FLORENCE
I know she didn't mean it. She doesn't think that I'm stupid.
But it doesn't mean it still doesn't hurt when she insults me like that.
So I decided to give her the silent treatment so she can realise she can't say that. She had gotten all of her anger under control it seemed, yet, tonight it was different. She was on edge, I knew that. Because of many things, but it doesn't mean it's ok to call me that. Even in an argument. Even when she's pissed that I didn't listen to her.
She was silent across the room. I don't know what she was doing, because I was facing the other way in bed. But I didn't need to see to know that she was really upset and regretful right now. Trying to think of something to say or do.
I heard Ryan coo softly, so I had to look quickly. And Rhea was standing over him, staring at him with some adoration and some sadness. She looked at me. "Sorry." She whispered. "He's awake."
Oh damnit, he's definitely hungry. I completely forgot and tucked him into bed before his dinner. I got up and Rhea watched me come over. Pluck him from his bed and carry a very sleepy and probably hungry little man out of the room.
I didn't look back to see if she was following.
I sat on the couch and pulled my shirt up. Helping him begin eating, and he quickly stopped making whiny noises.
I could see her out of the corner of my eye follow and lean on the doorframe, quietly watching us from afar.
I never saw her so silent before. Just watching.
After a few minutes, Ryan was satisfied and fell back asleep in my arms. Full and ready to sleep properly now. I got up and walked past Rhea, and she softly touched my arm. I shrugged out of it and kept going.
That hurt me to do but I couldn't say she didn't deserve this right now.
I tucked him back into bed, and Rhea was at the door again, watching quietly. "Thank you." She whispered it.
Then Ryan woke up and burped gently, which was adorable, then he spewed a little bit, dirtying his clothes and the bed sheets. The blankets. Himself.
I closed my eyes and rubbed my face, exhaustion beginning to just take over. I reached in to pick him up and-
"Flo, let me do it." Rhea said and started coming over. "Please." She stood beside me. "You should hop in bed. You do too much for us."
I gave her a glance and then let her change him and the sheets as I got in bed. Now watching her from my spot as she cleaned up.
When she was done, she leaned over the cot as she sat on the bed, watching Ryan fall asleep again. When he was, she turned around to look at me. Seeing me still awake, she cleared her throat. "Sleep if you're tired, Flo." She said. "We can talk in the morning."
I didn't close my eyes, because I just couldn't go to sleep right now.
Rhea let out a deep breath. "I hate when you don't talk to me..." she admitted weakly. She swallowed. "I know you're upset at what I said, Angel. You know I didn't mean it." I heard her voice break and I really hated that. "When I get angry, I just speak sometimes without thinking. You know I do and I'm really sorry." She turned around fully and crawled over the bed to come lie down beside me. She cautiously reached for my hair and tucked some strands behind my ear. "You're so beautiful, and I have no idea how you put up with me sometimes. You're so strong and you're so smart. You've given me everything and I forget how fucking good you are. I'm so sorry. I promised I'd never hurt you, baby." Her eyes turned glossy. "I promised I'd treat you right like you deserve, and I haven't been doing very well. I've been doing horribly, Flo. As a wife and as a mother. I'm so sorry-"
"You're not a bad mother." I had to speak because I couldn't let her think that. "You're not a bad wife." I whisper.
"I feel like the worst lately, Flo. I've been horrible." She said. "I've been terrible and I'm so sorry. I'd never hurt you on purpose, Flo."
"I know." I couldn't stay quiet now.
She was quiet for a minute or so. "I know what you mean about feeling disconnected, and I know that that's my fault."
"It's both." I pointed out. She can't just blame everything on herself.
Rhea grabbed my hand and brought it up to her mouth and kissed it twice. "I'm going to be better, Flo. I promise, things are gonna get back to how they were."
And that excited me. "You know I think a start would be for you to-" I swallowed. "Please yourself."
Rheas eyebrows raised, then smiled softly.
"I mean like- you know, things have been tense. It's a way to unwind. I know you're frustrated. I don't want you to- find other outlets." I admitted.
Rheas eyes creased. "Find other outlets? Like using my own hand huh?" She leaned in. "I didn't know you were so jealous... Tell me, Flo. Have you been using your own hand?"
