Hello again.. sorry for the delay.. it seems to be the most echoed sentiment in every fanfic. But life rarely takes a backseat. That being said.. my world is a bit topsy turvy with the influx of emotions over the state of civic matters.. none of which I will go into here. This is my safe place.. my escape.. thus
On to the more important..
Thank you to all who have read, reviewed, followed, favorited! It is an honor to have you on this journey. Only four more chapters left...
marsupial1974 - my lovely partner in crime.. thank you for the fairy tales and happy endings.. always..not to mention the constant pushes I need to get my arse in gear
TheAeacusProject - read his stuff! now! Think action, thriller but with our lovely gang and excellent vocabulary..
Crevette - delightfully feel good inspiration... almost the holidays.. (cough) maybe a bit of fluffy Naomily goodness from you (cough)
negroamigo - loyal and dedicated...
new(ish) reviewers who caught my eye but may not have shouted out to: HaroldSaxonPM, harpo7887, the vecar, JimVonJam, fragrantlily90
A shout to my rp group bristolskinsrp on tumblr .. still my second home though there are only a handful of us left.. Class acts and top notch writers there.. If you want to audition for a Skins character, please do so.
To anyone I didn't name by name.. or don't know about.. or should know about.. or are tickled by my little story.. hit me up with a DM.. and I will rectify post-haste..
Also, to all the writers who have left our fandom (but are hopefully still reading or keeping in touch), thank you for the words. We are all here for our own reasons and our own connection to this world. Sharing our hopes and tales is a way of uniting people that would have likely never met or interacted otherwise. It is a lovely privilege.
Disclaimer: only two cups into the caffeine and had 6 straight days of rain on the mountain as well as having to limit my time on ALL social media.. so be aware of my mental state as such... also.. no owning Skins, characters...
Naomi stroked Emily's hair, letting the feeling of complete love take over. She kissed her temple and continued kissing down her face until their lips touched. The fire between them, thought extinguished by the mutual climax, stirred. The embers burning brighter as if fed by oxygen. They moaned into the kiss. Naomi was the one to break first. "Wow.. lil'Red."
Gangplank - Chapter 36
"We have too many cupboards." Naomi stood in front of the kitchen cabinet looking at the half filled space. "We don't have enough stuff to fill all of this space." Emily was bringing out an empty box from their bedroom and smiled at her girlfriend. Most of the unpacking was done as neither had a lot of things. They had plenty of books which was why their new flat had built in bookcases which were half full already. Music too. Naomi had a vinyl collection and a CD collection she refused to part with. Kieran even tried bargaining with her for it. It didn't work. Emily broke the box apart and put it near the rubbish bin then went to Naomi. She wrapped her arms around her from behind and put her face against her back.
"We don't need to fill them.. we have enough dishes, glasses.. enough at least for the gang to come to dinner some day.."
"But do you see the amount of space? Why would anyone need that much? It's criminal.. for people to own that many kitchen things.. gadgets.. that they could fill all of that space."
Emily laughed and squeezed Naomi. "You are your mother's daughter." She mumbled as Naomi protested. Another laugh erupted from Emily. "Some people like to cook. Some people have small appliances that they'd rather not clutter the counter with.. I don't know Naoms... Speaking of cooking.. I'm getting hungry. Don't remember us unpacking food.." She sighed loudly which caused Naomi to shake her head.
"We can get Nando's.. or something.. No way I'm going to the store now.. Food shopping should never be done on an empty stomach. Last time you went we ended up with how many packages of pasta? And we haven't fire extinguishers yet so cooking is best left for another day." She laughed and turned around, putting her own arms around Emily. "Aside from the state of the empty kitchen.. still happy?"
"Delirious." She smiled and kissed Naomi's lips. When she pulled away, she made a face. "Of course I could be delirious because I've not been fed." She giggled as Naomi groaned.
"Fine let's go." They walked out of the kitchen and grabbed their jackets.
..
..
Effy and Katie took the train into London the night before and stayed in a hotel. They wanted to be fresh and ready for the meeting with the lawyers and Anthea the next morning. Their intent at breaking away from her had been made glaringly obvious when she was served with papers while Anwar enabled the new firewall and software to effectively lock her out of Stonem House's systems and records.
It was as hostile a takeover as it could have been. After Sid had reviewed all of the financials and Grace had looked over their client lists and agreements, the decision was made to serve papers and cut them off from Anthea in one move. No friendly warning. They couldn't afford to be embroiled in a huge lock out of their own systems and revenue should Effy's mom decided to not concede to their split. Even if it was within their rights according to the business agreement signed by them when they formed Stonem House, it didn't mean she would agree to it amicably. At least not without some convincing.
