Rosie watched Owen as he smiled happily while chatting with God knows who on his cellphone. She sighed sadly. She was seated on a side stool placed beside him.
"Owen," she called him for the third time and just like before, she got no reply. Watching him resting his head on the couch while engrossed in his phone stepped on her anger scale.The deep purple curtain cast a dull purple shadow on her skin, her face glowed from the effect of the fluorescent bulb on the white painted wall and it registered no sign of smiles. A look at the clock showed that it was 8:43pm already, and she knew it was just a matter of time before Tessa, her flatmate, started bombarding her with messages and calls to be certain she was all right. Adjusting her position on the side stool, she turned her gaze back to Owen."Owen, I'm talking to you." She called again, this time, tapping him gently on the shoulder. "You've been giving me the silent treatment, what is wrong with you?" She asked."I've been giving you the silent treatment, really, How?" He asked, finally putting his phone away with a concerned appearance. "Can't you see I'm on a business blog? I'm here on this blog trying my best to find wealth related inspiration. But of course, you chose now of all times to disturb me." He went on suddenly changing his tone to show that he was upset."Owen!" Rosie exclaimed. "Calm down will you, what's with the tone. Did I do something wrong?" she asked again with concern written all over her face."There is nothing wrong Rosie. You asked where our relationship was headed last week, and I figured you wanted me to propose, don't you? Why am I even asking," he continued, preventing her from providing a reply. "It's obvious you want a proposal. Marriage is the perfect explanation for such a rash question from you, unless you have a better explanation. Do you?" He asked again, looking at her. Rosie disappointed him with her silence, so he continued his long annoying chatter."Right now, I'm checking out a wealth related blog, trying to figure out ways to accumulate more wealth because we can't get married with the way things are presently. But you obviously can't relate, because you really do not know what it means for someone to be financially ready. How do you even intend to get married to someone when you are almost broke?""Owen!!" Rosie called angrily. "Stop," she said in a low, shaky voice, unable to keep it steady. "I work." she added."There she goes again!" Owen exclaimed. "You need to be realistic honey, because your response to reality is funny at times. You are just an intern in a company I work in as a top Manager and I know the meager salary you get every month. Do you think that peanut is big enough to sustain you in a marriage?""I have a side hustle." She reminded him with a firm yet low voice. If there was anything she didn't want presently, it was raising her voice at him. She was scared he would hear the fear and sadness she was trying so hard to conceal. "I'm a very hardworking person, and I'm not useless. You know that already." she added.Owen let out a chuckle. He swung his head to the side and back. He looked at her and smiled even more. "By side hustle, do you mean the bead making that barely gives you a dime? Oh, please, be realistic for once. You make some cheap bead for a set of low income earners that can barely afford two square meals a day, and suddenly, you call that a source of income, a side hustle! You must be kidding me." He said standing up."When you asked where our relationship was headed," he continued as he started pacing the short distance from his seat to the window. "At first, I was mad at you because I know so well that you are broke, and I'm not even where I want to be, financially. But I'd like to assume you have some money stashed up somewhere, because I don't even intend marrying a liability, nobody in their right senses will want to marry one. So Rose, you need to wake up, no man or woman would love to be with a liability. I want a partner that will be productive, active, smart and financially stable, enough to march up with me. Not some broke woman who will wreck my life. Kindly note that I'm not referring to you baby, I am not. I'm just trying to explain the whole scenario." He said.Getting a hold of Rosie's hand, he squeezed it gently. In reply, she stared at him blankly."But honestly, honey," He continued. "I doubt marriage should be on top of our list right now. Believe me, this is actually true, and it's coming from a place of love, total love."Rosie, who had her eyes on their hands before now, gently slipped her hand from his grip and looked up at him. "What are you even saying?" She started