Romantic Friday Writers is hosted by Francine Howarth and L'Aussie. To read their entries and others or to join this fun and rewarding writing exercise please visit, Romantic Friday Writers.
Rosemary sensed his attention before she turned her head to look. The restaurant was filled for the noon hour with business men and women all wanting a quick meal. She was no exception. The crowd around the salad bar prevented her from seeing the booths just past it so she examined the further corner. There, blue jeans and black cowboy hat that rested on the table was Benjamin. How long had it been? Three, maybe five years since he married Amber. Rosemary had moved to the city after that. What was he doing here?
Benjamin tipped his head to acknowledge her. Rosemary turned her back. She felt the color leave her face, her eyes blurred momentarily as the memory of his parting kiss lingered. The ache in her heart was physical. She had never wanted to see him again. Apparently 500 hundred miles wasn't far enough.
She stood abruptly and threw down the money to pay for her meal. Before she reached the door he stopped her.
"You’re a sight for sore eyes," Benjamin said.
"And you still rely on clichés to express your feelings." She moved around him and he raised his arm to block her escape.
"We need to talk."
He smelled of green grass and wild flowers. She longed for the open country.
"I have nothing to say to you. Kindly move your arm."
He grasped her elbow and escorted her outside where the sun and heat beat against the cement and the air was filled with exhaust fumes.
"How is your wife?" Rosemary asked more to put distance between them and not because she cared. Amber had been her high school nemesis.
"I didn't come to talk about Amber," Benjamin said.
"So like a man. Look up the old flame and have an affair. I'm not interested."
"Now who is speaking in clichés?" he asked.
Rosemary knew her heart wouldn't survive another long term romance with Benjamin. Hell, she hadn't even dated any of the men who had expressed an interest. There was nothing for her here. She needed to go.
"What do you want Benjamin?"
"You. I want you. I want a second chance. Amber moved to Florida. Ranching wasn't her thing, but you---"
"You made your choice. Why should I be second? Every morning I'd wonder where your heart is."
"Rosemary."
"Good bye Benjamin." She marched off and didn't look back.
Word count 398. I hope you enjoyed my selection.
Word count 398. I hope you enjoyed my selection.
18 comments:
Gosh there are some really intense entries this time. I'm glad your heroine chose to walk away from what sounded like a lose lose situation with the hero.
Hoorah for not settling for second best! A really intense piece, Nancy, that keeps us guessing until the end.
Nancy, welcome back! I was afraid she was going to get sucked in for awhile. But she could feel the pull! Not a nice guy I don't think. But don't we love a strong woman who 'knows when to hold 'em, knows when to fold 'em.'
Denise
Hi Madeleine, Margo and Denise. Thanks for your comments and I am glad you all enjoyed my flash romance.
Nancy
Thanks for a little peek of your writing. So good!
I'm glad you enjoyed it Carolyn.
Nancy
A similar theme to me story! lol.
I love the dialogue, it's very snappy.
You express so well the physical connection, the chemistry that is there - even when sometimes we don't want it to be. I really like Rosemary and I don't trust Benjamin as far as I could throw a steer.
So much strength even though she's obviously shaken! Old flames do that to one sometimes! Enjoyable entry indeed.
Hi Nancy,
Welcome back. Ha ha, nice one! Good on Rosemary for telling him to go take a hike, Stetson 'n' all. ;)
best
F
Hello Nancy. 'Enjoyed reading. Fear and romance were skillfully served in the storytelling. Nice touch:)
This is an interesting story. Benjamin sounds a bit like a cad, but she has the strength of character to walk off even if it is painful. Good dialog and tension.
Hello Nancy.
Loved the whole setting of this. Good that Rosemary had the courage to walk away...she shouldn't have to settle. I get the feeling that Benjamin is a snake!
Enjoyable read.
Thank you Ruth, Beverly, Baby, Francine, Adura and Scheherazade. I'm glad you all enjoyed my entry. I had to go to the doctor yesterday so I didn't get around as much as I wanted. If I haven't visited you yet I'm on my way.
Nancy
Wow, a word caught my eye above. Intense. Just what I'd describe this as. Now here's a guy I'd want to smack and I'm with Rosemary. Who wants to be second? But I'm hoping he's a nice guy and there's a good explanation for his actions.
Hi J. L.,
You're an optimist. I haven't any idea, just wrote the story and he came to life. I think Benjamin is the wrong one for Rosemary though.
Nancy
I agree with you. Sounds like she is better off without this man.
Thank you for visiting my post! That was an interesting thought about it all being a prank. But isn't that more of a bachelor-party-like thing to do? Girls don't usually do that to other girls.
My texts are completely fictional, and my idea for this 'fearful-heart- post' about the kidnapping is that the police will indeed rescue her in time. But there isn't any assurance of that in the text as it appears on the blog.
I have received some good advice from different participants about how to revise this text, and I will rewrite it. But I doubt that it will become anything more, and it will just remain a writing exercise.
Best wishes,
Anna
For the benefit of other readers:
Anna's REWers Challenge No 21 'Fearful Heart'
Hi Anna
The Romantic Friday Writers is a good way to exercise your writing skills. Thanks for dropping by.
Nancy
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