We do not own EastEnders, Ashes to Ashes, Waterloo Road or Doctors
Chapter 14
Molly sighed; Sam hadn't woken very much last night. She held onto a small hope that maybe he was going to start sleeping through the night and prayed that it wasn't just a fluke. She glanced briefly at her clock and decided that it was still way too early to get up. She rolled onto her side and closed her eyes again. She groaned in frustration as the wailing started up and reached for her MP3.
Alex scrambled from the bed sluggishly. She went into the nursery, picked up Sam and rocked him until the crying stopped. He wasn't hungry; she had determined that from his wails. She knew him well enough now to know which scream meant what. He just wanted attention. She yawned and carried him back to her room and slipped carefully back down next to Gene, the baby cradled in her arms as she laid with her back pressed against Gene and Sam held gently to her front.
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Alyssa sat at her laptop in her dressing gown trying to sort the figures out in her head as well as on the screen. She had been up for at least an hour trying and wasn't getting anywhere very fast. She shouldn't have shunned her work in favour of curling up with Jack on the sofa the night before, but she hadn't been able to resist: his arms were so inviting, and cuddling with him was one of her favourite pastimes.
She glanced at the small clock in the corner of her screen and sighed. It was 6:25! She could go back upstairs and crawl back into bed with Jack and snuggle down next to him...no, choosing to be curled up with Jack over doing important work had got her into this predicament! She sighed and tried to focus her mind on the spreadsheet in front of her and ignore the low hum of the fridge behind her.
Jack woke up and put his hand in the empty space where Alyssa should be. Where was she at this time of the morning? He quickly turned off the alarm and climbed out of bed and went downstairs to look for her.
"Hey," he said when he finally saw her. He went over and pressed a kiss to the top of her head.
"What are you doing up so early? Want some coffee?"
Alyssa looked up and gave him a small smile. "The work I should have done last night," she sighed and gestured vaguely at the spreadsheet. "And yes, please. I think I'm going to have to live on caffeine today," she yawned and cradled her chin in her hand with her elbow on the table as she tried to keep her mind focused. She used her free hand to type slowly and without enthusiasm.
"How long have you been at this?" he asked as he came back and handed her a mug. He sat down next to her.
Alyssa took a huge gulp of the coffee and looked up at him, then back at the clock. She sighed. "About an hour," she replied as she took another, smaller sip of her coffee and looked reproachfully at the open spreadsheet.
"Oh, my poor love," Jack said and kissed the top of her head again. "Do you want me to make you breakfast? I was thinking bacon sarnies?"
Alyssa turned in her seat and looked up at him hopefully. "All four sauces?" she questioned with a small smile.
"However you want to make your sandwich is your province, love, I'll get the bacon and the bread going," he told her. He started to move towards the kitchen and then paused and turned back to her.
"You know, we've been engaged, what, three weeks now. I'm wondering if we shouldn't set a date. I think I may ask Gene to be my best man. Never expected to become best mates with a copper," he remarked and shrugged.
Alyssa looked up and smiled at him. She nodded at him and leant back in her chair as she watched him "If we both have a think today then we can discuss ideas tonight?" she suggested "I mean, do you want a church or a registry office?" she shrugged.
"Considering I have no spare cash, small and simple is what I have to pick, I'm afraid. But you know, since Rowan is your sister we will likely get the reception for free," he chuckled and kissed the top of her head. He glanced at the clock.
"I better get busy or I'll be late," he remarked and dashed upstairs to shower and dress.
Alyssa smiled as she watched him dash off and looked at the plate he had left for her with the sandwich on. She rose and applied her various condiments before sitting again and saving her spreadsheet. She had lost all motivation now. She had a wedding to plan. She smiled and immediately got herself onto a wedding dress website. She grabbed her phone and fired off a text to Rowan.
"We r discussing wedding ideas. Will u do reception? Plz?xxxxxxxxxxxxx"
She bit into her sandwich and listened to the shower. She didn't mind small and simple. As long as it was Jack standing there and her friends around her then it was fine. She didn't mind. But her dress had to be perfect. She grinned as she browsed and ate.
"However," he added when he came back downstairs dressed and ready to go. "I'll start saving now for the dress," he said as hee saw what she was looking at on the computer as he began to gather his things.
"So, make sure you pick a day," he grinned and gave her rough kiss before heading out.
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Whitney woke up, excited more than she could say that it was Monday again. She never thought she would be a person who looked forward to going to school, and yet, here she was, looking forward to going to school. Her classes were fascinating and she was making a few tentative friendships, but best of all, was Brett.
They had met up for lunch every day that first week of school and he'd given her a ride home a couple of times. She'd even managed to arrange for Molly to be able to meet him one of the times she'd been brought home.
Jodie was doing better on the stall than she'd expected and was quite pleased. Apparently the girl had more than fluff between her ears on occasion. She hurriedly got ready and shot of a text to Molly.
"Can't wait till lunch today. Wonder when/if Brett will ask me out. Not sure if he likes likes me."
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Rowan got ready and trudged downstairs with a sigh to get started on the day. Chris had got more aggressive which she appreciated but, she had to admit, he wasn't Ray. She hated herself for thinking that and chastised herself as she started the coffee brewing.
She looked over the sheet of paper Chris had brought home with the breakfast orders on it. She was glad of this, it gave her plenty more time to get the food ready and not put her behind when the breakfast rush started. She immediately put JT to work when he arrived so the baking would be caught up and then got started on the food for the station.
Chris came downstairs and walked up behind Rowan and wrapped his arms around her. She smiled and patted his hands.
"Breakfast is nearly ready. Do you want me to help you carry it over?"
"Are you sure it will be okay?"
"Sure, James and Ffion will be here and JT and Syed can easily handle the kitchen. I can't be chained here all the time," she chuckled.
"Then yes, you can be my little delivery helper," he whispered in her ear. Rowan shook her head and twisted around to kiss him. "Get yourself some coffee. We'll be done soon."
