He got home at 6pm utterly exhausted. It had been a long day and he poured himself a generous glass of scotch and sat on the couch not bothering to change. Cora had sent him a text at lunch time asking to stay again tonight. He had agreed and she had replied that she wouldn't be back until 6.30 due to a client meeting. In all honesty before that text he was dreading going home, visions of Cora crying or worse saying it was all a joke crossed his mind increasingly.

In fact he had received numerous texts across the day from his assorted family members. Mary reminding him that he needed to RSVP to her birthday party. He had replied rather shortly with the affirmative, he wasn't sure what else she though he would be doing. Sybil had text him an invite to Sybbies (and George he supposed) Christmas concert at school. This he was dreading, but had agreed to, know it was part of his duty as a grandparent. Edith had also text him, asking if he was possibly free on the 15th to go to one of his favourite authors newest book launch. Edith being in magazine publishing really did have its perks and she always invited him to things which might be of interest.

Between work and his daughters, he was kept busy either with social events or babysitting and honestly he was glad of it. Although he supposed sometimes it might be nice to have a weekend with nothing planned. He hadn't had one of those in years.

His phone buzzed in his pocket and pulled him out of his thoughts. He answered without looking, feeling the warmth of the alcohol wash across his bones.

"Robert, I do wonder if you have forgotten about me?"

Shit, he had forgotten it was Tuesday, the day he had dinner with his sister. "Only time is getting on and I really need a drink."

"Sorry Ros," she cut him off, as usual,

"So you should be, I hope you have a very good excuse."

Thinking of none he went with the truth, "I'll be round soon" he went to move and then considered Cora. He could hardly abandon her now, luckily Rosamund hadn't quite hung up, "Actually, do you think you would mind coming here?"

There was a silence down the line.

"Me go to your house, why? We've never done that before," he could almost hear her thought process, "but I suppose that will be fine, I will be right over." Robert thanked god his sister was feeling cooperative and hung up. He took another swig of his drink and hoped to god that Cora would be feeling up to company. Although she could always hide in his room if she didn't, he wouldn't blame her for wanting some quiet time. Not that he had much time to contemplate that, a key turned in the lock and in walked Cora looking pale and slightly teary eyed. She smiled when she saw him moulded to the couch, drink in hand. He looked as good as she felt, which of course was terrible.

He watched her as she peeled off her coat and scarf, hanging them by the door before slipping off her heels with a contented sigh. This was just like old times and again Robert questioned the reality of the situation.

"That dress…" his eyes squinted in effort to remember where on earth he knew it from. It was dark purple, stopping above her knees and very well fitted with a square neckline showing off her pale collarbones and throat. Cora fortunately came to his rescue.

"Mary's graduation dress, I found it in her wardrobe this morning and thought she wouldn't mind if I borrowed it. Luckily for me she still has half a wardrobe in there. "

He had forgotten about her need for clothes and toiletries this morning and cursed himself for it. She walked toward him, her stockinged feet making her silent, "All my clothes are still with Simon."

He really needed to stop doing that; she really did not need reminding. She moved to him quickly then and nestled into his side, his arm moving automatically to hold her close. He supposed there was no harm in seeking comfort from another person. He really needed to tell her about Rosamund, but his manners got to him first,

"How was your day?"

She took his hand and guided his drink to her lips and took a sip, "Terrible." She looked up at him and he could see her eyes glistening, more with anger than anything else.

"I ran into Simon at the gallery."

Robert was taken aback, and loosened his grip on her to look at her with a frown. "What in god's name was he doing there?"

"He said he wanted to see me, to talk about what has happened." Robert was quite sure Simon Bricker was the last person Cora wanted to see. "Oh Robert" she pulled away completely and stood up beginning to pace in front of him.

"He has it out for me! I don't even know how he knew I would be there, someone must have told him, which makes sense I suppose, he is supposed to be my partner, but arrrgghhhh" Here she paused and closed her eyes taking in a deep breath realising she was rambling he was sure. Robert couldn't help but stare, Cora was in full force and he knew it was best to just let her go.

"Do you know what he did when he walked up to me?" she gave him a pointed look and he shook his head dumbly, interrupting her would do no good.

"He walked right up to me and kissed me." He could see her distress; Cora did not like to be embarrassed, "right in front of everyone. I could hardly do anything, everyone was watching. It was humiliating."

That was when Robert realised she had told no one else about her break up with Simon. She hadn't told anybody and Simon Bricker had taken advantage of that.

He hoped to god Bricker didn't know that Cora was staying with him.

Cora had continued to pace as the doorbell chimed, stopping her movements with a frown. She walked over to the door with a huff pulling it open quickly and turned back to face Robert, a soft blush gracing her cheeks.

"Your sister is here."