone."

"I was."

"I can't imagine why." At my sour look, she laughed. "You did go all out though, huh?"

My cheeks warmed. "I couldn't show up without a gift. That's not the O'Brien way."

"Um hm."

Rose reached forward, plucked the box of chocolates out of my hand, and gave a low whistle.

"You got the good stuff," she said.

"Only the best," I said then sniffed. "Guess I'll have to eat them all by myself now. Unless…you want to share?"

Her smile grew. "I have a better idea. Follow me."

The next thing I knew, we were in Rose's room. As she closed the door, I cocked a brow.

"Emmy's out with her business management friends," she said. "She went to a party, should be gone for a while, but just in case she comes home early."

"You didn't want to go too?"

Rose shook her head. "I'm more of a stay-at-home, curl-up-under-a-blanket and read-a-book kind of girl."

I sent her a smile. "Sounds cozy. Got room under that blanket for me?"

"Um." Her cheeks went pink as she stuttered. "I uh—"

"Just kidding, Rose."

Her eyes were wide as she stared at me. "Oh. It didn't sound like it."

She almost sounded disappointed.

But that must've been wishful thinking.

"So," I said, "what are we doing?"

Rose gestured to the items I'd brought with me. "We are going to use those fantastic props you brought and have another film session."

I narrowed my eyes. "For your books?"

"Yep, the other reels are doing well."

"Sales are up, you said."

"They are! I can't believe it, Finn." She shook her head. "I might be able to pull this off after all."

"Pull what off?" I asked.

"Nothing."

"Rose."

After a second, she said, "Like I told you in the beginning, I need to sell more books."

"Why?" I tilted my head. "You've never said that before."

"My yaya was never in danger of being thrown out of senior living before."

It was barely more than a whisper.

But I heard her, loud and clear.

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.

Rose's eyes widened. "What are you doing?"

Instead of answering, I finished with the buttons then pulled the sides open. "I'm wearing mine too. I put it on a chain around my neck while coaching the kids, didn't want it to get scratched up."

"Oh."

"You really thought I lost it?"

Rose didn't respond, and I shook my head.

"I've had it on the whole time. Right by my heart."

"Mmm."

When I looked down at her, Rose's eyes were glued to my abs.

"Rose," I said.

She lifted her brows but didn't look up.

I flexed.

Her breath hitched.

And then I gave a low laugh which had her gaze rising to meet mine.

"My eyes are up here," I said.

"Yeah," she said with a smile, "sorry, I got distracted."

"Don't apologize. I like that I can distract you."

Rose blinked then pulled back, putting more space between us.

"Didn't think you'd be the kind of guy to strip down in front of me," she said lightly.

"Maybe you don't know me as well as you think," I replied.

"Maybe not." Rose looked at the TV, the walls, anywhere but at me. She was flustered—and I was loving it. She gestured to all the pictures, her collection of various locations around the world. "What's the number one place you'd want to go?"

"Not sure," I said, leaning back. "What about you?"

She shook her head. "I want to go so many places. England, France, Ireland, Scotland, Sweden, Brazil, Spain, visit every state in the USA. I just want to see what's out there."

Rose laughed at herself.

"When my aunt Margot saw my picture wall, she said, 'Trust you to find a way to travel without actually leaving your comfort zone.'"

"That's messed up," I said.

"She's right. I may never go anywhere."

A sigh left her lips, and I noticed her gaze resting longingly on the Romance or Die poster.

"Some things take courage, and I don't know if I have enough."

"Did you ever apply?" I asked gently.

Rose shook her head. "No. I nearly did, filled out the application and everything. But then, I just let the deadline pass by. They never would've accepted me anyway."

"You don't know that."

"Yeah, but…if I never applied, I can always lie to myself and say that's why I didn't get in. But if I try and fail? What happens then?"

I waited until she met my eyes. "You try again," I said.

"But—"

"But nothing, Rose." I captured her hand in mine and gave it a squeeze. "If it's something you want, you go for it. Never let up. My parents taught me that. Getting rejected is a good thing. Means you're trying. Make them say no to you a hundred times. All you need is one yes."

Rose's lips tipped up. "Where were you around midnight three nights ago?"

In bed, thinking of you.

Her eyes sparked, and I realized I actually said it.

Instead of calling me out, she cleared her throat. "Anyway, you want to know the coolest part about these pictures?"

I nodded, entranced by her voice.

"My books have been to a lot of these places."

Rose's smile was awestruck, as if she still couldn't believe it.

But I could.

She was so talented.

"Even if I never get to go," she added, "it means everything knowing my books have been there."

"You're amazing," I breathed.

"What?" she said.

"You heard me."

Rose rolled her eyes. "Seriously, where would you want to go? If you could travel?"

I shook my head. "I'll go anywhere—as long as it's with you."

It was true.

Rose didn't understand or accept it yet.

But she would.

"That's a good line," she breathed.

I leaned forward, placing my hand against her cheek, and Rose swayed toward me.

"Finn?"

I stared into her eyes. "I mean it."

Moving slowly, giving her time to pull away, I closed the distance between us. Rose didn't seem to realize she was leaning forward. She closed her eyes, and I stared at her mouth. Just as I was about to close the gap, get another taste of those lips that I'd missed…

…my sister's voice echoed into the room.

"Hey Rose!" she said. "I'm home, and I have chips and salsa!"

The girl in front of me froze.

"Was that Finn's car outside?"

Rose leaned back, and I groaned.

"I should go," she said in a shaky voice. "You wait here, then come out a few minutes after. Maybe Emmy will go easy on us."

"But—"

"It's not like anything happened."

I frowned as she got up from the bed.

"I'll see you later, Finn."

"Rose, I…"

"It's okay," she said, shaking her head. "Thanks again for your help."

And then I was alone.

On Rose's bed, which was usually one of my favorite places.

But why did it suddenly feel so empty without her in it?