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“He also said there was nothing between you. Did he forget to tell you that?” asks Rosey. “Because the way you keep pawing at him like a possessed freak tells me you’re not on the same page.”
“We’re getting reacquainted, getting to know one another again,” Lauren quips. “I have no doubt where it’ll lead.”
My patience is out and I stand abruptly, causing both women to stare up at me. “Word, now,” I say, dropping my napkin on the table. “Rosey,” I clarify and head for Arthur’s office. For once, she follows without me having to make a fuss. She closes the door, and I spin to face her. “What the fuck?”
She smiles innocently. “I’m being polite.”
“You’re getting to know your next victim. I see it, and she can see it. Don’t take me for an idiot.”
She covers her chest innocently. “Albert, why would I want to kill your girlfriend?”
“Firstly, she isn’t my girlfriend. Secondly, she replaced you because you wanted out. Unless you’re having second thoughts, I suggest you back the fuck off.”
She moves closer, and I recognise the heated look in her eyes. I watch her hand cautiously as it reaches out, resting gently on my chest. “Don’t be mad with me, Bert.” Her false niceness just annoys me more.
“You should go,” I say, stepping around her, “and let me enjoy dinner in peace.” I head for the door, and as I reach for the handle, she mutters something I don’t quite hear. I turn back to her. “I don’t know what you want from me, Rosey?” I snap. “You blow hot and cold and I’m fucking exhausted by it. You wanted out, you’re out. You wanted to walk away from me, I’m letting you. Go and do whatever the fuck it is you do now you’ve left me and the club. But stop showing up in my life and giving me mixed signals because I’m tired of it, and honestly,” I look her up and down, “I’m tired of you.” I leave the room, slamming the door hard. As I re-join the dinner, I hear the front door open and close, and I breathe a sigh of relief.
“All sorted?” asks Arthur.
I nod, ignoring the daggers Meli is sending my way. “She seemed pleasant,” Lauren jokes. “Will she be around much?”
“She doesn’t work for us anymore, if that’s what you’re asking,” I mutter, topping up my wine.
“But she’s very much a part of all our lives,” Meli adds.
“Your life,” I correct.
“I’m worried about her,” Meli blurts out, and as much as I try to ignore it, I can’t.
“Why?” I ask.
“She mentioned her mum wants to give her anti-depressants.”
“Sounds like a damn good idea to me,” says Arthur. “She’s been up and down like a crazy bitch these past months. She’s unpredictable and makes rash decisions. Maybe they’ll help stabilise her moods.”
Meli glares at him. “If she’s depressed, she should see a doctor, not take her mum’s pills. Her mum hasn’t been around, but suddenly, she’s an expert on Rosey? I’m worried.”
“She’s a grown-up, Meli. She can take care of herself,” Arthur reassures her.
Meli looks across the table to me, and I shrug. “He’s right, she’s an adult.”
“Do you think she’s depressed?” she asks.
I shake my head. “But she’s been acting weird lately. Something’s changed. She’s making huge changes in her life with no real explanation.”
“You killed her friend,” Meli reminds me. “I don’t think she’s ever lost anyone close to her and it shook her up. Maybe it reminded her how precious life is.”
“She’s a trained killer, she can’t grow a conscience,” Arthur jokes. “It’s why we had to get rid of her.”
“She’s not a robot,” Meli yells. “Will you get rid of me when I become of no use to you?” Arthur rolls his eyes, which only infuriates his wife more. She stands, scraping back her chair. “Maybe you should sleep in one of the spare rooms for a few nights,” she hisses, and his eyes widen. “I don’t feel like being very useful right now.” She stomps off.
He turns his anger to me. “I knew it would end like this,” he snaps. “And somehow, I’m in trouble. Why didn’t you just stay the hell away from the psychotic bitch?” He storms off too, and I’m left with Lauren, who looks amused by the whole thing.
“I’ll take you home,” I mutter.
ROSEY
I laugh at Meli’s dramatics. The fact she’s ringing me from her master bedroom while I’m curled up on a second-hand sofa tells me she isn’t as hard done to as she likes to make out. “Don’t halt the baby-making because of me,” I tell her. “I’m fine.”
