Alec was sitting at his desk, wondering if he should buy Rose some flowers for their date later on. He was sorely lacking in the art of entertaining a beautiful woman, especially a famous and rich one. He had no-one to turn to for advice on that point, he barely knew Mickey and by the looks of things, if they had grown up together, he had known Rose before her mother married into money and maybe that was why they had really drifted apart, if Mickey didn't fit in with it all. He was still at a loss of how he could remind her of someone she used to know, it had all taken place around the same time, around eight years ago, Peter Tyler had remarried and gained a stepdaughter under unusual circumstances, the Cybermen had all gone missing from the factories they had been sealed up in and Rose's friend had disappeared. He didn't need to be a detective to work out it was all related.
No wonder neither Rose or Mickey had wanted to talk about it, what the hell had happened? They were all tied up to something, that he was sure of. He wished now he had his own laptop but he doubted the place he was staying had free WiFi anyway and looking up Rose Tyler on the police computer wasn't strictly legal but since he was in charge, he couldn't very well reprimand himself for it but he would wait until Camille had gone out, she was Rose's friend. He had suddenly found himself calling them by their first names to himself, when had that happened? Rose was having a bigger effect on him than he cared to admit though he couldn't let it show outwardly, he had a reputation as a hard-ass to keep up but Rose was going to rob him of that if he wasn't too careful.
Rose had parked by a row of stores, one being her favourite dress shop run by a mother and daughter. She was their best customer, they knew Rose didn't skimp on costs if she needed a new dress or anything else and they often got specials in just for her.
''Good afternoon Miss Rose, how are you today?'' Natalie, the daughter asked her.
''Fine Natalie, I'm looking for something for a date tonight. I seem to remember looking at a cream coloured dress the last time I was here, do you still have it in my size?''
Natalie remembered the price of it, Miss Rose never even asked the price of anything. ''I believe we do, would you care to try it on?''
Rose took the dress to the changing room and tried it on, looking in the mirror at herself. Would Alec like it? It was only a couple of drinks so she thought she may just save it for tomorrow night instead. Natalie called to her.
''Is everything ok Miss Rose?''
''Yeah, I'll take it, will you wrap it for me and charge my account?''
Rose had accounts everywhere, it avoided credit card charges for using it overseas and Pete's accountant always paid promptly without fail. She was everyone on the island's favourite customer. It had often been said she had single-handedly boosted the island's economy since her arrival and that it would suffer serious damage were she to leave so everyone went out of their way to accommodate her. The only place she paid cash was to the taxi company, not that they didn't trust her, they did but they had to pay for the fuel up front.
Pleased with her purchase, Rose thought of paying a visit to Alec but decided against it, she hadn't yet told her friend Camille she was considering dating him though the detective was smart enough to work it out for herself that the arrival of a handsome man from Scotland would hardly escape her attention and Alec may have already given some clues away. That was if he was as happy about it as she was.
That happiness was about to be clouded as she inadvertently bumped into another woman from back home, Sophia. Rose had forgotten all about her. She had be vying for Chris's attention and there were sour grapes between the two woman from the start but now, the way was clear for Sophia to get her claws into Chris Martin, if she still wanted him.
''Hello Rose, been shopping?''
Rose looked down at the elaborate carrier bag. ''Your powers of detection are amazing, have you considered a career in the police?''
''Really dear, cattiness does not become you, it merely shows your upbringing and the fact you came into money, not born with it.''
''Meow, Sophia, I've not got time for you today, I have better things to do but I do have some rather good news for you, should cheer you up no end.''
''Really? Are you going home or have you taken that miserable specimen back?''
''Neither, guess you're not much of a detective after all then? No, Chris Martin is all yours.''
''What makes you think I still want him?''
''Really Sophia? Is that why I was still pulling daggers out of my back a week after that last charity event? Seriously, I've never really been interested in him in that way, he was just convenient for the odd dinner or a few drinks, I just used him to let myself be seen with him, I've grown tired of him, you can have him, he's all yours. You're most welcome to him but I'll give you fair warning, he was pretty upset earlier when I told him I didn't want him to bother me ever again.''
