A Rose Between Two Thornes: My Forever Rose - Book one

By Jennifer D Gameau

Rose Connelly grew up in the suburbs of Sydney, Australia. She had a traumatic childhood that still haunts her to this day. Rose believes that she doesn't deserve true love or, worse, that it doesn't exist. When ex-boyfriend Jacob Thorne comes back into her life looking to rekindle their relationship, Rose is prepared to help Jacob out if it mea

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gameau books
• Release date: Sep 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9780645786149

Book preview

1

~Rose's story- When the past returns.

I stand barefoot in the still-warm sand, gazing out towards the horizon. The sun is about to hit that line where the sky meets the water. I wait for the sizzle.

Nothing.

It was something my grandmother used to say when we walked along the beach.

Listen carefully, and you will hear when the sun hits the water.

As the sun sinks lower, the sky takes on beautiful bright orange, pastel pink and muted purple hues.

Finally, I am in my happy place.

My life has only sometimes been this way.

My mother and sister Mia were in a car accident nineteen years ago. My sister died. She was only three. My mother blamed herself, resulting in a life of mental struggles, in and out of hospitals, and drug and alcohol dependency.

I suffered as well. I was only six at the time.

Dad did his best but struggled to bring me up. Mum had issues and medical bills. I spent most of my time with my grandmother, whom I affectionately called Ma. Mum and Dad eventually divorced when I was thirteen, and I went to live with Ma full-time. Mum did live with us a few times over the years, but she was never a mother to me in the real sense. I think she lost the ability. There was a time my mother hung around when I turned eighteen. That lasted a couple of months, and then she left again. I know that she relapsed shortly after that and returned to the facility. Ma got a phone call about paying for her treatment.

I am brought back to reality by a deep bark and see Bailey right in front of me, splashing in the surf, his tongue hanging out one side of his mouth. He is entirely wet, and his long golden fur hangs almost to the damp sand as he bounds towards me.

Whoa. He leaps up for a sloppy kiss.

His feet landed on my shoulders, and he gave me a sandy lick before he was on his way again, barking at a seagull he spotted.

The sun is low enough that the colours are bright and magnificent. I take my opportunity and pull my Nikon D7500 from the bag hanging over my shoulder.

I had left Uni thinking I would make accounting my career. Still, after three years, I discovered photography was my passion. I sold several prints over the last nine months and have lashed out on a good camera and some expensive lenses. This new Nikon could capture amazingly sharp, crisp images with outstanding low-light performance, and I could also capture subjects in dark scenes, which suited my style perfectly.

I quickly take a shot of Bailey as he flings himself at a seagull. Then I focus back on the sunset. Click after click. The late afternoon sucks the last colourful magnificence from the sky.

I start walking back to the beach house that I share with my best friend, Evelyn Hughes. We were fortunate to find this rental.

I call Bailey, and he comes immediately—something to be said for an obedient Golden Retriever. If only he were like this all the time.

He shakes violently, sending a spray of water over me. Thanks, Bailey. I love you, too.

The night is mild this time of year, so it doesn't bother me. I have only worn a tank top and a long, flowing, loose skirt, and there isn't much breeze.

We made our way up the thirty steps, leading us through a security gate that had to be unlocked with a code, then across the well-kept lawn to another expansive deck, past the pool and the sliding glass back door. We are right on the waterfront, with great views. The back wall of the house is predominantly glass. The owner keeps the grounds and pool well-maintained. Bailey runs to his water bowl and starts lapping furiously, spilling water. I roll my eyes.

I didn't lock the glass door because we had a secure gate, and besides, Evelyn should be home by now. As soon as I open the door, I can immediately hear talking. Evelyn's voice was clear, but the other male voice was hushed, and I strained to hear.

I walk through the living room, past the kitchen and into the front entrance, where I see Evelyn leaning against the front door with her arms folded across her chest. At first, I couldn't see who was standing outside. I take the camera bag off my shoulder and place it on the entrance table. Evelyn heard me and turned.

I move closer. Jacob Thorne.

I have known Jacob since University. I had studied Accounting, he had studied Computer science and Programming, and we had become friends. When we left Uni, he had started his own business and needed assistance from an accountant, so he asked me to come on board until he got on his feet. We had worked together for about 14 months, dated a little, and slept together now and then. It was more like friends with benefits. His business took off. He was expanding and wanted to employ me full-time. By then, we had both changed, and I had discovered that photography was my passion, so we went our separate ways.

We had stayed connected initially, but nothing for over twelve months.

I heard he had gotten engaged and was travelling in Europe.

Jacob smiles, and Evelyn sighs and waves her hands in the air.