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Ronnie woke up and blinked in the darkness of the room. Why was she awake so early? She looked at the clock and sighed. She'd gone to bed really early last night. Well, if she was being honest, she'd fallen asleep in front of the tele and Ray had put her to bed before going back to watch whatever it was he'd been watching.
She shifted in his arms and unbuttoned his pajama top and slid her hands over his chest, teasing her fingers through his chest hair. She moved closer put her leg around his waist as she pressed her lips to his.
Ray unconsciously tightened his arms around the person he held as their body pressed up against his. His hand made its way slowly upwards and he sighed happily into the kiss as he recognised the person as being Ronnie. His hand nestled into her hair and cradled her head as he pulled himself away from sleep and deepened the kiss.
He broke away once he was in danger of losing all the oxygen he had and he smiled at her as his stroked the silky skin of her leg that was draped over him. "Morning," he smiled at her.
"Morning," Ronnie greeted him softly and smiled. She unbuttoned her own pajama top and raised an eyebrow at him.
Ray grinned and let go of her back to help her out of her pyjamas completely. The pyjama top got thrown carelessly off the bed as he kissed her gently and he rolled her onto her back. Ray smiled down at her for a moment, admiring the way her hair had spread out on the pillow. He cupped her face and kissed a trail down her neck, starting from her lips.
Ronnie struggled for air when Ray finished with her. She was so glad she wanted him again. And did she imagine that he was more responsive, more in tune with what she wanted when she wanted it? She lay there and gazed at him, the way he'd made her feel made her want him all over again. But there wasn't time; he had to get ready for work. She sighed and buried her face in his neck and huddled close.
Ray wrapped his arms around her comfortably and held her against him tightly. He buried his nose into her hair and breathed her in. If he could stay like this, holding her in his arms like this, forever then he didn't think that he could get much happier. He kissed the top of her head. Unfortunately he had to move soon, but he was all in favour of delaying his leave. He didn't have to have breakfast here now that Rowan sent stuff the station. He could grab something there, that added 10 minutes that he could spend in bed with Ronnie.
Ronnie pressed a kiss to his neck and then looked up at him.
"Jack called the other day. He's considering selling the club back to me. He says it's doing so much better now that I'm running it that he's given it a great deal of thought. Also, it sounds to be like he plans to stay wherever it is that he's at with this woman he dumped Chelsea for. R&R is just a stone around his neck. So, he's going to get the place valued and we'll make some arrangement. I'll probably go talk to the bank and see what I can manage. I'd see if Roxy wants a share ,but I want this to be just mine, you know? She's got the pub and the salon. I managed to get Jack to agree not to say anything to Roxy, that way I can tell her afterwards," Ronnie grinned.
She traced a finger down his cheek. "I should put the kettle on so you can get ready," she sighed.
Ray couldn't help the grin that spread over his face. She was going to own the club! He was happy for her. He knew how good she was at running the place and clearly Jack Branning thought so, too. Good. He grinned down at her and pressed a long kiss to her. "I'm glad you're going to own the club. And, as you say, Roxy has two of her own businesses, I'm sure she will understand that you want your own business, too," he assured her and kissed her again.
"I'm pretty glad too," Ronnie agreed.
He rolled off her and glanced at her as he made his way to the bathroom. "You. Kitchen. Now," he said then grinned broadly at her and dashed off to get into the shower.
Ronnie snorted and shook her head at him at his comment. She pulled on her dressing gown and went into the kitchen to get the tea started while Ray showered. She forced herself to stay in the kitchen and made herself toast to distract her from how much she wanted to join him in the shower.
Ronnie handed him his tea when he came into the kitchen.
"I assume you're eating at work?" she grinned at him. "Nice of Mr. Hunt to get that organized for you guys. How much do you have to put in every week for this privilege?"
She knew they most likely had a whip round to pay for the food and she also knew the cost was probably low. Rowan had told Ronnie on one occasion that where she was from it was just considered another method of support for police and firemen and she was happy to do it.
Ray shrugged. "Honestly, I've no idea. I'm sure Chris can tell me when I get down there though. He is married to the woman," he grinned and shook his head to rid it of the small droplets.
"So nobody tells you how much money, I so don't believe you, Carling. I know you just think I'll be jealous," Ronnie said and lightly slapped his arm.
He kissed her quickly and drained the mug. He dumped it into the sink and pulled her to him for a kiss "I'll see you later. Let me know if anything happens with the club okay?" he smiled then kissed her once more before setting off for work.
"I will. I'm going to start calling banks and putting together a business plan later," she called after him. She hurried to the bathroom to shower. She had some plans to make she thought excitedly.
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Molly saw her phone flashing and cautiously unplugged herself. She sighed. Sam was quiet. She grabbed at her phone and lay curled up on her side as she read Whitney's text. She couldn't help but roll her eyes.
"Plz! He does like u! I cud tel wen I met him! Chil + b u :) He likes u Whit, promise xx"
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Alex sighed as Sam seemingly fell back to sleep in her arms. She didn't want to get up and put him back to bed. She was far too comfortable with Gene's warmth and steady breathing, pitted with small snuffling snores behind her and the tiny, quiet breathing of their son in her arms. She placed a pillow the other side of Sam and nestled further backwards into Gene before allowing herself to shut her eyes again.
Gene opened his eyes and yawned. He carefully slipped his arms from Alex and went to get ready for work. He was glad to see she'd brought the baby into the bed. Might keep the kid quiet.
He tapped on Molly's door on his way to the kitchen and made some tea when he got to the kitchen. When his tea was ready, he took it outside with him to smoke.
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Whitney sent back a smiley face and sighed. She hoped Molly was right. She got ready for school and bounded downstairs to have tea and toast before heading out. She took the tube to school and got herself a mocha before going in to her lecture. She couldn't wait until lunchtime.
