33

Cristiano
It was crazy how I craved her, even though I was hurt.
Weird how I missed her, even though I was let down.
Strange how I wanted her, even though she didn't want me.
I picked up the phone every day, finding her number and hesitating on pressing call.
I would flick through our pictures together on my phone, smiling and chuckling as I remembered each memory.
Lying in bed, I'd miss her company, her touch, her sweet scent lingered there. I didn't want to change the sheets. I missed her.
She had done something to the old Cristiano because the new one was desperate to see her again, and never let her go.
Rose
The bathroom had an earthy feel. The walls were large format tiles of white honed travertine and the floor was made of dull brown tiles. The vanities were of a dark wood and the counters were a brilliant white quartz. There was no bath but instead a huge walk in shower.
I walked out in a soft, comfy dressing gown that had been hung on the wall. I used a small towel to continue drying my hair as I strolled into my room, shutting the bathroom door behind me.
With a small sigh, I was about to walk over to my dresser until a knock came onto the door.
My eyebrows furrowed in confusion before I walked over to the door. Opening it slowly, I recognised a familiar face.
I closed the door automatically, groaning softly.
"Rose, you can't hide in here forever."
I bit my lip hard, hesitating before replying, "but I can try."
"Open the door, Rose. I've got cookies?"
I rolled my eyes to myself and turned, opening the door for him. He grinned at me, waving the bag of warm cookies in my face. I rolled my eyes again, letting the man in as I shut the door behind me.
I sighed, following him as he sat on the couch and I sat not too far away, my head resting on my fist.
"Nice hotel room," Dax told me with a grin, looking around the elegant room. I gave him a small smile. "Thanks."
"So. . .Tori's been asking for you."
"Mmhmm? She'll have to wait until I'm done dying," I replied, giving him a sarcastic smile. Dax rolled his eyes, chuckling. "Can I have some advice?" I looked up, expectantly at him, raising my eyebrow curiously.
"I want to try things again with her but. . .I don't know if she wants to."
"Oh, she definitely wants to," I chuckled, with a grin. "Did you see the way she looked at you? Oh, she's waiting for you to make a move."
"Well, why can't she?" Dax asked, utterly confused.
"Because she wants you to be a sweet gentleman, Dax. Ask her on a date or something," I advised him, giving him a warm smile.
"You think so?" I nodded, running my hand through my half dry hair.
"Okay, I will. . .I will if you talk to Cris."
I laughed, "I knew something was coming!"
Dax gave me a smug, little grin. "Come on, Rose. I'll take Tori out for a date if you talk to Cris. You guys met months ago and found each other again. Tell me that's not fate."
I rolled my eyes. "Fate is wrong and since when did you become this optimistic love expert? You're usually the opposite."
"Yeah, well, Tori came back so I guess she changed my perspective," he replied, a small, lopsided smile forming on his face. I gave him a smile as I shook my head. "I'm not gonna talk to him, Dax. I kissed his best friend and he's always been loyal to me. I feel awful. I can't bring myself to see him again. I don't think he'd want to see me."
Dax rolled his eyes. "Rose, I wouldn't be here if I didn't think you guys had something. I always knew you did. The look in his eyes whenever he sees you is inspirational, Rose. He's fallen for you madly."
"Cliche, but it's not working, Dax. I think I might have to move out." I groaned, my head going into my hands. "I cannot face him - if I face him, I will die."
"Rose, don't be so dramatic, come home. Jordan misses you."
I sighed, looking away as I shook my head. "Dax, I feel terrible. I ruined a friendship. I always make the wrong mistakes and they always cost me. If fate wanted us together, I wouldn't be feeling this way. I can't, I'm sorry."
"Rose, come home," Dax desperately pleaded, "I promise I'll learn how to cook."
I smiled at him before leaning over and taking the cookie bag from him, opening it and taking a cookie out. I took a bite, chewing the soft, warm treat. After swallowing I responded, "I'm not going back."
I shrieked as he grabbed me, lifting me up, despite my best protests and threw me into his shoulder.
"Dax! Let go of me!" I yelled, throwing punches on his back. "Nope!" He playfully responded, beginning to walk over to the door.
"You made me drop my cookie! You're giving me a new cookie! Put me down!"
"First, we're going to see Cris-"
"Hell no! Dax! No!" I shouted, my legs wriggling as I squirmed around, trying to get off his shoulder. I looked up, realising how much closer we were getting to the door.
"Okay! Okay! Just put me down!" I sighed, groaning. He stopped before telling me, "if I put you down, you're not gonna run."
I rolled my eyes, groaning. "I'm just gonna put some clothes on. I can't go out only wearing this gown." Dax slowly placed me down on the ground. I sighed, glaring at him. He gave me a smirk and I rolled my eyes, going over to my dresser.
I grabbed my clothes as he sat on the couch. I huffed, walking into the bathroom to get changed.
"Dickhead."
~~~
"I can't do this."
I turned, about to run off but Dax grabbed me, pushing me through the front door. A soft groan left my mouth as I walked in cautiously, hoping not to see Cristiano.
The house was quiet. Unusually quiet. There was no one in the living room and the loft seemed deserted.
"Geez, I leave for a week and you guys have already messed up the house," I chided, glancing around the messy loft. My eyes landed on junk food wrappers and crumbs on the couch. I rolled my eyes, pulling up my high waisted jeans as I walked through.
"Where's Jordan?" I asked, sitting on the arm of the couch.
"He went to go buy a new car."