Sophia was getting mad, who did this girl from a London council estate think she was?
''I don't need your cast offs Rose, thank you very much, I can get my own men. I hear there's a new arrival in town, in the form of a new detective inspector, he might be worth a look at. Oh, you heard too?''
Rose smiled, she had the upper hand – again. ''Too late Sophia, forget it. I've already got at least three dates with him and if you're still coming to my party on Sunday, you can meet him and before you get any ideas you can steal him away from me, he's only here for three months and I quite intend to keep him fully occupied during his stay. I've already snogged his face off.''
That wasn't quite true but she intended to make it come true later on, if the spell was cast again. She was pretty sure the moment would magically appear again, something was drawing them together. Sophia huffed and excused herself.
''Well I have things to do as well. If the new inspector is only here for three months, it's hardly worth my time. I'll see you at your party if I am still invited?''
''Of course you are, I'd like you to see what you're missing out on and to see Chris really is all yours. He'll be upset, maybe you could console him?''
Rose drove off, smiling all the way home. Mickey noticed.
''What you grinning at?''
''Women stuff, you wouldn't understand. It was just I bumped into Sophia, told her she was welcome to Chris but she doesn't want him now. She heard about Alec but I told her she was too late again, that I'd already snogged his face off.'
''But you haven't yet, have you?''
''Of course not and that was all your fault but she doesn't know that, does she and besides, there's always tonight to actually let that happen. Can you take me down to Catherine's for eight? I'll get a cab back and don't wait up will you?''
Alec decided to get a single orchid for his date with Rose after asking the local florist what he should give to a young woman on a first date. They had come so close to their first kiss the other afternoon and now he sincerely regretted not asking her out before now and maybe call on her again after he finished work yesterday. He had wanted to give her time to think about it but now he realised she was just as keen as he was. He wasn't going to waste any time tonight to let her know how he was feeling about her but tonight would be just drinks, nothing more than a few kisses and then tomorrow night, he would make his move, if she responded to him.
Rose got herself ready and just before eight, Mickey was dropping her in front of the bar. Alec was waiting by the door and thought she looked stunning. He took her thin jacket from her shoulders as he led her out to the patio and presented her with the orchid.
He kissed her cheek and asked what she wanted to drink.
''White wine and lemonade please. The orchid is beautiful Alec, thank you.''
''You're most welcome, I was at a bit of a loss what to get you but I was assured this was appropriate for a first date. I mean this is a date, is it not?''
Rose smiled, her tongue poking through her teeth. ''Yes Alec, I hope it's a date. I've been looking forward to it since you rang this morning.''
Alec smiled back and went to the bar. ''What can I get for you Inspector? I know what your friend drinks.''
''Just a light lager, since you already know Rose. You don't mind if we sit out on the patio?''
''Of course not, take my advice, she may have her name associated with a certain island businessman but the way she just looked at you? Trust me, that girl is head over heels for you.''
Alec wasn't sure he liked a barkeeper giving him advice on his somewhat neglected love life.
''I'll keep that in mind. Can I trust you to be discreet about the fact I'm on a date with her? Given that I work with your daughter?''
Catherine raised her eyebrows. ''I'm not a priest inspector, I don't keep secrets but since Rose is a friend, I may make an exception but if Camille asks me, I can't lie to my daughter.''
Alec nodded his thanks. He and Rose talked for a while, mainly about why she came to the island, to escape her new found fame. Then Alec asked her why he had upset her on his arrival. He leaned forward and touched her cheek with his lips and planted a soft kiss. They had moved to the furthest reaches of the patio and Rose responded by leaning forwards into him. He wrapped his arms around her and asked if she was ok.
''I'm sorry Rose, I didn't intend to pry. Tell me when you're ready. I'll tell you why I'm only here for three months. I have to go back to Exeter, for an operation.''
