“You weren’t taking the hint. You’re hiding behind your feelings for me, and it needs to stop.”
Laura pointed up at the ceiling. “There’s a woman upstairs who feels more for you. You should give her the time of day, Peter, before you lose every chance.”
“Tell Dean’s he’s fucked in the head for letting you do that.”
She laughed. “I will, and I’ll be telling him off for making me do it. I love you,
Peter, and I want to see you happy.”
“I love you, too.”
And he did, but now that love was different. He recognised it and smiled. Peter felt free for the first time in the last ten years. He’d not been responding to her, and now the crushing pain had eased. His heart was free to love again. Peter was free to love Rose.
“I’m going to go. Go and get your woman, Peter, and don’t drive her away. This is your chance to get your happy ending.”
Laura left minutes later. He called Dean giving the guy a talking to and letting him know Laura was on her way home.
Locking up his home, Peter made his way upstairs. He found the guest room door open. Stepping inside he found Rose curled up on the sofa near the window.
“How is Laura?” Rose asked. The room was too dark, and he flicked the switch on.
“She’s fine, and she’s made me realise a lot of things.” He moved closer, taking a seat next to her.
Her fingers were white from holding her legs. She appeared to be holding onto herself. Reaching out, he took one of her hands in his, but she shrugged him off.
Her cheeks were flushed, and he saw the hurt in her eyes. “You’ve been crying.”
“No, I haven’t.” She wiped at her cheeks.
“You’re lying.” He reached out, wiping the tears from her eyes. When she didn’t push him away, Peter pulled her onto his lap.
“Why did you kiss me when your heart belongs to another woman?” she asked, shocking him.
Closing his eyes, Peter tried to find the right words. “I’m not in love with Laura. I thought I was, but I’m not.”
“How can you know?” she asked.
“I just know.” He couldn’t explain it to her.
“Why are you telling me this?”
He tilted her head back to see him. “Because I want to have something with you, and if I’m not mistaken I think you want to have something with me.”
She stared up at him, silently without speaking.
“Answer me, please, Rose,” he said.
****
Rose stared up into his eyes wondering how best to answer. How could he suddenly change his feelings about Laura? She didn’t know what to trust. It was all so confusing.
“Tell me the truth,” Peter said.
“Yes, I want to be with you.”
“Then trust me. Laura is not an issue, and she hasn’t been for a long time.”
Licking her lips, she looked past his shoulder outside to where the rain was falling.