ROSALINE
I stared long and hard at the paper, even flipping it to the back to see if there'd been a mistake in whom it was assigned to. Julie's position in the company was the executive manager. It was a very important post that I felt so uneasy taking over.
After all these years, he was simply giving it to me? I couldn't quite wrap my head around it. I looked up at both of them, reading the proud look on their faces. I didn't even care to see if Gerald was doing the same doting that they were. It was beginning to disgust me thoroughly.
I exhaled deeply, folding the paper and thrusting it back into the envelope. "I can't accept this," I said, lunging it back at my father. "Thank you for being considerate enough to think I deserve this position, but I do not want it."
His face fell. Both of them, actually. Their gazes were shrouded in sadness and disappointment that I'd seen all my life. My father furrowed his brows, "You don't... want it? B-but why? This is a huge step up for your career life, Rosa. And I feel like you're capable enough to handle it." He turned his head to my mother. "Katelyn, Talk to her."
My mother hesitated, squirming uncomfortably in her seat. I could instantly tell that she knew I wouldn't listen to reason or petty convincing like I usually do in the past. "This position has been sitting in silence, waiting for you, my darling. No one else would man it the way you would, and as your father has said, it's a stepping stone for your career. You are capable-"
"It's enough," I shunned her, feeling bad immediately after. The chair suddenly seemed like it was laced with cactus, and I couldn't find a comfortable position to be seated. "I'm suddenly capable because I got married, bagged you a hot chic deal, and this..." I pointed to the envelope on the table. "This is what? Compensation? A... healing ointment? What is that? An apology to make me feel better about this whole crappy situation?"
"Rosaline!" My father yelled. "Do not insult my lenience. Whatever your rash opinion is, I'm sure you're clearly mistaken. Calm down, and let us talk about this!"
I flicked the envelope with my finger, almost laughing at it. "Do you remember, dad? Two years ago when you told me you were considering a promotion but couldn't go through to it because I wasn't 'there yet'? Or do you remember that you said the same thing last year? What makes me capable right now? Tell me."
Gerald's hands tightened against my leg, and I kicked, jerking back in annoyance. For once tonight, I'd like to hear him say something. I'd like for someone to feel what I am feeling and take my side.
"That was only because-"
"Because what?" I paused to catch my breath. "I will handle myself and my job from now on. I appreciate your concern, but it's not needed anymore."
My mother got off her chair, sighing dejectedly. I could see her eyes start to get wet again. "I can assure you, it's nothing like that. We've been thinking about it for a while. We were just waiting for the perfect time, and now it seems like it."
I ruffled my hair, exhausted to my bones. Today has been one hell of a day, and I didn't see the need to explain anymore, especially when no one seemed to be listening.
"The perfect time could have been on my birthday, or the day before that. Or the year before that, Mother. It could have been any of the days where I barely had any sleep, studying and reading relentlessly to meet your needs, to impress you. Now is not the perfect time, and I'm sorry that you missed it. Thanks for dinner," I picked up my purse. "Let's do this again sometime, without the complications and insincerity this time."
"Do not walk out on me, Rosaline!" My father yelled from behind, but I was done with the discussion, every bit of it. I walked away without a glance back. If Gerald wanted to do anything right tonight, he'd come with me. He should, at least, have the decency to take me home after how today horribly had turned out.
*
I slept with a heavy heart and woke up with one. Yesterday had been too emotionally demanding, and I'd do anything else but crawl out of bed. It seemed to suck me in deeper despite how aware of it I was.
Gerald hadn't said anything to me since yesterday, and I didn't know if I should be grateful for that, or lean towards the part of me that was genuinely worried. Why did I have to worry when I'd done nothing wrong? I got out of bed and headed downstairs in the hopes of seeing him, but he must have had other plans, literally.
I was home, roaming the huge house disappointedly. Was this what I'd reduced to? A fuming mess all because of a man? I hissed and headed to the coffee table; then the doorbell rang, and my heart skipped a beat.
Another appearance of Gerald's mother and I might go nuts, undoubtedly. Anxiety was being a mean bitch. Why was I trembling so much? The second ring drove me to the door, and I took a peep at who it was.
"What the fuck?" I cussed out when I saw who it was and immediately opened the door. I was completely dumbfounded. Anyone would be.
What was Harry doing by my door!? "Harry!?" I resounded. "What are you doing here? W-what is going on?"
I couldn't hold back my shock. Harry looked pleased, a complete contrast to the confusion I absolutely embodied.
"There you are, Slytherin. I've been looking all over for you," Harry enunciated, giving me a cheeky smile.
"What?"
"I see phone calls aren't your thing, neither is responding to messages, so I had to check it out myself, you know, if you hated me already or if something happened."