Ffion woke up and yawned. She had fallen asleep at the B&B again. This time, she was prepared. She had stashed a clean set of underthings, clean jeans and a clean top in her handbag before she'd left the flat.
She'd gone out a few times with Bradley over the past week-a meal, the cinema. She had to admit she was beginning to enjoy spending time with Bradley. He was funny and very smart and like Gerald, he didn't talk down to her. She appreciated that more than anything. She slid from Gerald's arms and went into the en suite to get a shower. She couldn't chance going home and running into her brother.
Gerald woke up as he heard the sound of the shower in the other room. He didn't move from the bed. He stared up at the ceiling and sighed happily. He hadn't been with someone like this in years. Ever since Benjamin reached the age of 3 his wife just hadn't wanted to. He had accepted it, as he always did. But this was refreshing, staying with Alyssa and Jack was proving to be one of the best decisions he had ever made.
Ffion got out of the shower, dried and dressed before she went back into the room. She sat on the bed next to Gerald and smiled.
"Glad I brought spare clothes. No way to I want to chance going home to get ready for work. I'm in no mood to face off with Rhys today."
Gerald sat up and kissed her forehead "Is he still giving you a hard time?" he asked gently as he stretched.
"Oh, you know, he'll always be giving me a hard time. I imagine if he knew about you he'd go through the roof."
Ffion shrugged. "Ah well, I don't care if I'm honest. I best get going to work."
She leaned over and gave him a long, slow kiss before bundling into her coat and heading out the door.
She walked along rapidly and smiled as she passed the café and saw Bradley leaving it, two cups in his hands.
"Ffion, I'm glad I ran into you, do you have a moment?"
"A moment only, I have to get to work," she replied and looked at him curiously.
"I was wondering if I could take you to dinner on Valentines Day."
"You're asking me, what, a month early?"
"Well, you know get my bid in early."
Ffion giggled and shook her head. "Where were you thinking?"
"I was thinking that romantic place over on the High Street."
Ffion's brows went up. Impressive. She considered for a moment and then nodded. "If my plans change though, I'll let you know right away okay?"
Bradley nodded. "Good enough." He smiled and headed to the car lot.
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Rhys got up and went and looked in Ffion's room. Empty, and she clearly hadn't been back at all after she'd left on her date with Bradley last night. She'd obviously spent the night with him. He sighed. He thought he could handle it, but he wasn't quite sure.
He went to the kitchen and flipped on the kettle to start some tea. His fingers drummed a tattoo on the counter as he waited.
Shaz turned onto her side and folded the bedcovers more tightly around her as Rhys left her and took his warmth with him. She still hadn't told him that it was Gerald not Bradley that she had known that Fee was spending time with. Though now it did seem to be Bradley not Gerald. She didn't know what Ffion was playing at but didn't really feel like asking. The less she knew, the less she felt inclined to tell Rhys.
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Molly huffed to herself and clambered out of bed. She wasn't in the mood to get up. She wanted to sleep for a week and not have to get out of bed. She had school though; with a grumble she went to get ready.
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Gene came back into the flat, made another cup of tea and sat and waited patiently for Molly to get ready.
Molly saw Gene waiting for her in the kitchen and sped up with getting ready. She ran her brush through her hair one final time and grabbed her bag. "Ready," she announced as she grabbed a cinnamon bagel from the cupboard and took a hungry bite.
Gene got up when Molly finally announced she was ready and led her out to the car.
"I'm not sure but I think Sam slept through the night last night. Either that, or I'm getting better at sleeping through his screaming," Gene chuckled. He dropped Molly off at the café and headed for the station.
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When Ffion finally arrived, Chris helped Rowan pack the food to take to the station. She also put together a basket with an assortment of muffins and other goodies to take as well. She knew if she didn't, Ginger would likely call her in tears. She loaded the containers into canvas carry bags and nodded to Chris she was ready to go.
"I won't be long," she told JT and Syed. "Stay out of trouble."
JT and Syed both laughed at Rowan's cautioning and shook their heads. "We're models of good behavior," JT argued and Syed nodded.
"James and I aren't," Ffion put in as she stuck her head around the doorway. Rowan rolled her eyes and bundled into her coat before picking up the bags.
She looked at Chris. "Suppose it's as safe to leave as it will ever be."
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Whitney was thrilled to see the first hour of her class after lunch was cancelled, giving her extra time at lunch. She wasn't sure how long Brett got for lunch but this way, she could spend at least an hour enjoying his company and the second hour getting ahead on her homework. Today was just getting better!
She practically skipped to the cafeteria and grabbed her lunch and sat down at the small table she and Brett had made their own spot. It was a small table but she didn't mind. It kept anyone else from being encouraged to sit with them.
Brett lazily collected his lunch from the hatch and smiled at the ladies that stood around serving the Uni students as they came and went. He turned around and his laptop bag hit his side as it followed him. He smiled as he spotted Whitney's distinctive hair at their usual table. He had liked her the first time he had met her but that feeling had grown as he had got to know her better.
He smiled at her as he sat down opposite her and dumped his tray in front of her and unloaded his laptop. He sighed as he opened it up. "You know that project that I was telling you about yesterday?" he said, sparing a glance at his laptop as it loaded up. "Well, turns out that the topic I decided on wasn't good enough, so I've had to start again! And I'd made a great start on it, too," he sighed and ran a hand through his hair in annoyance.
Whitney made a face of commiseration.
"That's awful! So what topic are you going to choose?" she wanted to know.
With another small sigh he logged into his laptop and looked at her, and her absence of work. He had learnt that Whitney spent a lot of her lunch times doing her work. He raised a speculative eyebrow at her and cocked his head to one side. "Did a dog eat it?" he asked gesturing at her side of the table.
She grinned at his question. "No, the first hour of my afternoon class got cancelled so I get an extra hour for lunch. So, this hour I will focus on my poor mate who has to restart a whole project and therefore needs my undivided attention and support. Then, when you leave I will make a start on my homework."
