AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“We’ve been through,” I reminded her because despite her positive attitude, Rosalie’s had her fair share of chaos. Adoptive parents who put her through hell when she pushed back, a creepy brother, and dropping out of high school just to name a few.
“Fine, what we’ve been through is behind us. We are making things better. We aren’t relying on people to make us happy and to fix our shit.Weare the ones doing it.”
“Are we though? Is it wrong to like him so much?”
Rosalie shook her head. “It’s normal, healthy. You’re still doing your own plan, you just have someone who happens to like the path you’re walking. Talk to Trask about this. I’m sure he can come up with a few ways to relieve that stress.” She wiggled her eyebrows.
“Oh, don’t get started! I know you and Drake have your own special way of communicating.”
Her face flamed. “Don’t knock it ‘till you try it.”
“Good grief, you’re insane.”
She snorted, looking back at her iPad and some illustration that was giving her trouble. “Look, I’ve been spending a lot of time at Drake’s place. I’m not saying I’m moving in with him, but it’s looking like it’s heading that direction. You’re free in four months? Just move in with me. If I do leave, you can take over the lease and the stupid cheap rent. Hell, I might not ever move out and just use this as a second closet!”
“Really?” I asked. “I mean, yeah, I have to finish out the school year at my grandparents, technically, but I guess I haven’t been staying there for a few weeks. You’d be okay with that?”
“I can’t believe you’re asking,” Rosalie snorted. “I always assumed you’d move in with me. Do you know how much money we’ll save?”
I laughed. “Not if we keep going out like we do.”
She shrugged. “Since when did Leighton County have such decent bars? Not my fault downtown has improved.” Rosalie did a little dance on the bed.
“Are you going out for the new year?” I asked.
“Yes and no. Drake’s taking me to his fancy old man club for a party. What about you and Trask? I heard South End has some big stuff planned.”
“I’m taking Trask on a super-secret surprise date at the beach.”
“You are such a fucking romantic.” She rolled over on her bed, throwing her iPad to the side. “Are you going to tell him about your book deal? Gonna finally say that four letter word?”
“Fuck?”
“You’re an ass.” Rosalie threw another pillow at me. “But really, why is it a secret surprise date?”
“Yeah,” I admitted. “I was gonna tell him about the book. Plus, there are the fireworks. And I’m not gonna lie, I’ve always had this fantasy about doing it on the beach.”
“Okay, all I am thinking about is getting sand where the sun doesn’t shine.”
“I’m bringing a blanket! And fancy champagne.”
“Using that advance already?”
I snorted. “It wasn’t much of an advance.”
“Good for you!” Rosalie said, moving to the tiny kitchen that took up half of the small studio. “Speaking of champagne…I have some cheap Prosecco and I think we should kill the bottle while you tell me all the naughty things you want Trask to do to you.”
I grinned. “Only if you tell me why you call Drake ‘daddy’ when you’re drunk.”
She grabbed another bottle. “We’re gonna need this.”
When New Year’s Eve rolled around, I nearly jumped out of my skin with nerves. I wasn’t sure why I was so nervous, but Trask clearly noticed.
“Eliza, what is going on?” he laughed, pulling into the parking lot I pointed to. It was pretty empty.
“Nothing!” I lied. “I am just excited to surprise you.”
“Not much of a surprise, sweetheart.’’ He turned off his truck and reached in the back where I had stashed a ton of blankets and a backpack full of goodies.