Whatever, talk if you must.

I am stunned.

Why are you here, Jacob?

I came to see you; I want to talk.

Jacob, it has been over a year since I've heard from you, and you show up now. Why?

I can't stop thinking about you, Rose.

Come in then. I turn my head and roll my eyes.

I indicate the primary direction of the lounge room with an outstretched arm. I follow Jacob as he sits in the chair closest to the glass windows with the beach view.

Can I get you a drink?

Jacob shakes his head. His dark blonde wavy hair has gotten longer since I last saw him, making him look younger than his twenty-five years. I know he is six months older than me.

He looks at me with his big blue/green eyes. They look a little glassy.

We should never have broken up, Rose. I should never have let you go.

It was barely a whisper, but I heard regret in his throaty voice.

What about your Fiancé, Chloe, isn't it? I am wary.

Jacob drops his head and looks at his hands on his knees.

We broke up. It wasn't working. She didn't compare to you, Rose. I think she was just interested in the family money.

I gasped.

I knew that Jacob's family came from money. That had never been a secret. However, I still hadn't met them. I know his father is a significant partner in a law firm. I know that they live in a mansion, but other than that, Jacob doesn't like to talk about his family too much. Jacob's older brother had gone into the law business as their father had wanted and expected but had yet to hold out any expectations for his other two children. Jacob had pursued his interest in video games and computer programming.

Jacob stands and faces me.

He puts his hand on my upper arm and looks into my eyes. I returned his gaze.

This feels slightly awkward, as I don't have feelings for Jacob apart from friendship, and even then, we haven't spoken for a while.

Jacob's hand drops down my arm until it comes to my hand, which he gently claims.

Rose, I think we should try again.

I pull my hand from his and take a step back.

How do you know that I am not seeing anyone?

Jacob smiles. His teeth are perfect.

I asked Evelyn when I got here.

I mentally note to chastise Evelyn for breaking the friendship code.

Jacob's eyes go to my neck and then my cleavage.

I scrunch my eyes. What the hell?

Jacob points toward the necklace hanging just above my cleavage, then fingers the rose-shaped pendant.

Remember when I gave you this rose necklace? We said we would be friends forever, and you're still wearing it. That must mean something.

I couldn't deny that the necklace had meant a lot to me when Jacob gave it to me for my twenty-first birthday, and it still does. I wear it most days.

Suddenly Evelyn entered the lounge room unannounced with a bottle of chardonnay and three wine glasses. Her beautiful waist-length red hair glowed from the afternoon lights that had automatically come on outside the glass windows, casting a glow into the room. Of course, we had the option of closing the blinds. Still, we rarely did because we were assured complete privacy where the house was situated.

Evelyn's green eyes flick questioningly to me and then to Jacob, who nervously takes a step back and sits.

I take the opportunity to sit in a chair opposite Jacob as Evelyn pours three wines and hands one to Jacob and me and then sits on the ottoman.

Evelyn raises her glass.

Cheers to past and future friendships.

Jacob and I raise our glasses and sip, although Jacob now looks even more nervous.

So, what's happening with you, Jacob? Evelyn asks boldly.

I give Evelyn a sideways glance with narrowed eyes, and she shrugs at me.

Jacob lifts his gaze and looks at Evelyn.

This is between Rose and me.

Evelyn wrinkles her perfect, lightly freckled nose. She looks at me as if she is seeking acknowledgement that I will be ok, then with the grace of a long, lean cat, moves off the ottoman and quietly slinks out of the lounge room and heads for her bedroom with the glass of wine in hand, and a glance over her shoulder.

Just call out if you need me, Rose.

Jacob puts his wine glass on the table beside his chair, and then with a deliberate swiftness, he is in front of me on his knees, clasping my hands in his. I look into his blue/green eyes, seeing determination there.

We belong together, Rose. We always have. Since we met at Uni, it has always been you and me. You get me. It hasn't been the same without you.

My mind is a whirl. It's true. We always liked the same things and had the same interests. We both loved the beach. I would watch Jacob surf. We would go hiking together.

He would play video games on his computer; I would play with photos and images on my laptop. We never lived together, but sometimes I would stay at his apartment on the weekends, and sometimes he would stay at mine.

I felt myself slowly nodding.

Can I think about it?

Jacob stands, takes me with him, and hugs me gently. My head rests below his shoulder. We chat casually for another half an hour. I discovered that Chloe had walked out on him in Paris after he wanted a prenup signed before the wedding. That was a suggestion from his father. If she cheated on him, she would get nothing. If she wanted a divorce before ten years, she would get nothing. She said it was preposterous, ripped it up and stormed out.