I shrugged. "No, I've been waiting for you."
Rhea glanced Ryan's way. "I didn't think you'd wanna do anything with Ryan right here."
"He can't see. He's asleep." It came out quick and eager. More than I thought it would.
"I don't deserve you tonight, Flo."
My face fell because I was very enthusiastic about it right now and she still wasn't doing anything. "But I-"
Something snapped outside, by the window. Like a stick, or an animal jumping. Which made us both look that way.
Rhea moved and got off the bed, peering out the blind and scanning the backyard.
"What was that?" I asked.
"I can't see anything. Just an animal, baby." She ended and came back over. "Don't worry." And she crawled over me and lent down to kiss my forehead.
"I want more from you." I tell her.
Rhea smiled a little. "Always so-"
Ryan suddenly began crying, and Rhea rubbed her lips together, closing her eyes a second. "You stay here, alright?" Rhea told me and got up off of me.
And it seemed everytime we tried to talk, make up, make out, spend much needed time together, there was always something that came up. Whether it's Ryan, who's very important so that didn't bother me much. Or Dom, JD and Damien. There was something.
It just felt like the universe was pushing us further apart, no matter how hard we tried.
RHEA
I had calmed Ryan back down. All he needed was some attention and a warm body to cling to, and he fell straight back asleep.
When I went back to Flo, she was deep asleep too. I debated whether or not I should wake her up, in a way she might have well been begging me for.
But she needed more than that.
I needed to make up for what I did. Take her on the best date she fucking deserved. Then the best sex of her life. She deserves that, not to just be woken up with head.
I relaxed in beside her, and she immediately slithered close and beside me. I brought her in tighter, and listened to her breathing to fall asleep.
DOMINIK
THE CUNTMENT DAY ⚖️
Dom added Florence Miller to the Group
Dom: Flo I need advice, Damien is terrible.
Damien: It's not terrible. I'm trying to save your life dispshit 🙄
Dom: FLO!
Rhea: Shut up, she's busy.
Dom: Doing what?
Damien: They have a son now, idiot.
Dom: She can't pass him to Rhea for a moment?
Florence: What do you need help with? x
Dom: Should I message her? To check in? x
Damien: I told him no, because imagine if Braun sees.
Dom: Flo? Thoughts? x
Rhea: Stop sending her x's.
Dom: Shouldn't you have Ryan if Flo doesn't?
Florence: She's at the gym x
Rhea: Flo.
Florence: Sorry. No more x's 😅
Rhea: I want x's.
Damien: She didn't just say that.
Dom: She's a mom now. She's soft.
Rhea: Shut up.
Florence: I don't know if it's a bad or good idea. Maybe keep it quick and friendly?
Dom: Yeah?
Florence: Don't push her too. Just ask how she's going and see what she says.
Dom: I like it. Screw you, Damien.
Damien: Piss off. Just go to the bar again and see her in person you coward. Become a regular.
Now that was an idea I could get behind.
THE CUNTMENT DAY ⚖️
Dom: That's a great idea. Never thought you'd come up with that.
Damien: 🤷🏾🤷🏾
Florence: Be careful. Who knows if Braun could be there.
Damien: Or even Rosa for that matter.
Dom: Didn't think of that.
Dom: I'll just go see.
And I swiped out of the group chat, getting up and finding a jacket. Driving to the bar and hopping out. I didn't see her car around anywhere so that was already bad. I slowly went inside the bar.
I scanned the bar for anyone I recognise. Luckily, there was no Braun to be seen. Hardly anyone.
And then it was just that guy Reggie behind the bar...
Shit.
I went to turn around, but stopped when I nearly ran into-
"Dom." Rosa seemed shocked to see me, carrying dirty and empty glasses in her hands. "What are you doing here?" She whispered it.
I couldn't help but relax at seeing her, and seeing her with no bruises. No cuts. Nothing. She looked healthy. "I can't come for a drink?"
She looked at me. "I mean, well yeah you can." She glanced towards the bar behind me. "Take a seat." Then she cleared her throat and walked off.
I went over and got a seat at the bar in a quiet spot down the end, greeted by Reggie very quickly. "I remember you." Hey said. "With the group of people, tell me, how's the blonde going?" He lent on the bar.