angrily. I wasn't entirely talking about marriage. I only asked because I needed us to define the relationship we share. The question was more about where we are headed, what the plan is. Owen, I love you and I wanted to be certain you feel the same way for me, that was really all I wanted to know. Again, I'm not a liability. I take care of myself well enough, and I plan on working even harder for the kind of life I want. Do you hear me?" She asked in a raised voice, finally giving up on her plan to conceal her hurt and fear. She immediately turned to make her way out of the room but was pulled back by Owen, who ran up to her at once."Look, baby, I'm sorry." He started an apology. "The last couple of days have been a bit tough and crazy for me. The boss is looking up to me to get this new client on board with us, and I'm so close to signing the deal. But you know, it's quite challenging for me at the moment. All the stress, sleepless nights, deep thoughts and all are catching up with me, interfering with my normal life." He pleaded, but when Rosie didn't say a word, he continued."I know, I know it's my fault that I let these things catch up with me. It's my life and I have the power to decide what affects me or not." He added, making a sad and remorseful face, the face that he knew Rosie was definitely going to fall for."Oh no baby," Rosie said, touching his face. All the anger she felt minutes ago suddenly vanished. "Not this one," she said."You really do not have the power to push this one away, no matter how hard you try, it will definitely get to you. We are talking about something that has to do with your psychological well being." she continued."Yes, I know." Owen started with a barely noticeable lip twitch, very happy and satisfied that his tactics worked perfectly. "I just hope you understand and forgive me, baby." He added, shifting his hold to her shoulder as they drew closer, staring at each other.As usual, Rosie found herself unable to resist his gorgeous charms as he drew her in a hug. She hugged him right back, caressing the back of his hair."I'll always be here if you need my help or support with any of your stressors." she reassured him as they still held each other in a warm hug. "Just don't talk to me in such a manner again. Please, it breaks my heart." She added."I promise, I would never do such ever again." Owen reassured her."Let me make it up to you," he said, breaking their hug. "Let's have lunch together this weekend." He said with a smile."Hmm, that sounds impressive." She replied. "You always know how to make me smile." She told him, smiling. Looking at his soft and tender facial features, she knew instantly there was no way she could say no to Owen, her Owen."Okay," she told him happily. "Friday is a public holiday. So, what day are we having lunch and where are we going?" she asked."Any place of your choice." He told her, caressing her cheeks. "I can only suggest this place I've heard so much about. It's new and there are so many positive reviews about it already. You might want to try it." He told her."Okay, let's go there then." She replied as he drew her to a kiss. They kissed tenderly, with Rosie blushing and almost turning pink."Ugh, I just recalled that I had a short briefing with the boss on Saturday at one of his club houses." Owen said in a sad tone. "I totally forgot. Can we move it till next weekend? I mean that way, we can have more time to ourselves." he added with a coy smile."What about Sunday?" Rosie asked."oh, Sunday is a bad idea, baby. I have a date with the boys and I can't cancel. I'm sorry." he replied."That's okay, I can go with you. It's been a while since I saw Rex and the others." She pressed."you have no idea how much I'll love that," Owen started. "but we're hanging out alone. None of the guys are coming with girlfriends or wives. So, you'll end up very lonely if you tag along." he said."Now don't worry baby," he said, smiling seductively and drawing her closer. "Next weekend is just a couple of days away. We'll have fun together, and next Friday is a public holiday. So we might have enough time to spend together."Rosie nodded cheerfully. There was no need to be angry or worked up when she'll still see him every single day at the office and can always visit him at home."Okay," she replied. "Maybe I'll get to Stephanie's baby shower on Sunday then." she added."Who is Stephanie?""One of the interns at accounts." She replied. "Will you mind dropping me off at the venue before heading out with the boys on Sunday?" she asked."Oh baby, I don't think that will be advisable, I can't be seen at an intern party nor dropping off an intern. it doesn't sound right