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I drive Rosey back to the clubhouse. She doesn’t ask me to, we just leave the alleyway together and she gets into the car with me. I spoke with the doormen, and they’re gonna wipe any CCTV for the evening, but as a precaution, I’ve arranged for Rosey’s penis-less man to be dumped outside the hospital.
I follow her towards the door of the clubhouse, and she turns to face me. “How did you know where I was?”
I smirk. “I followed my nose.” I open the door and head inside without telling her the truth, that her phone is now also tracked, thanks to my brother.
Mav’s sitting with a woman I don’t recognise. Rosey steps in behind me, and they both stand, Mav looking slightly apprehensive. I turn to Rosey to find her rooted to the spot. She looks shocked, and for a second, I consider standing between her and this stranger until I know she’s happy to speak with her.
“Mum?” she murmurs, and my eyes widen. As far as I knew, her mother’s not been on the scene for a long time.
“Rosey,” says the woman, smiling. “It’s great to see you.”
“What are you doing here?” she asks.
Her mum huffs with a laugh. “That’s all you have to say?”
“It’s after one in the morning, and it’s been years since we spoke. The last I heard, you were in Ireland.”
“Should we all sit down and discuss things?” asks Mav.
Rosey shakes her head. “No. No, we shouldn’t. I can’t do this right now.” And she heads back out.
Mav goes to follow, but I hold up a hand. “I’ll go. If that’s okay?” He nods, and I rush after her. She’s waiting by my car, and I smile to myself, clicking the button to unlock it. She gets in, slamming the door and staring straight ahead.
I slide into the driver’s side and start the engine. “Are you—”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
I nod. “Noted.”
She remains silent until I stop outside my house. I’ve never brought anyone back here . . . well, not a woman at least. I get out and round the vehicle, opening her door. She looks lost in thought until I hold out my hand, which seems to break her daydream. She offers a weak smile and takes it, and I lead her towards the house. She follows me inside. “Nice place,” she comments, shrugging from her jacket.
“Drink?” I ask, leading her to the kitchen.
She shakes her head. “I think I’ve had enough.”
“You want me to call Mav and see if she’s gone?” She shakes her head again. “Well, I’ve got a couple spare rooms, so take your pick.”
I show her upstairs to the spare room closest my own. Before I leave, she places a kiss on my cheek. “Thanks for bringing me back here, letting me crash. I appreciate it.” I nod, then leave her to rest.
I don’t sleep well, I never do, but tonight is especially hard knowing Rosey is right next door to me. I’ve almost bust in there more times than I care to think about, but I’ve managed to keep control of myself.
By seven a.m., I give up and head downstairs. It’s minutes later when Rosey comes down fully dressed. “You’re up early,” I say. “Coffee?”
She looks uncomfortable. “No, I should go. Ollie needs to be up for school.”
“I’ll take you back,” I offer, grabbing my car keys.
“It’s not a good idea,” she says, “but thanks.”
I scoff. “It’s just a lift home, Red, not a marriage proposal.”
She rests her hands on the worktop. “Don’t you think we’re getting too comfortable?”
“No.”
“Because we’re doing married couple shit. Before you know it, we’ll be talking to one another in the bathroom while one of us is on the toilet.”
I laugh. “You’re overthinking.”
