Just Rose

‘Sure whatever.’ She sighed and straightened up, meeting that intense grey gaze which was very firmly locked on her face in a rather disturbing way. Knowing that this was the mature and sensible way to behave, she thrust her hand towards him reluctantly. ‘Rose... Not Penny! Rose Turner and I guess, your new neighbour.’ She smiled with all the effort of warmth and friendliness she could muster.

‘Rob; as you know. Rob Munro, and yeah, kinda figured you were in Olivia’s old place; seeing as you’re her niece.’ He smiled knowingly. ‘Town grapevine was talking about you for weeks before you showed face.’ He smiled again, having a little bit of an effect on Rose’s heart rate and making her suddenly feel awkward.

‘I guess that’s the curse of a small town. Everyone knows everything.’ She moved to try and get around him, but he turned as she did so.

‘I guess I’ll be seeing you around a lot more with Abby, the dance too?’ He wasn’t smiling anymore but his tone was still friendly, and Rose felt herself soften a little. He was really trying to be the gentleman, trying to be nice and she guessed she could cut him a little slack. For Abby’s sake, it would be a lot easier if she tried to get on with him.

‘I guess you will; Ab’s keeps trying to talk me into coming up to yours for a tea and cake fest.’ She softened her tone and gave a genuine soft smile his way, catching his eye which still seemed locked on her a little too intensely.

‘You should; our housekeeper makes some of the best. You’re welcome anytime Penny. Would be nice to see Abby with someone; she spends too much time alone for a girl her age.’ That maternal tone in his voice pretty much killed the last traces of hostility in her, she was a sucker for some genuine affection between siblings and he seemed like a protective brother. She loved Abby dearly, so he was only cementing a slight like for him now.