Page 25 of Built to Last
“So that’s a yes?” While I am already invested in the show, discussing the episodes with Rose is what I’m truly looking forward to. I will takeanyexcuse to talk to this woman. She throws up her hands in defeat.
“More murder and mayhem it is.”
We keep watching while munching through our feast. I occasionally pipe up with theories and Rose humours me, notgiving anything away. As the next episode loads, she turns to face me.
“So,” she begins, resting her chin on her hand. “What else are you working on right now?”
“Well, the set is my main focus, as you know.” Her head bobs and I continue. “But I’m also working on a custom order, a blanket box. I’m making pretty good progress actually. I’ll work on carving some more of the details while waiting for the different coats on the wood panels for the set to dry.”
“That’s great.” A bright smile lights up her face. “What’s it like? Does it have a theme or anything?”
“It’s actually got a woodland theme.”
“Really?” A giggle escapes her and she tries to hide her amusement behind her hand. “You’re going to be sick of trees by the time we’re done.”
“It’s not so bad.” I shrug. “Woodland scenes and florals are pretty popular themes for custom pieces. I find ways to keep it interesting. It’s fun to try out different flowers and animals if the client hasn’t asked for something specific.”
“I’d like to see it, if you wouldn’t mind showing me.” Pride and pleasant surprise bubble up in my chest over her interest in my work.
“Of course, I’ll show you tomorrow.”
I should have realised Rose would want to see my projects since she’s an artist herself but I’m not used to anyone outside my customers showing such interest.
Dad is supportive and appreciates the artistry that goes into my carpentry, but he doesn’t really understand the appeal. His passion has always been with the larger jobs, like kitchen and bathroom remodelling. I don’t begrudge him for it. While it doesn’t spark his interest, he still makes a point to ask how that side of the business is doing just as much as he asks about my other work. Mum even commissioned a couple of pieces fortheir house to show support when I first started out. I insisted on giving them a major discount, the fee only covering the cost of materials. Now the dining table and matching chairs are used every Sunday for family lunches.
“I’m looking forward to it.” Rose smiles and I’m filled with hope that our shared interests will help bring us closer together.
When I notice Rose stifling a yawn for the third time, I decide to say something since it doesn’t look like she’s going to.
“It’s late. Can I drive you home?”
“I can just order a taxi.”
“Do you want to get a taxi home?” I ask seriously. “Because if you do, that’s fine. But if you’re comfortable with it I’d really like to drive you home. No coming inside or anything like that, just seeing you back safely.” She ducks her head to hide a blush.
“I’d like that, thanks.”
After Rose insists on helping me clear up the takeaway boxes because she doesn’t want me to come back home to a mess, we’re ready to leave. The roads aren’t busy on the drive over to her place and I pull up outside her flat all too soon. The street outside is silent, the quiet settling over us like a heavy blanket. Lit only by the soft glow of the overhead light and a distant streetlamp, the small space feels intimate. I’m not ready to say goodnight yet and, judging by the way she lingers after undoing her seatbelt, neither is Rose.
“Do you have any plans for the weekend?” I ask.
“Just drinks with Aria and Bel, our other friend from uni, after work tomorrow. You?”
“My friend Blake is stopping by tomorrow night and then I have lunch with my family on Sunday. I was actually hoping to take you out for dinner on Saturday, if you’d like?”
“On a date?” She asks for clarification then nervously bites her lip.
“Yes.” No sense beating around the bush. I’m more than a little interested in Rose and I’m not afraid to admit it. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know you over the past couple of weeks and I had a great time with you tonight. If you’re not interested, I won’t say another word about it but I like you, Rose. I’d like to spend more time with you.”I’d like to spend all of my time with you.
“Yes. To the date I mean. I’d like that.” She looks up at me through her lashes and my chest puffs up with pride that she’s agreeing to give me a chance. “You don’t have to do anything fancy though, I had fun just hanging out with you tonight,” she admits shyly.
“I had fun too, but you deserve something special. There’s a great Italian place nearby, let me take you.” She bites her lip hesitantly. “I hate to break it to you, Rose, but if things with us head in the direction I hope they do, I am going to want to spoil you sometimes.”
“OK,” she agrees. “As long as I get to spoil you back.”
“I can live with that.”
Not wanting to push my luck any further, I get out of the car and walk around to open her door for her. Walking Rose across the street, my hand resting at the small of her back, I marvel at how far we’ve come since our first encounter.
