The Angry Man & The Beautiful Rose

By S. Sloan

The Angry Man & The Beautiful Rose is a story about a man who has anger issues that were caused by something that happened to him in his past. He meets a beautiful woman who is a kind and gentle person who shares in his pain and heartache. Her gentle and kind spirit transforms his angry heart and he learns to surrender all of his hurt and pain.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Sep 20, 2014
• ISBN: 9781483538747

Book preview

heart.

The Prologue

Once there was a man, a man so angry at the world. He was never happy because he was always alone. No one wanted to be near him. No one could stand to hear him. He would scream and shout obscenities throughout the day. He even frightened little children when they went out to play.

Then one day someone gave the angry man a beautiful rose. For the first time in years, the angry man smiled. He took the beautiful rose and planted it in his garden of briers and thistles. The beautiful rose was radiant and her sweet aroma made the angry man’s heart feel warm. One day the angry man became upset, he began to swear and throw things. He was very troubled and distressed. He stormed out of his house into his garden of briers and thistles, where among them was his beautiful rose.

The angry man took out his frustration on the beautiful rose. He stomped her and kicked her lovely petals all over the ground. Then he walked away even angrier than before.

The next morning, much to the angry man’s surprise, he found that the rose did not meet her demise. The angry man was shocked to see the beautiful rose was alive and well. Her lovely petals were all back upon her from the ground where they fell. Her petals all glistened with the morning dew upon them in the bright warm sunlight.

The angry man was quite puzzled and somewhat perplexed to see the rose alive and well and more beautiful than before. He did not know what to do or what to say, so he went away angry as he did every day.

This man was full of hurt and pain. Outburst of anger was all he could show; because that was the only thing he had come to know. Each time the angry man got angry he would take his frustrations out on the rose. He would pluck away her petals and stomp her into the ground. But the rose kept growing back, even more radiant than before.

The rose felt the man’s hurt, anger and pain. The only thing the beautiful rose wanted to do was to let this angry man know that she loved him, she cared and in his pain she also shared. But the man went on each day angry and in fits of rage. Sometimes he behaved like a wild animal that needed to be caged.

This beautiful rose grew more radiant and stronger each and every day; no matter what the angry man did or no matter what he would say.

One day the angry man took a good long look at himself in the mirror and for the very first time he saw himself in a different light. He began to let go of everything from his past and for the first time in years he felt relief at last.

He then thought of his beautiful rose that he planted in his garden of briers and thistles. He thought, it is cold outside I will bring her inside where it is warm. When the angry man went into his garden his heart sank and his eyes filled with tears. His beautiful rose was gone!

Sometime during the dark cold night someone came into the angry man’s garden of briers and thistles and removed his beautiful rose by her roots and took her safely away. The angry man cried and did not know what to do. He missed his beautiful rose, now the joy she brought him was gone.

The angry man realized that by stomping on the rose he never hurt her. Her life was not in her petals or her stem, but in her roots. Her roots were so deep, as deep as they could go, which brought her moisture and nourishment from the rich soil deep below.

Someone else saw the beauty of the rose and set out to remove her from the briers and thistles and right out from under the angry man’s nose. The angry man sat staring at the empty space in the garden where his beautiful rose used to be. The huge hole in the ground now matched the size of huge hole in the angry man’s heart. Now, once again the angry man’s life fell apart.

Just remember this as long as you live, a kiss is just a kiss; a raindrop is just a raindrop and a warm smile can turn into a frown, especially when your beautiful rose, who is just a rose, is no longer around.

S. Sloan

Chapter One

It was a warm spring day with a clear blue sky. A gentle, refreshing breeze carried the sweet aroma of beautiful spring flowers that were in full bloom. The song birds were singing an enchanting melody as Rachel Lamb sat quietly on a park bench sketching a majestic oak tree. While Rachel was diligently working on her sketch, a handsome man approached her. Rachel’s beauty caught his eye.