I looked at him weirdly. "Florence is great, at home with her wife and son, actually."
Reggie shrugged and moved on. "What can I get you?"
"A cocktail." I said.
Reggie rubbed his lips together and looked away. "Rosa! Cocktail." He shouted, and she looked down this way.
She nodded and came over, replacing him. "Do you really want a cocktail."
I lent on my forearms. "Yes, whatever you're making."
She tweaked her lips and turned around, reaching up on her toes. Body stretching up to reach the red wine.
"A sangria?" I asked.
She turned around with it. "That's alright?"
"More than alright." I said. "I was promised some sangria." I watched her grab a glass and begin mixing ingredients together flawlessly. "Do you live close?" I couldn't help but ask.
She peered at me. "5 minutes in the city. I have an apartment."
"With him?" I ask.
She shook her head. "No, but he stays a lot. He might as well live with me."
I shuffled on my seat. "Is he there now?"
Rosa started shaking the mixer, quiet for a second. "He's out tonight I think, he just sort of shows up when he wants."
"He has a key?"
Rosa nods.
"Did you give him the key?"
Rosa was silent as she poured the perfect sangria drink. "No. He got it made." And she turned away to grab a garnish.
He got it made without her permission? That had to be illegal right?
She decorated the sangria and studied her work. Beautiful face serious, like this was the most important drink she's ever made. She passed it to me. "I hope it's at least close to what your mama can make. Be honest."
I looked at it, lent to smell it. "It smells and looks great."
"Taste it." She urged me, glancing to the side where Reggie was at the cash register.
I picked it up and sipped, and it was incredible. "That's amazing." I said honestly. I sipped it again, savouring the taste. "It honestly incredible, Rosa."
She smiled. "Gracias, Dom." She went to leave, but I didn't want her to go yet.
"What time do you finish?" I ask, catching her attention. "Did you walk here tonight or something too?"
"11." She said. "Yeah, I walked."
"Why did you walk?"
"He took my car tonight. He doesn't have one." She answered.
Took her car? When she has to walk to and from work, in the city, late at night? Oh, I was hating this guy more and more.
I checked the time and 11 was about three hours away still. "Churros?"
Rosa couldn't hide her smile. "I don't know if that's-"
"I'll pay and take you home afterwards." I stared at her.
Rosa looked down and thought about it. "Alright." She whispered, and gave me another unsure look as she moved off to do other things.
I pulled my phone out.
THE CUNTMENT DAY ⚖️
Dom: She's here and I'm taking her for churros after.
Rhea: Why are you telling us everything? We don't care.
Florence: We do care, Dom. Be careful still.
Dom: I'm driving her home, I walk her to her apartment door right?
Florence: Yes. Unless she lives with Braun or something?
Dom: Nah she doesn't. Thank the fucking lord.
Damien: And don't go inside 🙄
Florence: If she offers would you go inside?
Dom: Guys stop, she's not going to offer.
Florence: She tried to kiss you, you never know.
Dom: Stop, you're getting in my head now. I'm not doing anything with her. I still don't know if she even really likes me like that. We haven't talked about what could have happened the other night.
Florence: You're so sweet, Dom 🥹
Rhea Ripley removed Florence Miller from the group.
Damien: That was uncalled for.
Dom: Very.
FLORENCE
I gasped when I saw Rhea removed me from the group.
I sent her a message.
Flo: Why... x
Rhea Ripperz 💗: You're too flirty.
Flo: I don't think I am... Can you at least send sweaty gym pics now?
She didn't reply for a while, but I knew she seen and read the message. I shuffled Ryan in my hands as I waited, watching my phone and then this reality tv show.
Rhea Ripperz 💗:
Flo: Is that my bracelet?.... 😧
Rhea Ripperz 💗: These are your socks too.
Flo: 😮😮😮
Flo: 😡😡😡
Rhea Ripperz 💗: You're hot when you're angry.
I smiled and couldn't come up with a reply because she made me blush so hard.
Rhea Ripperz 💗: Everything alright? I won't be long home and ready to go.
Flo: Barry is waiting. So am I. We're excited and ready.
