“The first time will always be painful. There’s nothing you can do to ease it. Ride the wave, listen to their bodies, and then let everything else come naturally.” Edward grabbed his hand. “You’re a natural, and you care for Rose. You don’t need instructions on how to care for her.”
Nodding, Peter threw down a bill and turned to leave. “Thank you for discussing this with me.”
“Take care of her, Peter. She’s a keeper.”
Peter waved goodbye and headed back home.
****
Rose watched as Laura poured another cup of tea. There was a grace to the other woman that Rose knew she was lacking. Laura looked comfortable and confident in her own skin while Rose felt anything but.
She listened to Laura talk about her marriage and the children. The other woman sounded so happy.
“Did you ever love Peter?” Rose asked.
Laura paused, turning to stare at her.
“I’m sorry. That’s rude.”
“No, it’s not rude at all. I know there’s a lot of gossip around town. You’ve not lived with Peter long have you?” Laura asked, bringing over the two cups.
“This is my first night.” Biting her lip Rose stared at the other woman wondering what she’d make of her words.
“Peter’s and my relationship goes a long way back. We went to the same high school. We were not really good friends, and I tutored him in high school.” Laura shook her head smiling. “College was when things started to change. It’s crazy when I think back to that time. Dean hadn’t long been in Cape Falls, and I’d already fallen for him. I found out later that Peter had fallen in love with me.”
Rose waited as the woman paused in her story.
“I fell pregnant with Dean’s baby. He’d left, and everything went to hell and back. Peter was always there. I never let it get far. I knew he was in love with me, but I made it clear that my love for Dean would always hold me back.” Laura laughed. “He was going to raise my child as his own.”
“Peter is a good guy.” Rose agreed.
“He’s the best. Peter wasn’t always good. Growing up he was a bully and a jerk. When I see him now, I’m shocked by the transformation inside him. He’s amazing and nothing like the guy I remember from our early years.”
“His love for you hasn’t changed,” Rose said.
Laura sighed. “I can’t speak for his feelings, Rose. I’ve never encouraged him. He’s my best friend, and yes, he’s the person I turn to.” Laura licked her lips. “I thought Dean was cheating on me, but he’d gotten cancer. Peter was there for me and Dean. I don’t know about his feelings anymore.”
“That kind of love doesn’t go away,” Rose said, hurting inside.
“Or it changes without anyone realising it.”
Rose frowned, not understanding the other woman.
“Peter is stubborn. You mean something to him, Rose.”
She wasn’t going to dispute Laura’s words. There was no need to fight what Rose already knew. Peter was in love with Laura, and that was never going to change.
The sound of the front door opening made Rose pause. She still wore her nightshirt. Peter appeared in the doorway, stopping when he saw Laura. He was soaking wet, and she finally heard the rain falling outside. His eyes widened, and Rose saw his guard fall into place.
“Laura, what are you doing here?” Peter asked.
His gaze remained rooted on Laura’s face. Rose knew she didn’t stand a chance even if his gaze had looked more shocked than happy by Laura’s appearance.
“She came to see you, and I’ve taken up too much of your time.” Rose stood, leaving her cup on the table. “It was lovely to meet you, Laura.” She smiled at the other woman and left them alone in the kitchen. Making her way upstairs, Rose left her door partially
ajar.
Going to the window she sat down on the sofa in the corner in the room. She watched the rain falling in the dark night. It was still warm. Holding onto her knees she wondered what was happening downstairs. Tears filled her eyes and fell down her cheeks as another wave of pain consumed her. She couldn’t handle the pain. Peter was in love with a woman who she had no chance of competing with.