Brett spun the laptop around so she could see and showed her the list he had narrowed it down to. He sighed as she read through them. He pointed to one on the list. "I was thinking this one, its basically saying that I have to help a small business to expand. So, if you'll let me, then I can help you with your stall. What we can do is hire a company to help produce your shirts and then try and get a high street chain interested?" he smiled at her hopefully. "What d'you think?"
"Really? You want to help me with the stall? Well, I think that's fantastic but how much is it going to cost me? I'm barely paying Jodie to work and having enough left over to cover my living expenses right now," she asked and gnawed at her lip.
Brett chuckled at her. "Don't look so worried. If my plan goes okay then the University give me a budget. I have to pay it all back at the end of course but, that's why I want to help you. We know that your stuff will sell; you just need a bit of a boost. That's where I come in," he grinned. "This isn't going to cost you a penny Whit, the only money that I'm going to need off you is the original cash we use to set this up once the profits start pouring in."
Whitney considered for a few more minutes and then finally nodded. "Okay, let's do it why not? Might as well since I want to start including the outfits I'm going to design. When do we need to start planning this and will you need to do anything to the website? If so, then we should talk to Tamwar. He set the site up for me."
She took a large bite out of her sandwich and thought as she chewed.
"I'm glad you seem to think the profits are going to 'pour' in," she said wryly with a half-smile. "So, what do you need from me?" she asked and took another bite of her sandwich.
Brett smiled at her. "Come on Whit, with your designs people won't be able to resist. We can get the website promoted on the net easily, gouge some interest, and as far as planning goes, I'm all over it," he looked down at his laptop and opened the document that held his ideas and ways to implement them. He showed it to her as he dug into his lunch.
He contemplated her for a moment. What did he need from her? There was a question. "How'd you fancy meeting up at mine one night this week? We can sort all of this out properly when we don't have only an hour to spare?"
"We could do that or at mine or the cafe," she shrugged and took a drink of her coke. "It's definitely going to take more than an hour to plan," she agreed. She looked at his laptop and read over the information.
Brett nodded at her and grabbed his bottle of water. He studied her for a moment as she read over his plans. "So...you'll do it?" he confirmed giving her a cheeky smile.
"I think I'd be a fool not to," she replied. "This is," she gestured at the screen, "a really great plan. I can't believe you're willing to do this for me. Thanks. You've got to be one of the best mates I've ever had."
She patted his arm and took another drink of her coke.
Brett shrugged at her. "It's really nothing Whit, I mean; it's not just for you, although you do benefit enormously if it works. If it does work and your business takes flight then I get the grade that I need," he smiled at her. "I have an ulterior motive, I chose you and your stall because I know your work and I know that it will sell," he grinned and turned his laptop back to him.
"And I'm glad you think I'm a good mate," he smiled at her. "I think you're pretty awesome, too."
"Still, I mean it's one thing when your best mate and your stepmum support you. But, you've only known me a week," she chuckled and blushed furiously. She sat nervously and ate her chips; wishing lunch was longer than an hour. He thought she was awesome. She couldn't wait to tell Molly.
Brett shrugged at her and took another huge bite out of his sandwich. He smiled surreptitiously as she blushed, but didn't acknowledge it. He swallowed his mouthful and looked back down at his plan with a smile, it seemed a whole lot better now that she had agreed to let him use her stall. Of course, it also gave him another reason to hang out with her which was a definite plus.
As she noticed lunch hour nearing its end, she grudgingly grabbed up her bag and pulled out her work to get started.
"Here," she said and jotted her number down on a piece of paper. "Let me know when you want to meet up to work on this. I'll get together the name of the place I get the shirts from and the place that prints the transfers of my designs and what that costs."
Brett nodded at her and grabbed out his phone. He programmed her number into it with a grin and nodded. He finished his food with a sigh an caught sight of the time. He packed up his things and stood up.
"I'm late," he explained and ruffled her hair to mess it up. "See ya later, Whit," he grinned as he went in the direction of the lecture hall.
"Bye," she said and waved. She wondered if she'd run into him tonight and bent her head to her work.
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Gerald watched her go and fell back onto the bed. He checked his watch and sighed. He wouldn't go home until he was certain that Alyssa had left for work. He really wasn't in the mood for one of her explosions. He was far too relaxed for dealing with one of those. He sighed. He still had a couple of hours. He set his alarm on his phone and rolled back onto his side and fell back to sleep.
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Rowan fished her phone out of her pocket as she walked and read Alyssa's text with a chuckle.
"Why would I want to do any such thing? Do I know you?" she fired back. She looked at Chris' confused expression.
"Alyssa just asked me to do her reception; I guess she and Jack are going to set a day," she chuckled. "I'm going to take the piss for just a bit, make her squirm."
Chris shook his head and sighed.
"You are crazy."
She nodded. "You only just noticing that?"
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Alyssa shook her head as he left. He wasn't going to pay for everything. She wouldn't let him. She could buy her own dress. She looked at the time and closed her laptop. She needed to start getting ready for work. She glanced at her phone as it went off and she groaned at Rowan's text.
"Pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty, pwease?"
She dashed upstairs to get ready for work.
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Rowan chuckled again and showed Chris the text. He read it and sighed.
"And what do I get out of it?" she sent back and stuck her phone back in her pocket as they reached the station.
Chris opened the door and led her inside. She stopped first at the little kitchen and put the basket of baked goods there. She had Chris give two of the large bags he carried to Adam to take to the PCs. Rowan found the PCs a bit rowdy and preferred to avoid going into their territory if she could help it.
She went to Gene first and gave him his food. He grinned and handed her the money from the whip round. She smiled and shoved it in her pocket.
"Trusting soul," he cracked, "aren't you even going to count it?"
