Rachel was nervous, she didn't even know why. All her and Eddie were doing was discussing what they were going to do about the new head of extended services – surely he wouldn't do anything…would he?

Who can tell with men nowadays, well Eddie Lawson anyway.

Rachel pondered this as she waited for Eddie to get their drinks for the counter; white wine for her, beer for him – as usual, some things just don't change.

"…So, we should just organize some interviews, then?" Eddie said solemnly, making his way over to their favourite table by the window, with the dark red, leather sofa.

"Hmm," She agreed, yet not really paying attention, too busy staring at Eddie as he sat down clumsily beside her, "I guess so."

"Sorted then," Eddie smiled, placing both glasses onto the long, wooden table in front of them, "that wasn't too hard."

Rachel just smiled back, but soon she realized they had already discussed the only reason they were here for and neither of them had even take one sip of their first drink; obviously they'd stay for more then one drink – Eddie would insist.

Drag on the conversation, Rachel. Drag it on…

"Where shall we advertise then? Just at school, or should we… I don't know, advertise anywhere?" Rachel picked up her wine glass, took one tiny sip and placed it straight back onto the table in front of them, biting her lip cautiously as she waited for Eddie's views on the matter.

"What do you mean?" Eddie asked, confused at Rachel's judgment, "Like…interview any random person?"

"No," She explained, "Maybe teachers from other schools, past university lecturers – that sort of thing."

"Ahh, I see. Good idea." Eddie smiled again, and before they could be silent, Eddie continued, "So, what sort of person do you have in mind?"

"Someone… reliable." Rachel seemed to answer a little too quickly, it seemed she was more passionate about hiring a new person then she was letting on. Eddie had noticed, "Well, you know, I want them to get engaged," Rachel smiled, lifting her drink again to take a bigger gulp; she didn't want to be here talking to Eddie about awkward conversation all night. Actually, maybe she did, as long as it meant she was near him.

"Hmm, yeah, I get you," Eddie grinned, noticing Rachel seemed to be a little uncomfortable; she was draining her glass after all! "You alright, Rach?"

"Me?" She asked in surprise, "yes, course I am."

"Good."

Silence again. Why didn't the conversation just flow like it used to? They missed those times. The times before the true feelings had escaped. Rachel did want Eddie, like he wanted her, but she just needed time – hopefully he would understand that.

"Eddie…" Rachel began, almost indecisively beginning to speak against her will.

"Yes?"

"Ermm…never mind." Rachel smiled brightly, shutting herself up; just like she was shutting her mind away nowadays.

"Go on," He pressured. Eddie knew she had something to say, and he knew it involved him. If that was the case, he defiantly wanted to hear it!

"No, it's nothing, honest – "

"Yes, it is." He knew, he knew she was hiding something; he had to hear it. "Don't be afraid, Rachel." Eddie gently placed one hand on her lap, "just tell me." His deep chocolate pools were gazing into her eyes with such a force and power, she felt like he was helping her breath by just being there; he was her oxygen.

A shatter of somebody's glass near them shocked her straight out of her dream, only one little noise could do that to her now – it killed her inside, she was the cut from the glass. "Look, I better be going." Rachel jumped up, draining her glass as she did so; it made her feel strange and tipsy.

"No, Rach, wait," Eddie stammered, "Don't you dare run away from me again."

"I'm not running away!" Rachel protested, shouting a little louder then she had expected to. A couple of heads turned in their direction. Noticing this, Rachel was quickly out of the pub before you could say 'broken glass'.

Nearly falling over on her way out, she grabbed onto the side of the pub wall. God, draining wine was NOT a good idea. "Woah, Rach." Eddie chuckled, clasping his hand around her arm for support.

"S..sorry, Eddie," She stuttered, "but I really need to go."

"Just..just tell me what you were going to say," Eddie pleaded, using his hypnotic powers on her again – his powdery, brown orbs oozing straight into hers. Their colours matching, their tones colliding.
"Don't give up on me," Rachel spoke suddenly, leaving a stunned expression, slightly confused, expression on Eddie's face, "That's what I was going to say."

Before Eddie even had a chance to respond, Rachel had run out of ear – shot and into her parked car; sitting there for a couple of minutes to regain her steadiness and set her vision straight – she knew one thing for sure, she was never going to down a glass of wine and then tell Eddie her feelings!

Eddie shook his head, until it finally clicked inside him. She felt the same way, he just needed to give her time. His face lit up then, the click had turned the light switch on and he grinned like an idiot, but soon reality hit him. It could be forever until Rachel was ready…but he was prepared to wait for her; he would, he had to.

To: Rachel.

Rach,
I don't really know what to say, but… thank you.
Eddie x

He clicked 'send' to Rachel, then got into his own car where he would go home to think of what Rachel said. To be honest, 'Don't give up on me' were the words he was saying all night!