Once the papers were served, a volley of phone calls between Anthea to Effy, Naomi, Katie, and even Cook, ensued. There wasn't anything memorable said. She mostly shrieked, lobbed insults and made threats. Effy was polite while Katie kept hanging up on her. Naomi put her phone on mute and walked away from it as the voice on the other end yelled and screamed. Cook merely handed his phone over right from the get go. He wanted nothing to do with the screaming. Emily was rather thankful she wasn't readily available by mobile but then Anthea called the direct line to Stonem House. Effy took over the call after she could see Emily getting agitated. She informed her mother that any phone calls of that nature would result in a protective order. She asked that any further business communication be handled through their solicitors. A meeting in London was set up.
The girls had met up with Chris and Grace at their offices. There was a conference room set up with coffee and tea. They weren't expecting a friendly meeting but Chris seemed almost relaxed. Not that Grace seemed nervous. It gave Effy and Katie a sense of serenity they weren't expecting. They held hands regardless and waited for the storm to hit. Katie could swear she watched Effy go into her ice maiden facade and it was both scary and a turn on.
Anthea and two lawyers arrived about ten minutes late. Exhibiting the same coolness her daughter possessed, she strode in. The only difference was the raging fire in her eyes. Grace greeted them as the receptionist escorted them into the conference room.
"Grace, lovely as ever." A dark haired lawyer in a sharp suit shook her hand and smiled.
"Richard." She merely said his name but tilted her head with affection.
"Gracie luv.. how are you?" The second lawyer shook her hand but hugged her.
"Alo.. always the hands.." He backed up with a start, his hands raised in a surrender motion. She laughed and waved for him to sit down. A few pleasant introductions were exchanged between the lawyers, Effy and Katie. Anthea refused to shake hands or acknowledge anyone save for staring and seething at her daughter. For her part, Effy remain nonplussed while still holding on to Katie's hand who kept a tight grip on her. She wasn't nervous any more. Not when her protective side was kicking in. She wouldn't let Anthea intimidate or somehow belittle her daughter. Katie knew she could hold her own but it wasn't the point. This was her Effy and she would draw blood if necessary.
After being seated on opposite sides of the conference table, Chris began to talk. "It is lovely that you could meet us here this morning Mrs. Stonem... you and your.." He stopped mid-sentence as Anthea turned her head and stared at him. She was sending him daggers for daring him to speak. "Well isn't that something... Grac.." He stopped as Syd barged in with apologies and a stack of folders. He shook hands with Alo and Rich but was snubbed by Anthea. He handed out the folders to each person and took a seat.
Rich opened the folder to skim through the information. Alo kept looking around the room and almost stood up to get himself coffee when Rich cleared his throat and made sure Alo understood that he needed to stay put. Neither Grace nor Effy looked at the folder. Katie touched hers but Effy gripped her hand under the table. She was staring into her mother's eyes. A staring contest that neither could possibly win. Chris clapped his hands loudly, startlingly about half of the group. "Well...While this Mexican standoff is all well and good.. rather cinematic really.. I've got other things on my schedule. Syd, what do I have on my agenda?"
"Not your secretary Chris." Syd responded as he pushed up his glasses. Chris looked over at him then dug out his phone. He tried swiping the screen and then punching in something but he was growing frustrated. Syd shook his head and took the phone from him. He tapped on the screen twice and brought up his calendar. "You've nothing else scheduled." He handed back the phone. Chris looked it over and smiled while nodding.
"Seems like I'm done for the day." Rich, Alo and Anthea looked over at him as did Katie. Effy smiled smugly as she wasn't the first to break eye contact. Anthea's head turned back to her. The utter contempt in her eyes contradicted the blush in her cheeks as Effy simply smiled and shrugged one shoulder.
"I'm sorry to interject but we haven't even started. How can you be done?" Rich looked over at Grace who smiled at him. He looked at her and she shook her head slightly. Then Rich turned all of his attention back to the folder in front of him. They knew each other well enough to realize the subtext.
"What am I missing? Are you giving in? Offering us tons of money? Cause we could entertain an offe.." Alo stopped talking when he looked at Anthea who looked like she was ready to snap anyone's head off. He had enough sense to shut his mouth.
