Free Meeting Mr Write: Mr Write Trilogy Book One by Cassandra P Lewis Page B

lovely.” I say as I look out to sea.
    “I love that place, it reminds me how small the world really is.” He looks blankly ahead as he says the words.
    “Jackson, you’re a natural with children…Why don’t you want to be a Dad?” He glances towards me,
    “I just don’t want children, I don’t want a family. I told you Rosie, I don’t do commitment.”
    “At some point though, you might change your mind. You’re young, free and single now but…”
    “Stop pushing this Rosie!” He interrupts abruptly.
    “…but, don’t you want someone to grow old with?” I ask quietly, knowing that I’m pushing my luck.
    He stands quickly, brushing the sand off his hands and looking at me, his eyes look cold, angry.
    “Why are you saying that? What did Steve say to you?”
    He’s almost shouting down at me like I’ve accused him of murder, or something equally as terrible. I’m so confused. What does Steve know that could have made me ask that?
    “What? Nothing, I don’t know...” I look up at him, desperate for him to calm down, not sure what I’ve said to offend him so much.
    “No Rosie!” He snaps, “I don’t want someone to grow old with. If I’m alone I can’t hurt anyone, or get hurt. I don’t believe that there’s someone for everyone, and those that do are idiots!”
    “So you’re calling me an idiot?” Offended, I stand and look into his eyes, I can’t figure out the emotion that I see in them.
    “Yeah maybe I am. I mean, ‘your one, your only, your everything’ as you called him, left you standing there like a mug in a wedding dress!”
    As the words leave his mouth he immediately looks like he regrets it but I am so angry. The sun is setting on a beautiful day and he’s being a complete prick and ruining it all. My mouth is open; shocked that he would use my heartbreak against me.
    “How dare you Jackson!” I shake my head at him and walk away, leaving him standing alone on the sand,
    “I’m sorry.” He says quietly.
    I turn to face him but continue to walk backwards,
    “Fuck you James, you’re out of order!” I turn around and pick up my pace, I am so angry.
    “Rosie wait, please. I’m sorry, you’re right that was out of order.” He runs to catch me up and grabs my arm to stop me in my tracks.
    “I don’t know why I thought you could be different Jackson. You’re fucking dead inside, I’m certain of it.” I’m standing directly in front of him, looking up into his eyes and he looks torn, like even he doesn’t know what he’s feeling.
    “I’m just not the settling type Rosie. If you give all of yourself to someone, what’s left when they leave?” He smiles shyly as though he’s sure that he has it all figured out, but is embarrassed by it.
    “What if they don’t leave?” I take a step back and he steps towards me, grabbing my wrists gently.
    “Rosie, we’re in paradise. Let’s just enjoy this. Come and have a drink with me,” he pleads.
    “Are you kidding Jackson? After what you just said, you’ve got no chance!” He places his hand in the small of my back and pulls me in close,
    “Rosie, I apologise. Please let me make it up to you.” As he looks down into my eyes, the scent of his aftershave and the feel of his body pressed against mine make me consider it briefly.  Oh that bastard!  He really is bloody charming, but no way, what he said was really hurtful.
    “No Jackson, I’m going to go. Enjoy your evening. Don’t follow me!”
    I place my hands on his chest and push him away gently before walking away again.  He must realise that I’m serious because this time, he complies.
    I’m angry and I’m upset, and I soon realise that I’m hungry. I head into the first restaurant that I see,
    “Table for one.”
     

Eight
     
    Jackson
    “FUCK!”
    I shout, standing alone on the beach.  How do I always manage to screw things up?
    I’m standing here feeling like a complete moron. We had a brilliant day and I have to go and act like a