Rhea Ripperz 💗: You do know Barry isn't coming on the date?
Flo: I know 😕
Rhea Ripperz 💗: I might be able to see if he can? If you want him to come?
Flo: It's fine Rhea 🤣 But I am ready and I am waiting... x
Rhea Ripperz 💗: I'm on my way, angel x
I put my phone away and waited for Rhea to get home. She had planned another date for us. Attempt two, and final this was. It was about 8pm, which was fairly late for a date. Ryan was ready for bedtime an hour ago, but he's been staying up and waiting so we can take him to Finns for the night.
He's been incredible looking after him when we need him to. He needed an amazing Christmas gift this year anyway.
I looked at myself in the mirror, wondering if I should have gone with a black dress instead of this red one. It was skintight with a halter neckline. It showed off my legs, and I paired it with silver and pearl accessories. Things Rhea got me.
I stared at Ryan through the mirror. "Does mommy look pretty tonight?" He looked at me through the mirror and smiled. "I do?" I giggled. "You look extra handsome in your little pajamas too."
Ryan wiggles his arms against me, and I swear he was thinking about Jey. I could have swore that's what he was trying to do.
"Mom will be back soon. Do you miss mom huh?" I asked sweetly.
Ryan moves in to relax his body into me, like he was hugging me which made me want to cry. He missed mom.
I heard her truck pull into the drive, and I gasped excitedly. "Is that mom? Moms home, I think." And I walked down the hall, seeing Rhea come into the front door.
Ryan grinned his little face off when he saw her. And Rhea couldn't hold her smile back when she saw us. "I think he missed you." I whispered.
"He's not the only one." She dropped her gym bag and coke over, grabbing Ryan and using her other hand to rub over my hair. She kissed Ryan's temple and smiled at me. "You look beautiful, baby."
"Thank you."
Rhea looked down my body, and grabbed my hand, leading me behind her as we went to the bedroom. "Can you chose me out something to wear? Something nice." She asked me.
Oh this is gonna be fun.
I went to start rifling through her clothes as she sat down on the bed and cooed at Ryan. Telling him how much she missed him. "Have you seen how pretty mommy is tonight? Just as good as the other night hey?"
I looked over my shoulder and found them staring at me. "You guys talk about me behind my back?"
"So much." Rhea smirked and looked at Ryan. "All good things, right little mate?" Ryan looked at Rhea with wide eyes. Rhea tilted her head. "Don't poop or spew..." she warned him.
I laughed and went back to her closet. Pulling out this grey skin tight playsuit sort of thing I hadn't seen her wear before. I showed it to her. "You can dress it up with heels and stuff?"
"Sure." Rhea smiled and stood up, swapping the clothes with Ryan, and I went out to wait for her again. When she came out, I had to tear my eyes away from her body before she said something about me staring at her. She looked really nice and I stood up and told her that. "You look really pretty." I whispered.
"Mmm." She melted in beside me and kissed my shoulder. "Who looks prettier, me or mommy?" She spoke to Ryan.
"Rhea... he definitely doesn't know what that means." I said, but looked at Ryan.
I glanced back at Rhea who was staring wide eyed at him, like if he chose wrong he would for sure pay for it.
I looked back to Ryan who quickly folded into my arms and against my chest, in what I still think is his version of hugs.
"He knows best." Rhea said.
"Just like his mom then." I replied.
"Yeah? Which one?" She pointed out with a smirk.
I shook my head and laughed. We headed out, and got to Finns, swiftly dropping him off and then driving into the city.
DOMINIK
"We close in 10 minutes." Reggie came over to me, telling me grumpily. I have been sitting here for like 3 hours... Watching his employee like a creep.
I cleared my throat. "Yeah I'm just wait-" I saw Rosa nearby and she shook her head. I nodded and finished my drink in one go. "No worries." And I got up, headed out, finding a spot on a bench across the road as I waited for her to finish.
Nearly 20 minutes later, she came out, untying her hair and letting it gorgeously flow behind her back. Then she pulled her phone out as I came over to meet her.
"Hey." I got her attention quietly, and she looked at me. I couldn't help but look at her phone, and she was texting Braun. I couldn't see what, but I knew it was him. "You ready?" I asked cautiously, hoping she hadn't changed her mind. "We can walk, it's not far."
