Dear Rosie, (Love Letters #2)

Rosie nods. “Anything.”

Her instant acceptance calms me even further. “I need you to drive straight home. I need you to walk so very carefully to the elevators. Then I need you to be just as careful walking into the condo.”

“I promise.”

“After you get your crutches, I need you to get an ice pack out of the freezer, pour a water, and grab the painkillers from the bathroom.” I pause, and when she doesn’t say anything, I prompt her. “Say you promise.”

“I promise.”

She looks like she’s fighting a smile.

Good.

“Then.” I hold a finger up so she can see it. “You’re going to go lie in our bed.” Her gaze flickers when I sayour,and I feel a sense of satisfaction when she doesn’t argue. “You’re going to elevate and ice yourankle. And you’re going to elevate it for the rest of today. Icing three more times.”

This time, when I pause, she answers. “I promise.”

“And you’re going to do that again tomorrow. I’m serious, Rosie. I’m going to randomly FaceTime you every day that I’m gone, and if you’re doing more than moving from the bed to the couch, I’m going to get upset.”

ONE HUNDRED SEVENTEEN

ROSALYN

“I promise.”

Nathan dips his chin. “That’s my good girl.”

I hold Charles up a little higher, covering the bottom half of my face as I admit, “I like when you say that.”

My boyfriend smirks at me through the phone screen. “Oh, do you?”

I nod.

“You hear that, Charles? Our girl likes to be praised.”

“Nate.” A feminine voice sounds from somewhere on Nathan’s end of the line.

Charles turns his head toward the phone, and we both narrow our eyes.

The cat meows.

I agree.

Yes, Charles, who the fuck is that?

“If you need to go…” I prompt, feeling a little bit petty after he’s been so nice to me but unable to help it.

Instead of looking annoyed at my attitude, Nathan grins. “Green looks good on you, my pretty Rosie.”

“Nate?” The voice sounds again.

Nathan looks away from the screen, and his grin shifts to something more neutral. “I’ll be with you in a moment.” He looks back at the screen. “Sorry, Honey. I think one of the planners is summoning me for a session.”

I lift a brow.

I don’t think that’s what’s happening at all. But I think this might be his way of blowing the woman off.

“Oh, I’m not…” the woman cuts in, sounding awkward but not awkward enough to walk away. “It’s me, Cindy.”