"Why? I'm sure you know better than to mess me over," Rowan grinned.
"Mercenary," Gene muttered and went into his office and shut the door.
Chris took the rest of the food he had to pass around to Ginger, Rhys and Shaz.
Rowan turned to Ray and handed him a container, very quietly closed the door and perched on his desk.
"So, how is everything?" she asked him, keeping her voice low. She knew Gene would be busy and unlikely to pay attention but she didn't think anyone else would do the same if the door was open so anything they said could be heard.
Ray looked up at her and glanced at the door too. He breathed out steadily.
"Fine. Ronnie's...well, yeah, she's back to normal," he shrugged then looked back up at her face. "That aura thing really works, Ro. It's helping, so thanks," he smiled at her.
Rowan smiled. "I'm glad things are working out. Hopefully she'll stay even-tempered. You're very welcome, I'm glad it helped. I'm still a bit surprised you could do it."
"How're you and Chris?" he asked. "I don't know whether you know...he came to me for advice," he informed her.
She sighed and picked up a pen and toyed with it. "I think we're okay," she replied with a nod. "I suspected he had." She gave a wry chuckle. "I think I still shock him sometimes."
She put the pen down and tucked her hands under her thighs and began to swing her feet and watched them as they moved.
She tilted her head at him. "So, do you know if you're getting a boy or girl yet?"
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Alyssa dressed herself and blow dried her hair as quickly as she could. She sorted everything she needed for work and made sure that she had her laptop charger too. She spotted her phone and read Rowan's text. Alyssa bit her bottom lip and then smiled as an answer came to her.
"My undying gratitude and love AND I will never use 'eyes' on you EVER again xxxxx"
She pulled her coat tightly around her and left the house and walked quickly to the Salon.
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Gerald groaned in agitation as his alarm went off. Why he had chosen that whiny high pitched noise he didn't know. He slammed his hand onto his phone and picked it up to cut off the noise. With a grunt he lifted himself out of the bed and dressed himself. He made sure he had everything then left the B&B. He paid the guy at the front desk and made his way home.
Gerald cautiously shut the door behind him and listened. Nothing. Good. Both at work. He went upstairs to shower and make himself more presentable.
Ronnie went to the club after she got ready and started getting the numbers together for a prospectus to show the bank. She looked at the computer and gnawed a fingernail and kept working, trying to work out some 12 month projections.
After several hours, she thought she had it sorted and called the bank. She managed to get an appointment set up and left a note for Sarah before heading out.
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Rowan heard her phone beep and fished it out of her pocket and read Alyssa's text.
"Yeah, right," she muttered. She saw Ray's face and held up the phone. "Lyss is begging me to do her wedding reception. I guess she and Jack are going to set a date," she explained.
Ray nodded his understanding and held her hand steady as he read. He chuckled and let her go.
"Fine. Consider it done," she sent back and shoved her phone in her pocket.
"So, as I was asking, do you know yet?"
He sat down at his desk and shrugged. "We get to know at her next scan," he explained with a smile. "I asked her what she wanted, boy or girl," he told her. "She said she's still trying to get used to the fact that this is actually happening," he sighed.
Ray looked at Rowan again. "I don't think I mind. I'd like a boy so I can play football an all that with him. But," he shrugged. "I reckon if we have a girl then I'll spoil her rotten," he smiled at her.
"I bet you will," Rowan remarked. She looked at her watch and sighed.
"I better get back, it's likely busy by now. I'll see you later," she said and hopped off his desk. She gave him a quick wave and slipped out of the office, leaving the door open behind her. She hurried back to the restaurant, her mind in chaos. She hadn't expected him to take her hand and read Alyssa's text. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath and let it out slow. She hadn't been ready for him to touch her and hoped he hadn't noticed what the touch of his hand had done to her. She didn't think he had. If he had, he'd hidden it very, very well.
She rushed back to the restaurant and buried herself in her work.
Ray gave her a brief wave and sat thoughtfully in his chair as she left. He flexed his hand, he had felt a tingle when he had touched her, he hadn't been looking for it, but still he had felt it. He wouldn't dwell on it. He sat forward and got lost in his work.
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Alyssa ignored her phone as she focused on sorting customers and finishing her spreadsheet. She sighed as Kim took the woman upstairs, talking loudly about something that Alyssa didn't care to listen to. She picked up her phone and her face bloomed into a smile.
"Thankyou! Thankyou! Thankyou! Thankyou! Xxxxxxxxxxxxx *MASSIVE HUGS!*"
She twirled on her seat in delight and giggled happily. She blushed as she heard someone clear their throat and stood properly and smiled to hide her embarrassment from her next customer.
/\\/\/\\\/\/\/\/\\/\\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Alex yawned as she opened her eyes. She shivered slightly and moved herself backwards, seeking the warmth that usually radiated from Gene. She frowned when she couldn't find him and looked around. Her gaze fell on the clock. He was at work. A small sneeze got her attention and she smiled down at her baby. She kissed his forehead gently and lay back down next to him, grabbing Gene's pillow from beside her as she waited for him to wake up. She wouldn't move until he did.
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Jack couldn't wait for the day to get finished and find out what date Alyssa had decided on. He called Gene and asked him to meet up at the pub that evening. Gene readily agreed. Any excuse.
Jack sent a text off to Alyssa.
"Meeting Gene pub tonite around 6"
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Ronnie left the bank, uncertain if the meeting had gone well or not. The man at the bank had said he would call with an answer. She hoped it would be good news. She paced around the flat and tried to think what to cook for dinner but her mind was taken up with the bank. She finally sent a text to Ray.
"Pick up takeaway on way home. Too worried about bank decision to cook. R x"
Ray sighed and grabbed his phone as soon as he felt it start to vibrate; he couldn't wait to be finished. Just one hour to go and he could go home to Ronnie. He read her text and nodded.