He walked closer to Rachel looking over her shoulder at the drawing and said, You’re very talented. Rachel shyly smiled at the man and said, Thank you. The man then introduced himself, My name is Jonathan, Jonathan Westlake and may I ask what is your name beautiful lady? Rachel shyly smiled then said, My name is Rachel. Jonathan was very intrigued at Rachel’s beauty and her shyness. I hope I’m not keeping you from your work, said Jonathan. No, not at all, answered Rachel. Tell me Rachel, is this what you do for a living? asked Jonathan. Yes, I own an art studio downtown, answered Rachel. That’s interesting, said Jonathan. And you, Jonathan? asked Rachel. Oh, I’m an investment broker, said Jonathan. That’s nice, answered Rachel.

So Miss Rachel, would you think I would be a little straight forward if I were to ask you out to dinner? I’m sorry, Rachel, I should have asked if you are seeing someone, said Jonathan. Well, no I’m not involved with anyone, said Rachel. Neither am I, stated Jonathan. I’d like to get to know you better here’s my business card. Call me if you would like to accept my dinner invitation. Rachel smiled as she took the business card from Jonathan. Maybe I will, replied Rachel.

Rachel gathered her things and walked away. She then turned to Jonathan and said, It was nice to meet you, have a nice day. Same here, you have a nice day also, replied Jonathan. Rachel felt like a shy little school girl. She was astounded when this handsome man asked her for a date. As she walked through the park toward her car, she turned to see if Jonathan was still standing by the park bench but when she turned around he was gone.

Later that day Rachel was at her studio when her friend Roz stopped by. Hi Rae, how are you doing? asked Roz as she entered Rachel’s studio. Hi Roz, I’m fine. How are you? answered Rachel. When Roz walked to Rachel’s desk she saw Jonathan’s business card on the desk. The card had Jonathan’s picture on it. Well, well, well. Who is this handsome guy? Roz asked. Oh, he’s someone I met at the park this morning, answered Rachel. Really now, replied Roz. And when were you going to tell me about this one? What’s this you’re holding out on your best friend? Roz, knock it off! You didn’t give me time to tell you anything before you started with your interrogation, replied Rachel. Roz folded her arms across her chest and said, Interrogation, me the famous Rosalinda Brown? Rachel answered, Yes, you Ms. Famous!

The two laughed for a moment. Then Roz wanted to know more about Jonathan. Well, Rachel replied, I was in the park this morning sketching the oak tree by the river when out of nowhere this guy walks up to me. Then Roz interrupted Rachel and said, And go on tell me, tell me, please! He talked to me for a few minutes then he asked me if I would have dinner with him, said Rachel. And you said? questioned Roz. I said maybe, answered Rachel. What do you mean maybe? Girl this guy is fine! And all you could say is maybe, shouted Roz. Calm down Roz I just met the guy, said Rachel.

Girl there’s no saying maybe to a guy who looks that good, said Roz. Rae, you better give him a call and tell him yes you will have dinner with him. And he is an investment broker too! You know he’s gotta be making good money. Roz, money isn’t everything. Besides I don’t know anything about this guy, said Rachel. Well Rae, call him, meet him for dinner somewhere and find out all about him. Or better yet I can do some checking for you, said Roz.

Oh Roz, said Rachel. Oh, Roz nothing I must admit, as fine as he looks, I’d check out his background before I would call him, said Roz. You’re right about that Roz, said Rachel. Rae, of course I’m right! Besides, that’s the advantage of having a private investigator as your best friend, stated Roz. You’re too funny Roz, replied Rachel. Ain’t nothing funny about being safe, said Roz. Look I’ll see what I can find out about Mr. Jonathan Westlake. I don’t want my dearest and best friend seeing some guy that could be a problem later down the road. And Rae, don’t say no because you are like a sister to me. I would not want something to happen to my little sister.

You’re right Roz, answered Rachel. Give me a day or two. I’ll see what’s up with Mr. Handsome. See having a nosey friend pays off, said Roz. The two laughed for a few minutes then Roz went back to her office.

