Chapter Six
Rosemary
Staring into her bathroom mirror, Rosie started applying some lip gloss.
Just a light shade of pink, but enough to make her lips stand out.
Her make-up was minimal tonight. Just a touch of blush, eyeshadow, and mascara.
Her outfit was a pair of jeans, fluffy boots, black top, and a thick jumper. Nothing fancy, just comfortable.
Louis had sent her a message to tell her to dress warm for their dinner date. She had no idea what that meant since it was going to be a surprise, but she trusted him. And she was looking forward to it.
Weeks ago, they had been mortal enemies. But that one night, where she put her trust in him, changed everything. She hadn’t kissed him again, and he hadn’t questioned it or pushed for another. No, instead they enjoyed the small things. Like holding each other. Touching each other’s arms. Smiles.
Louis liked her and it made her feel warm inside. She liked him, too. Really liked him.
They had been on a few dates. Some were dinner dates. Some included bowling or going for a walk.
However, it left her confused as to what they were.
“Are we dating?” she had asked one evening. “What I mean is, are we a couple or just going out for dates?”
They were walking by the lake that night, and it was lit up beautifully by the surrounding lights and the moon. They were even walking hand in hand.
“That is up to you.” Louis smiled, his eyes twinkling.
“At the moment, we are just friends getting to know one another. I would like us to be more, but it depends on what you are comfortable with. I like taking you out, but the choice is ultimately yours. Part of me hopes you decide you like me and want more.” Louis shrugged.
“The other part is content to be with you like this. I care about you, and I like being with you.”
Biting her lip, she was so unsure. She felt good with Louis by her side. Stronger. Happier. But then she thought about her job. A relationship would affect it. It could show favouritism, or it would distract her. Then there were her parents. Dating a hockey player was not in their plans for her.
Don’t think about all that. What do you want, Rosie?
Louis.
“Hey.” Louis gently bumped her shoulders. “No pressure. I can let go of your hand. Take you home. Take you somewhere else if it makes you comfortable, where there are more people.”
“But what about you?” Rosie asked. “You have feelings, too.”
“I am in this for the long game, Rosie. Not just for hockey, but my life, too. I know what I want. Patience, understanding, and respect is key. Right now, I want you in my life in whatever way you wish to be in my life.”
That made her feel powerful and cherished. The fact that he wanted her but wasn’t going to push for an answer. He was giving her this time to find out for herself.
At no point did he let his team make fun of their friendship, or their dates. At no point did he declare she was off limits, or his woman. Instead, he slowly but surely integrated her in all their lives. Helping her find acceptance.
Once upon a time, she strived for perfection. But this team were teaching her that it wasn’t always going to happen. Nor was it necessary. She had to learn to trust them, and step in only when truly needed. She couldn’t dictate all of their actions, it caused stress. Pain. Resentment.
Her parents had always taught her to be the best, but they had also cursed her. So controlling of her life, she had sought out control elsewhere. Her job, mostly.
Thankfully, Louis and his team were more patient with her.
They were teaching her to lighten up. Be less strict.
And although she still strived to keep them in line, that was her job after all, she found herself doing it less and less.
She was relying on them and giving them the benefit of the doubt, and in turn, they were trusting her.
That meant no retaliation. No mean nicknames. No moaning. Instead, they were willingly going with her when she needed them to. For example, for interviews.
She had also listened to Louis’s advice. Her conversations with the players had opened her eyes and helped her find new possibilities. For example, Conal loved cats like she did. So, they had volunteered at a cat shelter together.
Posting about the shelter had gotten many of the cats adopted as it increased the shelter’s reach and audience. That had made Conal feel good about himself. Plus, he had adopted his own cat which gave him a beloved companion and a new purpose.
Concentrating on the present, she recognised her reflection as she continued to stare into her mirror, but how different she was now on the inside. She wondered if her parents would approve. She was still doing her job, just less with an iron fist.
Then she laughed. Not a joyful laugh, a disappointed one. Of course they wouldn’t. They wouldn’t understand her need to fit in; they just valued her success. Results.
They weren’t the most liked people, but they were brilliant at what they did. Her father owned a pharmaceutical company. Both of Rosie’s parents ran it, and it was a well running machine. Very profitable, too.