"Feel like Chinese. Fingers crossed :D xx"
He sighed as he dropped his phone and fixed his eyes on the clock on his computer as he willed time to go faster.
As soon as his shift was over Ray grabbed his coat and shoved his phone deep into his pocket. He waved briefly at the rest of them in the office as he made his way out into the chilly January air. He inhaled deeply and started on his way towards the Chinese takeaway to pick up their tea.
He strolled out carrying the bag that held the food and made his way home quickly. He shut the door behind him and dropped the bag on the kitchen table then went to the fridge to get a beer. "Ronnie?" he called out as he went towards the sitting room.
"In here," Ronnie called from the bedroom and picked up the laptop and carried it into the front room. "Just going over the numbers again. I still haven't heard from the bank and it's driving me crazy," she growled through clenched teeth. "I can't even hope to make an offer if the bank doesn't approve this loan," she sighed.
Ray raised his eyebrows at her as she marched in and took the laptop off her. He placed it carefully next on the table and took hold of her face. He kissed her softly. "There," he smiled and let go of her as he went to unload the food.
"Concentrate on something else, Ron, what is it they say?" he frowned as he fought to find the phrase he wanted. "That's it, 'a watched pot never boils', and guess what, the same thing applies to phones. So help me get this lot unpacked and eaten."
Ronnie sighed. "I can't help it. I really want this. With the sort of GOP coming in now, I can do a lot with the club and the extra money will help with the baby coming," she sighed. "I know Jack will give me time, but I really don't want to go to Roxy. I really want to do this on my own," she sighed and began grabbing food out of the bag.
"I mean, the man at the bank looked impressed but who can tell really?" she groaned and sat down at the table and started on her food. "Thank you for this. I was sure I would burn dinner if I tried to cook," she added with a weak smile.
Ray chuckled at her and shook his head. "Not a problem. If you're like this then a takeout is definitely a safer option," he grinned at her. He took her hand. "Ron. Seriously, try to calm down. It's going to be fine; they haven't exactly got a good reason to say no have they? So chill!" he smiled at her and grabbed some food onto a plate.
/\\/\/\\\/\/\/\/\\/\\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Alyssa tapped her pen on her chin as she fished in her mind for a date. She couldn't decide, the day they met seemed like a good idea, or have a winter wedding? She didn't know, couldn't decide. She looked down at her phone and read Jack's text
"Ok. Can't decide on date! Wat u think of winter wedding?"
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"U sure? Winter nearly done ha. Prefer warmer weather :D" he sent back.
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Alyssa smiled. That narrowed her choices right down. Summer, hopefully warm, but in Britain who could say? She twirled her pen in her hand and text back the date she had decided on to him.
"July?"
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"Or earlier if you like :D. Who will b your maid?" he sent back. "Am going to order dinner from, Ro." He sent after that.
/\\/\/\\\/\/\/\/\\/\\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
"So, has she set a date?" Rowan asked Jack after getting his order.
"No, not yet. Still thinking it over it seems."
"Well, she can consider the food and all to be a wedding gift from me."
"Aw, Ro, that's fantastic."
"How could I not do that for her?" she asked with a grin she knew he could hear in her voice and hung up.
/\\/\/\\\/\/\/\/\\/\\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Chris helped her with the last of the cleaning after the food was all picked up and JT and Syed had left. Rowan leaned against him as they sat on the couch. She gazed at his face and stroked his cheek. She loved him so much, so why couldn't she still get Ray out of her head? It was all so wrong.
She pushed the thoughts of Ray aside and leaned up to whisper in Chris' ear. Chris smiled as he grabbed her and pinned her to the couch and kissed her.
/\\/\/\\\/\/\/\/\\/\\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Alyssa smiled down at her phone. Earlier? She chuckled and read his other text. Food from Rowan. Brilliant! She knew who she wanted for her maid of honour, chief bridesmaid, whatever you called her! Alyssa already knew that she wanted Rowan to do it
"Am gonna ask Ro 2 maid! Duh! :D"
"Guessed as much," he sent back and chuckled.
/\\/\/\\\/\/\/\/\\/\\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Jack drove to the restaurant and got the food and then headed for the pub. He waved at Gene and joined him at the bar.
"Am pub with food. J x," he sent off to Alyssa and then ordered a pint for himself and one for Gene.
"Look, mate," he began when he had Gene's attention. "It looks like Lyss and I are going to set a date and well, I'd like to ask you to be my best man."
Gene's eyes widened at Jack's request. He had to admit, they had become quite good mates and Jack had proven to be a good person to vent to when Alex's hormones during her pregnancy had got to her and now that the baby was here and he was losing sleep. He could always count on Jack to be up for meeting at the pub and have reasonable advice.
He took a drink of his pint and nodded.
"I'd be honored, mate," Gene said. "I'll give you a stag do you won't soon forget," he promised with a wicked grin. Jack's grin widened to match Gene's and they cheered glasses before draining their pints and ordering new.
"I'm trying to calm down but this is just so infuriating. I mean, the bloody appointment was three hours ago! How long does it take to say yes or no. Either the plan is sound or it's not," Ronnie ranted as she slammed her fork down and stood up.
"I'm trying to chill but this is frankly ridiculous!"
She shoved her hands into her hair and stalked into the front room.
Ray dropped his cutlery and went after her. Hormones. Bloody Hormones! He stalked after her into the front room and placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her around. "Ronnie! They'll call when they bloody well call!" he told her firmly "So please! Put it OUT of your mind!" he growled at her.
Ronnie stared at him wide-eyed and burst into tears. She pulled away from him and collapsed on the couch.
"I'm trying to, Ray, I'm trying," she sobbed. "I just..." she trailed off and began to wring her hands.
"There's so...much riding...on this and I just can't...think straight," she explained between sobs.
Ray sighed. This was what got at him. How she could be wound up an angry one second, then break down before he knew it. He collapsed down next to her and pulled her against his chest. He rocked her gently and kissed the top of her head. "Come on, Ronnie," he said softly. "It's going to be fine. They'll call soon. Don't worry," he soothed.