She cleared her throat. "Um, yeah- yeah." She put her phone away. "Is it this way?" She pointed the wrong way.
"That way." I smile. "It was a 50/50 guess."
Rosa gave me a tight smile and began walking beside me, tucking her hands in her jacket pocket.
I don't know why I didn't like that. I wanted to hold her hand.
God, I was sort of embarrassing with how much I liked this woman. I wondered what she'd do if I told her that I really, really liked her.
"How long have you been with Braun?" I couldn't help but ask.
She spent a minute thinking. "Maybe a year."
"Has he always been- you know-"
She cut me off quietly. "I don't wanna talk about him, Dom."
I shut my mouth quickly. I can do that. I can totally not talk about him.
"Tell me about- about your family then. They live close?" I ask.
Rosa looked to the ground and at her feet as she walked. I do wanted that light back on her face before I found out. She was embarrassed to even really look at me now. "My parents are divorced. Mama lives in New York, that's where I grew up. My father lives here with my younger brother."
"What's his name?"
"Leo." She smiled, and i could already see how much she loved him by that smile. "He's fifteen, and he's crazy. You two would get along well." She giggled.
"You reckon? Calling me crazy?" I held back a chuckle.
"I mean..." she glanced at me. "You're funny and he's funny."
She thought I was funny? Hell, I thought I was an idiot around her.
"Most people think of me as stupid, or like a child." I say.
"I don't think you're stupid." She said. "Childish, but not in situations that call for it. I like that."
I guided us around the corner, floating closer to her. "Is Leo like that too?"
"No..." she smiled. "He's silly all the time, but, he'll learn as he gets older some things aren't worth making fun of all the time you know?"
I nodded and pointed out the restaurant I got the churros, smiling that they were still just open and we had time to sit down in a corner booth for dessert.
"They have flavoured churros here?" Rosa asked as she scanned the menus intently. Her lips rubbing together smoothly.
Shit, I shouldn't have sat so close to her.
I pointed to the top of the churros menu. "Sauces, not actual flavour churros."
"Oh." She nodded, re reading. Her eyes settled on some flavour, then she looked up. "Maybe just the regular? If you want that?"
I titled my head. "There's something you wanna try?" I chuckled. "What is it?"
She gave me an awkward look. "You'll judge me."
"I won't." I whispered.
She huffed. Then she pointed at the menu and I leaned in. Reading what sauce she was pointing to, wasn't even on the churro menu. It was on the dinner menu.
BBQ sauce.
I snapped my head at her and scoffed in disbelief. "BBQ?!"
She hid her face with her hands.
I laughed. "BBQ? With churros?"
"Don't knock it till you try it alright." She whispered through her hands.
I shook my head and calmed down. "I can't tell if you're being serious or now."
She moved her hands away. "I'm serious. I love bbq sauce."
My mouth curled because she has this brightness on her face right now. "Alright then. I need to see it to believe it, I'll be back." I shuffled from the booth with the menu to go order. Glanced at her over my shoulder before I went. "You're not pulling my leg right?"
She shook her head and I nodded, a little rattled as I went up to order. Even the waiter looked at me weirdly and double checked that's what I wanted.
FLORENCE
"You know we don't have to go eat a fancy and expensive restaurant for every date?" I say to Rhea as she guided me inside this upperclass restaurant in the city.
"This one's a bit different." She whispered and I stopped in my tracks because there was no restaurant. "Come in the elevator, Flo." Rhea grabbed my hand and pulled me into the open elevator. "It's quite the ride all the way to the top." And she pressed the button. Coming over to grab my cheeks softly, smiling. "I saw this place online and knew I had to bring you. I can't wait for you to see."
I smiled because I was like putty in her hands like this. The elevator started going and it didn't move very smoothly, making me close my eyes because it made me feel nauseous.
"Sorry, I know it doesn't feel good." She said. "Try not to think about it." She whispered, then she brought her lips to meet mine, just once or our lipsticks would combine and turn crazy.
Oh, I wanted more of that.
I smiled and wanted to lean in more, but the doors opened and Rhea pulled back to lead us out.
