Chapter 1
She watched him from across the crowded pub. He looked miserable. Surrounded by boisterous, laughing, happy people and he was a bit of a grump. Taking a last sip from her drink she wound her way through the room.
“I think it’s against the law to be so miserable at your own leaving party.”
Taking a deep sip of his drink he smiled at her, “Then it’s good I’m surrounded by coppers. Perhaps one of them will arrest me and I won’t have to leave.”
“You know most people would be thrilled to be going to a beach paradise for two years.”
Draining his drink, he motioned to the bartender for another. “Well I guess I’m not most people.”
She touched his hand, “What if, rather than another drink, we go for a walk?”
“Are you suggesting we ditch out on my leaving party, Dr. Hobson?”
“With as much booze as is flowing, I don’t think they will miss us. Unless you would rather stay here and act miserable?”
The bartender returned with his drink. He tossed it back easily, “Who says it’s an act?”
Concern etched her face, “I’ll throw in some chips.”
The hint of a smile crossed his face, “You do drive a hard bargain Dr. Hobson.”
She turned, walking toward the door, comfortable in the knowledge he would follow her. Outside she waited. He was unsteady on his feet. Faking cold, she took his arm to help steady him. Carefully she guided him to his favorite chip stand where they placed an order. They waited then walked to a bench along the edge of the river, chips in hand.
Silence fell between them as Robbie devoured his then took the remainder of hers when offered. She watched him from the corner of her eye, he seemed slightly steadier. “Care to walk?”
“Do you mind if we just sit here for a few minutes?”
“Not at all, Robbie. We can do whatever you like.”
Silence settled over them once again, “I’m scared to leave.” Her small hand covered his much larger one but she didn’t speak. “What if everything changes…more than it already has?”
She shrugged, “It’s going to change, whether you are here or not.”
“You think I should go.”
Her voice was quiet but confident, “Yes, I do.” When he didn’t answer she continued, “You’re lost, Robbie. Every corner of Oxford has a memory. You need some distance. Maybe then…”
“Maybe then what?”
“Maybe then you can find yourself.” The hurt etched on his face was a knife to her heart. If she could take it all away she would, “I’ll miss you.”
“Care to come help me pack?”
She blinked, “You’re not packed yet?”
He laughed, “The house is packed, everything boxed or sold.”
“Where are you staying?”
“At a hotel. I only packed a few clothes and some photos. I’ll buy what I need when I get there.”
“I’ve a better idea. Why don’t I drive you to your hotel and help you pack? Then you can come stay at mine.” At his skeptical look she smiled, “I’ll throw in a hot cooked breakfast and a ride to the airport.”
He smiled, “You don’t have to Laura.”
Standing, she took his hand, “I know, I want to.”
Taking her hand, he stood, “It seems you’ve made me an offer I can’t refuse.”