A few days later, Roz called Rachel. Hey Rae what’s up? asked Roz. Nothing much, answered Rachel. Meet me at Sara’s Café for lunch, said Roz. Ok, Roz. I’m on my way, said Rachel. Rachel hung up the phone, locked the door and headed to the café. Sara’s Café was two blocks from her studio. She and Roz would often meet there for lunch. As Rachel was walking to Sara’s Café, she wondered if Roz had found out anything about Jonathan. Rachel knew Roz was right about checking on this guy before she made a date with him. When Rachel approached the café she saw Roz at their usual outside table.

Hey Roz what’s cooking? Rachel asked as she sat down. Not much. I already ordered for you, replied Roz. Thanks Roz, said Rachel. Well my friend, I did some checking on Mr. Westlake. Seems like he maybe ok, said Roz. Really, said Rachel. Yeah, he has been working as an investment broker for Sterns and Braum for about five years. He lives in a condo at The Oasis. He is thirty-seven, married once and currently he’s divorced, said Roz. Does he have any children? Rachel asked. Two, answered Roz. Twins, a son and a daughter, they live in England with their mother, said Roz. England? questioned Rachel. Yes, jolly ole England, stated Roz. I’m still trying to find some more information about him. I have a friend who works for Sterns and Braum and he said that Jonathan is pretty much a loner. My friend Ed says the guy seldom talks about his family or his past. Ed told me Jonathan did talk about his children and stated that he has not seen them in years. The ex-wife took them back to England after their divorce. From what Ed told me it was a messy divorce. Wow! exclaimed Rachel. Yeah, wow! Apparently the ex-wife got custody of the kids. Ed told me Jonathan clamed up and would not talk about them anymore. He is a very handsome man, but you gotta wonder why his wife divorced him. Rae, if you decide to have dinner with this guy, meet with him in a public place, said Roz.

Rachel sat in silence for a few moments. She had known Roz since they were kids. The look on Roz’s face and her tone of voice reflected her concern. Rachel has a very trusting nature and she knew her friend was concerned about her safety. Well, signed Rachel. I guess my handsome prince charming has a few skeletons in his closet. Could be, you never can know enough about a person. But, if you do call this guy, just be careful, replied Roz. The waiter brought their food. While they were eating their meal, Rachel looked up to see Jonathan and another man leaving the café. Oh no! said Rachel. What’s wrong? Roz asked. There he is! There’s Jonathan! Rachel said. Looking around, Roz asked Where? There! But don’t look, said Rachel, as she tried to hide behind the floral arrangement on the table. What do you mean don’t look? How am I supposed to see if I don’t look? asked Roz. Rachel was trying not to be seen by Jonathan, but he saw Rachel sitting at the table with Roz.

Jonathan turned to the man he was with, said something to him, he turned and looked at Rachel with a warm smile. Jonathan left the man standing at the gate. He walked toward Rachel and Roz. Rachel felt a lump in her throat and the palms of her hands began to sweat.

Roz he’s walking this way! exclaimed Rachel. Calm down Rae, its ok, I’m right here, said Roz. Well hello again beautiful lady. I take it that you’ve been busy and that must be the reason I have not heard from you concerning our dinner date, said Jonathan. Well, yes I’ve been busy, but I was going to call you soon, replied Rachel. And who might this be? Jonathan asked turning to shake Roz’s hand. This is my friend Roz. Roz this is Jonathan, the guy I told you I met in the park, replied Rachel as she nervously made the introductions. Hello Roz, nice to meet you, said Jonathan. Pleasure is all mine, replied Roz giving Jonathan a flirtatious look.

