9) Friday 6 Sept 2013 – Decisions! Decisions!
John Paul was stunned by the pleasant sight at the door and couldn't move for a few seconds. Then he just ran over squealing with delight, just like Craig who gave him a huge smacker of a kiss as they embraced each other more openly than anyone in Hollyoaks had ever witnessed.
"What a difference six years make!" Kris snickered at his mates who were watching their friend kissing his now long-time partner. "Who would have thought, ay?"
Soon enough the novelty wore off and everyone got back to their drinks, leaving Craig and John Paul free to do what they'd been longing to do for the few days they'd been apart — they went for a walk outside.
"So, how come you're already here?" John Paul asked as they exited the old SU bar.
"What? You want me to go back and come tomorrow?" Craig teased. "I handed in my proposal this morning, so I checked the flights. They let me change my ticket, so I decided to come tonight."
"Have you heard anything from him?" John Paul asked eagerly.
"As a matter of fact, I have," Craig replied evenly.
"And?" John Paul asked on the intake of breath.
"He thought it was all rather well presented. Quite interesting, in fact," Craig continued.
"But?" John Paul inquired with a worried look
"No buts. I got the job!" Craig finally gave in to the smile he'd been suppressing the whole time.
"WHAT?" John Paul asked excitedly as he jumped around holding his partner's shoulder.
"Of course! You are now looking at, and crawling up, I might add, the new Executive Manager of Ashworth's Expansion Department! What, you thought I wouldn't get it? O ye of little faith!" He said mockingly.
"Oy! Of course I believed in you! Wasn't as certain about Nev, though!" John Paul joked back. "This is so great! Can't wait to tell everyone!"
"I know! Mum's so excited. I couldn't help telling her when I stopped by with my things." He looked at his partner, a little worried that he'd feel bad about not being the first to hear the good news. Noticing that he didn't seem bothered by this, he continued, "I'm worried that she might try and hijack Hannah's reception tomorrow and make it all about me!" He couldn't help laughing at his own joke.
A little later Craig took John Paul's hand and pulled him towards a nearby bench. "So, did you find a place yet?"
"No, not yet. You can't believe how busy I've been with seeing everyone. I even made progress with Nancy yesterday. Do you believe that?"
"If anyone can make people change their minds, it's you babe!" Craig nudged his partner with his elbow. "But you're right, it is rather incredible. You think she'll manage to forgive me as well?" He didn't wait for a reply. "Well, since you haven't been looking, I might as well tell you that I just might know about a flat!"
John Paul saw the mysterious look on his face and knew better than to ask. Experience had taught him that Craig wouldn't ruin the surprise by revealing anything before he was ready.
"So, have you made any decisions about your own offer?" Craig asked gently.
"I don't know, a part of me really thinks it's extremely exciting and just wants to jump at the offer, but another is so uncertain that I can handle it! I just finished my degree and I feel like I really don't know anything. And I don't have any experience!"
Craig grabbed John Paul's hand. "But how can you get experience unless you take the job? It's not like you'll wake up in a year's time with the experience you think you need, if you'll just continue dj-ing every night, or working in a pub, or a book store!" He paused. "But if you do want to continue with dj-ing and other part-time jobs, you know that's fine by me! I just think that you'd really want to use your degree for something."
"I know! It's probably just fear of growing up. In any case, I won't continue with all sorts of part-time jobs. In my mind it's either a choice of really going for it as a dj, and that means, trying my luck in Manchester or London, which would mean not being with you most of the time. And that's not really an option! Or it's taking this job and being with you here!" He smiled and winked at the dark-haired young man. "Ohh, I don't know what to do!"
"Huh! I think you just made up your mind there!" Craig leaned in for a kiss, just as they heard the clicking sound of Kris' heals.
"So where is that round?"
