Death in Paradise: That Day.
He stood on his verandah – just staring out to sea, a cup of tea growing cooler in his hands. He knew what he had to do, he just had to wait for a few days and then all the pieces would come together – it was his modus operandi – how HE did things.
He didn't hear her come out behind him, and started a little as she linked her arm in his. He smiled at her, wearing just his pajama jacket with the sleeves all rolled up.
She looked at him – he'd been distant this past week – she was almost certain it wasn't anything to do with her, but there was just some unease. It started when they had arrived.
"Are you OK? You look…." Her voice trailed off
"I'm fine – it's just.. you know, parties aren't my thing and…" he paused, looking into her eyes, wanting to tell her his suspicions.
"Richard," she said, not breaking her gaze. "You know, couples tell each other things, confide in each other…"
It reminded him of the time they were stuck in the university lab during the storm – she told him he didn't need to solve puzzles on his own anymore – he had her. And he did – he knew that. Hell he'd even come back for her. For Her.
But he needed to wait – yes, wait until he had all the pieces in place.
"It's nothing, it's just … well Angela is a bit… intense – she always had a bit of a thing for me, but .. well she just wasn't my type…" he finished lamely.
She regarded him briefly, and then stroked his cheek before kissing him.
"Maybe I need to be there to protect you"
He chuckled – but looked back at her – not quite willing to believe how his last 6 months had gone since he came back. How had she said "yes" when he stumblingly asked her on a date. How had she said "yes" again when he could barely ask her to stay. How had he become so lucky, and yet here he was about to go off and face what had been the love of his life at University. But there was something different – not right – not the same as those carefree days.
The cab arrived and he acknowledged it with a wave of his arm. She put her arms around him and gazed at him – sure he still wore his suit but she'd finally persuaded him not to wear the tie, and he looked good.
"You want the cab to drop you home to get changed?"
"No – I'll go for a run along the beach – why don't we stay at mine this evening? I'll cook, I'll bring some of your stuff back with me – I might just want to keep this pajama jacket" she added, wickedly.
"Ha – not that it stays on you for long" he smirked back. But all too quickly his features settled back to that pensive look he had when she walked out on the verandah. The cab driver impatiently honked his horn.
"Go – I'll see you tonight and you can tell me all about it. But I promise you – you'll be fine this afternoon"
"Oh you promise?" he said, that little half smile again.
"Well if it isn't – I can promise I will make it up to you" she said before leaning in to kiss him again, this time gently but lingeringly.
"You do know I love you, right?" she whispered
"I know. You know I do too, though yes?" he replied – he stroked her cheek and whispered "My Camille". She smiled – she nodded. It was all she ever wanted in that moment.
One last kiss and he was gone.