"As I was saying.. I'm done for the day.. so I'm going to step outside this lovely room.. out on that balcony with the breathtaking view of.. the back of that other building.. and smoke this handsome fellow." He pulled out a joint. He smelled it and Alo's eyes almost popped out of his head. A disgusted sound escaped Anthea's lips. Rich paid no mind as Grace watched him. Effy watched her mother. Katie was observing everybody in pure incredulity. "My colleagues here..Grace and Syd.. they'll gladly take your signature and complete surrender." Grace slapped his shoulder. "I mean.. they'll witness your consideration and ultimately your acceptance to the dissolution of your partnership and co-ownership of Stonem House."
"Over my dead fucking body." Anthea growled as Rich turned the pages in the folder in front of him and looked a bit pale.
"Not necessary Mrs. Stonem.. Anthea if I may." Chris smiled and put the joint between his lips as he searched for a lighter. He found a random pill in his jacket pocket and popped it, dry swallowing it. "Funerals are costly and you're never certain what happens once you're in the coffin..Anyway..By the time I'm done with this glorious baby, Grace... Ms. Blood will have explained all the proper ins and outs of why you are signing that document in front of you, taking our money and.. well I don't remember what else but I'm sure there's something equally distasteful that will make it all the harder to swallow. Now if anyone cares to partake of this.." He waves the joint and then sniffs it again happily.. "Feel free to step out with me."
Rich stopped reading and grabbed Alo's arm with force. "But.. he's.." He looked longingly at Chris walking out on the balcony. "Rich..this is so not fair. He gets to.." Rich met his eyes and shook his head no then pointed to the open folder in front of him. Alo opened his folder and found the section Rich was pointing at and started reading while glancing at Chris. There was a definite pout on his lips until he got the gist of what he was reading. Then the ginger's pale face lost even more colour.
"I suppose you're going to dazzle us?" Anthea took out a cigarette case from her bag and started to light up. She paused. "Blood? Any relation to Prime Minister David Blood?
"Of course I'm going to dazzle you Mrs. Stonem. Richard should be used to it." She addressed him by name and with a laugh shook her head. "And yes.. Father always had lofty goals." She smiled and appreciated the slight hesitation she saw in Anthea's eyes. "Rich has managed to read through some of it. It would be wise to have your client peruse it as well." She pressed a button on the intercom system on the table and asked that an ashtray be brought in.
"Look here you little shit.. Fancy lawyers.. your father.. None of it scares me.. whatever tactics you've cooked up with that miscreant on the patio... It won't work.. you may have been hired by these ungrateful little twats to steal the business out from under me but that's not going to happen. I'm not signing shit for you..for them." She took a drag from her cigarette and blew the smoke out across the table. "I'd rather see the fucking place closed up and shuttered.. them out on their collective arse.. pimping their wares on street corners." Katie was about to explode but Effy stopped her. She was smiling and snickering. Anthea's eyes would have bore a hole through Effy if not for the younger Stonem's impermeable veneer. "I don't know where you get off. You're my daughter. You're supposed to side with me on all things. How can you lead this.. coup?"
"Rather effortlessly thanks to you mum." Her voice was cold and it made Syd sink a little in his seat. Grace kicked him under the table and he sat up straight. "Katie.. I think we can leave my mum off the guest list love."
"Mrs. Stonem.." Rich had moved unnoticed and was standing next to Anthea. His hand was on her shoulder but she shook him off. It also sounded like she growled.
"Guest list?" She laughed viciously. "If you think you're having a grand celebration at Stonem House..." Effy was tapping her fingers calmly on the table. Anthea stopped as she looked at her daughter's hand and saw the ring. "You're joking? You? And the twin?" She scoffed and shook her head. "Of all the stupid things you've done in your life Elizabeth.. this might be the topper. Marrying isn't in our nature. You should have paid better attention. Look how your father and I turned out. I can only imagine it will go worse for the two of you." Rich touched her shoulder again and she turned to him with a hiss. To his credit, he opened her folder and flipped it to the right page. He pointed to the section he needed her to read. She looked down and her face froze. "What the bloody hell is this?"
