Part 3

Rachel stepped out her car, pulling her cardigan around her shoulders as she felt the cool breeze snap at her exposed skin. I can't believe how nervous I am…this is when I wish that I was more confident because what happens if it is a disaster because I have put all my hopes into it.

She pushed open the door and immediately saw the man that she was meeting; he stood up looking amazed at her appearance. "Hi Rachel…you look incredible" he exclaimed as a waiter took Rachel's coat off her and held the seat out for Rachel to sit down. Rachel took the menu off the waiter relieved that she had something to hide the blush that had adorned her cheeks ever since his comment about her appearance. Rachel smiled at the man across the table looking at the romantic setting that the pair of them were in, she was half surprised that this wasn't another moment when she was witnessing other people having this sort of relationship whereas she was left disregarded on the sidelines; watching on. A bit like what happened with Eddie and Melissa…I need to stop thinking about them because tonight is about me and Darren.

Throughout the journey to the restaurant Eddie had decided that he was going to talk to Rachel properly tomorrow and they would find out that it was a big misunderstanding and they weren't drifting apart in reality. Well that's the plan anyway. Melissa rested her hand on Eddie's knee gazing lovingly into his eyes something that caused Eddie to return the expression.

"Sorry if I've been a bit distantly recently it's just because I have had some problems at work but I'm going to sort them out tomorrow" Eddie said with a new found enthusiasm in his voice, something that Melissa grinned at, "well at least you have me to come home too". Eddie just nodded not feeling capable of saying another comment knowing that Melissa was starting to annoy him with such comments.

"So then Rachel how was your day, with you being the most loved and amazing head teacher in the area?" Darren asked and smiled at the blush that reappeared on Rachel's cheeks when she heard his recent comment. "I won't go as far to say that but I have had better days…but you don't want to hear about that. How was your day?" Rachel asked trying to divert the questions away from her not wanting to reveal so many of her thoughts on the first date. Noticing the sadness in her eyes, Darren replied, "no please tell me…you never know it may help to have another opinion" he suggested hoping that he would erase the recent sadness that had appeared in her eyes. Rachel sighed as she began to recollect the days event in preparation to explain them to Darren, "well you know about Eddie; my deputy…" Rachel paused seeing Darren nod signalling that he remembered her talking about him when they had met a few days ago. "Well it seems as though we have drifted apart…we used to be really close but ever since he has been in a relationship with my sister I don't feel that I can talk to him and I feel as though I hadn't got anyone left that I can talk too..." Rachel paused looking to the door with confusion resulting in Darren reaching across the table and capturing her hand giving it a gently squeeze and responded, "don't worry you can talk to me as I'm not going anywhere". The pair of them smiled at one another although the moment was interrupted when Rachel exclaimed "What are they doing here?"

"Ooh look Eddie, Rachel is here!" Melissa announced with excitement which caused Eddie to search for her in the crowded room hoping that this would be another chance when he would be able to bridge the gap in their relationship. His heart sank when he saw her holding hands with another man across the table, it looks as though she has got a date then, I always knew that I didn't stand a chance with her because he is everything that I'm not.

The pair of them were broken from their observation with the waiter offering to guide them to a table when they had been seated Melissa was still able to look over Eddie's shoulder to monitor Rachel and her partner. "What is the chance of us all coming to the same restaurant on the same day but I have to say that it is the image of a woman in love" Melissa giggled not noticing the sickened expression on Eddie's face when he heard the comment. Surely Rachel wouldn't love him because he didn't look right; there is something wrong with him, he is probably a criminal or something. Melissa gently punched Eddie in the arm, "what's with the glum expression?" Melissa asked realising that Eddie had become withdrawn again, "nothing but I hope that he looks after her because he will have me to see to if he doesn't" Eddie responded knowing that Melissa was in too good a mood to remark about his constant comments involving Rachel.

Melissa nodded, "yes but he does look as though he will look after her; anyway look at you getting all defensive for my sister…it's almost as though we are getting married already because then you could be family.

Eddie wasn't listening to what Melissa was saying as he was seething knowing that he was the only one who didn't think her relationship with the 'strange' man was a good one. "yes ok" Eddie agreed having noticed that Melissa was expecting an answer from him, the inane grin on her face concerned him, what have I agreed to?

"Are you sure?" Melissa questioned which caused panic to spread through Eddie's body. I really have to check what I have just agreed to. "Sorry what?" Eddie asked and Melissa rolled her eyes again, "that we are going to get married soon". Even after watching Rachel's fake smile on many occasions Eddie was unable to replicate it…there is no way that we are getting married any time soon.

"Hmm maybe" Eddie replied hoping to distract her attention therefore he was relieved when the waiter came to take their order.

Rachel was starting to get unnerved at Melissa's interest in their table something that Darren didn't fail to notice, "I know that we haven't had dessert but do you want to leave?" he asked as Rachel was starting to look increasingly uncomfortable. "Are you sure that you don't mind?" Rachel asked wondering how Darren knew her so well although they had only recently met. "Yeah sure because it seems a nice night we could go for a walk" Darren suggested as they received the bill from the waiter.

The sight of the pair of them standing up from their table excited Melissa further, feeling her need to disclose this information to Eddie, Melissa said with a giggle, "it looks as though he is taking her home". This caused Eddie to look even more annoyed, "thanks Mel I really wanted it know that".