3
Rosslyn couldn’t believe it. Her entire day consisted of bringing him coffee, getting him lunch, calling Laura and asking how she was doing. Did her uncle do anything for himself? She really shouldn’t complain, because she was getting paid to do this. But call Aunt Laura? That was ridiculous.
There was a time difference Rosslyn had forgotten.
Aunt Laura said in a belittling tone, “You’re from a small town. I don’t expect you to understand how the rest of us live.”
If she meant that as an insult, she missed the mark. Rosslyn was proud of where she came from and who she was. She didn’t need some . . . rich bitch’s approval. She spoke to Aunt Laura and Uncle Maxwell out of respect, not because they had earned it. And definitely not because I’m afraid of you either.
When Rosslyn was young that hadn’t been the case. She remembered coming to the city with her parents, and Aunt Laura had been so mean. She had been upset they couldn’t go to the restaurant she wanted because of how they were dressed. Her father hadn’t worn a suit jacket and tie, and her mother had been dressed equally casual. It was a family vacation and her parents were shown all the sites. Rosslyn might have only been seven at the time, but somehow her memories of that trip were as vivid as though it were yesterday.
I wish Mom was well enough to travel.
“Are you listening to me?” Laura snapped.
No. I wasn’t.“I’m sorry Aunt Laura, I was multi-tasking.”
“I asked if you knew what whore my husband took to the event last night.”
Whore?It was evident last night that her uncle had a wondering eye, but could he actually be cheating? Nothing would surprise me. “Me.”
“What did you say?” Laura asked.
“He took me.” I’m the whore. She couldn’t help but snicker, thinking of the look on her aunt’s face.
“Wow, he really is losing his mind. You must have had a horrendous time.”
“Actually, no. It was very enlightening.” Hopefully that was vague enough.
“It seems he’s getting desperate. I better get back to New York before he starts picking vagrants off the street. Besides, I’m growing tired of Paris.”
Oh poor you. All you have to do is shop and eat all day. “I’m sure he’ll be happy to have you home.”
“Oh, my dear, you really are clueless. Tell him I’ll be back in a few days.”
“You don’t want to tell him yourself?” Talk like normal married people do? She asked but already knew the answer. If there was love between them, she didn’t see it. They were married in name only. For richer or richer, for better, or the next best thing, till one of us croaks. Really romantic.
Laura said, “I’ll text him when I’m free.” Then she ended the call.
Rosslyn was left missing her parents even more. They were supposed to be her family and she got nicer greetings from a perfect stranger. She grabbed her purse and cell phone and headed outside. It was her lunch break and even though her feet were killing her, she needed to put some distance between her and anything Grayson.
She remembered a place by Times Square that had the best cheesecake she’d ever eaten. That’s exactly what she needed right now. That and to talk to her dad.
Rosslyn ordered, and called while waiting.
“Hello there, sweet pea. How are Uncle Max and Aunt Laura treating you?”
Probably the same as they always treated you.“Fine. I’m all settled in and started working already.”
“Wow. That’s my girl. You mother wants to know if you’re eating well.”
Rosslyn chuckled because the waitress just showed up with a piece of cheesecake that could feed six. “Having lunch now.”
“I’m glad you’re doing okay. I have to admit, I was worried about you going there all alone.”
She understood why. Aunt Laura was right, Rosslyn was a small town girl, but what she failed to mention was how spirited small town girls were. Nothing kept them down for long.
“It’s just a job like any other one, Dad.”