The Double Rose Read Online Free Page B

critique! Besides, what do you know about marriage? What makes you qualified to judge him or my marriage? The man is a prosecuting attorney. He has responsibilities, long hours, and deadlines. Cut him some slack!”
    Geneviéve packed crayons, construction paper, a book, and granola bars into Emily’s backpack.
    “Why are you always making up excuses for him?” An awkward moment of silence had passed between them before Marie continued, “You know what, it doesn’t matter. You are right. I’m sorry. He is your husband. I guess this means you can’t come tonight?”
    No dirty dishes, General’s Chicken—yeah, I am coming , she wanted to scream. Her tone softened. “Well, I am sincerely touched to be invited to your project. Do you mind if I bring the kids? It honestly does mean a lot to me that you want my help.” Geneviéve opened the white purse stored in the corner of the kitchen desk and pulled out a small makeup bag.
    * * *
    Marie adored children. They were welcome in her studio, although their presence made her wince, especially after discovering a capless tube of acrylic paint. Like a treasure chest, her studio created mystery and intrigue in the imaginations of young children. “And it means a lot to me that you are always there for me too. Yeah, of course, bring the kids.”
    “Great! We will be there at six. Don’t forget the General’s Chicken. Thanks, sis.”
    “What is it with our family and General’s Chicken?” she replied with a light laugh. “You are welcome. I will see you guys at six. Oh, and please ask Jared to bring his music. If he doesn’t mind playing for us, it may soothe the savage beast I have been fighting with all afternoon.”
    “You know that boy would do anything for his Aunt Marie. Later.”
    Marie glanced at an unfinished painting of the mythical King Arthur—Jared’s twelfth birthday present—on a traditional wooden easel situated next to a steel drafting table. Every time she worked on the piece, it brought memories back of her own twelfth birthday—the night she had her special dream for the first time.
    She recalled every detail of the recurring dream, the sense of being more alive, ageless, and outside of time. Her recollection renewed the sensation she felt while wearing an exquisite white gown and the white light that appeared to illuminate the path for her journey.
    Proceeding barefoot through a mysterious house, she eventually reached a large ornate set of gold double doors that led to an extensive, yet peculiar garden. As she explored the garden, she discovered two curious paths. She instinctively knew she had to choose between them. After making a choice, she proceeded.
    Once she entered the pathway, she realized she was a player in an elaborate maze. The sides of the maze were made of a tall, bright-green hedge. The grounds around the hedge were covered with a multicolored array of beautiful flowers.
    A gentle melody serenaded her along her journey until she reached the center of the maze, only to discover a tall, muscular man building a miniature twelve-foot-high house. He wore ordinary, dark-blue jeans and a plain, run-of-the-mill, white tank top. A tattoo of two blooming red roses sharing one lush, green stem garnished his right arm below the shoulder. He never noticed Marie. The dream is exactly the same every time with the exception of exploring the never-ending garden.
    * * *
    Though technically early, Sophie arrived precisely on time at five o’clock—on time for mother-daughter one-on-one bonding.
    Sophie entered the studio holding a large bouquet of pink daisies, for no rational person could feel discouraged in the presence of pink daisies. She discerned the brink of Marie’s destiny and knew the beautiful, fresh-cut flowers would inspire creative insight.
    Sure enough, the sight of the daisies restored Marie’s smile. It beamed over her face like a rainbow after a summer storm.
    Standing at five-feet five-inches tall with a textbook curvaceous,