We say our goodbyes at the front door. I stand still as Jacob leans in and kisses me on the cheek, then he almost skips down the front path with his hands in his pockets, whistling, and gets into his shiny red Porsche.

I barely remember closing the front door and walking to Evelyn's bedroom.

I tap quietly on the door, wondering if she is still awake.

The door is yanked open forcefully.

Get your butt in here!

She grabs my arm and pulls me onto her bed as we giggle.

Evelyn always had a way of making me feel loved.

She props herself onto her elbow and looks at me with that protective motherly concern.

Well?

Jacob wants to get back together.

Evelyn snorts with laughter.

I thought that chapter was over.

Me too, but here he is, all single again, and wants to start anew. He said it was always me. I was the only one for him. Oh, Ev, what do I do?

Ev looks at me with her sparkling green eyes.

You always told me you wanted that special kind of love, the one with fireworks, chemistry, and great sex...

Now that makes me smile. I haven't actively been dating. However, a couple of guys at the gym have asked me out. They were cute, but nothing that I was interested in, and I'm not about sex just for a one-night stand, unlike Ev, which I would not say straight to her face.

Evelyn is a budding actress just starting to make her mark in a mini-series and going places. She is taking full advantage of her gorgeous drop-dead looks.

I don't know if true love even exists. Look at my parents. Jacob has been a good friend in the past, but could it ever be more than that?

Ev's parents also divorced when she was fifteen. Her father had an affair.

I am lying on my back on Evelyn's bed, with both hands on my stomach, looking up at the chandelier throwing sparkles across the room. Evelyn had grabbed the bedroom on the beach side of the house, so now she gets the reflection from the outside lights and the pool shining in her window.

My mother wasn't the best role model for love. I didn't come from loving parents that I can remember.

All I remember are horrible arguments and Mum yelling at me that no one would ever love me.

Ev puts one hand on mine, pulling me out of my sad memories.

I think you have some serious thinking to do then, my friend.

We hugged, and I thanked her, and then I went to check my emails before bed.

As I pass the front entrance, I remember the Nikon I had left on the table. I notice something colourful through the front door's frosted glass. I open the front door to find a large floral arrangement. I peek out to peer along the path, looking left and right. We don't have a clear view of the street. Shrubs obstruct it in the front garden. I don't see anyone. I take the flowers housed in a clear blown glass vase to our kitchen bench and read the card attached.

Thank you for tonight.

I would like to take you

somewhere tomorrow,

Pick you up at 9 am

Jacob xxx

Considering tomorrow is Sunday, I had nothing planned. Bailey was expecting another walk on the beach, but I could do that after dinner.

What am I even thinking? He is a bit presumptuous.

Should I be giving in this easily? Or am I overthinking this?

He wants to take me somewhere, not throw me back in the sack. Get a grip, Rose.

I look again at the lovely flowers, then go to the study to check my emails.

I should download the photos from my camera, but I left it on the entrance table again.

There is an email from Sandra Anderson, or Sandy as she is known to her friends.

She runs the gallery where I exhibit most of my photos and prints. She has become a mentor and friend over the past year and helped me tremendously with my photography. She is down to earth, but you wouldn't think so to look at her, with her short spikey purple hair and funky colourful glasses. She doesn't give the impression of a woman in her early forties. I love her. She is honest and tells me what she thinks.

I start reading:

My Darling Rose, I miss you, come by and see me on Monday. We have a great deal to talk about and catch up on. I have sold some of your prints today to a local man. He was very impressed with your work and asked if you would have some more that he could look at. I look forward to hearing from you. Ciao for now. Sandy

This is good. It had been almost a month since I sold any prints, and I needed more funds. So, I quickly typed a reply telling her I would come by on Monday at 10 am, and we could also look at the new shots I have taken since I last saw her. There might be something there that we can work with.

Another email from my dad. He is on a twelve-month holiday with his new wife, Kathy.

He keeps in touch, but I haven't had much to do with him since his divorce from Mum. He felt guilty about the way that Mum went off the rails. That was until Kathy came onto the scene.

I was a reminder as well. I only spoke about the accident with Ma. She was always there to talk to. She was my strength, so dad stayed away until Kathy came along. She was a godsend, and I know that she has been pushing him to stay in touch.

I type a quick email back to dad and shut down the laptop. The rest can wait until tomorrow. I feel tired suddenly. I have some serious thinking to do, but I need to sleep on it because my head is full of questions.

Tomorrow is a new day, maybe new opportunities.

2

When I wake, the sun is already shining through my window. This is not like me. Usually, I am up at dawn, taking photos at first light. But, instead, I have been tossing and turning, trying to figure out what was in my head—thinking of Jacob.

