He Watched Me Shine Without Him novel Chapter 37

After they cried, Meliora grabbed a tissue and gently wiped the tears from Rose’s face.

"I’m sorry, Rose. What I did last night was out of line. I shouldn’t have kept pushing you to be Vivian’s bridesmaid."

Rose gave a bitter smile. "After everything that’s happened, there’s no way I’m standing up as her bridesmaid."

Meliora huffed. "That wedding’s a joke. You don’t owe her anything. Honestly, you shouldn’t even go—because I’m sure as hell not."

Rose said softly, "Meliora, this is between me and her. It has nothing to do with you. If you decide to be her bridesmaid or attend the wedding, I won’t hold it against you. Vivian crossed me, not you."

Meliora shot to her feet. "Rose, is that what you think of me? You think I’d turn my back on you? Vivian betrayed her own friend. I would never stand with someone like that. Besides—" She grabbed Rose’s hand, her usual playful grin returning. "You and me? We’ve been through too much together. You saved my life in that pool, remember? You even stole my first kiss! You think I’m going to run off and be her friend now?"

Rose laughed through her tears. "Who wanted your first kiss? You were choking on chlorine. I still can’t stand the idea of kissing anyone because of that."

"Wait... are you telling me you’ve never kissed a guy since then? Not even once? Not a real, deep kiss?"

Rose’s mind drifted to Houston’s kiss... slow, intense, unforgettable. Her cheeks turned pink.

Meliora gasped. "Aha! Who was it? Spill it."

Rose looked down shyly. "Houston, I guess."

Meliora burst out laughing. "You barely know Houston, and you’re already giving him kisses?"

Blushing, Rose said, "Houston’s... affectionate. He’s not like Ethan, always clinging to his pride and ego, always expecting me to make the first move. And you know me—I’m not the kind of person to take the initiative."

Meliora scowled. "Serves Ethan right. When he slapped you yesterday, it was obvious he didn’t care about you at all. But Houston—just look at the way he looks at you. That man is crazy about you." She lit up. "Rose, Houston was such a badass last night, standing up to Ethan like that. Total heartthrob. Hey—ask him if he has any brothers. I’m single!"

Rose said, "He has a younger brother. Owen."

Meliora grinned. "Find out if he’s single. If he is, I’m going after him. We’re going to be sisters-in-law!"

Rose nodded. "Okay."

Rose didn’t waste a second. She grabbed her phone and dialed Houston.

He answered almost immediately. "Rose." His deep voice was warm and steady.

"Houston, can I ask you something? Does Owen have a girlfriend?"

He’s jealous... Rose felt a little flustered. "Well... have you eaten yet?"

"Yeah. She’s been saying for years she wants to be my sister-in-law."

Houston went quiet for a moment, then said, "Fine. You pick the place. I’ll bring Owen."

Meliora grinned and clapped her hands, ready to spend big. "Rose, your Houston looks like a man who enjoys the finer things. We’re taking them to the best five-star hotel in Crestview."

Rose shook her head. "Don’t go all out. Houston’s actually really low-key. He’s not into fancy restaurants or flashy stuff. He barely keeps anything in his fridge, and his closet’s almost empty. He might not feel comfortable at a fancy place."

Meliora looked surprised. "Really? I barely got a good look at him last night, but I wouldn’t have guessed he’s that frugal." Then she leaned in, lowering her voice. "But hey, watch out. Guys who are super cheap can be trouble. If they don’t spend on themselves, they definitely won’t spend on you. I mean, just look at Ethan—total mooch. You do not want to end up with another guy like that."

Rose swallowed hard. Her disastrous relationship with Ethan had already wrecked whatever trust she had in her own judgment.

I really hope I’m not that unlucky again, she thought.

Meliora smiled. "Don’t worry. I’ll check him out. Whether he’s a freeloader or a catch, I’ll know it right away."

Since it was basically a blind date, Meliora went all out with her makeup and gave Rose a quick touch-up too. Rose had naturally gorgeous skin and didn’t need much—just a little mascara and a soft glow to bring her cool, elegant beauty to life.