Rose looked up. ''I'm so sorry to hear that Alec, is it a serious one?''
''Yes I need a pacemaker, there's something wrong with my heart. You're not helping either Rose, you're young, beautiful and you make me feel like there's nothing wrong with me but I know there is. Now you know, why I don't want to waste any time Rose, I'd like to spend my three months here with you, if you'll let me? I was going to ask you tomorrow night but that would be wasting another day, not knowing what your answer is going to be.''
Rose lay her head on his chest, opposite where is heart was struggling to keep up with what he was feeling right now.
''Alec, I had no idea and you still solved that boy's murder? How can you live like this?''
''I've learned to, I hid it from my bosses, for eighteen months then I got found out and the only way they would let me go back to work on light duties was to put my name down for the operation. Then they were going to send me to the academy until this came up and the commissioner agreed to take me on. That's why I'm not staying Rose. I had no idea I was going to meet you and now I have, three months doesn't seem nearly long enough.''
Rose looked up at him and Alec angled his head and their lips brushed together as they had the other afternoon but Rose put her arms around his neck and pulled him down and gradually the kisses though short, became longer. They both smiled, glad to have at last managed not to get interrupted.
''Rose, don't tease me, just say yes or no and if it's no, then I understand. Will you be my girlfriend, let me spend my time here with you? I know it may be too soon, we just met but if those kisses were anything to go by, well I want more. I know you were sort of seeing someone but you gave me the impression there was nothing to it anyway. What do you think? It would make me very happy Rose.''
Rose lay her head back on his chest and he put both his arms around her and kissed the top of her head.
''Yes Alec, I'd love to spend the time you have here with you and be your girlfriend but maybe we can just take it slowly for a few days, it's all happened so fast. I don't mean with the dates, I'm still having dinner with you tomorrow night and you're still coming to my party but I mean with the romance bit, it's been a while.''
''Oh, right, sure, anything you want Rose, it's fine. Just as long as I know where I stand with you. It's getting late, let me see you home?''
''I'll just take a cab Alec, tonight at least, I need some time to take all this in, you know? Don't worry, I know the cab drivers and Mickey will probably still be up so actually, I'll get him to come and pick me up, since it's my car.''
Alec smiled, yes, she had said she would be his girlfriend but he still had to work on a few things but he could live with that. Rose called Mickey, who said he'd be there in ten minutes and asked why she couldn't just call a cab. Rose reminded him he was staying rent free and only had his flight to pay for and he was making use of her car.
Alec walked her through the bar, grinning at his host who had given him a room and she smiled back. Now she had something to tell Camille and wondered if Dwayne's betting pool was still open on both counts since he had taken Camille's suggestion there may be a fight but thought he would rule her out of the first one of Hardy taking Rose to bed already and had changed it to when it would actually happen. The favourite was on her birthday but he suspected it would be before that. The Commissioner had bet it was the day Hardy landed.
Alec took Rose around the corner to wait for her ride home. ''Rose, I'm really looking forward to tomorrow night. I have to work in the morning so I can have Sunday off, since I've just arrived. Can I call around afterwards and then take you out to dinner?''
''Yes, I'd really like that, why don't you come over, around four for afternoon tea and bring your swimshorts and we can sit by the pool, I'll get rid of Mickey for a few hours, he likes to go kayaking, I'll suggest tomorrow afternoon is an excellent time to go.''
''That sounds delightful but I can't actually go in the pool Rose, I'll tell you why tomorrow.''
He put his arms around her waist and she did the same to him. ''Whatever it is Alec I'll help you, if you'll let me?''
''I'm not sure anyone can help me Rose but if they can, I'm sure you'll be the one. Goodnight Rose, I had a pleasant evening. Your ride is here.''
Mickey pulled up outside the bar and Alec waved to him and held Rose back a few more seconds and they kissed goodnight.