I stretch out like a lazy cat, lovingly running my hand over the beautifully handmade patchwork quilt Ma gave me for my eighteenth birthday.

Oh, Ma, if only you were still here, you would give me the right advice.

I throw back the covers, lower my bare feet to the cool wooden floor, and pad my way to the ensuite. I am sure I do not look my best this morning if the turmoil in my mind is anything to go by.

I check my reflection in the mirror.

My messy, wavy, light brown shoulder-length hair is all over the place, and my hazel eyes are a little sunken. Nevertheless, I consider myself good-looking. My skin is tanned, and I am athletic and slim. However, I am not a bombshell like Evelyn, who can pick up any guy she likes in the blink of an eye.

I stare into the mirror, looking hard into my round hazel eyes.

Rose Emelia Connelly, Get a grip!

Jacob will be arriving at 9 am, and when I glance back at the clock on my bedside table, I see it's already 7:25—time for coffee.

Ev is in the kitchen, leaning against the breakfast bar with a coffee mug between both hands, eyeing my flowers.

She looks at me as I enter, tilting her chin in greeting, then nods towards the colourful bouquet.

What's with the flowers?

I shrug and walk past her to grab a mug from the cupboard.

Evelyn waits patiently for a reply.

I look up at her once I take a long sip of hot black bitter courage.

From Jacob. He wants to show me something today.

Evelyn almost choked on her coffee and spurted some back into her cup. Then, putting her cup onto the bench, she looks at me suspiciously, squinting her eyes.

I bet he does.

It's not like that, Ev. He's genuine, and I feel sorry for him. You should have seen how nervous he looked last night.

Rose, you are not seriously considering getting back together with him after all this time. You said fireworks, chemistry, and love at first sight. Hello! Ev is waving her hands dramatically.

I don't know, Ev, that's a myth. I am at that age now and need to consider my future. I mean, Ma left me some money when she passed away. I put that aside for when I was ready to buy my house but never thought I would be on my own forever. Jacob is a good guy, and I consider him to be a good friend, or I did. We got on well, have similar interests, and I could see a future with him.

Evelyn is staring at me, gaping when I look up from talking into my coffee mug.

She puts both hands up towards the ceiling in a sign of surrender.

All right, it's your choice after all, and you know that I am always here to catch you when or if you fall, but just for the record, be careful. There is something I don't trust about Jacob showing up like this out of the blue.

I will. Now I need to shower. Jacob will be here soon.

I hugged her affectionately and headed back to my room.

I take my time in the shower and wash my hair. The shower glass is fogged when I turn off the water. I drew a heart shape on the glass with my finger, with the initials inside. J T

I look at it and then scrub it out. I shake my head.

I towel myself dry, then pull on my pretty underwear and a flowing floral dress. I quickly run my fingers through my hair and hold the hair dryer in that general direction. I am lucky to have wavy hair, so I don't tend to fuss too much.

My hair falls just below my shoulders, so today, I pulled it back into a neat ponytail and applied minimal makeup—my usual routine.

As I enter my bedroom to grab comfortable sandals and put some extra supplies into my handbag, my mobile phone chimes on my bedside table. I picked it up but didn't recognise the number.

The message says, "Are we on for today?"

The next thing I hear is a horn honking on the street. I pull the edge of my blind aside, which looks out to the front garden and can see the edge of a red car through the bushes at the end of the front path.

Then I hear Evelyn shout, Jacobs here!

I grab my things and walk into the living room.

How do I look?

Evelyn wolf-whistles and then indicates for me to twirl with her finger.

I do, then give a little kick with my heel. I feel young and carefree.

Evelyn blows me a kiss.

Go get 'em, girl.

Jacob is waiting at the passenger side door of the Porsche and opens it as I approach.

I wasn't sure that you would come.

We are friends, Jacob. But unfortunately, we can't just pick up where we left off. Did you text me just now?

Jacob grins at me and nods. He has a beautiful smile. Straight white teeth that I was always so jealous of. My teeth came from 4 years of torture from braces, and I still would not call them perfect.

I slide into the black leather seat as Jacob closes the door, and I fasten my seatbelt. Jacob climbs into the driver's side. He looks casual and relaxed, yet still well dressed.

I look at him as he starts the engine. It purrs to life.

So, where are you taking me?

It's a surprise.

I'm still waiting for an answer a minute later, so I change the subject.

You must have a new mobile number. You kept my number? He nods.