The doorbell chimed and she smiled brightly. That had to be Louis coming to pick her up.
Ask him. Ask him to be your boyfriend!
She would like to, but in a way, she also needed him to ask her. Louis was respecting her need to be in charge, but just once, she wanted that taken from her. Shaking her head, she would decide later whether to just go for it or not. For now, she wanted to enjoy their date.
Rushing down the stairs, she grabbed her coat. Throwing the door open, she stopped short like she had hit a thick, brick wall.
Think of them and they magically appear.
She may have wanted control taken from her for once, but this wasn’t what she meant. Enthusiasm became dread. This would be the end of her date. No doubt they would expect her to drop everything for their needs.
And you wonder why your sister left.
I don’t wonder! I know. I just wish they would care more and change.
Holding back a sigh, she faked a smile.
“Hello, Mother. Hello, Father.”
Her parents stared at her from the doorstep, startled. As always, they were smartly dressed. There was not a crease in sight. Large suitcases waited behind them, and a taxi drove off.
Looked like they were here for a while, then.
“Darling, why the rush?” her mother asked, raising her hand to her chest as if calming her nerves.
“My apologies, Mother. I thought you were someone else,” Rosie answered honestly.
“And you are not excited to see us?” Her mother was haughty which meant she was offended.
Leaning forward, Rosie kissed her mother’s cold cheek. “Of course I am happy to see you.” Not excited, but happy. “However, as I said, I was expecting someone else. I had plans for this evening.”
“Expecting company?” her father asked, raising an annoyed eyebrow.
Did I not just say that?
What he really meant was, “Are you expecting male company?”
Smiling softly, she nodded. “Yes, actually. I am going on a date.”
That didn’t seem to faze them at all as they let themselves in, pushing past her.
Predictably, they left their luggage outside, expecting her to bring it in for them.
It didn’t matter that they were inconveniencing her.
Their perfect daughter was to be there for them when they needed her at all times. Her life belonged to them.
Holding back annoyed tears, she stared up at the beautiful stars, then dragged the bags inside.
Dragging was the correct word to use since the bags were super heavy.
Meanwhile, her father hung his coat up before checking the mirror to straighten his brown hair.
Her mother was moving things the way she liked them.
“Just pop them upstairs for us, darling,” her mother shouted, disappearing into the kitchen.
“As I just stated, I am just about to go out . . .” she responded weakly.
That got her such a dark look from her father. If she was expected to do something, she did it. No back talk. No questions. It didn’t matter that she was a twenty-eight-year-old woman with her own life. Her life belonged to them well and truly.
“And miss seeing your parents?” her mother shouted from the other room. Again, she was offended. “We have only just gotten here.”
Yes, her parents had no doubt flown in today. Without telling her and were now expecting her to have her home ready for their visit. It was always meant to be pristine. They had house staff. Rosie did not, and she worked full time, so, that meant her house wasn’t perfect right this second.
“Darling, it is awfully untidy.” And there it was, her mother’s chiding. As if it was vile and disgusting and not just a bit dusty. “Perhaps it is best you stay and get the house cleaned.”
“No, Mother.” Holding back her temper, Rosie tried to breathe deeply.
Once upon a time, she would have gotten straight to it. But that had been when Louis wasn’t in her life, giving her something to look forward to.
“Do as your mother says,” her father warned. “We have come for a visit, and it would be rude to leave us in such a state. It is rude to leave us at all.”
“No. I told you I am going out. This is not fair.”
Yes! Grow that backbone!
“Well, I am not pleased.” Her mother reappeared, dabbing her eyes. And now came the fake tears.
When are you ever pleased?
Gritting her teeth, Rosie tried to find that backbone again. “And I wasn’t expecting you. Perhaps you could have called me, and I would have had the house ready. Or not made plans.”
“Nonsense. We have never had to do that before,” her mother responded. “Just call the man and cancel. I am sure he will understand. Does he not have parents?”
“Oh, he does.” And no doubt they respected his privacy and wishes. “But he is due any minute now. It would be extremely rude to cancel such last minute.”
Her mother sighed as she attempted to move the dining room table. Her father went to help her. Why?