my darling. don't worry, I'll transfer some cash to you for a taxi all right?""But I want you, not a taxi! I see absolutely nothing wrong with you dropping me off at a harmless party. I didn't ask you to join the party. just drop me at the gate. You're acting like being seen with an intern can give one a sort of communicable disease or something." Rosie insisted as she saw no reason for his refusal."Let's not argue about this sweetheart. you'll take a taxi, that's the best option, all right?""Owen, I d...""Please baby, a taxi is perfect." He interrupted her while massaging her shoulders with soft strokes of his index finger and thumb. Rosie looked up at him grudgingly and nodded."Okay." she finally said."Good, now forgive that I'm distracted, but you are so beautiful, my Rosie." He told her as her smile widened.""And you are so handsome, darling." She replied, brushing her index finger past his cheeks. "Now, I have to go home. Tessa will be worried sick if I don't get home any time soon." She told him as the wall clock struck 9:22pm. Will you drive me home?" She asked him."Of course." He replied, picking up a black shirt from his couch. "Make sure to rest well when you get home." He told her as he slipped a shirt on."I definitely will." she replied. "I scooped out some soup for you in a small pot and stored the rest away in the freezer. I did the same with the stew." She told him. "Make sure you eat before going to bed.”"Thank you." Owen said, beaming from ear to ear. "Were you able to prepare the sauce?" He asked putting up a smiley face."Yes, but I stored everything away in the freezer." She replied as she waited for him to button up his shirt."Perfect." he said once he finished fastening the last button. "Let's get you home baby." He placed a hand on her waist. Together, they left for his car. "We'll be having an ad presentation with one of the company's big fish on Friday." He told her as they headed to the garage. I've been working nonstop on the presentation.""This big fish, is he the one you've been talking about?" She interrupted."Oh no, this is another one, this particular one have been with us for a very long time. But that doesn't mean we should assume that he's ours for keeps you know. With so many mushroom agencies springing up from nowhere and the tough competition out there, we still need to continue doing our best." Owen replied with a smile. "I would have shown you what I'm work
Gregory's wet chest glistered with the glow from the sun. He glided smoothly out of the swimming pool and sat comfortably on the lounge chair, turning to Maxwell who was lying on one of the chaise, a sun shade on his eyes and a glass of wine."Oh Max, how I love this place, I can't even begin to explain it." Gregory said, pouring some wine into the empty glass placed on a side stool beside his chaise."I know, man, it is a home away from home. Somewhere you can run to and hide comfortably without the hassle we face every other day at work." Maxwell replied. "Believe me, Drewers remain one of the most beautiful and serene location in the whole of Palverase." he added."I agree." Greg said, leaning his back on the chair as he sipped from his glass. "I'm thinking of bringing my children down here whenever Nelson visits. Or I'll just bring Angelina and we can come again when Nelson visits. She rarely have time for herself and her boyfriend, oh, that boy is just too calm. He can't even hatc
"So, what do you think?" Rosie asked her Tessa, showing off the lovely dress she was able to purchase for her date with Owen."It's beautiful," she replied turning the dress. "This must have cost you a reasonable sum. I wonder why you bother anyway. It's not like he's ever going to notice.""Tess, seriously?" Rosie asked making a serious face.True to Tessa's words, the dress was quite pricey. Rosie had bought it in order to have Owen's attention all to herself during their date. But she felt so bad hearing what might pass out as the bitter truth from Tessa. Owen might rarely notice her. He's always been like that no matter what she puts on. Overtime, she had tried using clothes, hair, shoes, jewelry, perfumes and even bags. Yet, nothing."Ah, I was just joking." Tessa nudged her, smiling."But that's not fair. You know he was distracted the other day. Hence his reason for not noticing my hair and that's why he wants to make up for it with this date.""Alright." Tessa said as she check