"That Mrs. Stonem.. is a sworn statement from a particular magistrate ‐ a client I believe... If you look past that, you will see other documents of similar fashion.. all from clients. They all implicate you and London House staff in several unethical and possibly criminal offenses dating back ten years. Everything from coercion to impeding police investigations.. plural. See.. if we fail to reach an accord regarding Stonem House, it won't be the one getting shuttered." Grace was smiling but there was a certainty in her eyes that conveyed a keen mind. "And before you say there is no proof, we have acquired audio and video recordings from the clients that they either obtained while in your establishment or as a part of discovery in past cases... past closed cases which are technically a matter of public record. It's all easily accessible. You simply need to be clever enough on where to look and disseminate the information. Fortunately, for us, no one involved bothered to look before... else the evidence might have gone missing.. or been corrupted."
Katie's cheeks flushed as she realized how badly it all sounded for Anthea and then the realization that they would be able to walk away. She wasn't entirely sure what was being intimated was completely legal or ethical but after all they'd been through, she was willing to let the lawyers sort that out. The only thing that kept her from smiling was the shade of purple Anthea's face was turning. Effy was impassive. She didn't smile but wasn't upset either. Grace uncapped a pen and passed it across the table. She clasped her hands in front of her and stared at the woman shooting daggers at her daughter until she was looking back at her. With a smile, she started to talk. "The only way you get out of this.. and by this I mean the massive legal actions taken against you by several outside parties should these things come to light.. is by signing the prepared document which includes non-disclosure agreements from all parties.. not to mention receiving the none-too-shabby settlement we are paying you."
"You wretched, ungrateful fucking little.."
"That is enough!" Grace was on her feet, her hands firmly planted on the table. "Another outburst out of you Mrs. Stonem and I will see that every bit of available dirt gets front and center headline grabbing attention in every media outlet from here to Tokyo.. I will personally grant interviews to every social media platform, gossip column and tabloid publication I can find. They will get copies of everything already on public record as well as my personal opinion on what kind of clientele you might be engaging with. I'll also add the nuanced possibility that you've been involved in a cover-up which ended up in the tragic death of one of your employees while endangering the life of others including your own flesh and blood. Everyone will know about you and London House. Privacy and discretion will no longer be an option for your business model. That doesn't matter to you does it? Oh wait.. isn't that part of your contract with them.. your clients?" She was no longer smiling and the look in her eyes was purely feral. "Such little things.. privacy.. discretion." She leaned forward an inch. "Isn't that a clause in your client agreements? Any impropriety on your behalf, for any reason, would create an opening for at least a dozen civil liability cases.. not including the ones we would be filing on behalf of all the Stonem House employees. It was, after all, your negligence that allowed Dr. Foster to infiltrate their workplace and cause grievous bodily harm to more than one of your employees. Not to mention the mental and emotional toil it has taken on everyone. You've already admitted wrongful death if only by paying the deceased's family for their loss."
Rich had remained silent and kept a step back from the very angry woman that was his client. He would have advised her to be quiet and possibly hold off on signing if only to give him a moment to reconcile that the information he'd read was as damning as he thought. But none of it mattered. Anthea was picking up the pen and signing the forms. Grace passed over a second set of papers and she signed those as well without uttering a single word. The color in her face still fluctuating between red and purple. She practically threw the papers back to them. Syd managed to catch them and started straightening them out. He rechecked the signatures and nodded. Out of his jacket pocket, he took out an envelope and handed it to Grace who handed it to Rich. "That's a check for the amount agreed on. Pleasure doing business."
He nodded as Anthea yanked the envelope out of his hand and stood up. Alo shrunk back further in his chair. She looked at Grace then at Effy and Katie. Katie made eye contact while Effy remained unaffected. Anthea shook her head and stormed out leaving Rich and Alo behind. There was a collective breath let out by everyone.
"Holy fuck." Katie managed to say out loud before Effy started laughing which set off Grace.
"Can I go out and smoke with Chris now?" Alo speaks up looking hopeful.
..
..
A few days after the documents were signed, Katie and Effy found themselves outside a small home in Bristol. The twin was fidgeting as Effy held her hand and a bottle of wine. "Katie.. relax.. we're good." She tried calming her down a bit. She wondered if she was worried that she might say something to JJ but she was wrong. Effy had enough time to reconcile everything. She knew there was more to a person than who they dated. Jealousy was more than dealt with and she fathomed the friendship with JJ would do good for her girl.
"No shit we're good babe.. but we're meeting his son.. I don't know what I was thinking. Maybe we should have done this over ice cream. Kids like ice cream. I like ice cream. Even you're fond of ice cream."
"You're worried about the offspring?" Effy smiled as Katie's nerves took a whole other dimension.