I blinked slowly, trying to comprehend all that he'd said. It was true I hadn't picked up his calls since he vanished again at the party, but I wasn't ignoring him because I was mad. I just thought I was using and staying away was the best option.
"So you came to find me?"
"Only because your address was very easy to find," He responded, still smiling. "You're all over the internet, Mrs Thorne. How could I have missed that?"
This beautiful morning was already beginning to smell like trouble. I shook my head slightly, scanning Harry and deliberating whether or not I let him in or what the quickest excuse to discard him was.
"Is this weird? 'Cause I feel weird," he added. "I just wanted to know if you were okay and apologize in person, you know? It was shitty of me to have left so out of the blue, especially after your uhh– Mr appeared. And I'm sorry about that. I've been a shitty friend, and that's more than enough reason for you not to talk to me."
His apology was adorable, and I just smiled. "Come in, Harry." I finally said. "You're not the only one who owes the other an apology."
"Oh, really?" He quizzed in a mischievous tone, and I backed away from the door, opening it wide enough for him to come in.
"Yes, I should do it properly this time," I answered, turning to him with an outstretched hand. "Hi, my name is Rosaline Rivera. Daughter of the West Royal fashion industry and wife to Gerald Thorne. It's a pleasure to meet you, Harry."
Harry snickered, obviously amused by my sudden introduction. "Hi, I'm Harry Potter. Oh, sorry, my bad..." Harry lightly touched his chest with his other hand, and we both laughed it off. "Harry Sinclair, and it's an utmost pleasure to meet you, ma'am."
"I'm so sorry I didn't tell you about it," I immediately apologized. "About both my identity and my marriage. I just didn't think it mattered that much, but apparently, it does."
"Oh, it sure does, Mrs. Billionaire. It sure does," Harry emphasized. "But it is all good. I understand what it might have felt like on your part."
"This is definitely so much better!" I sighed. "I can't believe I was nervous about it!"
"Tell me about it," He agreed, releasing a stifled laugh. "Thank you, Rosa."
We shook hands, and I ushered him to a seat. "Would you like a drink? Consider this a bar..." I walked to the kitchen and pulled the refrigerator open, scanning its contents. Okay, maybe it wasn't very bar-like, but it was better than nothing. "Except we only offer orange juice, chocolate milk, ketchup, and... peanut butter. Please note that mixtures are very welcome."
I heard his resounding laughter from where I was, and it made me glad that at least one person could laugh around me. It definitely made me feel lighter. Better. I poured two glasses of orange juice, and I trapped the peanut butter container between my arm and waist. Licking it was therapeutic, and Harry agreed immediately after he saw it.
For the first time, I could be myself complete with someone, not minding the fact that I was in my pajamas and probably had a stinky breath. Harry just seemed so much like a person who wouldn't care about anything like that.
Neither did I. "So, you know Jonathan?" I started up the conversation, hugging my knees on the other side of the couch where I sat. "I could never have guessed it."
He took a sip of his juice, and then placed it slowly on the table. "You say it like it means something. I just happened to run some gigs in the business, and we've run into each other too many times to call it a coincidence. That's how people... become acquaintances, right?"
"I guess?" I responded with a half-shrug. "So what else do you do aside from interior designing?"
"Uh..." His voice trailed. "Quite a number of things, actually. I'm an all-rounder. I work as a casting director, an executive designer for FIBS, and Financial analysis for W&S. It just... kind of rolls around."
My jaw dropped. That must explain why he disappeared very often. "Wow. You are the man."
Harry sucked his teeth. "Well, some will say that. What about you? You seem to be a big deal, too. I mean, have you seen the news?"
My mind flashed back to yesterday's proposal and how I'd declined it. I termed myself unemployed from now on. I was going to remove myself from the company and find something to do with myself. I tucked my hair behind my ears. "Right now, I'm no better than a rodent."
"Oh, rodents are cute."
"And unemployed," I completed. "And they stay at home all day, drinking ice cream and peanut butter and orange juice."
Harry turned to me. "Do you want to tell me about it, Rodent?"
"No," I waved dismissively. "Not exactly. Tell me about your work."
The next hours to come ranged from stories to jokes, to goals. We touched everything, and I haven't had such a heartfelt conversation with anyone in a while. The conversation ended when I glanced at the wall clock and saw that four hours had passed.
I gasped. "Look at the time!"
Harry's head shot up, and he immediately jumped to his feet. "Shit. I have an appointment in thirty minutes."
"I can't believe you got sucked up in all this talk! Let's get you going," I pushed his back slightly. "Come on!"
"Well," He shrugged. "I can. And I'd do it again. It's so nice talking to someone after all this time. Take care of yourself, Rosa." He headed to the door, but it swung open before Harry even reached it.
Gerald stepped in, and my heart skipped a beat. Why was he back so early?
He darted his gaze from me to Harry. "What's going on here?"