Page 16 of Entangled
“How do you occupy your time?” I can’t fathom being stuck in one place for the rest of eternity.
“I make a daily schedule for myself. I learned a long time ago that a lack of structure impacts my mental health, so I cram my days with activity. This way, I don’t have too much free time.”
“But how?”
She narrows her eyes. “You writing a book?”
“No. I’m genuinely curious how you make it work.” I gesture to her fridge. “Since you don’t leave the house for grocery shopping and that kind of stuff, I’m assuming you have everything delivered.”
“Yup. You’re going to be seeing a lot of me.”
I’ve already seen a lot of you, Princess.
I shift in my chair and clear my throat, hoping to derail the lust train barreling toward me. “OK, so, what about doctor appointments?”
“I’m never around anyone, so I don’t get sick.”
“Surely you have an annual physical though?” Even I remember to make that shit a priority.
“Of course. The doctor comes here.”
“What about hair and nails? You know, the stuff other women do.”
She pulls her long ponytail in front of her shoulder. “As you can see, I haven’t had a haircut in a while.” Peeking at the ends, she adds, “But I give myself regular trims, so it doesn’t get ratty. I don’t even bother with my nails because I wreck them working in my studio.”
“Not that it’s any of my business, but do you even need to work?”
“No. I don’t.” She releases a heavy sigh. “My father gives me a ridiculous amount of money each month as a stipend, and I’m free to do whatever I want with it. Since I hate feeling like a spoiled rich princess, I give most of my money away to charity. I use what’s left for food and work materials.”
“What do you do for work?”
Rowan’s eyes light up. “I started a shop on Etsy a few years ago. I make jewelry, clothes, artwork, home decor, and an assortment of accessories. I’ve found that being creative helps my sanity. Some days I’m in the mood to paint. Other days I sit at my sewing machine for hours. Jewelry is my favorite though. I love making pretty things for people to wear.”
“What kinds of things?”
“Earrings, necklaces, tiaras, you name it. Sometimes I use plain gold or silver, or fancy beads, but I frequently get custom orders for gemstone jewelry. It’s not uncommon for me to receive a shipment of rubies or emeralds alongside my shampoo and eggs.”
“Wow. That’s actually pretty cool.”
Rowan sips her drink and nods. “Since I don’t leave the house, I miss out on most experiences other women get to have. It makes me feel valued—and a teensy bit normal—when someone wears one of my creations out in the world. Last week, I had a bride email me pictures of her in her wedding gown, wearing the custom necklace I made. Things like that make me happy.”
This woman is so much more complex than I gave her credit for.
“What’s your business called?” I still need to order a Christmas gift for Dahlia.
She grins. “RA-Punzel’s Tower Creations.”
“Clever.”
“Yeah, the irony isn’t lost on me.”
“So, the dancing…is that for fun?” The question leaves my lips before I can stop it.
Her cheeks flush a beautiful pink. “Yes and no.”
“Sorry. It’s none of my business.”
“No, you’re fine. Dancing keeps me active. I enjoy moving my body to music and wearing sexy things, so I guess you can call it fun.” She shrugs. “But it’s really another unnecessary stream of income.”