Jonathan turned back to Rachel, took her by her hand then kissed her hand. I was meeting a client for lunch. I had never dined here before, said Jonathan. Neither have we, stated Roz as she continued to give Jonathan a very flirtatious look. Rachel gave Roz a funny look. She knew Roz was not telling Jonathan the truth. She and Roz ate at Sarah’s Café nearly every day. Well ladies, I have to go. I can’t keep my client waiting. Please call me Rachel. I would love to have dinner with you. Nice meeting you Roz, said Jonathan as he walked away. Ok, I will. Bye, replied Rachel.

Umm hum. Girl he is so fine and tall too, said Roz with an arrogant tone in her voice. When Jonathan walked away, Rachel and Roz sat smiling at him as he and his client got into his car and drove off. Roz said, And we are driving a Lexus! Looks like a new one too. Mr. Westlake must be making some serious money! Oh, Roz is money all you think about? He probably worked very hard to be successful, said Rachel. Rae, now you know if a man ain’t got no money, I don’t care how good he looks, he’s gotta have some money, snapped Roz.

A few days later Rachel found herself constantly daydreaming about Jonathan. She was imagining many romantic dates; long walks on the beach; picnics and other romantic outings to enjoy with Jonathan. Rachel had never been married before and she had not been on a date in years. She kept herself busy by working at her art studio and doing volunteer work at a local Women’s Center. Rachel was thirty-four years old and she longed for a meaningful relationship with someone. Rachel picked up Jonathan’s business card and stared at his picture thinking it would not hurt to call him and accept his dinner invitation.

Oh what the heck, said Rachel as she reached for her phone. Nervously she dialed Jonathan’s number. Rachel’s heart began to pound and her palms began to sweat. Her call went directly to his voice mail. Hello, this is Jonathan Westlake. I’m not able to take your call at this time but if you will leave me a message I will return your call. Rachel was extremely nervous as she quickly hung up. A customer walked into her studio. Rachel placed her phone on the counter and greeted the customer. Hello. May I help you? asked Rachel. Yes, I was admiring this painting, said the customer.

Rachel’s cell phone rang. Rachel’s heart skipped a beat or two. She thought it was probably Jonathan returning her call. Nervously she continued assisting her customer. After several rings the phone finally stopped ringing. Rachel waited on her customer and sold her painting.

Soon as the customer left, Rachel quickly grabbed her cell phone to check her messages. Once again her heart was pounding and her palms were sweating. You have one new message. Rachel frantically dialed her voice mail to play the message hoping it was Jonathan. Instead it was her Aunt Velma. Rachel took a deep breath and returned her aunt’s call. Hello Aunt Velma, this is Rachel. Hello dear how are you? replied Aunt Velma. I’ m okay Aunt Velma, answered Rachel. Rachel talked to her aunt for a few minutes when she heard the beep on her phone for an incoming call. Hold on Aunt Velma I’ve got another call, said Rachel. I’ll hang up now, call me later, said Velma. Ok, love you, said Rachel.

Hello…hello, said Rachel. Oh, hello, I had a missed call from this number. My name is Jonathan. Did someone call me from this number? Jonathan asked. Rachel’s heart began to pound and she felt a lump in her throat. Hello, Jonathan, it’s me, Rachel. Well hello beautiful lady, good to hear from you, said Jonathan. The two talked for a while and they made plans for their dinner date for Friday night. Jonathan chose a very nice restaurant called Chuley’s. Rachel agreed to meet Jonathan at 7:30 pm on Friday evening at Chuley’s.

When their conversation ended, Rachel hung up the phone she was thinking to herself what I am going to wear. What did I just do? I made a date with this very handsome man who I know nothing about. Why I am I so nervous? Rachel’s mind began to race with thoughts about her dinner date on Friday. Oh my, that’s tomorrow. Tomorrow is Friday! Rachel shouted out loud. What was I thinking? I can’t call him back and cancel. It took me nearly two weeks to make this date! said Rachel. Rachel knew she needed to calm down. She had many very nice dresses she could wear on her date with Jonathan. Then she thought she had better go shopping for a new dress and shoes. The mall closes at 10:00 pm it is 4:10 pm now. Closing the studio early today, said Rachel.