"He's not offspring! He's his son for fuck's sake. I want to make a good impression." She was blushing. After a few moments, Katie was about to push the doorbell when the door flew open. A curly haired boy with green eyes stood in front of them.
"You've been standing out there for four minutes and 35 seconds without ringing the bell. Are you planning on doing so or are you at the wrong address?" He looked from Katie to Effy and then fell silent.
"Arthur Albert Jones! What have I told you about opening the front door.." JJ was rushing towards the door wearing an apron with little spacemen on it. He stopped when he saw the girls. He blushed and smiled as he put his hands on the boy's shoulders. "Sorry.. he has a habit.. it's not a good one.. opening the door for people.. not that it's wrong in this case.. because you are here.. and I want you here.. but.. I'm sorry did you ring the bell? Did I not hear it. It's a possibility after all. I was tending to the lasagna."
They stood there as Katie and JJ looked at each other and then glanced down at the boy who seemed to be stuck staring at Effy. She was the first to break the awkward silence.
"Nice apron JJ." She smiled and handed him the wine. He blushed harder and said thanks. "So this is junior?"
"Actually his name is.."
"Arthur Albert Jones.. pleased to make your acquaintance." The little boy pulled away from his father and stuck his hand out to Effy. She looked at him curiously and took his hand.
"Oh.. well.. Elizabeth Stonem. This is my fianceé Katie Fitch. It's a pleasure to meet you." He shook hands with her then with Katie. His eyes left Effy for only the briefest moment.
"Nice to meet you Arthur. I've heard an awful lot about you." Katie bent down and spoke to the boy but he merely tilted his head and then looked back at Effy.
"Please.. come in.. let me take your coats." JJ ushered them in and took Katie's coat. He was about to take Effy's but Arthur stepped in and took it from her. He walked over to the coat rack where a little step stool sat. He climbed up and hung up her coat diligently. His actions were curious to all as he came back and offered Effy his arm.
"I can show you to the sitting room. We have mango juice." He cleared his throat. "Or tea.. older people like tea." There was a hint of color on his cheeks reminiscent of his father's own present hue but he seemed much more in command of his actions. "Please." He led them all to the sitting room as Katie and JJ walked behind them and giggled. Effy turned around and glared at the two of them. The girls took seats on the couch but left room for Arthur to sit with them.
There was a bit of awkward silence again as the adults settled on a topic of conversation. Arthur stayed seated next to Effy and merely looked at her. Katie had tried engaging him but he kept his answers short and to the point. Finally he cleared his throat and spoke. "Elizabeth.. would you like to see my spaceship? It's not a real spaceship. Daddy says I need to be older to have a real one. But it's a good replica. We rigged up little lights that turn on and off in sequence." He looked so serious as he asked that Effy couldn't help but smile and agree to look at it. He led her away by the hand.
"Well.. that was unexpected." JJ marveled at his son's focus to the generally standoffish woman.
"I think he's got a crush on my Effy." They looked at each other and started giggling again. It wasn't long before the oven dinged and JJ hollered that lunch was ready. Katie watched in rapt attention as Arthur led Effy to the dining table and pulled her chair out for her. He looked at Katie and walked over to pull her chair out too. "Thank you." She looked at Effy who seemed to be both amused and a bit confused at all of the attention she was getting. JJ called Arthur into the kitchen to help him. The girls offered but both JJ and the boy declined saying they were guests. The table was laid out already so they sat and waited.
"Is this normal?" Effy asked Katie who was smiling devilishly.
"Is what normal?" The icy statement made with a glare of the eyes amused Katie who reached out to take hold of Effy's hand. "Yes.. it's perfectly normal for someone to be smitten by your charms." She was about to say something else but the boys were back with JJ carrying the lasagna while Arthur carried a small basket of bread. He seemed pensive when he saw the girls holding hands. He placed the basket on the table and took his seat. His eyes moved between the girls. JJ was going on about the meat and the sauce as he plated portions for everyone. He was oblivious to his son's discomfort. The girls realized it and stopped holding hands. Once they'd started eating there was a little conversation but Arthur merely ate while looking back and forth.
Finally Effy put her fork down. "Arthur?" JJ and Katie focused on Effy. He looked surprised that she was talking to him but happily so. "May I ask you something?" He looked puzzled but nodded. "Do you remember when I said the word fianceé earlier?" He nodded again. "Do you know what that means?" He shook his head but there was a hint of awareness in his eyes. She reached over and took Katie's hand in hers. "It means she and I are getting married. Do you understand that?" He looked at their joined hands and clasped his own hands in front of him. His eyes turned directly to Katie.