''Goodnight Alec, I had a really nice evening, I'll see you tomorrow afternoon, in your swimming shorts and ditch the shirt, I mean, your work one and wear the one you did on Tuesday though maybe not as many buttons fastened?''
''What are you tryin' to do to me Rose? You're not helping you know. Do you want me to go back for my operation or get buried on this island?''
Rose thought he was being serious. ''Sorry, I got a bit carried away, just dress how you want, I just thought if you couldn't go in the pool you could always sit dangling your legs in it to cool off, with me.''
Alec laughed. ''I didn't mean I was opposed to sitting with you by the side of the pool, that will be the highlight of my day. Until tomorrow then.'' He kissed her once again.
Rose got into her car, Mickey driving since she'd had more than her limit which was why she had almost suggested Alec turned up shirtless tomorrow afternoon though she would be the last to object if he actually did. Alec was slightly amused she had suggested such a thing and made his mind up if she wanted him to sit by her pool without his shirt on, he was only too happy to oblige. The next morning, there was only Alec and Camille in the station since they wanted the following afternoon off but Alec intended taking the day if tonight was a success, he may well get an invite to stay over.
''So did you have a date with Rose last night, Sir?''
He knew it was a mistake renting a room from his DS's mother, she had surely told on him.
''Just how well do you know her?''
''Since she arrived, we've been good friends, we even went on holiday last year, over to Barbados for a week. A couple of men tried to pick us up but Rose wasn't interested. She never talks about men, not if she dates them which come to think of it, she hasn't really dated anyone. Take Chris Martin for instance, she has kept stringing him along since she was first introduced to him, you have nothing to worry about on that score but he might not take too kindly, he seemed to think she was just playing hard to get. I'm sure you won't have that problem, Sir.''
Alec considered her words. ''Yes, well, I hope I can trust you to keep quiet, if I do start to see her, unless she wants otherwise. Let me see how things go. Look, it's nothing personal but the last place I worked, I walked out of one murder case straight into another and it got me annoyed. The one that got away, the commissioner mentioned, I worked with my ex wife and she lost evidence so the killer walked free, that's why I don't get friendly with people who work under me and the last place, Broadchurch, it was my DS's husband who killed the boy.''
''I'm sorry Sir, I didn't mean to pry. Does Rose know about it?''
"I mentioned it to her, I called to see her on Tuesday afternoon after I neglected to get her phone number and you quite rightly wouldn't give it to me. It seemed the whole island knew where she lived except for me. Can you keep a secret?''
''If it concerns Rose, then yes, you can trust me, Sir.''
Alec knew he was getting soft and the chances were even if by some miracle he survived his operation, he more than likely wasn't coming back.
''Ok, when we work alone you can call me Alec, since you're a friend of Rose's. I did take her out last night and I do like her but I can't make anything of it. The reason I took this job Camille is because I'm very ill, I have a heart problem and I need a pacemaker operation and I told her last night.''
''Oh. How did she take the news?''
''I'm not sure. Do you think you could talk to her? I'm seeing her tonight, well before then, she invited me over this afternoon. Can you find out how she feels about knowing I'm ill?''
''Sure. Knowing Rose, she will have taken it well, I've never known anyone like her. She has a lot to do with charities on the island, she's highly respected and not just because of who she is, she's earned her own respect. Let me give her a call. Have you got her a birthday present yet?''
''Her friend gave me some advice about what she likes but I'd like to get her something really nice, I bought her an orchid for our first date last night and Mickey said she likes those sparkling bangles and sarongs but I would really feel awkward choosing one for her. Could you go to the market and choose one you think she may like?''
''Don't be shy Alec, lots of men around here go and buy sarongs and other beachwear for their girlfriends. Her favourite colour is pink.''
''Yes, I was told that. I'm thinking of shaving my beard off, well some more of it. She's getting to me Camille and I don't want to waste any time, not knowing how much time I really have. They don't know if I'll survive the operation or not.''