Within less than thirty minutes Rachel was at the mall. She looked at several dresses and she wondered what color dress should she buy. She did not want to wear something that would be too revealing. She did not want to give Jonathan the wrong impression. After four stores and countless dresses, Rachel finally decided on a pretty black cocktail dress. She found a nice clutch bag and a pair of matching shoes.

Attention shoppers the mall will be closing in fifteen minutes, said the voice over the intercom. Rachel looked at her watch and was shocked to see that it was 9:45 pm. She wondered where the time went. While Rachel was rushing to get home she thought about her dog Puppy who had been inside all day. Puppy is probably wondering where I am, said Rachel. Rachel turned into her driveway she opened the garage door and parked her car. As the garage door was closing she could hear Puppy barking frantically inside the house.

I’m coming Puppy. Mommy is so sorry, Rachel called out to her dog. When Rachel opened the door Puppy was waiting with his lease in his mouth letting Rachel know he was ready for his walk. After walking her dog, Rachel took her packages out of her car. Rachel was hoping Jonathan would like her new dress. Rachel was glad she got her nails done a few days ago. Rachel was so excited about her date with Jonathan she could barely sleep that night.

The next day Rachel opened her studio and was trying to decide what time she wanted to close. Her date was at 7:30 pm. She usually closed at 5:00 pm, but today she thought she would close at 3:00 pm. Not long after opening her studio she had several customers who wanted to purchase her paintings. As soon as they left more customers came in admiring her work and they also purchased several paintings and drawings. This turned out to be one of the busiest days Rachel had in months. When Rachel looked at her watch it was 4:15 pm. Oh no, it can’t be 4:15 pm! Rachel shouted. Rachel was frantic. She quickly closed her studio and rush to the bank to make her deposit.

There was a long line at the bank. By the time Rachel got home it was 5:40 pm. I gotta walk Puppy she said as parked her car in the driveway. I’m going to be late I just know it. Rachel hurried to take a shower and get ready for her date. When Rachel got out of the shower she saw she had two missed calls both were from Roz. Rachel thought about calling Roz earlier but she was so busy she did not have time to call her. Besides she would call Roz on Saturday to tell her about her date with Jonathan.

Finally Rachel was dressed and ready to go when her phone rang again. This time it was Jonathan. Hi Jonathan, I was just about to leave, said Rachel. Great, Jonathan replied. I meant to call you earlier but I was busy, said Jonathan. So was I, said Rachel. So, I’m on my way to Chuley’s. I’ll see you in a few, said Jonathan. I’m on my way too, said Rachel. Rachel hung up the phone and made sure Puppy had plenty of food and water before she left. Rachel was very nervous about her date. Chuley’s was about a fifteen minute drive from her house.

On the way to the restaurant Rachel kept trying to calm down. She also imagined the scolding she was going to get from Roz for not returning her calls. Rachel thought, oh well Roz would get over it, or would she.

Rachel arrived at Chuley’s just as Jonathan was handing the valet his keys. Once again Rachel’s heart was pounding as she smiled at Jonathan. The valet opened the car door for Rachel and reached for her hand to help her out of the car. Rachel handed the valet her keys and thanked him. Well, you look absolutely stunning Rachel, said Jonathan with a huge smile on his face. Thank you and you look great yourself Jonathan, said Rachel. Jonathan kissed Rachel’s hand and took the parking receipts from the valets for their cars. Jonathan held the door open for Rachel as they walked inside.

The name is Westlake. I have a reservation for two, Jonathan said to the hostess. Yes, Mr. Westlake, I will show you and Mrs. Westlake to your table, said the hostess. Rachel smiled when the hosted addressed her as Mrs. Westlake. They followed the hostess to a table at the back of the restaurant which had a wonderful view of the intercoastal waterway. Jonathan held Rachel’s chair as she sat down. Chuley’s was a five star restaurant and the ambiance was