Oh my-
This was beautiful.
It was a large deck with very private seating by the ledge. Which over looked the beautiful and lit city. The food smelled incredible. Oh my good, this was a amazing.
Rhea helped me sit down and instead of sitting across from me, she picked up her chair and moved it so she could sit next to me, and face the sky. Which was probably inappropriate for where we are, but I doubt they'd say she can't do it. As expensive as it was here, I doubt they'd kick us out.
"I miss you." I said and leaned over, Rhea smiled and rubbed my hair back.
"I miss you, even though I'm right here." She gave me a playful look, and guided me to look at the menu.
And things were going amazing. Rhea was so interested in me and only me. The food was incredible, and the dessert we just finished was even better. Now, I was full and watching the moon rise in the sky.
I turned to Rhea who looked at me too. "You had a good night, baby?" She whispered. There was hardly anyone around now, as she zeroed in on me.
"I have. I really have, thank you." I said, knowing we needed a good night like this. Now I wanted more. Especially when her hand came to rest on my thigh and rubbing torturously up and down.
My first thought was I wanted her to take me to the bathroom and fu- woah, when did I get so horny? I stared at her. "I really want you." I said softly.
Rhea looked at me. "Yeah? Do I need to get you home and in the shower huh?"
"Anywhere." I said, hoping she'd get the message.
Rheas lips tweaked. "We should get home, angel. I want to love you so good." She whispered and rubbed my skin.
As kind as she was being... And as much as I wanted her love. I also wanted some- some risk and some fun...
I didn't know how to tell her that without flat out right saying it. "What about here?" I just said, and moved my hand to rest on hers.
Rhea tilted her head. "Flo..." she whispered. "You deserve more than a bathroom cubicle right now..."
"I just want you." I reply. "Anywhere."
Rhea cleared her throat. "At home, where I can properly-"
"Rhea..." I begged.
"Flo. Let's go." She said a bit sharper, and went to stand up.
I didn't stand up.
She looked down at me. "Are you being a brat on purpose? Because I'm not treating you like a whore right now, Flo. I want to treat you like my wife." She said quietly, and I knew she was growing frustrated.
But so was I. I looked up at her. "Why don't you want me all the time anymore?"
Rheas face fell and her jaw twitched. "Are you kidding me? That's what you think I'm doing? That I don't want you?" She leaned out. "Flo... I'm trying to show you what you deserve. I want to show you how much I love you, not take you on top of the fucking toilet seat like a slut wants."
"Now I'm a slut, and stupid?"
Rheas lips tightened. "Flo. Let's go."
I let out a breath and stood up, following quietly as Rhea paid and we got back into the elevator.
"I just want-"
Rhea cut me off. "I know what you want, but you know what I want too. I don't know why you're not listening and understanding me."
"I am and it's really nice you want to give me that. But that's not what I want. So I just feel like you don't feel the same- you know, sexually about me like you used to."
Rhea looked at the roof in frustration. "Firstly, Flo. You're not stupid. You're not a slut. You're my wife and you're a mother, and right now, I'm sorry that I'm not fucking you on announce tables and dressing rooms anymore. It's different now, Flo."
"But why?" I put my hands out. "Just because we have a son now we can't have sex in fun places. It's not just where, but in general, it's just been slow and not the same."
"You're saying we have bad sex?" Rhea asked in disbelief.
"No." I shook my head, because that definitely wasn't it. "You know we have great sex no matter what, I just mean it's not as-like-"
Rhea cut me off. "Like I don't give you bruises and lashings anymore huh? There's a reason, Flo. You're back on television now. We have a son that I don't want seeing those things on your body. I know your body is weaker now and still healing, and I don't want to hurt you." She admitted.
"But I'm fine..." I whispered, voice turning weak. Rhea was shaking her head as the elevator door opened again. I walked out first and she followed close behind me, silently. "I'm sorry that I-"
"Ruined the night?" Rhea finished. "It wasn't just you, Flo."
RHEA
It was silent between us the whole way home.
For good fucking reason.
I was bubbling with fucking anger and holding it all back as we got home. Why the fuck wouldn't she just understand me? I didn't want to treat her like anything other than what she deserves right now.
Fuck.
