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The next fifteen minutes the pair spent together were precious and to be treasured forever. Yes, those minutes were a world away from a formal interview; but that didn't matter - neither saw Eddie's interview as a top priority. Both Rachel and Eddie had endured a whirlwind of emotions within that quarter of an hour - Eddie was more than grateful with how willing Rachel had been to open up about the ins and outs of the horrific year she had withstood. Although being in Rachel's presence was all Eddie had wished for during the 365 days they had spent apart; he couldn't help the way his heart soared with guilt: he should have been there to support the woman he loved, and comfort her, no matter what. No doubt she had needed him throughout her dealings with Max and the merger… And as for Adam, well, he was certain none of that would have happened at all. With that his gaze lingered over Rachel's breathtaking features that he knew too well, her beauty would forever captivate him - the pair were more than content with a few seconds of comfortable silence.
'I'm so sorry,' Eddie blurted out, breaking off the moment of muteness they were both relishing. He felt unable to hide his true thoughts and feelings for a second longer, Rachel deserved his apology.
Now it was Rachel's turn to feel guilt. She felt rather responsible for his obvious feelings of remorse. Remorse for what? He has nothing to apologize for. None of this was his fault. Quite the opposite.
'Eddie you- ,'
'No - I know what you're going to say Rach,' the way he said 'Rach' made her heart leap, she had missed that just as much as him, 'you're going to say that I have nothing to be sorry for. But I do. You pushed me away last year, you were selfless - I shouldn't have let that happen. I knew deep down it was not what you wanted.'
'I should be the one saying sorry Eddie. You told me I was your priority, and still, I managed to convince myself that it wasn't right for me to continue being a part of your life. Like you say, I pushed you away, not the other way round. So no Eddie - I am sorry.'
Eddie was well and truly in awe at everything Rachel was saying - things could have been so different for them. He couldn't stand that thought, they had wasted 12 months of their lives without each other. Before he could even attempt to compose himself and give a response, a knock was heard and Rachel's secretary entered.
'Hi Miss Mason, sorry to interrupt,' the lady said, almost ignoring Eddie's presence whilst looking directly at Rachel, 'am I okay to send the next candidate up now, we are running slightly over schedule.'
'Yes Josephine - of course. Sorry.'
Eddie worried that that would be that, however, to his surprise, Rachel averted her eyeline to him; shooting glances of apologies, 'Eddie, I've only got two more applicants left to interview - so if you're happy to wait, I'll come to reception in about half an hour and we can talk some more,'
'Absolutely,' Eddie announced with pleasure, allowing himself to smile at both Rachel and Josephine.
Josephine herself was certain something was going on between these two. She wasn't one to intrude on others lives, especially not her bosses - nevertheless, it was more than obvious that she had interrupted much more than just an interview. How right she was.
…..
Just as Rachel was about to prepare herself for round two with Eddie, she was interrupted by the appearance of Kim. Even though she wanted to be with Eddie, resolve things between them, Rachel was more than grateful for Kim's considerate and caring gesture.
'Hi Rachel, how were the interviews?'
It was a general question, which Rachel knew had two meanings: on the surface, Kim really did mean 'how were the interviews', but deep underneath, what she truly meant was 'how was it seeing Eddie again.'
'The applicants were okay, nothing special though if I am totally honest,' with a widening of the eyes from Kim, Rachel knew that wasn't what she wwanted to hear about, 'Eddie.' Kim nodded, approving Rachel's continuation, 'I didn't even interview him. We were just talking, catching up I guess. Josephine had to knock, to tell me I was running over schedule.' With that Kim rolled her eyes, she knew that Josephine had only been doing her job - but right now, she cared more about her friend's wellbeing than professional matters.
Rachel smiled warmly, 'Not to worry. He's waited in reception, we both realised we have a lot more talking to do.'
Kim attempted to subside her grin and failed helplessly, 'that's good isn't it?'
'I think so. It just feels so different now, even though it's Eddie, I'm scared to let someone else into my life, to break down my walls. You know, after everything with Adam.'
'Oh Rachel,' Kim sighed, she felt extremely unhelpful but placed a comforting hand on Rachel's shoulder regardless, 'Eddie Lawson is the kindest man I have ever met. He wouldn't do that to you, he is not Adam.'
Deep down, Rachel appreciated that Kim was right - Eddie wasn't going to hurt her. Despite this, Rachel was full of self doubt as she spoke her goodbyes to Kim, subsequently making her way to the all important destination.
When she approached Eddie, he looked deep in thought as always. On any other occasion, she would have thought about creeping up on him, making him jump - they used to love laughing and joking with one another. Now however, was not the time. Both of them were full of heartache, it had to end now, they had to find a way around this.
'Mr Lawson?' Rachel approached him with care, forcing herself to once again reminisce about the good old days with the use of his surname.
This was only reinforced with his response, 'Miss Mason,' Eddie was snapped out of his gaze and he rose so that his stance was directly opposite Rachel's.
'Shall we go for a drink? Perhaps we can carry out your interview also…' At least for now, Rachel wanted to try and forget the dreadful year she had endured - and she knew that would indefinitely happen with Eddie. Not only that, it had registered with her she would need to interview Eddie one way or another - he did apply for the role.
'I think that would be a good idea,' Eddie responded, resisting the temptation to interlock their hands as they had done so many times before walking out of Waterloo road. Another time, he noted in the back of his mind.