Ronnie leaned against him and sobbed, furious at herself for losing control again and furious in general. She hated these hormonal outbursts and she hated how they had to be affecting Ray.
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry," she whined as she pressed her face against his chest and curled up with him. She looked up at him and blinked. "I really hate this, Ray. I hate being so out of control."
Ronnie jumped as she heard her phone ring.
"Oh, please get it for me, I sound terrible. Just give me a minute," she said hurriedly and ran for the bathroom to rinse her face.
Ray kissed the top of her head before she ran off and made a dash for the phone. He grabbed it and pressed it to his ear as he forced his thumb to hit the green button.
"Hello? Ray Carling speaking," he said into the phone.
"Yes, I would like to speak to Veronica Mitchell, please. This is Mr. Hammerton from the bank."
Ronnie rinsed her face and blew her nose before hurrying back in. She cleared her throat experimentally and held out her hand for the phone.
"Yes, sure," he replied and smiled encouragingly at Ronnie before handing her the phone.
"This is Veronica Mitchell…yes….okay," Ronnie said, trying to make her voice sound calm and cool and began to gnaw her lip as she listened, nodding occasionally. She put the phone down and stood and stared at the wall a moment before turning to Ray.
"I….well….it looks like I can make Jack an offer, a good offer," she said, her voice soft and stunned. Then she shrieked and leapt at Ray, knocking him back on the couch as she fastened her lips on his. Her hands flew to his waist and began furiously unfastening his trousers, nearly tearing them in her haste. She sat up slightly and grabbed the hem of her skirt and yanked the skirt up around her waist before gluing her lips to his again.
Ray fell backwards onto the sofa, startled. He had been prepared to offer his congratulations and envelope her in a bone-breaking hug, but apparently she had other ideas. Not that he minded. His hands slide up her legs and settled on her hips, holding her steady and he raised his head and kissed her harder. His hands left her waist and pushed his boxers down too. His curled his hand into her knickers and tore them away; he pulled her down to him and plunged into her.
Ronnie moaned into the kiss as she felt him inside her. She raised her head as she rode him and pulled off her top and bra. She wanted his hands on her. She leaned over, her hair curtaining their faces and brushed her lips against his as her fingers dug into his shoulders and she began to move faster.
"Oh, Ray," she whispered, her breath rasping in her throat.
She was so glad she hadn't been put off this again. Not now that he touched her exactly when and where and how she wanted to be touched, kissed her exactly when and where and how she wanted to be kissed. He'd always been so good at it before, but now, he seemed to be anticipating and it drove her wild.
Ray groaned at the sight of her and his thrusts became more frantic. His hand swept over her back and cupped her head as he pressed his lips against hers. His other hand caressed her waist as he moved his lips from hers and left a trail of lingering kisses down her neck to her breasts.
How he had ever ended up with her he couldn't figure out. She was perfect in every way imaginable. Having her in his life was important; he knew that, but also the baby. Since he had heard the heartbeat a week ago he had been catching himself day dreaming not only of Ronnie but of their child too, be it a boy or a girl.
He could feel his approaching climax and growled out her name as his mouth left her breasts and went back to her lips. He clutched her to him fiercely, suddenly needing to feel her pressed against him as he kissed her deeply.
Ronnie lost all sense as she felt Ray explode within her and she pulled from the kiss as she threw her head back and shrieked his name as the orgasm hit her. She gasped for air and collapsed on him, spent and shaking.
She sighed and pressed a kiss to his cheek as she trailed the fingers of one hand down his arm.
"I feel better now," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper as she began to doze off.
Ray closed his arms around her happily and held her. "I love you, Ronnie," he told her quietly as he felt her breathing even out and recognised that she was falling asleep. He eased her into a careful upright position and slipped an arm under her legs as he lifted her easily off the sofa. He spared a look at the half eaten Chinese on the table. That was tomorrow's dinner sorted then.
Ray laid Ronnie on the bed gently and moved the quilt to cover her as he slid in beside her and draped an arm around her waist loosely. His lips pressed a kiss to her shoulder as his eyes drooped and he fell asleep.
/\\/\/\\\/\/\/\/\\/\\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Alyssa waited for the final person to leave, sporting some amazing purple highlights that Alyssa complimented to the woman's delight. She grinned at Kim as she left too, and then shut up the Salon as all the girls filed out and went their separate ways. She slung her bag over her shoulder and placed a hand over her stomach as it grumbled. Food. Jack was in the pub. With food. She smiled and made her way over. It didn't surprise her to see Kim going in the same direction.
She followed her into the pub and immediately spotted Jack and Gene next to the bar. She went over to them and smiled at Gene and kissed Jacks cheek in greeting. "Where's the food?" she grinned at him.
Jack handed her the bag with the food in it.
"So, any closer to a decision? Gene here has just agreed to be my best man," he told her.
Gene nodded and raised his glass at Alyssa.
"So hurry up and pick a date love so I can start planning the stag do," he told her and chuckled.
Jack turned to Alyssa and rolled his eyes. He pressed a kiss to her lips.
"Just a couple more, then I'll be home," he told her.
Alyssa grinned at Gene and smiled at Jack as she took the bag "I'll try, I've got it narrowed down to the summer, so you won't have to worry about school," she told him as she looped the bag over her wrist.
She planted a swift kiss on his cheek and smiled at the two of them before calling out a goodbye and leaving the pub. She made her way home quickly in an effort to get out of the cold. That was going to be an advantage. In the summer she wouldn't freeze in her dress. She shut the door swiftly behind her.
"Dad?" she called out.
"What!" came the gruff reply from the front room. She poke her head around the door and smiled, Gerald had taken up residence in the main armchair and had a pint resting in one hand and the newspaper on his lap as he stared intently at the TV. She looked at the screen and sighed. Horse Racing.
