Chapter 20

The week passed with little to no drama. Life slid back into the norm for Rose, and she pushed the encounter from her mind, trying to focus on just getting on as before. She began work on her new commission, which took most of her days lost in her imagination. Paint flowing onto paper and locked away from everyone. Abby came by and never mentioned anything about Rob or the dance again. Not that she needed to, and Rose quelled every urge to do so herself to get her childish crush under control.

Rob had kept his distance and, even in passing, a small polite smile, which never looked genuine or any conversation. He was keeping his distance, being a gentleman, and his usual attempts at humour with her were gone. Rose felt deflated and tried to push it all down deep inside. She tried to ignore the anxiety building up inside her and push the heaviness away. Disappointment became her constant companion where Rob Munro was concerned.

Matt, thankfully never re-appeared. Anytime s