We chat casually about what we have been up to for twelve months since we lost touch. I tell Jacob about my photography, what type of photos I like taking, and that I have been selling a few prints lately. He tells me that his computer programming and video gaming business is doing exceptionally well, and he is expanding the company as a franchise into other states. Jacob briefly mentions travelling around Europe and what areas they visited, but nothing in detail about Chloe herself.

We travel over the Sydney Harbor Bridge, one of my favourite activities. I have always lived in the Northern suburbs, and now in Narrabeen at the beach house with Evelyn. However, I rarely travel into the Sydney CBD, except occasionally on business or shopping trips. I will have to travel over again tomorrow for my meeting with Sandy at the Rocks gallery.

We travel through the Sunday traffic, and I lose myself in the easy flow of conversation.

We have climbed up and out of Sydney and are approaching an affluent area with big, beautiful houses. We have been driving for about 45 minutes when Jacob pulls to a stop outside a stunning stone wall fence lined with palms and a lush tropical-looking garden flowing over from the other side. I can't see a house from here, but there is a driveway with a security gate just off to my left.

Suddenly, the heavy black security gate opens slowly. Jacob puts his foot on the accelerator, turns into the driveway, and passes through the gate.

I look at him in surprise.

Do you know who lives here?

No. He continues to drive and pulls the car up at an entrance with a covered drive-through area with the same beautiful stonework as the front fence.

We stop behind a white BMW.

A tall, young, well-dressed man in a light blue suit exits the BMW and walks back towards us. He does up his coat jacket button as he strides in our direction.

Jacob takes my hand and squeezes it lightly.

Let's go.

The man offers his right hand to Jacob. Pleasure to see you again, Mr Thorne, and he shakes Jacob's hand firmly. He then offers his hand out to mine, which I take, in what I imagine is a much lighter handshake, then he puts his other hand over the top of my hand, looks into my eyes and smiles. And you must be Miss Hunter?

I look at Jacob, confused, and he lets out a little spurt of surprised laughter, then quickly corrects.

Oh, no, this is my friend, Rose Connelly.

"Forgive me. I am Zayn Boys, a Real Estate Agent for this stunning property. After initially pulling out of the auction, I was surprised you contacted me, Mr Thorne. I assume you heard that the property was passed in at auction and that you are still interested. Is that correct?

Zayn and I are both now looking intensely at Jacob. He nods.

I want to show Rose through and see what she thinks.

I am still determining how my opinion would wager into Jacob's decision, but I am here now and curious. I know that we are in Dover Heights. I noticed the signs as we drove through the high-end suburb. The house looks striking from the outside, and I would love to see the inside, even to tell Evelyn that I was in one of the mansions of the rich and famous. I have a tingly excited feeling inside, so yeah, I want to have a look around.

Right this way. Zayn leads the way to the front door, punches in the security pin and pushes open the large front door. He asks us to wait while he disarms the security alarm. Then invites us inside, and we step onto the dark slate floor of the entry.

To the right, Zayn points out a study and to the left, a powder room, and then we walk into the living room.

I am awe-struck. The views are inspiring. I move on to the large dining room and closer to the large floor-to-ceiling windows. I can feel Jacob standing close behind me. I take a deep breath. This is amazing!

The living room and dining room form a semi-circle frontage onto the ocean leading onto a large deck with a pool, which is where I want to go now. I unlatch the glass sliding door and look back at Jacob over my shoulder. He smiles and nods.

I slide open the door effortlessly and step out onto the tile-covered patio. The light breeze catches at my dress. The outdoor furniture has been thoughtfully placed, taking advantage of the views. The only barrier between the property, cliffs and the ocean below is a series of thick translucent glass panels. I am drawn to the pool, glistening with its sparkling diamond blue hues and its edge falling off into infinity, as if it were falling into the ocean.

I turn and look at Jacob. I know my smile is wide and my eyes bright and excited, but I can't help it. This is like heaven. I look over Jacob's shoulder and see Zayn standing inside the sliding glass door, watching our reaction. It is time to move on.

We move into the kitchen just behind the dining room. It is modern, with blue/green hues reflecting the ocean's colours, and the natural stone benchtops are phenomenal. I love the six-burner gas cooktop stove, and the kitchen again has ocean views and a massive walk-in pantry. We then move upstairs to the next level, to the four double bedrooms.

The primary bedroom is stunning, with a large ensuite featuring his and hers showers and vanity, not to mention a fabulous designer-carved stone bath that looks out over the enticing view. There is also a home office off the main bedroom. I fall in love with the walk-in wardrobe, larger than the apartment I lived in at Uni. We inspected the other bedrooms and two bathrooms on this level, all built to an impeccable standard. I must give kudos to the person who decorated the place. It is stunning. We meet Zayn back downstairs, where he explains that the property