"I didn't know we had that channel?" she commented as she came in and sat on the sofa with the food at her feet.
"You don't. Channel 4," he replied gruffly.
She nodded and raised her eyebrows as she watched a horse fall on a fence "Which ones yours?"
"Red hat, green jersey," he mumbled without taking his gaze off the screen. She nodded and spotted the horse he had a bet on. It wasn't doing too badly. "What are the od..." she stopped talking as he launched the paper at her and she took the hint, she ran her finger down the column for that race and found the horse and the odds when the paper had been printed. She shrugged 5-1 not bad.
"Put a fiver on. Place," he said before she could ask. Alyssa nodded and sighed as she handed the paper back. She kissed the top of his head and held up the bag. "Jack got food from Ro. He's in the pub."
All she got in response was a nod. She gave up trying to communicate and went to heat up the food. She smiled as she heard him yell something at the TV and held back the remark that they couldn't hear him.
Alyssa fixed herself a plate and took some food through for her Dad too. She handed him the plate which he placed on the side table with a word of thanks. He tapped the buttons on a calculator and worked out how much he had won. He looked up and grinned at her as he moved the table with his plate on towards him.
"Dad?"
Gerald raised an eyebrow at her "Alyssa?" She smiled back at him. "Jack and I are deciding on the date of our wedding, and, I'd like you to give me away" she smiled at him.
Gerald stopped his fork halfway to his mouth and let it go back to his plate. He stood up and went over to the sofa next to her. He slid an arm around her shoulders and planted a kiss on her forehead. "I'd be honoured, Alyssa".
She grinned up at him and gave him a hug. "Thank you." He grinned down at her. "You decided on a date then?" She shook her head. "This summer. Sometime," she shrugged.
As promised, Jack only had a couple more pints with Gene before heading home.
"I hope you saved me food," he called out as he came into the house and went straight into the kitchen to seek out his meal. He grinned delightedly at the sight of his plate and warmed it in the microwave before heading into the front room to join Alyssa on the couch.
Alyssa came back from doing the washing up and stood in the doorway to the front room. She smiled at her dads vacated seat and Jack sprawled out on the sofa. She grinned as she watched his eyes started to close and she moved over and grabbed his hand. She tugged it to make him sit up and smiled. "Come on, sleepy head," she grinned and helped him to stand before leading him upstairs and getting into bed.
Whitney tried hard to concentrate during her final class but it wasn't easy. Okay, it wasn't a real date, but it was planning to see each other instead of just running into each other after school and hanging out. And since she'd had a free hour she had got her homework done. What a great day it had been! She resolved she would go to the pub to celebrate.
She packed up her things and bounded from her class with a huge grin on her face. She headed toward the entrance to the school, realizing for once she didn't care that she would have to ride the tube. Brett had sort of asked her out!
She grabbed out her phone and sent off a text to Molly.
"Brett sort of asked me out. Tell u more later!"
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"OMG! Im round urs anyway! Hurry Home! I want gossip! :)xx"
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"Going 2 pub 2 celebrate" Whitney sent back and shoved her phone back in her pocket as she craned her neck to see if she could cross the road.
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Molly nodded at the text and looked up Peter. "Whit's going down the pub. Fancy meeting up with her?" she smiled at him.
"Yeah, sounds good. Let's go," Peter said happily and slammed his book shut. He was tired of doing homework anyway.
/\\/\/\\\/\/\/\/\\/\\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Whitney hurried across the street and half-ran to the tube station. She couldn't wait to tell Molly about Brett's project.
/\\/\/\\\/\/\/\/\\/\\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Molly grinned at him and took his hand as they went to the Pub. She smiled at Gene as she spotted him at the bar with Mr Rimmer. She let go of Peter and gave Gene a quick hug before getting Roxy's attention.
"Hey, Molly, what can I get you?"
"Two cokes, please, Roxy," she smiled back and fished the money out of her pocket. She handed it over and stood around, waiting for her change. She shoved it back into her pocket and handed Peter his coke. "Let's grab a table for when Whit gets here."
Whitney bounced her leg in agitation the whole ride to the Square and bolted off the tube as fast as she could go and ran to the pub. She burst inside, breathless but unable to stop smiling. She dropped her things on the seat by Molly and went to the bar and ordered a drink from Roxy before going back to sit down.
"So, get this. He has to do this marketing project, help build up a small business and make it more profitable and he chose mine! He wants to get together with me sometime this week and go over everything. So that's sort of a date, yeah? I mean, it's not like when we meet up for lunch or when he happens to catch me when I'm leaving school and offers me a ride and we hang out," she blurted out, her excitement getting the better of her. "So, I gave him my number and he's gonna call me and we'll sort out a date and time, eeeeee, I'm just so excited," she enthused.
Molly grinned at Whitney. "So when, where and will you kiss him?" she grinned back as she sipped her coke.
Whitney's eyes widened. "I don't know that do I?" she gasped in shock. "If I thought he'd go for it I would have kissed him already. I'm gonna wait until he makes the first move. I don't want him to think I'm easy or anything," she said with a sly grin and winked at Molly.
Peter sighed and rolled his eyes.
Whitney chatted on with Peter and Molly through two drinks before the excitement caught up with her and she realized how tired she was.
"I better get home. Big week I think," she said before her jaws cracked in a yawn.
Molly stood and hugged Whitney. Gene was still here she could grab a lift off him. "Have fun at Uni tomorrow, and text me if anything else happens with Brett," she chuckled.
Peter pulled Molly into a hug and pressed a quick kiss against her lips.
"See you tomorrow morning," he said and left.
/\\/\/\\\/\/\/\/\\/\\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Gene noticed it was late and Molly's friends were leaving so he went over.
"You ready for home? Your mum will be wondering where we are," he said and led her out of the pub before speeding them home in the Quattro.