DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN THE PARADISE! THIS IS PURELY FANBASED!
Do you remember that day?"
"Of course I remember that day Moray! It was one of the best for me all year." Dudley exclaimed, slightly hurt at the fact Moray doubted his best friend not remembering the day of his return.
"As it was for me," Moray replied, "but well..."
"Come on Moray, spit it out!" Dudley said, growing impatient.
"I was in Ladieswear with Denise and we were just sat talking, holding hands, and Clara walked in. Immediately, Denise let go of my hands and stood up, insisting Clara give the message she came to give. Clara told us Mr Weston had arrived and found the store closed, so I left to meet him. We were both very embarrassed. Later, Denise told me about how awkward it had been after I'd gone. I told her not to worry about it. And then today, after Mrs Weston had gone Denise was very worried so I gave her a hug and told her it would be ok and then Clara walked in just as I..."
"You what?"
"I kissed her." Moray's head dropped into his hands, "it's just, well, you know, considering what happened in the past between me and Clara!"
Dudley remained silent, he didn't know what to say.
"Say something, Dudley, please," Moray pleaded, his dark eyes begging for advice from his best friend.
"How does Denise feel about it?" Dudley finally spoke.
"I'm not sure, we didn't really get a chance to talk about it," Moray replied, "What should I do?"
"Talk to Denise about it and the obvious thing."
"What's that?" Moray looked at Dudley, puzzled.
"Be careful where you kiss next time!" Dudley said.
"Thank you Dudley, I will do just that."
Dudley nodded and Moray stood up, "We have our morning inspection to do.
The two men walked around the whole store, keeping an eye out for Catherine. They left Ladieswear till last.
When they entered it was particularly quiet and Moray instantly noticed Denise, stood behind the counter, staring worriedly into the figures book. Moray thought to himself, 'she looks worried, but nonetheless beautiful!' He wanted to go and smooth the crease on her forehead and hold her and tell her it was ok. He strode over and discreetly placed his hand on top of hers. She looked up, startled, but she didn't flinch at his familiar touch.
"Denise," Moray began.
Dudley joined Moray and he too noticed the anxious look on her face. He also saw Moray's hand on Denise's and he shot him a look. Why did he never listen to him? Moray shrugged. Denise seemed upset.
"We have not sold one single thing," Denise spoke, "I've no idea what to do! No matter what I try to do, nothing works. And nothing will ever work. People don't even pay this much to have a dress made by a seamstress, never mind a ready made one. I may as well just pack my bags and leave now!"
Denise shut the book and started to head out from behind the counter, but Moray grabbed her arm. She stopped and turned round to him. Dudley was really confused. Moray noticed, "Catherine said her job would be at risk," Moray whispered. He turned to Denise, "Please don't," he begged, as he let go of her arm.
Moray glanced around. No one was there. All the girls had taken their lunch break at the same time, except Denise. He spotted a display in the corner of the room. "Did you make that Denise?" he asked her. Denise looked to where Moray was gesturing and noticed the display she had made this morning. She began to walk over to it and as as she did Dudley nodded to Moray and left then to attend to his other work.
"I think it's missing something," said Denise.
"I think it's perfect," Moray replied. "Do you see Denise, do you see what you are capable of? Please don't lose hope yet. We might just work this out."
Denise smiled, "and we have always got each other."
"Exactly," Moray replied, "Will the girls be returning from their lunch break soon?"
Denise nodded.
"Well when they do come to my office and we can eat dinner together," Moray said and Denise quickly agreed, remembering she had never actually had any breakfast that morning. With a quick kiss on her cheek, Moray left her in Ladieswear and went to grab two lots of dinner to take to his office.
When the girls finally came back, Denise headed to Moray's Office. She knocked on the door and heard him shout for her to come in. Opening the door, she headed in, and he greeted her with a smile. Two plates of dinner sat on the table they'd had their meeting at this morning, and Moray had even lit a candle.
Denise began to walk over to Moray, when suddenly her head started spinning and she felt faint. Her knees buckled and she started to fall. Moray rushed forward and grabbed her before she hit the floor. He held her in his arms and said her name repeatedly, until she came round. Sitting her in a chair, he gave her a glass of water. After making sure she drank the whole glass, he sat on the chair opposite.
"Denise, are you ok?" he asked, a worried expression on his face.
"I'm fine," she replied, "it's just I've not eaten all day. I was about to go and get some breakfast when Mrs Weston arrived."
"Well then you must eat now, sweetheart, and make sure you remember to eat tomorrow. You gave me such a fright, I would not want that to happen again," Moray laughed, making Denise giggle.
Throughout their lunch they chatted about lots of different things, but Moray was careful not to bring up Mrs Weston and the new prices. When they finished eating, he decided it a good time to ask her about Clara.
"Denise," he began, "are you ok about what happened this morning when Clara walked in."
"I am," she said, "just a little embarrassed, that's all. Are you?"
"I am, yes, I am, I am ok," he stuttered.
"John," Denise said, leaning closer to him and placing her hand on top of his, "I think that was one too many 'I am.' What is wrong?"
"Nothing," he replied.
"Please John, tell me what's wrong." Denise pleaded.
Moray sighed. "Sometimes I feel as though it isn't just me and you in this relationship."
Denise was confused as to what he meant. "You feel as though Clara is a part of us?"
"Not just Clara, everyone. Sometimes I wish it was just the two of us, so that there were no other problems or worries or people to be concerned with and we could just love one another," Moray admitted.
"But sweetheart," Denise replied, "the beauty of this is that we know that no matter what else, we can just love each other. No matter what other problems the world throws at us, we always have each other. And John, you have shown me that today," Denise squeezed his hand, "Although, I do have to admit, I often daydream about what it would be like if it was just the two of us for a whole day." Denise's eyes widened at the thought.
"Mmm..." Moray breathed in, "So do I."
Denise smiled.
"And what do you imagine it to be like?" Moray asked her.
"Perfect."