Finn was dropping Ryan off shortly, so I needed a break before he got here.
Flo got in the shower first, so I got changed in the bedroom. Rubbing over my face and grumbling under my breath. Trying not to throw a fucking fit and throw the lamp into the wall.
I checked my phone.
THE CUNTMENT DAY ⚖️
Dom: I need help.
God, piss off.
Liv Morgan: I miss my tag partner 😌
I threw my phone across the room, over everything completely tonight, and just wanting for it to end.
DOMINIK
I dipped the churro in bbq sauce, examined it with a digested face. I looked to Rosa who chomped into hers so casually, waiting for me to try it.
I closed my eyes and took a bite, chewing it and- "you know what?" The flavour was different, but I think good. "Oh wait-" the flavour changed. "Eh, I don't know." I concluded.
Rosa laughed. "It's definitely not everyone's thing." She pushed the chocolate sauce my way. "Here."
"Yeah, thanks. I don't think that's a for me, but you go for it. Have it all." I chuckled and watched her dip it in the bbq sauce again.
Leaving the restaurant and getting to my car, I drove her to her apartment. "I'll walk you up." I took my seatbelt off to go to follow Rosa. "If that's alright?"
"Um." She glanced at her apartment building. "Yeah, sure."
So I followed her up the flights of stairs and to the door, not helping myself as I looked behind her shoulder and into her apartment. Just to see-
What the fuck was that?
"Thank you, Dom." Rosa said, turning around to face me. You're-"
"Do you have a frog or something?" I was staring into her apartment with a wide mouth. She had some sort of large terrarium right in my view. What the...
"Oh." She looked over her shoulder at it. "That's Jade." She answered.
"Is it a frog? Do you have a frog? I didn't expect that." I scratched my head because I was kinda shocked.
Rosa stared at me. "It's not a frog."
"Lizard...?"
She shook her head. Then she looked back into her apartment, wondering and thinking... "Do you wanna come meet her?" She bit her lip as she waited for my answer.
She actually invited me in... It definitely wasn't for what my mind immediately went to, it was to meet her pet.
I can meet her pet.
"Alright." I walked in, following her as she put her stuff on her wooden table. It was a small apartment, sort of studio smile and cosy. Warm and twinkly lights. It was really warm in here.
After looking around swiftly, I went to Rosa who was watching the terrarium, and I looked inside. Wondering what pet she-
I flinched when I saw it, my eyes widening. "Rosa..."
"What?" She chuckled. "This is Jade." She motioned to the large and green fucking snake wrapped around a tree stump.
"Rosa..." I couldn't talk. I couldn't even breathe properly. I could think- "that's not-"
"What?" She chuckled more, and she reached to open the lid up the top.
"Woah, wait wait." I grabbed her arm. "You can't get it out."
"Her." She corrected. "She's lovely."
I shook my head. "I don't care if she poops money, Rosa. You can't get her out."
"Poops money? I take away my funny compliment earlier." She giggled. "I promise she's nice. She likes people."
"People. Probably people she knows. Not random men she can swallow whole." I peered at the snake who was softly moving.
I couldn't be in here long, oh my god.
"You don't have this as a pet."
"She's a great pet. She's my friend." Rosa said.
I couldn't believe this. "That's-"
Keys rattled in the door.
Both our heads snapped that way.
Oh fuck...
They rattled and struggled. Like someone was drunk, trying to open it.
Rosa quickly moved, ushering me across the room and into her closet. "Please don't come out." She closed her eyes. "I shouldn't have brought you, I'm so sorry, Dom." She was stressing her head off.
So was I.
"I'm so sorry." She kept saying, listening as Braun obviously fiddled with the keys. He gave up and began knocking.
"It's me, Rosa." He grumbled outside. "Let me in."
"I'm so sorry." She kept apologising, nearly crying. "Please stay in here. Please. Please don't come out."
I didn't even know what to say.
"No matter what, don't come out." Rosa added. "Please, Dom."
My mouth parted at no matter what. "What do you mean no matter what?" I asked, trying to calm the beating of my heart.
"Promise me, Dom." She whispered.
I swallowed, knowing I could regret this. "I promise."
Then she slammed the closet door on me.