52. Nate

FIFTY-TWO

NATE

Rosie sways as she stands, and I reach out to grip her upper arm.

"Easy, Beautiful."

Her skin is so soft and warm under my touch that I can't help but rub my thumb up and down.

Pretty cheeks turn pink before me.

"You okay?" I ask.

Rosie nods and lets out one of her genuine smiles.

I catch it in my mind, tucking it into my pocket for later. For one of those times when that sadness shines from behind her eyes. I can't explain why, but every time I see that darker emotion lurking behind her gaze, I feel responsible for it. And I feel like my new obsession is going to be making Rosie smile.

She reaches out and rests her fingertips against my chest. "I'm going to run to the ladies' room. I can meet you out front."

I shake my head and slide my grip down her arm until I'm holding her hand. "I'll walk with you and meet you outside the bathroom door."

She looks like she might argue, but Rosie just dips her chin in acceptance .

Gripping her fingers in one hand, I use the other to order a ride home.

We split ways when we reach her door, and I step into the men's room.

My vision is slightly unsteady, and as I stare at the bathroom wall, I admit I got a little drunker than I intended. But Rosie seems to be in about the same position, and we've fooled around before, so I think it's okay to bring her home.

I'm bringing Rosie home.

I remember so much now.

Washing my hands, I remember feeling so fucking sad as the weeks went by and I didn't hear from her.

Remember the evenings sitting in my room, looking out the window to our new backyard that backed up to another backyard.

The lack of forest.

The lack of Rosie.

I remember missing her.

And then I grew up. And I forgot.

I forgot all about Rosie. Until she moaned my name in Maddox's pantry.

And now that I remember it all, I want to know even more.

Our conversation tonight was a good start. But it was just a start.

I exit and lean against the hallway, waiting for my girl.

And when the door opens, I hold out my hand, and she takes it.