"So you love her very much?"
The question and the serious look on his face threw Katie for a bit of a loop. He wasn't asking Effy. He was asking her. She looked at JJ who shrugged as if to say he didn't know what was going on. "Umm.. Yes.. Arthur I do." He turned to look at Effy.
"And you love her very much?" She nodded and smiled. He made another face that was a cross between a deep thought and a frown. "You're both girls.. but.. if you love someone, it doesn't matter does it?" He looked at Effy. "Can I still like you?"
Effy froze and looked at Arthur then at Katie and finally at JJ. "I'm a little old for you.. I think your dad would agree but.. you can like me if you want." Arthur seemed to mull this over and nodded.
"Ok then... do I have to get dressed up for the wedding? I like bow ties." He picked up his fork and started eating again. The adults looked at each other dumbfounded. Katie snorted and picked up her fork.
"JJ better get some bow ties for you and Arthur."
..
..
Only a handful of clients had been scheduled but mostly they'd taken about a week off. Cook had been keeping busy while the paperwork was filed and everything was settled. Liv had taken a couple of days to see her younger sister Maude off to a private school that catered to advanced and precocious children. She was almost a teenager and Liv wanted her to have a better chance at going to uni. Emily and Naomi was going through the files and reorganizing them. They were also getting acquainted with new billing software. He'd teased them about wanting to getting it on while everyone else was out of the building. He offered his services jokingly and it earned him having a heavy book tossed at his head. Thankfully they missed. He was in the gym working the heavy bag when he heard the footsteps.
"Oy.. you girls need the Cookie monster's talents after all yeah?" He turned around and froze in place. Before him stood Grace, her briefcase in hand and a surprised smile on her face. He looked down and remembered he wasn't wearing a shirt and was covered in a layer of sweat from his workout. "Fuck.. I mean.. Umm.. I was.. yeah.. so.. working out.. and.." He started stammering and avoiding eye contact as he bent down to grab his towel. "The girls.. they're.. um. Not here.. well Emily and Naomi are here.. but you know that.. since you got in.. they would have.. I'm sorry.. did you need something?" He realized how that sounded when she looked at him with a tilt of her head. He closed his eyes and took a breath as he counted. "You surprised me.. I'm sorry.. I'm shit at.. lousy at words.." He swallowed as she continued to smile. "Hi."
"Did I need something? No. I came by to drop off the new licensing and permits. And yes, obviously Naomi and Emily are here. They told me where to find you James. I thought I'd say hello."
"Oh.. say hello." He took a step forward then remembered his current state of dress and stopped moving. "I like that... saying hello." He smiled at her. "Hello." She laughed. "Ohh.. the girls.. they told me.. Katie and Effy.. about your proper takedown of the screeching harpy. Way they told it must have been a fucking sight to witness. I bet no one's had the bollocks to talk to her like that since.. oh shit.. I mean.. sorry.. My language.. I'm .." He blushed furiously.
Grace shook her head. "I work with Chris, James. I'm sure he's much more colorful than you at various times in one day...possibly in an hour." She took a step forward. "So you approve of our methods then?"
"Methods? Yeah.. I definitely approve. She's said some awful shite to Effy over the years.. and the other stuff she's done.. not too good neither." He wiped his face with his towel as he licked his lips. This was the most he'd talked to her since realizing he liked her. They'd run into each other a couple of other times but he'd literally walked into doors or couldn't speak in her presence.
"James.. fancy having dinner?"
"Huh?" He stood there, mouth agape and eyes blinking. She shook her head and stepped up to him. He almost took a step back but held steady. Besides, the heavy bag was right behind him.
"Dinner... would you like to have dinner with me James?"
"Me? You want me to have dinner? With you?" She smiled at him and nodded. He looked past her to see if the girls were waiting by the door. "Pardon what I'm about to say but.. You taking the piss?" She laughed and stood on her tiptoes. She placed a light kiss on his cheek.
"No James.. I am not. I think you're funny.. you make me smile." She looked down at his body. "And let's say you're not exactly bad on the eyes." She stepped back and turned on her heel. "Tomorrow night.. 7pm.. Oh.. and while you look good in that.. You'll need a tie. I'll pick you up here." She walked to the door and faced him. "Don't be late." She blew him a kiss and walked out.
He stood unbelieving long after she'd left. He replayed the entire conversation in his head and when he finally understood what had happened he howled and then ran to find Naomi.