Chapter Six
Rosaleen
The restaurant was a cozy space. From its white exterior with green shutters and a large window to the gray walls with white trim, and matching wooden tables and chairs, it made you feel as if you were just over to your grandparents for a meal. The large glass case boasted a tempting array of baked goods and pies. Her stomach rumbled. I wish I was here for a more enjoyable reason. Moving toward the back, she spotted a refrigerated section with a tempting selection that ranged from chicken apricot salad to kale salad and roasted beets.
Ryan waved from a table tucked into the corner. Here we go. Standing straight, she walked over to the table and sat on the chair across from him. She spent the morning hunting up an outfit that would make him regret the way he did her wrong without looking like she tried too much. Black skinny jeans ripped at the knees were paired with a dark green silk shirt that crisscrossed hinting at the cleavage below. I’m showing my Slytherin side today. I’m going to need that cunning to deal with him.
“Afternoon,” Ryan said with a cautious smile.
“Afternoon.”
“I ordered a water with lemon, just how you like it.”
“I appreciate that.”
“I’m not sure how to start this really.” He toyed with the condensation running down the sides of the glass of cola.
“This is your show. I’m just the audience member.”
A perky blonde with cupid’s bow lips, and a name tag that boasted Tanya, joined them.
“Afternoon, folks. Can I get an order started for you?” Tanya asked.
“Do you need more time?” Ryan asked Rosaleen. No way am I prolonging this any more than I need to.
“No, I’m ready. Can I get an apricot chicken salad, please?”
“You sure can. And you, sir?” Tanya turned her attention to Ryan.
“I’d like to try the turkey meatloaf with a side of mashed potatoes.”
“Excellent choices. I’ll get these orders started.”
Tanya left, and the awkward silence returned.
“So, how are you settling in?” he asked.
She’d play nice if he did. “Really well. You saw how the opening looked.”
“I did. The shop is beautiful. Very you.”
“That’s what I was going for.”
“I’m proud of you for making the leap and opening your own place.”
She bit her tongue, holding back the bitterness that welled up inside of her. Hadn’t their ending happened partially because she had her own plans?
“I know it’s hard to hear this and believe it, but I changed. Before we were ever romantically involved, we supported one another as friends. I’m sorry that I lost sight of that.”
Unused to hearing the s-word cross his lips, she leaned back against her chair and eyed him cautiously.
“You’ll find I’ve changed a lot since we last saw one another. I can’t blame you for being skeptical, but it’s true.”
“Hmmm.” She took a sip of her water and waited.
Tanya returned with their food, saving them from themselves.
“Is there anything else I can get you?” Tanya asked.