The Story Of Us

- Chapter 14 -

Roseanne

I blink in shock, I think.

"You could think of nothing worse than a child in your life?" What a stupid thing to say. Well, I wanted my answer and there it is.

We're doomed.

"Hello, Roseanne," a voice echoes from behind me. Lisa and I turn to see Mark, my ex fiancé standing there.

My eyes widen. "M-Mark?" I stammer. My eyes flicker between them. "Hey. Erm. Mark this is Lisa. Lisa this is Mark," I mutter nervously.

Lisa smiles warmly. "Hello."

Mark nods and shakes Lisa's hand. "Hello."

Are you freaking kidding me? Of all the people to see tonight, it had to be him.

"I thought you moved to LA?" he asks flatly.

Oh God. Don't start being snarky now. "I did."

Lisa interrupts, looking happy with a cheeky grin. "I stole her away for the weekend so she could show me her hometown."

Mark looks between Lisa and I, while I hold my breath. Don't say anything. Please don't say anything.

"So... you just met this week?" Mark sneers.

A frown crosses Lisa's face as she sums up the situation.

"Lisa and I are old friends, Mark. No need to be snarky. Now, if you don't mind leaving us to it..." I turn back to my drink. I don't need his shit tonight. Why the hell is he here?

"Yes. I do mind, actually. Why haven't you returned my calls."

"Listen, dude, I don't know what your problem is..." Lisa starts.

"My problem is that my mother has cancer and she wants to see Roseanne before she dies, but Roseanne has gone missing and isn't replying to any of my messages."

My face falls in horror. "Oh, Mark, I'm so sorry. I thought you were messaging me about us."

"No." he screws up his face.

"I'm taking it you are the ex?" Lisa asks.

"Ex fiancé," Mark snaps, annoyed.

Lisa's eyes meet mine and I swallow the lump in my throat.

"Mark, is it alright if I come and see her tomorrow?" I ask as I turn to Mark.

His eyes hold mine for a moment. "Tomorrow isn't a good day."

"When is a good day?"

He shrugs. "I'll let you know."

I stand and give him a hug. "Thank you, that would be great. It will be really nice to see her again."

He holds both of my hands in his and looks at me. "You look really well, Rosie." A sad smile crosses his face.

I smile in return as my eyes flash to Lisa. She seems unimpressed with Mark's hands on me, but she's keeping her mouth shut. "Thank you." I give Mark a peck on the cheek and with a last lingering look, he walks away through the crowd without saying goodbye to Lisa. Rude.

I sit down, rattled by what's just happened. Marie has cancer. Fuck. She's only young, too—maybe fifty-five at the most.

"So... he's the ex?" Lisa smirks.

I smile as I sip my drink. "Yes."

She rolls her lips to hide her emotions.

"And?" I smirk.