13. Chapter Thirteen

Rip

After West Side Story, we spend the rest of the night talking and laughing. It's as if time doesn't exist and we're the only two people on the planet.

She promised me a movie marathon, but neither of us is up for another emotional rollercoaster. Instead, we keep it light. Despite what she shared with me about her childhood challenges, she has some funny stories to share.

With twelve siblings, no matter how many hardships they all endured, there were some hilarious times.

"We had fun at the holidays: singing, baking, and decorating the house. Even with the producers crowding in, we managed to feel like a family."

She pauses and glances at me after a funny story about how her younger brother was in a hurry and slathered hot jalapeno jelly instead of strawberry jam on a peanut butter sandwich.

"And you, Rip? Any stories for me?"

I imagine she's run out of happy stories and wants to change the subject before the bad memories come crashing in.

"I'm sure New York City has changed a lot in the last century, but at the time I grew up, I was in the heart of a crowd of non-conformists. Both my parents were artists who flouted convention." I chuckle when I realize my childhood was the exact opposite of hers.

"While you were busy following every rule for fear of punishment, I was allowed to run free. It was quite the bohemian lifestyle."

I pause, debating whether I should share my deepest pain. Of course, I should. Didn"t Rose divulge a dozen of her painful memories to me today?

"I was always the youngest in my crowd." I chuckle again. There are so many ironies in my life, now that I'm the oldest person on the planet. I stall for a moment, knowing what's coming next will displease her, no matter how much customs have changed over the years. "I had… lovers."

I scan her face. The moment it crumples, I'll try to fix the damage my words wrought.

"Of course you did. It"s not shocking in this day and age."

Why did I doubt Rose's acceptance? Even in the short time we've known each other, I've learned she won't judge me.

"I was deeply, madly in love with Isabelle Deschamps for years. She was a decade older than me. It was wild and desperate and lasted over ten years. I thought we were going to be together forever. Until she dumped me for a boy barely out of his teens."

I rub Rose"s knuckle with my thumb, avoiding her gaze.

"I stayed in New York for a while after that, but when I had trouble recovering my self-esteem, I bought this cottage to hide out for a while. Now I realize how stupid it was for me to follow the instructions on the amulet. Who would make such an idiotic choice? My only defense is that I never imagined the spell would work."

"I'm so glad you shared this with me, Rip. We're both struggling with old demons, but I must admit, I"m so glad you"re here."

She turns in her seat, a clear signal she wants me to look at her. Her brilliant green eyes are luminous. She licks her lips and closes her lids, giving every tell in the book she"s ready for a kiss.

I promised myself I would go slow. I"m not going to fall for her signals to the contrary. Deep down, I have a feeling there"s a wrong way and a right way to woo Rose Bennett. I want to do it the right way. It will make it all the more exciting when we finally come together.

Instead of acting on her unspoken invitation, I use one finger to tilt her face toward me. It"s impossible to miss the disappointment and yearning on her face. "Tomorrow, we"re going to make time for your first painting lesson. I"ll spill all my artistic secrets."