"Are you ready to order now ma'am?" The waiter returned with a smiley face."Oh, not really. I'm actually waiting for someone. So, I'll just have a glass of water. We'll order when he arrive." Rosie replied him gingerly."Alright ma'am," he bowed and left to get her order.Rosie's cheeks with embarrassment. She picked up phone and called Owen again."Owen, where exactly are you?" She almost screamed into the phone. He sighed so loud before proceeding to talk. "I'm on the way. Stop bugging me with calls. These incessant calls won't make me appear suddenly. You couldn't even ask why I'm held up or do you think I'm playing here?" He asked with a raised voice."How am I supposed to know if you're playing. What sort of embarrassment is this. If today wasn't such a good day for us, why couldn't you just tell me than bring me out here to embarrass me." She said almost in tears and hung up immediately, scared to say one more word and refusing to give in to her tears.The sound of the waite
"I swear Owen, if you don't stop this very moment, I'll slap you!" Rosie warned feeling disrespected. She was indeed surprise to hear all that trash coming from a man that claims he love her."You take things too seriously. Don't go all macho on me, I was just joking. Although I wouldn't mind if you throw a little of your sexy feminine charms around when we get there".Rosie started walking out on him. This was him disrespecting her and she wasn't having it."Rosie, wait." He pulled her back gently."Fine, I'm sorry. Can we just go and stick to the work-colleague plan? I promise you, I won't say anything you wouldn't want to hear." He said and smiled at her. They walked up to a waitress and inquired about Gregory, stating that they had an appointment with him."What's your name Sir?" The waitress asked checking her tab."Owen Wilbert.""This way please," She left them to a table already occupied by three people. A lady, probably in her late thirties and the other probably in her earl
Rosie walked into the premises of Brass Enterprise. The company was situated at the centre of the city. It is a very big company that had Rosie gushing over the mighty building. Earlier on, Owen had made poor Rosie's day at the office a living hell. Having waited for the signed contracts all through Monday but didn't get them. He had placed several calls to Brass Enterprise and was told Gregory was in a meeting. He even dropped series of messages with his secretary but received no reply. So, once Rosie came in that morning, he didn't allow her some breathing space. So Rosie had to come to Brass Enterprise to see Mr . Gregory and apologize because she felt he might be stalling with the contract as a form punishment for her rudeness.Stepping into the reception, She was met by Gregory's Secretary who looked everything but friendly."Good afternoon ma'am." She greeted."Good afternoon ma'am." the secretary replied shifting her gaze briefly from her computer screen."Please I'm here to
"Are you alright?" Gregory asked while taking his seat."Yes, I'm fine Sir." Rosie replied, flashing a smile. She dug into her food seeing that Gregory was already eating.A single taste of her meal had a moan escape from her lips. She immediately lowered her face in embarrassment while Gregory chuckled sweetly. He couldn't remember the last time he met such a naive girl."I'm glad you love it. You will enjoy it better if it's home made. I make a much better Fajita though." Greg boasted subtly."No way! You cook?" She asked surprised."Not always though. Just when I'm in the mood." He replied."So, tell me about Work Roseline. How long have you been working at Zed?""For almost a Year now. I'm actually an Intern and I'll be through in a month." She replied."So, what's next for you after internship?""Ummm, I'll love to be retained by Zed agency, but I really don't think it's possible because they don't retain Interns." Said Rosie."So, you want to work in an ad agency, wow! Just keep
"Hello mama" Rosie called out as she opened the door to her mum's apartment."Is that my pumpkin?" Mrs. Bainer shouted from the Kitchen."Flesh and Blood." She replied, making her way to the kitchen to give her mother a hug."What's happening, you're so lean" Mrs. Bainer complained looking at her daughter. "You haven't been eating well, have you?""Oh Mama, please. I've been eating well enough. You don't have to worry about me." Rosie replied planting a soft kiss on her mother's right cheek.Evelyn Bainer stared at her daughter for a while. Obviously she had so much she wanted to say but she decided against it."Annie!" She called as she took Rosie back to the sitting room.""Annie is home?" Rosie asked happily."Yes, she's up in her room getting set for her date. Her boyfriend is picking her up soon.""Mum!!" Annie called as she walked in on them and overheard her mum."What? I was only giving her an answer to a question. Why are you giving me that look?" Evelyn asked innocently."Yo